Flash 06/22/00 The Quad LNB is expected to start shipping shortly.
If you're talking about the odd looking oval one, there are two models of that LNBF coming. One with two outputs, and one with four outputs. These are intended to replace the pair of LNBFs that are used currently for a Dish 500. The two output "Twin" will probably be available early this Spring. The four output version will follow afterwards. These new LNBFs can be hooked directly from the Dish 500 to two and four receivers respectively, no "external" switches are required.

Although no one here knows for sure, it is rumored that these "Twin" LNBFs will be somewhat different than current technology, in that these LNBFs may be cascaded with additional switches to connect another dish for coverage of more orbital slots. Existing switches cannot be cascaded. Flash 06/22/00 This is no longer true, SW42s and SW21s can be reliably cascaded to get coverage of more orbital slots. See: What are switches, and why do I need them? for more info.

01/15/00 Since this item was originally posted, Dish has started to update the software in many receivers to do 34 switch checks. It is rumored that this was done in anticipation of the imminent release of the "Twin" LNBF. More details will be posted as they become available.

02/21/00 The recent dealer chat annonced the news that the Twin LNBF will begin shipping with new 4722 systems in March. No word from Dish yet on when it will be available separately. One of our contributors (ElecConnec) has answered a couple of other questions below.
 

OK, so the TWIN LNB is supposed to start shipping March 1st in the 4700 systems. How long does it usually take before new stuff gets in the retailers hands. Will the system number be changed- say from 4722 to 4733 or something? How can I be sure I'm getting a twin? I'm willing to hold off my purchse until they are available.
 

I doubt it. The change will be a "running" change- no new model number.

04/17/00 Late word "The systems with the twin LNB are designated xx22T."
 

With the Twin LNB, I can just get ONE SW21 for $20 or so. This would allow me to get channels from 148 on a main reciever. Or, I could get them on both receivers with 2 SW21s and a dual LNB, $100 tops. Waiting a few weeks could save me as much as $240.
Isn't that worth waiting a few weeks for? I'm really waiting for their "big announcement" anyway.
 

Maybe. At this time, DISH has announced they have no plans to include software for the Twin/SW21 3-LNB setup in any of the older receivers: just the 2700, 3700, 3800 (software not ready yet for the 3800- next month) and 4700. Us 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, and 5000 users are SOL and still need SW64s. They didn't say anything about the DISHPlayers, but I assume they will get the new software after the appropriate delay (while DISH and WebTV argue over who's fault the delay is!)

05/19/00 Flash SW version 6.70 for the 5000 receiver brings the ability to cascade the Twin. Reportedly, recent SW update 112 on the Dishplayer SW has accomplished the same thing. Currently, the only receivers which cannot support cascading are the 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000 (and their x500 clones) and the D-VHS. This situation is not expected to change, sorry.
 

03/01/00 A reader reports:
Hi...Just wanted to let you know that I pre-ordered a Twin LNBF from Dish Depot for $109 Delivered. That's a big savings from the $149 MSRP and shipping costs.

Just wanted to let those people that are waiting for the Twin know that they are available...and at a cheaper cost.

03/09/00 Our reader reports again:
....they are now shipping, and I received mine today! It's great!
 

For more information on installation of the Twin LNB, download the PDF file: install-3.pdf

For more information on cascading the Twin LNBF, download the following PDF file: install-4.pdf

04/21/00 Latest information from Dish indicate that the Twin and Quad LNB are not suitable for use in Alaska and Hawaii. Although the reason why isn't perfectly clear, it's most likely because the distance between the LNBs is only an approximation for the conus US, outside that range, the approximation falls apart. Since the Dish 500 doesn't provide enough surface area for reception in Alaska and Hawaii, it seems like a moot point.

So far Dish doesn't seem to be selling Alaska and Hawaii any service that comes from 110. This may change in the future as new space assets become available.