Minidish

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Minidish is the tradename used for the small-sized satellite dish used by Sky Digital. The term has entered the vocabulary in the UK and Ireland as a generic term for a satellite dish, particularly small ones.

The Minidish is an oval, mesh satellite dish capable of reflecting signals broadcast in the upper X band and Ku band. Two sizes exist, the "Zone 1" dish issued in southern England, which is 43 centimetres vertically, and the "Zone 2" dish, issued in Wales, Northern and the Republic of Ireland, Scotland and northern England, which is 57 centimetres vertically.

The Minidish uses a non-standard connector for the LNBF, consisting of a peg about 4cm in width and .75cm in height, as opposed to the 40mm collar. This enforces the use of Sky-approved equipment, but also ensures that a suitable LNB is used. Due to the shape of the dish, an LNB with an oval feedhorn is required to get full signal.