Satellite technology allows you to receive your television signals directly from satellites stationed in space.

The Signal Path

1. EchoStar receives a signal from a programmer's satellite.
2. The programmer's signal is digitized at our Uplink Centers in Cheyenne, Wyoming and Gilbert, Arizona.
3. We uplink the signal to our own satellites.
4. We downlink the signal from our satellites to a satellite dish.

Functions of the Uplink Center

• Changes signal from analog to digital.
• Compresses signal so more channels can fit on the satellites using MPEG-2 and MPEG-4 technology.
• Encrypts signal so only DISH Network accounts can have access to it.

Direct Broadcast Satellite Terminology

• Our satellites are located at 22,250 miles above the equator on what is called the Clarke Belt.
• The satellites orbit at the same speed as the Earth's rotation. This is called Geosynchronous Orbit.

Satellite Locations

We refer to satellite locations according to their longitudinal position. Our satellites are located at 61.5°, 105°, 110°, 119°, 121° and 148° longitudinal degrees.

Each satellite location has its own footprint. A footprint is the area of the United States that the satellite signal can reach.

Coverage areas are as follows:
61.5° - The eastern region of the United States. (internationals, locals, some HD, SkyAngel)
105° - The continental United States. (locals)
110° - The continental United States (CONUS) and Puerto Rico, some Alaska and Hawaii.
118.7° - The continental United States. (internationals)
119° - The continental United States (CONUS) including Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico.
121° - The continental United States. (internationals, locals)
129° - The continental United States. (locals, HD)
148° - The western region of the United States. (internationals, locals, some HD)

In general, our most popular programming is located at 119° and 110°. These locations also have Spot Beams that only cover specific areas of the United States.

Basic Components of a DISH Network System

In order to receive satellite TV service, you must have a satellite system. Each system we sell today includes three basic components:


DISH 500, 500+, 1000, 1000+
A DISH 500, or 20" dish, allows you to receive signal from both 119° and 110° at the same time. Before we came out with the DISH 500, we sold a DISH 300, or 18" dish. A DISH 300 can only receive signal from one satellite location. A DISH 500+ gets signal from 119°, 110°, and 118.7°. A DISH 1000 gets signal from 119°, 110°, and 129°, and a DISH 1000+ gets signal from 119°, 110°, 129°, and 118.7°.

Each dish includes a Low Noise Block Feed, or LNBF. An LNBF is important because it receives the signal that is reflected off of the dish and translates the signal into information the receiver can understand. Most systems today are sold with a Twin LNBF which can receive signal from both 119° and 110° and hooks up to two receivers. We have several other types of LNBFs; each will be addressed in the installation modules.

The appropriate dish will be included based on what programming is on the account.

Remote Control
Systems today come with a variety of remote controls. Most remotes can work up to four components such as a TV, receiver, VCR and stereo.

Receiver
A receiver is necessary in order for us to deliver the huge amount of programming associated with satellite TV. A receiver decodes the channels and routes them to the TV set. All receivers have several basic features such as an Electronic Program Guide and Parental Locks. Upgraded receivers include more advanced features such as built-in hard drives for internal recording.

Each receiver includes a Smart Card, which ensures security, and allows us to tailor programming. Some receivers have a built-in Smart Card.

Bandwidth

• Bandwidth is the set of frequencies (frequency range) assigned to a communications circuit. For example, FM bandwidth on a radio is 88 to 108 MHz.
• Each channel is a segment of the bandwidth.
• The Federal Communications Commission licenses us to use a specific frequency range in which to transmit our signals. Our frequency range is 12.2 to 12.7 GHz.
  
  Think of bandwidth as a pipeline and channels as water droplets. The larger diameter of the pipeline, the more water will flow through it. The more water (channels) that flows through the pipeline (bandwidth), the more channels DISH Network will be able to offer. The Federal Communications Commission gives us a license for how big our pipeline is.

How Signals are Transmitted

Polarity
DISH Network signals travel in a circular pattern from the satellite to the dish. This is referred to as "polarity." Two different types of circular polarity are used: right-hand circular (13 volts) and left-hand circular (18 volts).

DISH Network uses right-hand and left-hand circular polarity to enable our equipment to distinguish between two satellites broadcasting on the exact same frequencies. Polarity also helps to prevent the two signals from mixing or interfering with each other. This provides twice the programming capabilities from a single point in the sky.

In other words, circular polarity gives us the ability to provide more channels of digital quality.



Transponders
• A transponder is the part of the satellite used to send a signal to the earth using a specific frequency range.
• DISH Network satellites use one transponder to transmit several channels - up to six video channels and four audio channels.
• On average, each of our satellites has 32 transponders.
• Every satellite has a home transponder. A home transponder is a designated transponder which only transmits system information; i.e., Electronic Program Guide (EPG) data, system software, etc.