The CATV Headend handles reception and processing of broadcast or “off-air” television signals and reception, decryption and modulation of satellite delivered programming for distribution to multiple cable televisions.
The CATV channels are delivered to the headend via satellite (DirecTV or other carriers). Since the satellite signals are scrambled, the satellite receiver in the headend is used to decode the signals. The satellite receiver typically converts the signal to a baseband audio & video signal. This signal is then modulated onto the desired CATV channel.