How a Satellite Dish Works
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Satellite Dish Construction
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A satellite dish is composed of two main parts, the dish and the feedhorn. The dish can vary slightly in size or shape, being 18 inches or larger in diameter and ranging from circular to oblong in shape. The feedhorn juts out from the base of the dish, holding the satellite receiver in place so that the satellite dish can reflect signals onto it. In order to focus received signals, the dish features at least a small concave curve.
Signal Collection
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Satellite signals are beamed to the earth from geostationary satellites using high-bandwidth signals in the C, Ka, or Ku bands (or sometimes multiple bands, depending on the broadcasting satellite. As the signal reaches the earth, the satellite dish picks up a portion of the signal and focuses it toward the feedhorn. This focus amplifies the signal strength, making the signal strong enough for the probe in the satellite's low noise block or LNB (located within the feedhorn) to pick the signal up. The LNB amplifies the signal further, transmitting it via cable to the receiver that converts the signal to a usable video, audio, or data format.
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Limitations of Satellite Broadcast Reception
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While satellite broadcasts allow television, radio, and Internet signals to be received in areas that otherwise might not have access to them, there are some limitations to satellite broadcast reception. Areas with obstructed views in the direction of the satellite may receive a weakened signal or might receive no signal at all. Heavy cloud cover can interfere with satellite signals, causing distortion or a loss of connection. Additionally, if the satellite dish is not aimed and mounted precisely then a very weak signal or no signal at all might be present even without obstructions or cloud cover.
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