A TV satellite dish is actually an antenna – a parabolic type – that is designed to transmit to and receive signals from satellites. It is a ‘microwave’ antenna that comes in different designs and sizes. Offset-type TV satellite dishes are actually sections of larger parabolic dishes.

How do TV satellite dishes work?

Because of its parabolic shape, a TV satellite dish can reflects signal right to its focal point and feed horn, which is that device mounted on small brackets right at the same focal point. The feed horn is fundamentally the front end of the waveguide, gathering signals near (or right at) the focal point and conducting these signals to a low noise block (LNB) down converter. This LNB is then able to convert signal from radio or electromagnetic waves into electrical signals. It is able to shift signals from C-band or Ku-band to L-band.

TV satellite dish size

Most modern TV satellite dishes designed for the home are anywhere from 18 inches (43 cm) 31 inches (80 cm) in diameter. They are fixed (they do not move from their position) for Ku reception using one orbital position. NOTE: Very small dishes can cause a lot of problems. Their performance may be diminished by rain, and they are usually susceptible to interference from other adjacent satellites.

Older TV satellite dishes

Before this modern TV satellite dish, many homeowners used motorized C-band dishes that go for up to three metres (diameter) – these dishes receive channels coming from different satellites. These motorized versions are still quite popular to TV enthusiasts. These older TV satellite dishes are supported by boxes, USALS, DiSEqC, and 36v positioners. They are only able to power one receiver.

What is the best TV satellite dish?

The performance of a TV satellite dish depends largely on its size – the bigger, the better. Larger dishes will of course receive better signals. But it is not always possible to bolt your house down with the biggest you can find, so you need to make a compromise. Consult a professional to help you find the ‘optimized’ dish size – that is, the smallest dish that is still large enough to bring in the best signal quality. The dish should also be large enough to survive rain fade – a very big problem if you reside in areas that are almost always rainy or overcast.

If you live in a country closer to the equator, then smaller TV satellite dishes may work great. As a general rule, the closer you are to the Earth's poles, the bigger the dish you need to install to get and maintain decent signal quality.