Are satellite dishes the same

Answer 1

The satellites which transmit signals for Satellite Television are all placed in a geosynchronous orbit, which means they orbit the earth exactly 22,300 miles over the equator and they rotate at the same speed as the earth itself.

Each satellite transponder, and there are many on every satellite, is designed and positioned to deliver a signal over a specific area known as its footprint. Typical footprints may cover the whole of the continental US, perhaps the whole of Western Europe or something smaller such as just the UK.

All of the signals will make it to a wider area than the designed footprint so it is possible to receive the satellite transmission outside the defined area. Normally, this will require a bigger dish and more sensitive receivers to handle the weaker signal.

Don't expect a North American footprint to be received in Europe or even a UK footprint to be found halfway across Europe.

If you are hoping to use a satellite feed outside its intended area, always talk to satellite installers in the local area. They usually have a good knowledge of what is possible and what equipment to use.

Answer 2

No. Each company such as DISH Network , etc have their own dish. This is due to the curvature and LNB that is attached to the dish itself in order to be tuned to the correct satellite in orbit.