What Satellite Dish should I Buy?

It’s a fact. If you want to watch satellite television, you’re going to need a satellite. However, finding the right satellite dish for you can be tricky. With this handy guide from SystemSAT, you can find out all you need to know about buying a satellite dish.

What Do You Need When Buying A Satellite Dish?

Things to take into consideration when buying a satellite dish are the size of the dish and the material from which it’s made.

Satellite Dish Size

The three most common sizes for satellite dishes in the UK are 53cm, 50cm and 60cm diameters. A general rule of thumb when buying a satellite is that the larger the dish, the narrower the focal angle. You geographical location will also affect which size of satellite dish you should buy.

• 53cm – A 53cm dish should be used if you live anywhere south of Leeds.
• 50cm – 50cm dishes can be used anywhere in the UK.
• 60cm – Like 50cm dishes, a 60cm dish can be used anywhere in the UK.

Satellite Dish Material

Satellite dishes can be built from a variety of materials.

• Plastic and Mesh – Plastic and Mesh satellite dishes are constructed from multiple thin strands of wire that is then coated in fibreglass or plastic resin. They tend to be a little more expensive, but will last a long time because they do not rust. Often, they have very good microwave mirroring properties.
• Steel Dishes – Steel Dishes are very common as steel is very inexpensive. However, they have a tendency to rust. However, they generally have excellent microwave mirroring properties.
• Aluminium Dishes – Aluminium is an expensive material, but is highly desirable because it does not rust. Their microwave properties are also excellent.
• Perforated Dishes – A perforated dish features hundreds of tiny holes, and is generally more aesthetically pleasing than a solid dish. However, although they have good microwave mirroring properties, they are not quite as good as a solid dish.

What Is The LNB?

The Low Noise Block (LNB) is the arm which receives signals from the dish, converts them into a usable signal and then shoots them down a coaxial cable into your home. There are multiple different LNB types, but the most important ones to consider are single-line LNBs and Multi-LNBs. A single-line LNB will only work with a single receiver, i.e. one television set. If you have multiple TV sets, then a multi-LNB is recommended.

Different areas of the country have different satellite footprints. A satellite footprint is the area which a satellite covers. They are split into two zones in the UK. Zone 1 satellites are smaller and do not need as much surface area to pick up signals and cover most of England. Scotland, Ireland and the north of England is classified as Zone 2 and so require satellite dishes with a greater surface area.

Systemsat Are The Satellite Experts

At Systemsat, we have an extensive knowledge about satellite dishes, LNBs and more. If you would like more information about the satellites we sell, then contact our sales team on 0203 411 2132 or send us an email at support@systemsat.co.uk.