How does DSS handle things like the program guide, network tables etc?
The DSS system uses a thing called the Master Program Guide (MPG). This stream has all of the information found in the EIT, SDT, NIT, etc. in the DVB system. It tells the IRD what satellite transponders are available and what code rates they have (like DVB's NIT), it tells the IRD which virtual channels exist ("viewer channels") and which PIDs and PID types comprise each channel (rather like the DVB SDT).
The single MPG gives all of the PID and transponder assignments for all channels and all transponders, and so the MPG is a "one-stop shop" vs. the DVB approach of many smaller tables. The MPG also has two hours worth of programs and program titles, and then "points" to extension guides for data out to two days in the future. New US DIRECTV IRDs also have a feature called "Advanced Program Guide", which works a little more like the DVB EIT and allows program info out to weeks in the future.
What are the technical differences between DSS and DVB transmissions?
DSS DVB Transmission Format QPSK QPSK Viterbi Code Rates 1/2, 2/3, 6/7 1/2, 2/3, 3/4, 5/6, 7/8 Multiplex Proprietary - MPEG-2 like (has PIDs) MPEG-2 standard System Information Proprietary DVB Audio Musicam (MPEG-1 layer 2) or AC3 Musicam (MPEG-1 layer 2) or AC3 Video MPEG-2 standard 4:2:0 (MP@ML) MPEG-2 standard 4:2:0 (MP@ML)