The effect of antenna size on DStv reception in Zimbabwe

Abstract

DStv is the only provider of pay television in Zimbabwe at present with over 70 000 subscribers registered country wide. DStv is the flagship product of Multichoice providing various bouquets offering General Entertainment, Movies, Lifestyle & Culture, Sport, Documentaries, News and Commerce, Children, Music Religion and Consumer channels Multichoice subscribers throughout Africa.[3]. In order to receive the transmitted signal at the recommended level, Multichoice insists subscribers use the recommended correct antenna size. The recommended antenna size for Zimbabwe is 90cm. Despite this a lot of subscribers are using antennas much smaller than this. This project set out to investigate and come out with a better and informed view regarding this issue. Included in this report are the detailed results showing the comparison between a 60cm antenna and 90cm antenna. A detailed analysis on the level of power received the carrier-to-noise ratio and BER data will show one needs a minimum antenna size of 90cm to be assured of getting the best signal. This research will open up the debate on this hot topic as far as Multichoice is concerned and maybe come up with a final decision regarding the issue.