The most popular type of satellite TV antenna is the parabolic reflector, but it is no the only type of satellite antenna. There are several other kinds that can be used to transmit to and receive from satellites. Which one should you use? It all depends on your requirements and application.

The parabolic reflector

Perhaps the most widely used satellite TV antenna is the parabolic reflector, also known as the satellite dish. Why? Because the parabolic antenna is considered a ?high gain directional? type. The distance between the satellite and the antenna is very large, so special designs like this ? which can significantly decrease path losses ? are most effective.

Parabolic satellite TV antenna also have low noise block converters (or LNB), which is installed right at the feed point. How does it work? The satellite sends out signals with frequencies at 12.2 to 12.7 GHz ? signals that are very rapidly attenuated by coaxial feeders that were used. Feeder length runs several meters (or even more) in installations, so this means that that the signals reaching the television are very weak. LNB solves this problem by (a) amplifying the signal and then (b) converting it to 950 MHz frequency (up to about 1450MHz) ? this is the frequency where the loss caused by the coaxial feeder is significantly less. The LNB's amplification also decreases the criticality of the loss because of the cable to be less critical. The parabolic satellite TV antenna therefore enables use of the domestic coaxial cable as it maintains enough ?high? signal intensity at the receiver.

Although there is fundamentally no difference between the antennas on satellites and those on the ground there are a number of different requirements that need to be taken into account. In the first instance the environmental conditions are very different. As conditions in space are particularly harsh the antennas need to be built to withstand this. Temperatures vary considerably between light and dark and this will cause expansion and contraction. The materials that are sued in the conduction need to be carefully chosen.

Satellite TV antenna: What's the best size?

Most satellite TV antenna provided by satellite TV service providers are about 18 inches (that's the smallest) to about 31 inches (that's the biggest) in diameter. These sizes are designed for home use, so expect industrial satellite TV antenna to be much bigger.

Very small satellite TV antennas can cause some problems. If your satellite TV antenna is too small, its performance may be weakened when it rains outside. Small satellite TV antennas are also prone to interference from other neighbouring satellites.