E

The dishes, receivers, transmitters and other equipment needed on the ground to transmit and receive satellite communication signals.

Angle between the earth's surface and a particular satellite at a given reception point 0° for horizontal angle and 90° for vertical.

Encryption enables programme providers to control the distribution of pay-TV television channels, for example. Only authorised viewers can view the encrypted channels. Examples of encryption systems are VIACCESS, NDS, and CONAX. See also Smart Card.

Electronic Programme Guide. An on-screen guide which provides details of current and future programmes and which helps guide the user to the programme of choice. The EPG allows the viewer to take advantage of features such as programme summaries, search by subject or channel, immediate access to the selected programme, reminder and parental control functions.