Satellite and digital televisions compete neck-to-neck in attracting the largest audience in the TV industry. Both offer high-quality pictures and support all the popular channels. Cable TV has its drawbacks like inaccessibility in rural areas and providing fewer channels. Satellite televisions are considered the more reliable providers, but finding the best company can be difficult.

There are many types of satellite dishes. Some offer better picture quality than others. Some are pricier but offer nothing different to cable TVs. Learn how Satellite dishes work and the best providers in the industry.

What is a Satellite Dish?

Shaped like a bow, a satellite dish is a type of TV antenna used to receive direct broadcast communications from a satellite. The parabolic shaped dish converts microwave signals into data that can be displayed on a computer or TV.

Satellite dishes transmit all types of data around the world without relying on cables. But despite their powerful signals, the parabolic dishes use the same principles as cable TVs.  Multi-satellite dishes transmit and receive connections from multiple locations. The most common TV dishes are VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal dishes).

Why do you need a Satellite Dish?

If you live outside a major town or city, a satellite dish is the best way to watch your favorite TV channels. Satellite dishes offer a few more benefits, some which are unavailable with cable providers.

Reliable services

Satellite dishes have an extremely reliable signal quality. Because the dishes work as standalone devices, they have few points of errors. The bow-shaped antennas also use highly advanced data transmission techniques. Except during heavy rains, most satellite dishes have a signal quality of above 95%.

In recent years, digital TVs have advanced to compete against satellite dishes. But most of them lag behind the bow-shaped devices, offering often unreliable signals. With satellite dishes, you get pitch perfect pictures anywhere you go.

More TV channels

Satellite TV providers offer better programming variety. They also tailor users’ packages better. You can pay for sports channels and leave out reality shows with Satellite TVs. But you may find yourself limited only to the packages given by a cable TV.

Because of the high signal strengths, satellite televisions support hundreds of programs. Satellite TVs connect to HD channels better than cable and regular digital TVs. Another unique feature is the ability to select and save favorite channels. With a good provider, satellite TVs make watching your favorite channels much better.

Nationwide availability

Satellite dishes connect to signals located from any part of the world. You can watch your favorite Indian programs in the US. Cable connections are not needed. If you move to a different country, all you need is to reach to your provider. You can get customized services in different countries with the best satellite dishes. The advanced availability of satellite dishes in any part of the world makes them much better options for people who travel constantly.

What Makes the Best Satellite Dishes?

Design and construction

Satellite dishes are made using plastic, steel or aluminum. Plastic-made dishes are often encased using fiberglass to increase durability. Some dishes are made using thin strands of wire and only use fiberglass for encasing. Steel dishes last longer than plastic, but they tend to rust if not properly protected.

The most durable satellite dishes are made out of aluminum. But they are also not immune to salt water which corrodes aluminum. When choosing the material to go with, don’t let color sway your decision. Most satellite dishes come in a grey color, but you can paint the dish to any color you wish.

The design and build of a satellite dish is such an important feature since most of the devices are irreparable. Once a dish breaks down, you may have to invest in a new dish altogether. Cheap dish builds are most affected during bad weather. A robustly engineered dish provides reliable signals continuously and for a long time.

Installation

Some satellite dishes are meant for permanent installation. If you want an RV satellite dish, you must ensure you buy one suited for portability. Portable dishes should be light and easy to install. A geo-stationary dish may be heavier but should also be durable and easy to install.

Most homes use satellite dishes with directional antennas. When selecting a dish, ensure you can conveniently tweak it to provide excellent signals in the best possible way.

Price

Satellite dishes can be cheap or expensive depending on a number of factors. A steel-made device that connects to the latest receivers may be more expensive than older versions. Equally, a lightweight, portable satellite dish that uses advanced technologies will be pricier than a dish meant for fewer channels.

The number of programs supported, signals, build and customer reviews should help you pick the best satellite dish. Ease of use, installation method and the provider’s support services should also influence the decision you make.

Best Satellite Dishes Brands 2018

King VQ4900

Best for RVs and portable uses, the King VQ4900 is an automatic satellite acquisition powered using a remote control. The top-rated dish provides several viewing options, all at different prices. The King VQ4900 is an easy to use dish that comes with an antenna that can be tweaked for better quality pictures.

Winegard Pathway X2 PA6002R

Winegard is a one-time investment that packs everything you can dream of in a portable satellite dish. The dish is optimized for 2 TV viewing and accessing the Western and Eastern arcs for optimal HD DISH programs. Automatic and powered by a coax, Winegard also includes built-in apps for Netflix and other streaming networks.

Winegard PL7000R

Popular for good customer services, Winegard is also one of the best satellite dishes in the market. The dish uses a military-grade reflector with improved signals. It’s also easier to install on your RV or camping. Like many modern dishes, the Winegard model features a Netflix app and works primarily with DISH HD programs.

Conclusion

Satellite dishes provide the best way to access multiple TV programs wherever you go. With an RV satellite dish, you get to keep up with all your favorite sports channels. In rural areas, the best satellite dishes provide strong signals while other digital TVs may not. Many of the dishes are also a one-time installment. Pick the right dish and you may never to have to do it again.

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