HOW TO CONNECT ONE SATELLITE DISH TO MULTIPLE DECODERS

This article explains how to connect one satellite dish to multiple decoders of same network or different networks. This works for services such as DStv, MyTV, Startimes Dish, TStv, etc.

What if you had two or more decoders, and you are considering using only satellite dish to connect all of them, to avoid littering the entire space with satellite dish of different sizes?

Yes, it is absolutely possible to deploy only one satellite dish to multiple decoders. Whether as a communal dish or private use, there is no limit to the number of decoders that may be connected to a single satellite dish.

In using only one satellite dish for multiple decoder connection, some technical considerations are made and they are:

Are those decoders using the same digital satellite TV signal provider or different satellite TV networks? However it is, using a single dish is very possible.

The second factor to consider is to know if the satellite TV signals you wish to receive are tracked with the available size of dish? Presently, almost all the commonly used satellite TV services such as the DStv, TStv MyTV, MultiTV, etc can be tracked with the 90 cm diameter satellite dish.

In the case of connecting multiple decoders of same satellite TV service to one dish, only one LNB is needed. This LNB can either be a dual-feeder LNB, tri-feed LNB, quad LNB, Sat-CR LNB or even Smart LNB.

All these categories depend on the number and properties of the decoders to be linked. When high grade satellite TV decoder recievers such as the DStv Explora, HD PVRs are involved, then Smart LNBs or at least Sat-CR LNBs are used. With other moderate models of decoders such as Standard Definition displays and non-PVR HDs, then other multi-feed LNBs may be used.

Technically, it is not advisable to split a primary satellite TV signal before it gets to the decoder or receiver. When such is done, there is huge loss of digital signal strength and quality.

Dish Optimization

This scenario presents a case of using one satellite dish to connect multiple LNBs such as the  DStv decoders, MyTV, MultiTV, etc. This is known as Satellite dish optimization.

This is really possible except that in this case, each satellite service involved will have its LNB, adjusted to align with the particular satellite recommended reception position. This is called Satellite Dish Optimization.

During the installation of an optimized satellite dish, certain constructions are made by professionals at the mount point of the satellite dish, which provides the proper positioning of all the LNBs of all the satellites involved.

In practice, it may be too complex for a newbie in satellite TV installation business to handle. However, there are many competent installers who can handle such installation modules.