It is necessary to use satellites for long distance TV transmission be...
TV signals being of high frequency are not reflected by the ionosphere. Therefore, to reflect these signals, satellites are needed. That is why, satellites are used for long distance TV transmission.
Most long-distance shortwave (high frequency) radio communication—between 3 and 30 MHz—is a result of skywave propagation.
This 3-30 MHz is a range of frequencies which are used in sky waves propagation so that the ionosphere is capable of reflecting it.
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It is necessary to use satellites for long distance TV transmission be...
Explanation:
To understand why it is necessary to use satellites for long-distance TV transmission, we need to consider the characteristics of television signals and the role of the ionosphere.
The Ionosphere and Television Signals:
The ionosphere is a layer of the Earth's atmosphere that contains a high concentration of ions and free electrons. It extends from about 50 to 600 kilometers above the Earth's surface. The ionosphere plays a crucial role in the propagation of radio waves, including television signals.
Television Signal Attenuation:
Attenuation refers to the reduction in signal strength as it travels through a medium. In the case of television signals, they experience attenuation when passing through the ionosphere. This attenuation occurs due to the absorption of the signal by the ions and free electrons present in the ionosphere.
Television Signal Reflection:
Reflection refers to the bouncing back of a signal when it encounters a boundary between two different mediums. In the case of television signals, they can be reflected by the ionosphere back towards the Earth's surface. However, this reflection is not always efficient or reliable due to the characteristics of the ionosphere.
Rationale for Satellite Transmission:
Given the limitations of signal attenuation and reflection by the ionosphere, satellites provide an effective solution for long-distance TV transmission. Here's why:
1. Bypassing the Ionosphere: Satellites are positioned in space above the Earth's surface, eliminating the need for signals to pass through the ionosphere. This bypasses the attenuation caused by the ionosphere, allowing for a stronger and more reliable transmission.
2. Direct Line of Sight: Satellites transmit TV signals directly to receiving antennas on the ground. This direct line of sight avoids the uncertainties and inefficiencies of signal reflection by the ionosphere.
3. Global Coverage: Satellites can transmit signals over a wide coverage area, including remote or inaccessible regions. Since satellites orbit the Earth, they can reach any location with a clear view of the sky, providing global coverage for TV transmission.
4. Signal Amplification: Satellites can amplify TV signals before transmitting them to the ground, compensating for any loss of signal strength that may have occurred during transmission from the source.
Conclusion:
In summary, the use of satellites for long-distance TV transmission is necessary because television signals experience attenuation and unreliable reflection when passing through the ionosphere. Satellites provide a direct and reliable transmission path, bypassing the ionosphere and ensuring global coverage for television broadcasting.