SuperDish
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The SuperDISH was deployed by DISH Network in November 2003 as a means to provide more channels for subscribing customers. Its elliptical reflector is 36" x 20" - slightly larger than the round 20" DISH 500. The SuperDISH receives signals from three orbiting satellites, as opposed to two signals with a DISH 500. The three satellites are at 110°W, 119°W, and either 105°W or 121°W depending on customer requirements. The 105-degree orbital slot provides local channels via Ku-band from SES Americom's AMC-15 satellite. The other, 121-degree orbital slot provides local channels and international packages via Ku-band from EchoStar 9, which is also known as Galaxy 23/EchoStar 9 due to a joint partnership with Intelsat.
These two satellite services, and their older Fixed Service Satellite technology, were provided to add additional capacity that lets DISH Network satisfy the FCC's "must-carry" requirements for local channels, and make room for HDTV. In addition, several dozen international services have been added to DISH Network's channel line-up. The SuperDISH receives standard DBS services in circular polarity at 12.7 GHz from Echostar's existing 110°W and 119°W slots. The 105°W and 121°W slots are received in linear polarity at 11.7 GHz at a much lower power. As a result, SuperDISH-compatible receivers must be able to receive circularly-polarized and linearly-polarized signals at two different frequency ranges from up to four satellites.
Thanks to the SuperDISH, DISH Network customers can receive HDTV, international, and/or local channels, all on one dish system. Local channels in most major cities are now available as digital broadcasts over DISH Network.
