What Is Required for a Satellite Dish Hookup?

You need a receiver for a satellite dish hookup.

Although some satellite equipment can look the same, the same equipment wont work on all dishes. To receive satellite channels you will at least need a receiver that matches your dish and a decoder, or multiple decoders, for your dish.

Satellite

The size of your satellite dish determines which channels you can receive. Also, you will need a low-noise blocker (LNB) to amplify weak signals. Each orbiting satellite requires its own LNB.

Receiver

If you subscribe to a satellite TV provider, they will provide the necessary LNBs for their satellite and a receiver box to decode their signals and run it to your TV. If you plan to use free-to-air (FTA) channels, which are sent unencrypted to the general public, you will need a special FTA receiver box.

Tips

You will need a satellite tuner to move your satellite into the correct position. For connecting the satellite to the receiver, you will likely need an RG-6 cable, but this depends on the receiver.

References

• Practical Home Theater Guide: Satellite TV
• Sat-Sales.com: Questions About Free To Air Channels
• Tech FAQ: Free to Air Satellite
• Commercial Electronics: Satellite Signal Meters
• Tech FAQ: How to Install a DirecTV Satellite Dish