What are "symbol rate" and "fec"??

[philg]

I've just been manually adding some satellite channels to a (non-Sky) satellite box.

I'm happy that I understand what the frequency of a channel (or bouquet) is, but what on earth is "symbol rate" and "fec" (forward error correction, I know, but that doesn't help me much!)

Also, for radio stations, sometimes I need to specify a "pid" as well.....

I'm sure there is a simple (-ish) explanation for all these acronyms, so over to YOU!

(and thanks)

Phil G

[kempie]

http://www.satsig.net/symbol01.htm

[philg]

Brilliant - Thanks to you both