Satellite Decoders, IRDs, STB ATSC Receivers
The hardware decoders receive the encoded compressed video and audio streams and output uncompressed video and audio—such as HDMI, SDI, or analog CVBS—that can be directly connected to a TV or monitor. These devices are typically used at the receiving end and work in conjunction with encoders.
Encoders convert uncompressed video and audio to compressed formats like MPEG2, H.264, or H.265 for bandwidth conservation and output the streams as IP, ASI, or modulated RF. Decoders perform the reverse operation.
Thor offers a wide range of broadcast decoders, including models with IP input, ASI input, and CATV RF input. Some models also combine decoding functionality with gateway capabilities—for example, converting multi-channel RF QAM, ASI, DVB-T, or ISDB-T to IP or DVB-ASI.
The decoders can handle the following signal conversion scenarios: ATSC to SDI/HDMI, 8VSB (ATSC) to IP, Satellite DVB-S/S2 to SDI, HDMI, IP, or ASI. They can also perform RF-to-RF modulation conversions, such as 8VSB (ATSC) to QAM, QAM to ATSC, or DVB-S/S2 to QAM or 8VSB (ATSC).