DBS Info (Small Satellite Dish)

DBS Info

DIRECTV

The basic DIRECTV system is an 18 inch satellite dish and receiver that pick up the signals transmitted by 3 satellites made by Hughes Electronics Corporation. These 3 Hughes satellites make up the DIRECTV system's primary orbital slot (location in space). The three satellites are so close together in space that the 18 inch DIRECTV satellite dish doesn't have to move in order to pick up the signals from all 3 satellites. In addition to their primary orbital slot located at 101° over the equator, the DIRECTV system has two more orbital slots. The additional orbital slots are at 110° and 119° over the equator. The added satellites provide additional local TV channels to those available on the primary orbital slot, they also have Spanish programming and HDTV channels.

DISH Network

EchoStar Communications Corporation is the parent company of DISH Network. The basic DISH Network system has an 18 inch satellite dish and receiver that pick up the signals transmitted by 2 EchoStar satellites. These 2 satellites make up the DISH Network's primary orbital slot (location in space). Most of the programming choices for the DISH Network are broadcast from this primary orbital slot located at 119°W over the equator. Like other small dish DBS systems, the DISH Network satellite dish doesn't have to move because both satellites are so close together in space. In addition to the satellites in their primary orbital slot (location in space), DISH Network also has additional satellites at 61.5°W, 110°W and 148°W. These satellites provide additional local network programming, Spanish, international, HDTV and data services.

PRIMESTAR

PRIMESTAR is out of business and is not broadcasting.

DBS Links

The Satellite Home Viewer Act (SHVA) deals with the retransmission of local network television by DBS systems. This legislation will allow DBS customers to receive local network television through their DBS satellite system, instead of through an off-air antenna. Decisionmark has provided a useful resource of information about the Satellite Home Viewer Act.
The Telecommunications Act of 1996 and 1999 encourages competition among programming distributors and attempts to increase programming choices for the consumer. The Fact sheet on Over-The Air Reception devices covers the placement of small satellite dishes on home properties and rental properties.