SATLINK ST-7000 HDMI High-Definition TV Modulator

Introduction

The ST-7000 Single Channel High-Definition (HD) modulator provides single channel delivery of various video/audio digital/analog sources over signal coaxial cable. It supports HD video output resolution up to 1080p @ 30fps with adjustable output power level from 70 to 100 dBμV in 1 dB steps. Output frequency ranges from 50 MHz to 860 MHz in 6 MHz, 7 MHz, or 8 MHz channel bandwidth depending on the modulation standard. Operation is intuitive via the on-panel keypad and 2.4" color LCD screen.

Various Video Input for Modulation Output

Input Sources: HDMI, CVBS (RCA A/V), 75Ω F (for ATSC (8VSB) or J.83B QAM).

Output: 75Ω F (for ATSC (8VSB) or J.83B QAM).

Diagram Description: Shows various video sources like Cable TV Drop, DVD, DVB-S2 Security STB, Digital Console, Camcorder connecting to the modulator's input ports (Coax Cable IN, HDMI IN, AV IN), and the modulator's output (Modulation RF OUT) connecting to TVs.

Overview

Operation Panel

• 2.4" color LCD screen.
• Keypad for navigation and selection.
• RETURN button: Return or escape to the upper level menu and confirm the current operation.
• Arrow keys: Traverse between fields or increase/decrease selected field values.
• OK button: Confirm the selection.
• LEDs:
  • PWR: Solid red (Power is up).
  • HDMI: Solid red (HDMI input detected).
  • CVBS: Solid green (CVBS AV input detected).

Peripheral Interface

Front Panel

• RF OUT: Modulated RF output, 75Ω F.
• ANT IN: Antenna or Cable RF Input, 75Ω F.
• HDMI IN: HDMI Input.
• Video IN: CVBS AV Input.
• Audio Left/Right IN: Audio Input.
• DC 12V IN: Power Input.
• GND: Grounding.

Back Panel

• 1000Base-T: Gigabit Ethernet, RJ-45.
• Mini USB: USB for software upgrade from PC.

Installation Requirement

• Available video/audio source from Cable TV, antenna, and HDMI device.
• Available TV set.
• Available electrical power socket.

TV Standards

• Cable TV (North America).
• Over-the-Air TV (North America).
• Supports J.83B QAM and ATSC (8VSB), ATSC 3.0.

Package Content

• ST-7000 modulator with mounting brackets and screws.
• Mini USB-male / A-male cable.
• HDMI and RG6 Coaxial cable.
• HDMI Cable.
• AC/DC power adapter.
• Start Guide.

Image Description: Front and back view of the ST-7000 modulator, highlighting various ports like RF OUT, ANT IN, HDMI IN, VIDEO IN, AUDIO IN, DC 12V IN, and Ethernet/USB ports on the back.

LCD Configuration Menu

Modulation Settings

• Country: Press [select] to show the country list and [select] again to choose a country. The built-in channel plan for the selected country will load for output channel and frequency setup. If unavailable, select a nearby country.
• Channel Plan: Press [select] to show the channel plan, use [up-arrow] [down-arrow] keys to traverse, and OK to select the HDMI output frequency from the channel plan.
• Frequency: Press OK to edit RF output frequency. Use [up-arrow] [down-arrow] keys to move the cursor and change the frequency within the range. Press RETURN to save.
• RF Output Level: Press [select] to change RF output level between 70 and 100 dBμV.
• Bandwidth: Press [select] to change modulation channel bandwidth.
• Signal Source: Press [select] to choose between HDMI (digital), CVBS (optional composite analog) signal source, or HDMI + L/R (optional HDMI video + CVBS audio or closed caption).
• LCN: Press OK to edit LCN. Use [up-arrow] [down-arrow] keys to move the cursor and change the LCN. Press RETURN to save.
• Channel No.: Press OK to edit RF output channel number. Use [up-arrow] [down-arrow] keys to move the cursor and change the channel number. Press RETURN to save.
• Subchannel No.: Press OK to edit RF output subchannel number. Use [up-arrow] [down-arrow] keys to move the cursor and change the subchannel number. Press RETURN to save.
• Program Name: Press OK to edit the program name using the alphanumeric soft keypad. Press RETURN to save.

DVB Settings

• Modulation: Press [select] to change modulation technique.
• Symbol Rate: Press OK to edit symbol rate in MHz. Use [up-arrow] [down-arrow] keys to move the cursor and change the symbol rate.
• Code Rate: Press [select] to change code rate.
• Carrier Type: Press [select] to change carrier type.
• Guard Interval: Press [select] to change guard band interval.
• Interleave: Press [select] to change interleave mode.

Transport Stream (TS) Settings

• NID: Network ID between 1 and 65535.
• ONID: Organization Network ID between 1 and 65535.
• TSID: Transport Stream ID between 1 and 65535.
• SID: Service Stream ID between 1 and 65535.
• PMT PID: Program Map Table (PMT) Packet ID (PID) between 1 and 8191.
• Video PID: Video Packet ID (PID) between 1 and 8191.
• Audio PID: Audio Packet ID (PID) between 1 and 8191.
• Press OK to edit PIDs, use [up-arrow] [down-arrow] keys to move the cursor and change values. Press RETURN to save.
• Service Provider: Press OK to edit service provider name with alphanumeric soft keypad. Press RETURN to save.
• Network Name: Press OK to edit network name with alphanumeric soft keypad. Press RETURN to save.

System Setup

• Language: Press [select] to change on-screen-display language.
• Modulator Type: Press [select] to change modulation standard.
• Key Tone: Press [select] to turn ON/OFF keypad beep sound.
• IP Mode: Press [select] to switch between DHCP and Static IP address mode.
• IP Address: Press OK to edit static IP Address. Use [up-arrow] [down-arrow] keys to move the cursor and change the value. Press RETURN to save.
• Subnet Mask: Press OK to edit. Use [up-arrow] [down-arrow] keys to move the cursor and change the value. Press RETURN to save.
• Gateway: Press RETURN to save.
• Factory Reset: Press OK to reset and restore factory defaults.

Modulation Attributes

ATSC or J.83B QAM

• Modulation Standard: ATSC (8VSB) or J.83B QAM.
• Frequency Range: 50 MHz to 860 MHz.
• Channel Bandwidth: 6 MHz.
• Technique: ATSC (8VSB), J.83B (64QAM, 128QAM, 256QAM).
• MER: ≥35 dB.

Video Quality

Video quality is optimized by determining the size and speed of MPEG packets transmitted to the TV. Packet latency and delay variation are adjusted automatically by the Modulator for optimal video quality and performance.

Audio Codec

Audio encoding is automatically selected by the Modulator for best quality based on the modulation technique.

• AC3 (Dolby Digital Audio) applies to ATSC (8VSB) broadcasting in North America.
• MPEG-2 Layer 1 audio coding applies to DVB-T broadcasting in Europe and South America.
• ACC (Advanced Audio Coding for MPEG-4) applies to ISDB-T broadcasting in South America and certain ATSC (8VSB) broadcasting in North America.

Before Installation

Combining (Cable) TV Signals from Service Provider (e.g. Comcast)

• To combine existing TV broadcasting channels from a Service Provider, select an output frequency and channel for the Modulator. Channel information for local TV broadcasting or Cable TV services can typically be found online or from the provider's channel listing table.
• For business installers, a spectrum analyzer up to 1 GHz can aid in installation, though it's not mandatory.
• If the Modulator output feeds a Digital Cable Converter box or set-top box, some Service Providers may offer a dedicated channel/frequency for modulated video, or require specific PIDs for MPEG streams to be recognized. Refer to the MPEG Transport Stream Parameters section for PID setup.
• If the Modulator's output power level is too high, it may oversaturate TV signals. Lower the output power level or use an attenuator to reduce oversaturation.

Choose Output Frequency for Modulator Output

• Modulated output frequency can be any existing channel frequency from the local Channel Plan.
• Refer to the corresponding appendix for Channel Plan information based on the modulation technique of over-the-air broadcasting TV or Cable TV used in the area.
• Select an unused or unimportant channel from the Channel Plan as the output frequency.
• If unsure about the Modulator output frequency:
  • Pick a frequency between channel gaps, ensuring it's 6 MHz or 8 MHz away from adjacent channels.
  • Use the recommended frequency from the Channel Plan appendix.
  • Use the default frequency selected by the Modulator.
• Modulated output frequency and channel number can be configured via the LCD menu or Web configuration page.
• Follow this Start Guide's instructions to set up output frequency and channel number for viewing.
• If the TV requires a channel rescan (auto/manual) to detect the Modulator's output channel, refer to the TV's User Guide.

ATSC or J.83 QAM Modulation Output

If the TV signal originates from an outdoor antenna, indoor antenna, or Cable TV drop, follow the steps below to combine it with HDMI or CVBS video input. If no external antenna or Cable TV drop is required, leave the RF IN port open and proceed to step 4.

The Modulator can function as a plug-and-play device with default settings if unsure about output frequency configuration. For custom settings, refer to the "Choose Output Frequency for Modulator Output" section.

On-screen display language can be changed via System Setup → OSD Language.

1. Power on the Modulator using the included power adapter.
2. Disconnect the coaxial cable from the TV's RF/Antenna IN port.
3. Connect the disconnected coaxial cable to the Modulator's ANT IN port.
4. Select the input source (HDMI, HDMI+L/R, or CVBS) via Modulation → Signal Source.
5. Select the modulation standard (ATSC or J.83B QAM) via System Setup → Modulator Type. (North American TVs typically support ATSC; newer models may support both ATSC and J.83B QAM).
6. Select the modulation technique via DVB Settings → Technique.
7. If HDMI input is selected, connect the Modulator's HDMI IN port to the video source's HDMI output (e.g., DVD player, Set-Top Box, Video Streamer, Security Monitor).
8. If HDMI+L/R input is selected, connect the Modulator's HDMI IN port to the video source's HDMI output and the AUDIO LEFT/RIGHT RCA jacks to the audio source.
9. If CVBS input is selected, connect the RCA jacks (VIDEO IN and AUDIO LEFT/RIGHT) to the video source.
10. It is recommended to set the HDMI device's video output resolution to 1080p/i or 720p.
11. Configure settings via the LCD menu or Web interface:
    • Modulation → Channel Plan: Select output frequency from the existing channel plan.
    • Modulation → Frequency: Press OK to edit frequency (MHz) using [up-arrow] [down-arrow] keys.
    • Modulation → Channel No.: Press OK to edit channel number using [up-arrow] [down-arrow] keys.
    • Modulation → Subchannel No.: Press OK to edit subchannel number using [up-arrow] [down-arrow] keys.
    • Modulation → Program Name: Press OK to edit channel name using the alphanumeric keypad.
12. Connect the Modulator's RF OUT port to the TV's RF/Antenna IN port with a coaxial cable.
13. Turn on the TV and perform a channel rescan (refer to TV's user guide).
14. Tune the TV to the newly scanned channel. The selected input device's video/audio should display. If not, the SATLINK logo may appear if the TV accepts video without audio.

The HD LED glows solid amber when HDMI video source is detected and modulated.

Example J.83B QAM Modulation screen showing Country (USA J.83B), Channel Plan, Frequency, RF Output Level, Signal Source, Channel No., and Subchannel No.

MPEG Transport Stream Parameters

It is not recommended to change MPEG Transport Stream (TS) parameters unless the MPEG PID structure is well known or the Service Provider requires specific Packet Identifiers (PIDs) for set-top box initialization. For more information, refer to Wikipedia on MPEG Transport Stream structure.

• NID: Network ID (Network Information Table - NIT).
• ONID: Organization Network ID (Network Information Table - NIT).
• TSID: Transport Stream ID (Service Description Table - SDT).
• SID: Service ID (Service Description Table - SDT) to identify the transport stream.
• PMT PID: Program Map Table (PMT) PID, listing all program map tables, program numbers, and elementary streams (1 to 8191).
• Video PID: Video content stream PID for demultiplexer to locate packets (1 to 8191).
• Audio PID: Audio content stream PID for demultiplexer to locate packets (1 to 8191).
• Service Provider: Broadcaster name (Service Description Table - SDT).
• Network Name: Name of the network (Network Information Table - NIT).

Diagrams show J.83B QAM TS Settings screens with fields for NID, ONID, TSID, SID, PMT PID, Video PID, Audio PID, Service Provider, and Network Name.

Installing Multiple Modulators

When installing multiple ST-7000 modulators on the same coax network or connecting them to the same TV set, pay attention to the following to avoid conflicts or interference:

• Set up and connect one modulator at a time to the coax network or TV set.
• Ensure the following settings are different for each modulator's RF output channel:
  • Output frequency: Refer to the "Choose Output Frequency for Modulator Output" section.
  • Channel name: The default is SLK HD1; it can be named SLK HDn, where 'n' is the modulator count.
  • Channel number and subchannel number: (Available on ATSC modulator only).
• A combiner or multiplexer is needed to combine output signals from multiple modulators if the coax network and TV sets share the video output source.
• If using ST-7000 with modulators from other brands, ensure harmony in RF output (power) level and output frequency settings. Refer to "Combining Service Provider Signals" for more information.
• Keep a record of each modulator's RF output level and frequency for quick reference and troubleshooting.
• If more than 40 TV sets are connected to share the modulator output signal, an active splitter or combiner might be necessary to amplify output power to reach TVs at the far end. The receiving power at each TV should be higher than 75 dBμV for stable signal.
• Splitters, combiners, and coaxial cables can introduce attenuation or insertion loss due to quality or age. A power loss budget calculation might be needed.

Web Configuration / Remote Control

1. Connect the Modulator's Ethernet (RJ-45) port to a PC's Ethernet port using an Ethernet cable. Power on the Modulator.
2. Configure the PC's IP address to 192.168.1.100.
3. Launch a web browser and navigate to http://192.168.1.15. The Modulator's default IP address is 192.168.1.15, which can also be found via the LCD menu: System Setup → IP Address.
4. All configuration settings available in the LCD menu are accessible through the web interface.

Screenshots show the web interface for ATSC Modulation, J.83B QAM Modulation, Transport Stream Setup, Network Information Table, and Ethernet/IP configuration.

Specifications

Note: Specifications are subject to change without notice.

Modulation

Video

Audio

General

Visual Description: Shows the SATLINK logo screen displayed on a TV.

Notes for Displaying Video Normally on TV:

• The TV must accept standard MPEG-2 encoding.
• Video content is not protected under High-Bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP) agreement.

ATSC (8VSB) Channel Plan - North America

Channel Bandwidth: 6 MHz 8VSB

Suggested settings for output channel:

• Frequency: 473.000 MHz
• Channel Number: 66.1
• Channel Name: SLK HD1

The Channel Plan is for reference only and may vary by country, area, or city. Refer to the Modulator's LCD menu to load country-specific Channel Plans.

Mexico ATSC channels range from 14 to 69.

J.83B QAM Channel Plan - North America

Channel Bandwidth: 6 MHz QAM

Suggested settings for output channel:

• Frequency: 783.000 MHz (# 122)
• Channel Name: SLK HD1

The Channel Plan is for reference only and may vary by country, area, or city. Refer to the Modulator's LCD menu to load country-specific Channel Plans.

Notes

Warranty

This device includes a one-year Limited Hardware Warranty and 90-day free software updates. The Limited Warranty Statement grants specific legal rights, which may vary by location. Local laws may supersede certain disclaimers or limitations.

Important Safety Instructions

Follow basic safety precautions to reduce risks of fire, electrical shock, and personal injury:

• Do not use near water (e.g., bathtub, sink, pool) or in wet basements. Clean only with a dry cloth.
• Do not block ventilation openings. Install according to manufacturer's instructions.
• Do not install near heat sources (radiators, stoves, etc.).
• Do not remove the cover or place thick/heavy objects on the modulator.
• Use only the provided power cord.

Coaxial Cable

If applicable, the coaxial cable screen shield must be connected to Earth at the building entrance per ANSI/NFPA70 (National Electrical Code - NEC) Section 820.93, or local regulations.

FCC Class B Equipment

This device complies with FCC Rules Part 15 for Class B digital devices. It's designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in residential installations. If interference occurs, try reorienting/relocating the device, increasing separation from the receiver, connecting to a different circuit, or consulting a dealer/technician.

Declaration of Conformity for Products Marked with the FCC logo - USA Only

This device complies with FCC Rules Part 15. Operation is subject to two conditions: it must not cause harmful interference, and it must accept any received interference.

Most Technology Service Co., Ltd. performed conformity tests and issued certificate # MOSTCT20071786.

Declaration of CE Conformity

Manufacturer: SatLink Electronics Co., Ltd., No. 26, Zishan Road, Jiangnan High-Tech Park, Licheng District, Quanzhou, Fujian Province, China.

Objects: ST-7000, ST-7632. This declaration covers HDMI RF modulators supporting single or multi-channel J.83B/A/C QAM and ATSC standards.

The objects conform to relevant Community harmonization legislation: Low Voltage Directive (2014/35/EU), Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive (2014/30/EU), and Radio Equipment Directive (2014/53/EU).

References to harmonized standards include ETSI EN 301 489-01, ETSI EN 301 489-53, ETSI EN 303 372-2, ETSI EN 303 340, and EN IEC 62368-1.

Most Technology Service Co., Ltd. performed conformity tests and issued certificate # MOSTCC21061592.

Trouble Shooting

Video and Audio Not Synchronized on TV

Unplug and replug the input port(s) on the Modulator.

Modulator Output Video Not Viewed on TV, but Other Channels Are

• If output channels can be scanned from TV without HDMI/CVBS source, check the input device's User Guide for correct high-resolution video signal configuration.
• If nothing displays on TV, verify all connections and settings against this Start Guide.
• If using an HDMI switch or hub, ensure it passes Extended Display Identification Data (EDID). Connect the HDMI device directly to the Modulator or TV if issues persist.
• For HDMI sources from PC/DVI devices (e.g., laptops), a converter box for DVI to 720p/1080p video may be required as the Modulator may not directly support DVI.

HD LED Does Not Stay Solid Amber

Ensure the HDMI source device outputs a fixed resolution of 1080p or 720p and is connected directly to the Modulator without intermediate components.

Video with Fast Motion Plays Poorly or Shows Ghosting

This may be due to interlacing issues with 1080i resolution on sports or action video.

Achieving Best Video Quality

• Change the video source resolution to 1080p or 720p (progressive). If the TV does not support 1080p, use 720p and enable interlacing.
• If QAM modulation is available, try changing it to 256QAM.

TV Support for ATSC (8VSB) or J.83B Standard

Most recent TVs sold in the US support both ATSC (8VSB) and J.83B standards. To confirm:

• If the coaxial cable connects to an outdoor/indoor antenna drop, the TV likely supports ATSC (8VSB).
• If the coaxial cable connects to a Cable TV drop (e.g., Comcast), the TV likely supports J.83B.

Channels Unstable or Cannot Be Viewed

The input signal might be too strong. Reduce the RF output (power) level to be between 70 and 100 dBμV.

Audio from HDMI Source Skipping or Stuttering

If the HDMI source has Compressed Audio or Dolby Digital Sound enabled, try setting it to traditional Pulse-Code Modulation (PCM) Stereo or Uncompressed Audio. Double compression can cause audio skipping.

Replacing an Old Modulator with ST-7000

Duplicate the old modulator's settings (Output Frequency, Output Power Level, Channel Number, Channel Name, etc.) on the ST-7000 as closely as possible.

Modulator Output Video Stretches or Shrinks

The ST-7000 processes HDMI video without altering color or aspect ratio. Check the aspect ratio settings on the HDMI device and TV.

Modulator Output Video Flickering

Some older TVs expect a different MPEG Transport Stream (TS) Video PID value than the PCR PID. In TS Settings, try changing the PCR PID value to be different from the Video PID value.