Satellite Basics

What types of satellite systems are there?

C-Band Satellite Systems DTH (Direct To Home) Systems

What is DTH and how does it work?

DTH Antenna DTH LNB (Low Noise Block) DTH Receiver What You Will Need

Which DTH system (DISH Network™ or DirecTV™) is best for me?

Features Common to both DirecTV™ and DISH Network™: Features Specific to DirecTV™ Features Specific to DISH Network™

How do I buy a DTH system?

What satellite equipment and accessories are available?

DirecTV™ DISH Network™ Accessories™

Can I install my system myself?

Equipment and Accessories Tools Cables

Can I have my system professionally installed?

Glossary

What types of satellite systems are there?

There are two types of satellite systems in the market today. The first satellite systems were C-band systems; however, over the last two decades, the introduction and expansion of DTH systems has revolutionized the market.

C-Band Satellite Systems...

• Have large 5' to 9' dishes.
• Operate on C-band at 3.7 GHz to 4.2 GHz.
• Have 20 satellites with 24 RF's/Transponders per satellite.
• Feature conventional video.
• Have some unscrambled channels, but most channels are scrambled, requiring a descrambler.
• Were sold by RadioShack under our SR-series line (SR-1000, SR-2010, etc.).
• Accessories and manuals may be available through our special order department at 800-241-8742.
• Instruction guides are available on-line at the main Satellite and Direct To Home Equipment manuals page.

DTH (Direct To Home) Systems...

• Have smaller dishes, usually 18" round or 18 x 24" elliptical.
• Operate on Ku-band at 11.7 GHz to 12.2 GHz.
• Feature digital video.
• Have no unscrambled channels and require an appropriate receiver for that system (DirecTV™ or DISH Network™).
• Use satellites which are owned by either Hughes or EchoStar.
  Hughes Corp. provides service for DirecTV™.
  EchoStar Corp. provides service for DISH Network.

What is DTH and how does it work?

DTH (Direct To Home) is a satellite-aided TV rebroadcast system, featuring a compressed digital encoded signal for uplink/downlink.

The first step in creating the digital satellite system is to raise the satellites. This requires a launch missile to raise it to a low-earth geosynchronous orbit (18,000 mph at 22,500 miles). "Geosynchronous" means that the satellite maintains a constant position relative to the earth. A geosynchronous orbit ensures that the antenna does not need to be re-positioned. Each DTH satellite has at least 16 transponders, and each transponder has multiple channels possible because of the digital signal compression and alternately using polarization.

With the satellites in place, a DTH broadcast requires an Earth station for uplink. "Uplink" refers to sending data up to the satellite, which then retransmits the data down (downlink) along a particular angle.

In order to receive DTH, you need the following components:

• Antenna
• LNB
• Receiver

DTH Antenna

The DTH antennas have a narrow beam width, which means exact pointing within three degrees is critical. If you are self-installing your antenna, you can get information on aiming the antenna (based on your zip code and dish type) by clicking on the link for your specific DTH system: DirecTV™ DTH Systems / DISH Network™ DTH Systems

There are two settings required for aiming a round (18") antenna, and three settings required for using an elliptical (18" x 24") antenna:

18" Round Antenna requires:

• Elevation (up/down angle)
• Azimuth (side-to-side angle)

18" x 24" Elliptical Antenna requires:

• Elevation (up/down angle)
• Azimuth (side-to-side angle)
• Tilt (circular rotation)

When the antenna is properly pointed, the dish "catches" the signal and reflects it to the LNB (included with the purchase of the antenna).

DTH LNB (Low Noise Block)

The LNB is the component which sits out in front of the antenna on the LNB arm. It is a signal converter which converts the Ku-band signal from the satellite to a 3.7 GHz - 4.2 GHz signal which is sent to the cable outputs on the LNB, using a band pass filter and an amplifier. Each LNB can only operate on one polarization setting at a time. Alternate polarization is used to separate adjacent channels to prevent interference, which is why you need a Dual LNB to view both odd and even channels at the same time.

DTH Receiver

The receiver is connected to the LNB via 75-ohm Coaxial cable and tunes the radio frequencies to receive and display each channel. For proper operation, the receiver should have a valid access card and a telephone line installed. The card contains a microprocessor, which supplies the decoding sequence for the receiver and controls channel access and billing. The telephone line allows for data update from the service provider and is required in order to receive pay-per-view events.

What You Will Need

The number and type of each equipment type that you will need will depend on your viewing requirements:

Which DTH system (DirecTV™ or DISH Network™) is best for me?

RadioShack offers both DirecTV™ and DISH Network™ satellite systems. Overall, the significant differences between the two systems are the system options, promotions and the types of programming offered.

Features Common to both DirecTV™ and DISH Network™:

• Access to local channels (depending on your location)
• A wide range of channel packages, movie channels, and pay-per-view events.
• Available service to consumers in Hawaii and Alaska.
• An on-screen channel guide
• Parental controls
• Has on-line channel guide
• 24-hour music channels and pay-per-view music events.
• Pay-per-view events can be ordered either with the system remote, on-line via the company's website, or by telephone.

In terms of equipment, the same dish, LNB and cabling can be used with either DirecTV or DISH Network (dish alignment does vary). However, each system requires a receiver and access card from that specific provider to decode and process the incoming signal.

Features Specific to DirecTV™

DirecTV offers two international programming options: "DirecTV Para Todos™", with more than 45 Spanish-language channels, and Phoenix TV, a Chinese-language channel.

DirecTV also offers a DNS (Distant Network Service) package for RV's and commercial trucks, allowing them to have an account and equipment based in their vehicle.

The satellites used for DirecTV programming are owned by Hughes Corporation. There are three satellite locations (at 101º, 110º, and 119º) and up to six satellites, providing up over 225 channels.

Features Specific to DISH Network™

DISH Network customers can choose to lease their satellite system equipment rather than purchasing it.

In addition to Alaska and Hawaii, DISH Network also provides service to consumers in Puerto Rico.

DISH Network offers the following International packages:

DISH Network also offers the following individual channels:

The satellites used for DISH Network programming are owned by EchoStar Corporation. There are four satellite locations (at 61.5º, 110º, 119º, and 148º) and eight satellites, providing over 500 channels.

How do I buy a DTH system?

Because of activation and installation issues, DTH satellite systems are not sold on-line at this time. To purchase or lease a DTH system, you should contact your local RadioShack store.

What satellite equipment and accessories are available?

RadioShack's catalog of DTH products is available under the Satellite section of TV,Satellite & Video.

• DirecTV™
• DISH Network™
• Accessories

Can I install my system myself?

Yes! RadioShack sells everything you need for self-installation. We also offer examples of DTH installations on-line. For basic installation we offer a kit (Cat. No. 160-2551) which has all the hardware needed for installing an 18" round dish and one receiver. Additional equipment which may be needed is listed below:

Equipment and Accessories:

Wireless Phone Jack (Cat. No. 430-0160)

• To provide a telephone connection via AC wiring
• Extra Jack (Cat. No. 430-0161)

In-line Signal Amplifier (Cat. No. 160-1156)

• Recommended when your installation requires cable runs longer than 100' between the satellite antenna and receiver

Grounding Block -- Single (Cat. No. 150-909) or Dual (Cat. No. 150-920)

• Conducts potentially damaging electricity away from the antenna

Grounding Rod -- 4' (Cat. No. 150-0530) or 8' (Cat. No. 150-0529)

• Conducts potentially damaging electricity away from a grounding block to ground

Grounding Wire -- 40' 8-gauge Aluminum Wire (Cat. No. 150-0035)

• Conducts potentially damaging electricity away from a grounding block to ground rod

Coax Weather Boot (Cat. No. 278-1658) and Silicone Rubber Sealant (Cat. No. 640-2314)

• Weatherizes non-weatherproof connections

Tools

• 6" All-purpose Pliers (Cat. No. 640-1847)
• 17-piece Ratchet Driver Set (Cat. No. 640-1904)
• 5" Wire Ties (30-pack) (Cat. No. 278-1631)
• Cable Markers (10-pack) (Cat. No. 278-1648)
• Coaxial RG-6 Feedthrough Bushing for Professional-looking Entry/Exit Through Walls (2-pack) (Cat. No. 278-1644)
• Dual Coaxial Nail-in Cable Clips (10-pack) (Cat. No. 278-1662)

Cables

Good - 75-Ohm Coaxial with "F" Connectors with Weather-proof Connectors / requires Ground Wire above

• 50' Ready-to-use RG-6 Cable with Weather-proof Connectors (Cat. No. 150-1548)
• 100' Ready-to-use RG-6 Cable with Weather-proof Connectors (Cat. No. 150-1549)

Better - 75-Ohm Coaxial with "F" Connectors / requires Weather Boot above

• 25' Ready-to-use RG-6 Cable with Built-in Ground Wire (Cat. No. 150-1579)
• 50' Ready-to-use RG-6 Cable with Built-in Ground Wire (Cat. No. 150-1572)
• 100' Ready-to-use RG-6 Cable with Built-in Ground Wire (Cat. No. 150-1570)

Can I have my system professionally installed?

Yes! If you don't feel comfortable doing it on your own, RadioShack Installation Services (RSIS) can put install the equipment (whether you chose a DirecTV™ or DISH Network™ system), set it up and show you how to use it, providing a 90-day installation guarantee for added reassurance. For specific information on installation in your area, you can stop by any RadioShack store, call RSIS at 877-444-5851 or visit We Install on-line.

Glossary

Adapter, Connection:

A device which converts one type of plug or jack to a different plug or jack.

  

Amplifier, In-line:

Used to increase signal strength; compensates for signal loss due to splitters, adapters or cable runs over 100'.

  

Antenna:

A device designed to receive, transmit or receive and transmit particular frequencies.

  

Antenna, Local Broadcast:

Also called "off-air", this is a term used to describe standard television antennas, which are designed to receive signals which are broadcast from an earth station to the antenna.

  

Antenna, Satellite:

A dish and an LNB.

  

Azimuth:

The side-to-side angle on a satellite antenna.

  

Cable Run:

The length of cable between a satellite antenna and a receiver.

  

C-band:

The frequencies from 3.7 GHz to 7 GHz, often used to describe the older (usually 5' to 9' diameter) satellite antennas, which operate between 3.7 and 4.2 GHz.

  

Decoder:

A device which is connected between a receiver and the television, enabling the user to decode scrambled signals (the decoder is built into DTH satellite antennas).

  

DISH:

The circular or oval concave part of the satellite antenna which reflects and focuses the signal onto the LNB.

  

DISH Network™:

A DTH satellite system service provider. The "DISH" in "DISH Network" is an acronym for "Digital Sky Highway".

  

DNS:

Acronym for "Distant Network Service", which allows the consumer to have DTH capability in either an RV or a commercial truck.

  

Downlink:

Data being sent from a satellite down to an earth station.

  

DTH:

Acronym for "Direct To Home"; refers to home-based satellite systems.

  

Earth Station:

A ground-based antenna and equipment designed to either transmit data to or receive data from a satellite.

  

Elevation:

The up/down angle on a satellite antenna.

  

Geosynchronous:

Describes a satellite orbit which maintains a constant position relative to the Earth.

  

Ku-Band:

The frequencies from 12 GHz to 14 GHz, often used to describe DTH satellite antennas, which receive the frequencies from  11.7 GHz to 12.2 GHz.

  

LNB:

Acronym for Low Noise Blocker, the part of a satellite antenna which is positioned in front of the dish to receive the signal and converts the signal to be carried by cable to the receiver.

  

LNB Arm:

The metal arm which physically connects the LNB to the dish.

  

LNB, Dual:

An LNB with two output connections.

  

LNB, Single:

An LNB with a single output connection.

  

Multi-switch:

A device which allows you to have up to four receivers connected to a single satellite antenna, with each receiver capable of independent tuning. This device requires that you have a Dual LNB satellite antenna, and can also be used as a combiner if a broadcast antenna is connected. If a TV antenna is connected, you would need to use a Splitter/Combiner at each receiver to split the output into separate TV antenna and DTH signals.

  

Pay-per-view:

Movies or other special programming events which must be purchased individually.

  

Polarization:

The alignment or orientation of the waves of a signal (either circular or linear).

  

Receiver, Satellite:

A device which is connected to and receives the signal from the LNB via cable and converts it to a standard Audio/Video signal. DTH receivers have built-in decoders; older C-Band receivers may require a separate decoder.

  

Satellite:

A piece of equipment which is launched into orbit for various purposes, often to receive and/or transmit a particular signal. Many types of satellites, including those designed to retransmit DTH signals, are placed in geosynchronous orbits, allowing a satellite antenna to be positioned to receive the signal without the need for periodic re-positioning or re-aiming of the antenna.

  

Satellite System:

A satellite antenna and a corresponding receiver. Older C-band systems may also include a decoder.

  

Splitter:

A device with one input and two or more outputs which splits the signal into two or more signals, each which has a lower signal strength than the original signal (unless the splitter includes an amplifier or is part of a splitter/combiner).

  

Splitter/Combiner:

Combiner: Used to combine two different signals which operate on different frequencies (such as from a broadcast antenna output and a satellite antenna) into a single signal carried on a single cable, to simplify running the cable from the antenna(s) and the receiver(s).

Splitter: A specialized splitter used to to split the combined signal back into the two original signals to allow each signal to be connected to the correct input on the receiver.

  

Tilt:

The degree of circular rotation on a satellite antenna.

  

Transponder:

A "channel" on a satellite with a specific bandwidth and uplink/downlink frequency.

  

Uplink:

Data transmitted from an earth station to a satellite.

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