A satellite dish system is a sophisticated way of watching
television. The signal originates with a satellite above the earth’s
atmosphere. That signal must travel a long way to a satellite dish,
which has a device that collects the signal bouncing off the dish and
sends it to a receiver inside a home. That receiver is connected to a
television, on which the user views the signal. This is a simplified
explanation. It is necessary to process the signal before transmitting
it from the dish to the receiver and the signal goes through some big
changes in this process. The device responsible for this is the LNB,
which stands for low-noise block downconverter. This is one of the most
important parts of a satellite television system as it plays a
significant role in determining the quality of the satellite signal.
Learning how the correct LNB can help viewers achieve a better satellite
signal, as well as learning the basic principles of LNBs, the consumer
can choose the right product for his needs. Further, learning how to set
it up with the satellite dish and adjust it properly can help the
consumer enjoy years of improved signals. Whether purchasing the product
on eBay or in a local high street shop, approaching the buying process
intelligently is crucial.
Understanding LNBs
An LNB is a crucial component in delivering a satellite signal to a television. Understanding basic information about LNBs helps users grasp how to achieve an improved satellite signal. This section details the parts found in an LNB and describes how an LNB works.
Parts of an LNB
The table below lists the parts found in an LNB and the role these parts play in processing a satellite signal so it can transmit to a satellite receiver for viewing on a television.
Understanding LNBs
An LNB is a crucial component in delivering a satellite signal to a television. Understanding basic information about LNBs helps users grasp how to achieve an improved satellite signal. This section details the parts found in an LNB and describes how an LNB works.
Parts of an LNB
The table below lists the parts found in an LNB and the role these parts play in processing a satellite signal so it can transmit to a satellite receiver for viewing on a television.
Low-Noise Amplifier : Amplifies weak satellite dish signal
Keeps additional noise to a minimum
Keeps additional noise to a minimum
Local Oscillator : Creates new signal within the LNB Mixes signal the satellite dish receives Passes signal to the LNB
Frequency Mixer : Mixes satellite dish signal with the local oscillator signal Lower frequency signal is passed to another amplifier
Intermediate Frequency Amplifier : Amplifies the intermediate frequency signal
Sends it via coaxial cable output(s) to the satellite receiver(s) inside the house
Sends it via coaxial cable output(s) to the satellite receiver(s) inside the house
Feedhorn : Collects the satellite signal from the dish and directs it to the LNB
Polariser : Chooses between vertical and horizontal polarised satellite signals
The table above describes the role of the parts found in an
LNB. An LNB that includes a feedhorn and polariser may also be known as
an LNBF, an LNB-feed, an LNB-feedhorn, or an Astra LNB.
How an LNB Works
Here follows a more complete description of how these parts work in conjunction with one another and why an LNB is so important in a satellite television system. The image that appears on a television connected to a satellite system starts as a signal from a satellite in space. In order for this satellite signal to reach the satellite dish, it must travel a long way and it therefore has a frequency similar to the waves in a microwave. This high frequency signal is weak and unsuitable for travelling across a coaxial cable to the satellite receiver to which a television is connected. It is possible to process this signal for viewing on the television without significantly modifying it, but the equipment would be more complex and expensive than the coaxial cable and receiver system satellite television companies use.
In order to maintain a less expensive system of delivering a satellite television signal to a television, an LNB processes the signal to make it suitable for travel across a coaxial cable to a receiver. The LNB starts by using the freehorn to collect into a single signal the numerous microwaves from the satellite that hit the satellite dish. It then amplifies this weak signal, creates a new signal with its oscillator, and mixes the new signal with the satellite signal. One signal has a frequency that is the sum of the two signals and the other signal has a frequency that is the difference. This is an intermediate frequency, suitable for passing through a coaxial cable. The LNB filters out the high frequency signal and passes the intermediate one to an amplifier, which strengthens the signal before passing it from the LNB to a satellite receiver via coaxial cable.
How to Choose the Right LNB
One important aspect of achieving an excellent satellite signal is choosing the right LNB to go with a satellite dish. While the signal may only be as good as the dish is capable of delivering, the right LNB helps ensure that no signal quality is lost when processing the signal and sending it to a satellite receiver. This section provides advice on how to choose the right LNB by considering a few key features and being aware of the different types of LNBs.
LNB Features
When deciding which LNB to purchase, it helps to pay attention to its noise, gain, cross polar rejection, and microphonics resistance.
Noise
Noise degrades the quality of a satellite signal, resulting in poor reception on the television screen. Unfortunately, increased noise accompanies the amplification of any type of signal. A good LNB produces a minimum of noise, with anything under 0.6 decibels resulting in good reception. The human eye cannot discern the difference between a signal that has 0.6 decibels and 0.1 decibels of noise, so as long as the LNB manufacturer guarantees no more than 0.6 decibels, the LNB should be fine.
Gain
The gain is how much the LNB strengthens the satellite signal and this is also measured in decibels. It is usually by the dozens of decibels, with a stronger signal likely to result in a clearer picture. A gain can be too high relative to the length of the coaxial cable, though, and this could overload the receiver’s tuner. It is important to note that many manufacturers measure gain at room temperature, so a satellite receiver should continue to deliver power to a LNB when the receiver is in standby mode. Consequently, the LNB does not become cold.
Cross Polar Rejection
Many LNBs can switch between the vertical and horizontal polarised signals satellites send, but these signals can interfere with one another. An LNB can prevent this interference through cross polar rejection (CPR), another parameter that is measured in decibels. Areas on the edge of satellite signal reception generally have one type of polarised signal that is stronger than the other, so CPR is important in such areas. The smaller the dish, the less likely it is that signals interfere with one another. A dish diameter of about 1.8 metres is the threshold under which CPR is not a factor.
Microphonics Resistance
Microphonics are the signal disturbances that wind, rain, and hail cause when they come into contact with an LNB. These weather events affect the flow of electrical current through the LNB and this is reflected in signal disturbances that are viewable on the television screen. In many cases, heavy rain and strong wind often prevent the receiver from receiving a signal at all. It is therefore advisable to consult a seller as to the microphonics resistance of an LNB. Even if there is no rating for this feature, a seller may still be able to provide helpful information towards making a buying decision.
LNB Types
There are a few types of LNBs to meet different standards around the world, but UK satellite owners usually find that their LNBs are, in fact, Universal LNBs. Also known as Astra LNBs, they have two modes of operation, one in which they process low band reception of 10.70-11.70 GHz and one in which they process a high band reception of 11.70-12.75 GHz. These are the frequencies of the satellite signals, with the processed intermediate signals registering in the range of 950-1950 MHz and 1100-2150 MHz, respectively.
LNBs may also feature numerous coaxial outputs to send signals to various satellite receivers around a house. Those with two outlets are called twin LNBs, those with four, quad LNBs, and those with eight outlets are called octo LNBs. A quattro LNB has four outlets with each outlet responsible for delivering a quarter of the various channels available. Each outlet sends a signal to a multiswitch device, which then distributes the requested signal to each receiver in a building.
How to Position and Tweak an LNB
Choosing the right LNB is only part of the process of maximising satellite signal performance. Another important aspect is positioning and tweaking the LNB. This section describes how to set up an LNB on a satellite dish and how to skew it for the best possible signal transfer.
Setting Up an LNB
An LNB attached to an arm and the feedhorn must be positioned so that it can pick up waves from every part of the satellite dish. It should not align with any area on the satellite dish because it generally picks up noise from whatever object is in its reception area. Conversely, if it does not line up with the whole surface area of the dish, it cannot pick up a signal from whatever area is outside of the alignment area. The precision this alignment requires means it is often best left to professionals to perform.
Skewing an LNB
Skew refers to the rotational position of the LNB with regards to the satellite dish. Having the position within the correct parameters ensures no errors in data transmission. Accuracy is less important in high-reception areas such as London, but it is highly important in low-reception areas like Scotland. The skew also varies across the UK with the ideal angle being 22 degrees in the southwest of England and 15 degrees in the northeast of Scotland. Adjusting the skew is often a two-person operation if a professional does not perform it. One person loosens the screw or nut fixing the LNB in place and rotates it clockwise, while the other person observes the television and reports on the reception. Some LNBs use pre-fixed settings, making it easy to change the skew by simply changing the setting. As long as the signal quality is at least 50 per cent, the satellite signal should come through clearly in inclement weather.
How an LNB Works
Here follows a more complete description of how these parts work in conjunction with one another and why an LNB is so important in a satellite television system. The image that appears on a television connected to a satellite system starts as a signal from a satellite in space. In order for this satellite signal to reach the satellite dish, it must travel a long way and it therefore has a frequency similar to the waves in a microwave. This high frequency signal is weak and unsuitable for travelling across a coaxial cable to the satellite receiver to which a television is connected. It is possible to process this signal for viewing on the television without significantly modifying it, but the equipment would be more complex and expensive than the coaxial cable and receiver system satellite television companies use.
In order to maintain a less expensive system of delivering a satellite television signal to a television, an LNB processes the signal to make it suitable for travel across a coaxial cable to a receiver. The LNB starts by using the freehorn to collect into a single signal the numerous microwaves from the satellite that hit the satellite dish. It then amplifies this weak signal, creates a new signal with its oscillator, and mixes the new signal with the satellite signal. One signal has a frequency that is the sum of the two signals and the other signal has a frequency that is the difference. This is an intermediate frequency, suitable for passing through a coaxial cable. The LNB filters out the high frequency signal and passes the intermediate one to an amplifier, which strengthens the signal before passing it from the LNB to a satellite receiver via coaxial cable.
How to Choose the Right LNB
One important aspect of achieving an excellent satellite signal is choosing the right LNB to go with a satellite dish. While the signal may only be as good as the dish is capable of delivering, the right LNB helps ensure that no signal quality is lost when processing the signal and sending it to a satellite receiver. This section provides advice on how to choose the right LNB by considering a few key features and being aware of the different types of LNBs.
LNB Features
When deciding which LNB to purchase, it helps to pay attention to its noise, gain, cross polar rejection, and microphonics resistance.
Noise
Noise degrades the quality of a satellite signal, resulting in poor reception on the television screen. Unfortunately, increased noise accompanies the amplification of any type of signal. A good LNB produces a minimum of noise, with anything under 0.6 decibels resulting in good reception. The human eye cannot discern the difference between a signal that has 0.6 decibels and 0.1 decibels of noise, so as long as the LNB manufacturer guarantees no more than 0.6 decibels, the LNB should be fine.
Gain
The gain is how much the LNB strengthens the satellite signal and this is also measured in decibels. It is usually by the dozens of decibels, with a stronger signal likely to result in a clearer picture. A gain can be too high relative to the length of the coaxial cable, though, and this could overload the receiver’s tuner. It is important to note that many manufacturers measure gain at room temperature, so a satellite receiver should continue to deliver power to a LNB when the receiver is in standby mode. Consequently, the LNB does not become cold.
Cross Polar Rejection
Many LNBs can switch between the vertical and horizontal polarised signals satellites send, but these signals can interfere with one another. An LNB can prevent this interference through cross polar rejection (CPR), another parameter that is measured in decibels. Areas on the edge of satellite signal reception generally have one type of polarised signal that is stronger than the other, so CPR is important in such areas. The smaller the dish, the less likely it is that signals interfere with one another. A dish diameter of about 1.8 metres is the threshold under which CPR is not a factor.
Microphonics Resistance
Microphonics are the signal disturbances that wind, rain, and hail cause when they come into contact with an LNB. These weather events affect the flow of electrical current through the LNB and this is reflected in signal disturbances that are viewable on the television screen. In many cases, heavy rain and strong wind often prevent the receiver from receiving a signal at all. It is therefore advisable to consult a seller as to the microphonics resistance of an LNB. Even if there is no rating for this feature, a seller may still be able to provide helpful information towards making a buying decision.
LNB Types
There are a few types of LNBs to meet different standards around the world, but UK satellite owners usually find that their LNBs are, in fact, Universal LNBs. Also known as Astra LNBs, they have two modes of operation, one in which they process low band reception of 10.70-11.70 GHz and one in which they process a high band reception of 11.70-12.75 GHz. These are the frequencies of the satellite signals, with the processed intermediate signals registering in the range of 950-1950 MHz and 1100-2150 MHz, respectively.
LNBs may also feature numerous coaxial outputs to send signals to various satellite receivers around a house. Those with two outlets are called twin LNBs, those with four, quad LNBs, and those with eight outlets are called octo LNBs. A quattro LNB has four outlets with each outlet responsible for delivering a quarter of the various channels available. Each outlet sends a signal to a multiswitch device, which then distributes the requested signal to each receiver in a building.
How to Position and Tweak an LNB
Choosing the right LNB is only part of the process of maximising satellite signal performance. Another important aspect is positioning and tweaking the LNB. This section describes how to set up an LNB on a satellite dish and how to skew it for the best possible signal transfer.
Setting Up an LNB
An LNB attached to an arm and the feedhorn must be positioned so that it can pick up waves from every part of the satellite dish. It should not align with any area on the satellite dish because it generally picks up noise from whatever object is in its reception area. Conversely, if it does not line up with the whole surface area of the dish, it cannot pick up a signal from whatever area is outside of the alignment area. The precision this alignment requires means it is often best left to professionals to perform.
Skewing an LNB
Skew refers to the rotational position of the LNB with regards to the satellite dish. Having the position within the correct parameters ensures no errors in data transmission. Accuracy is less important in high-reception areas such as London, but it is highly important in low-reception areas like Scotland. The skew also varies across the UK with the ideal angle being 22 degrees in the southwest of England and 15 degrees in the northeast of Scotland. Adjusting the skew is often a two-person operation if a professional does not perform it. One person loosens the screw or nut fixing the LNB in place and rotates it clockwise, while the other person observes the television and reports on the reception. Some LNBs use pre-fixed settings, making it easy to change the skew by simply changing the setting. As long as the signal quality is at least 50 per cent, the satellite signal should come through clearly in inclement weather.
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