What is a satellite dish?
Satellite dishes receive microwave signals from orbiting communication satellites. A dish used to receive satellite signals is generally a parabolic surface that reflects microwaves to a feed. The small metal probe within this feed is, in reality, the microwave antenna. A satellite dish collects and concentrates the very weak signals downlinked from a broadcast satellite while ignoring as much of any unwanted signals and noise as possible. Most dishes in use today are parabolically shaped. Flat plate antennas are also used for receiving broadcast signals from satellites. Signals are reflected from the dish surface and concentrated to a “focal point” or to a series of focal points.
The dish is the part of satellite TV that you see the most. It is a reflector which is usually made out of aluminum. Dish sizes vary from small (3-4 feet) all the way to 16-20 Ft with the average falling between 7-12 ft, 10 ft being most common. This device focuses the microwave signals coming from the satellites much as the mirror in a reflecting telescope concentrates the light from distant galaxies.
