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If you're a DISH customer who's moved from one place to another, you might have heard the term "Western Arc" and "Eastern Arc." DISH has two complete satellite fleets and there is quite a bit of overlap in them. Both have all the national channels and there are even local channels that are on both actually as well. This would seem a little wasteful. Let's take a look at how the two US providers handle their satellite fleets and why you would choose one or the other.
All communication satellites orbit the earth at about 22,000 miles. above the equator. They use a trick called "geostationary orbit." I wrote a whole lot about this a while back, but to put it simply, stuff orbits the earth faster or slower depending on how close it is. There's a "sweet spot" where a satellite goes around the earth in exactly one day. Since the earth is spinning at once a day too, it seems like the satellite is just parked in space above a specific spot. All communications satellites sit up above the equator and their orbital slots are described by what longitude they are positioned. We generally don't use decimal points when we talk about satellites in typical conversation.
DIRECTV has three primary satellite locations, at 99, 101, and 103 degrees. There are several other other satellite locations which are no longer used. There's one at 110, which was used for Puerto Rico, 95 which was used for Latin America as well as US international stuff, and there used to be a satellite at the 72.5 degree location, which you can see all the way to the right. There is also a satellite at 119 degrees which is not shown. That satellite provides standard definition locals to a small number of cities and expected to be taken out of service as soon as all broadcasts from it are stopped.
The main three satellites are positioned so they're even with the middle of the US. Even though they're down over the equator, that means they are perfectly positioned to cover the entire continental US without too much trouble.
DISH has two satellite fleets. One sits out near the west coast of the US and one is essentially over South America. These two fleets together give strong coverage over all of the US. You can see that in the big picture, DISH doesn't have more satellite locations, they just break them up differently. DISH operates satellites at 61.5 and 72 degrees, which they call the Eastern Arc. They also operate satellites at 110 and 119 degrees referred to as the Western Arc. Additional satellites at 77 and 129 degrees have been retired.
DIRECTV took the step of licensing a lot of satellite space in the middle of the country. At the same time they bought pretty much every possible satellite broadcast license in the "Ka" band which is 26.5-40GHz. This means they have almost unlimited channel capacity if they want it. It also means their satellites cover pretty much everywhere they want to broadcast.
DIRECTV launched their own satellites for the most part where DISH operates some of their own satellites and leases space on others. The fact that they were a little more frugal instead of throwing a lot of money at the problem meant they were locked out of that 99-101-103 slot where DIRECTV is, but on the other hand they still cover the whole USA quite easily with the satellites they have.
I will tell you that aiming a DIRECTV satellite is easier if you're just going for the main three satellites. You almost don't need to set the tilt because the satellites are so close to each other. The fact that the satellites are close means that they'll also tolerate a bad aiming job better.
On the other hand, DISH's fleets do a better job of covering the oceans and international waters just off the US coast. Many a cruise ship uses DISH satellite because you can just receive it better when you're offshore.
Satellite snobs in the 2000s would argue saying one provider was better or worse in this regard. DIRECTV's unlimited capacity and single fleet was good they'd say, but then the Ka-band satellites suffer from a bit more rain fade if the dish isn't aimed perfectly. DISH is harder to aim in general but more tolerant of rain fade.
In the end though it really doesn't matter. Both companies have satellite footprints that cover everyone. Both companies manufacture different kinds of dishes anyway, it's not like having western or eastern arc costing them more. Yes DISH has some duplicate channels but they also have lower operating costs per satellite since they don't own all of them.
Truth is, it's a wash. You win either way. Oh, and if you want to shop for DIRECTV or DISH hardware, check out Solid Signal, or call us at 888-233-7563.
The post DIRECTV uses one satellite fleet. DISH uses two. Why is that? appeared first on The Solid Signal Blog.
Continue reading...
First, a little bit about satellite orbits.
All communication satellites orbit the earth at about 22,000 miles. above the equator. They use a trick called "geostationary orbit." I wrote a whole lot about this a while back, but to put it simply, stuff orbits the earth faster or slower depending on how close it is. There's a "sweet spot" where a satellite goes around the earth in exactly one day. Since the earth is spinning at once a day too, it seems like the satellite is just parked in space above a specific spot. All communications satellites sit up above the equator and their orbital slots are described by what longitude they are positioned. We generally don't use decimal points when we talk about satellites in typical conversation.
DIRECTV's satellite fleet
DIRECTV has three primary satellite locations, at 99, 101, and 103 degrees. There are several other other satellite locations which are no longer used. There's one at 110, which was used for Puerto Rico, 95 which was used for Latin America as well as US international stuff, and there used to be a satellite at the 72.5 degree location, which you can see all the way to the right. There is also a satellite at 119 degrees which is not shown. That satellite provides standard definition locals to a small number of cities and expected to be taken out of service as soon as all broadcasts from it are stopped.
The main three satellites are positioned so they're even with the middle of the US. Even though they're down over the equator, that means they are perfectly positioned to cover the entire continental US without too much trouble.
DISH's satellite fleet
DISH has two satellite fleets. One sits out near the west coast of the US and one is essentially over South America. These two fleets together give strong coverage over all of the US. You can see that in the big picture, DISH doesn't have more satellite locations, they just break them up differently. DISH operates satellites at 61.5 and 72 degrees, which they call the Eastern Arc. They also operate satellites at 110 and 119 degrees referred to as the Western Arc. Additional satellites at 77 and 129 degrees have been retired.
So which is better?
DIRECTV took the step of licensing a lot of satellite space in the middle of the country. At the same time they bought pretty much every possible satellite broadcast license in the "Ka" band which is 26.5-40GHz. This means they have almost unlimited channel capacity if they want it. It also means their satellites cover pretty much everywhere they want to broadcast.
DIRECTV launched their own satellites for the most part where DISH operates some of their own satellites and leases space on others. The fact that they were a little more frugal instead of throwing a lot of money at the problem meant they were locked out of that 99-101-103 slot where DIRECTV is, but on the other hand they still cover the whole USA quite easily with the satellites they have.
Looking at the benefits
I will tell you that aiming a DIRECTV satellite is easier if you're just going for the main three satellites. You almost don't need to set the tilt because the satellites are so close to each other. The fact that the satellites are close means that they'll also tolerate a bad aiming job better.
On the other hand, DISH's fleets do a better job of covering the oceans and international waters just off the US coast. Many a cruise ship uses DISH satellite because you can just receive it better when you're offshore.
But in the end does it matter?
Satellite snobs in the 2000s would argue saying one provider was better or worse in this regard. DIRECTV's unlimited capacity and single fleet was good they'd say, but then the Ka-band satellites suffer from a bit more rain fade if the dish isn't aimed perfectly. DISH is harder to aim in general but more tolerant of rain fade.
In the end though it really doesn't matter. Both companies have satellite footprints that cover everyone. Both companies manufacture different kinds of dishes anyway, it's not like having western or eastern arc costing them more. Yes DISH has some duplicate channels but they also have lower operating costs per satellite since they don't own all of them.
Truth is, it's a wash. You win either way. Oh, and if you want to shop for DIRECTV or DISH hardware, check out Solid Signal, or call us at 888-233-7563.
The post DIRECTV uses one satellite fleet. DISH uses two. Why is that? appeared first on The Solid Signal Blog.
Continue reading...
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401 views
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Cutting Edge
Sometimes a thread gets so many posts in it that is can cause issues for the server so that why today we introduce The Song Name Game Part 3!
So let the game continue!
The last song was added by Bobby who posted...
One Meat Ball - Andrews Sisters
CONTINUE ON AND HAVE FUN! WELCOME HOME TO SATELLITEGUYS.US!
Here are the original rules for the game as posted by WebbyDude back in 2006. http://www.satelliteguys.us/threads/68645-Song-Name-Game
Just name a song title and the band who performed it. The next person does the same thing, but needs to list a song title or band name which includes a word from the previous entry. Pick songs from any genre.
Example:
Long Live Rock and Roll -- Rainbow
Rainbow in the Dark -- Dio
Another example:
Ride the Lightning -- Metallica
Lightning Strikes -- Ozzy Osbourne
Get it?
An additional note: we all know that song titles, sometimes, use profane words. Because this is a family friendly website it is advised that you clean up that title up a bit. This is accomplished by using something like sh!t instead of the real word. Thanks....
So let the game continue!
The last song was added by Bobby who posted...
One Meat Ball - Andrews Sisters
CONTINUE ON AND HAVE FUN! WELCOME HOME TO SATELLITEGUYS.US!
Here are the original rules for the game as posted by WebbyDude back in 2006. http://www.satelliteguys.us/threads/68645-Song-Name-Game
Just name a song title and the band who performed it. The next person does the same thing, but needs to list a song title or band name which includes a word from the previous entry. Pick songs from any genre.
Example:
Long Live Rock and Roll -- Rainbow
Rainbow in the Dark -- Dio
Another example:
Ride the Lightning -- Metallica
Lightning Strikes -- Ozzy Osbourne
Get it?
An additional note: we all know that song titles, sometimes, use profane words. Because this is a family friendly website it is advised that you clean up that title up a bit. This is accomplished by using something like sh!t instead of the real word. Thanks....
68190 Replies
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2667842 views
Supporting Founder
Lifetime Supporter
Keep in mind, this is just the broadband service, TV increases probably coming soon-
Are you ready to pay more again? Spectrum has implemented a $10 monthly price increase on many of its internet service plans, with the higher rates now appearing on customer bills.
cordcuttersnews.com
Are you ready to pay more again? Spectrum has implemented a $10 monthly price increase on many of its internet service plans, with the higher rates now appearing on customer bills.
Another Big Price Hike is Coming to Spectrum Customers | Cord Cutters News
Are you ready to pay more again? Spectrum has implemented a $10 monthly price increase on many of its internet service plans, with the higher rates now appearing on customer bills. The adjustment affects a range of broadband tiers across the company’s extensive footprint, which spans dozens of...
cordcuttersnews.com
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149 views
They've had us at $90 a month internet-only since this past February. 6 days ago, I received and email from them saying they upped our speed from 400 to 500 Mbps. Nothing about an increase in price, but they always sneak those in as often as possible.Keep in mind, this is just the broadband service, TV increases probably coming soon-
Are you ready to pay more again? Spectrum has implemented a $10 monthly price increase on many of its internet service plans, with the higher rates now appearing on customer bills.
Another Big Price Hike is Coming to Spectrum Customers | Cord Cutters News
Are you ready to pay more again? Spectrum has implemented a $10 monthly price increase on many of its internet service plans, with the higher rates now appearing on customer bills. The adjustment affects a range of broadband tiers across the company’s extensive footprint, which spans dozens of...
S
I pay for AT&T internet air and get those speeds and only pay em 19.99 a month
What kind of discounts are you getting ... and how fast.I pay for AT&T internet air and get those speeds and only pay em 19.99 a month
Pub Member / Supporter
Got a free trial of Fubo with a new TV I bought. Renews at $107.60/month? WTF?
Needless to say I won't be keeping it.
Appears to me there's not much difference between streaming packages and "Traditional Paid Live TV" now.
Needless to say I won't be keeping it.
Appears to me there's not much difference between streaming packages and "Traditional Paid Live TV" now.
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664 views
S
.They gave us the 250 with locals and the 3 rooms for $ 100.00 a month for two years no contract!!! they even paid the ETF as well!!! As much as i would love to leave you can't beat the pricing.
After there screw up
.They gave us the 250 with locals and the 3 rooms for $ 100.00 a month for two years no contract!!! they even paid the ETF as well!!! As much as i would love to leave you can't beat the pricing.
After there screw up
I'd have taken that for one H3 and 250 for two years and no contract!
S
. That stops the convo real fast and the rep has no idea what to say LOL.
Now they keep asking me if i want to leave while there shoving starlink down my throat. I laugh my ass off when they tell me the pricing and tell the reps that i don't support elon
. That stops the convo real fast and the rep has no idea what to say LOL.
My brother loves Starlink. He only had access to crappy DSL before that.Now they keep asking me if i want to leave while there shoving starlink down my throat. I laugh my ass off when they tell me the pricing and tell the reps that i don't support elon
Supporting Founder
Lifetime Supporter
This thread is a place to discuss the 4K events that appear on channel 540. We are getting, at this point, one college football game a week. Let's hope there is more coming.
1917 Replies
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298392 views
Lon.TV
Time for another AWESOME video from Lon Seidman of LON.TV!
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8yoCG4UsyoE
Direct YouTube Link - Roku Buried Your Apps. Here's How to Get Them Back
The Official LON.TV Website
Lon on Facebook
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8yoCG4UsyoE
Direct YouTube Link - Roku Buried Your Apps. Here's How to Get Them Back
The Official LON.TV Website
Lon on Facebook
0 Replies
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2 views
Pub Member / Supporter
Razor Crest arrived today.
Quad motor, Large pack, Forest Green exterior, Black Mountain Dark Ash interior.
Quad motor, Large pack, Forest Green exterior, Black Mountain Dark Ash interior.
21 Replies
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422 views
I'm sure they'll enjoy the suggestions for Glenn Miller, Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, Doris Day, Michael Buble, Jerry Reed, Asleep at the Wheel, Queen, Garbage, Def Leppard and such that I'm sure will appear from my eclectic tastes in music.
For me its trying not to die because its so damn cold here in nc
97 Replies
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3449 views
Supporting Founder
I am on the fence right now. I am wondering if I should or should not. I am tempted, plus the fact that I feel I missed out some not getting the iPhone and waiting until the iPhone 3G to get one.
So, who is going to order one? Right now I am leaning about 80% towards risking it...
So, who is going to order one? Right now I am leaning about 80% towards risking it...
Will you buy the first version of the Apple Watch?
72 votes total
1102 Replies
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101817 views
Does it call anyone when you collapse from the heat?
If you have fall protection enabled on it and no longer are moving it will.Does it call anyone when you collapse from the heat?
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HERE TO HELP YOU!
152 Replies
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3227 views
Y
Rain held off today, and we got some great oval racing. Veekay... continued the pace in Race 1 - Take Two. Pit stops kept sending him back a little and he'd work his way back up. In the end, Dixon, of all people, was slowing down McLaughlin, and Veekay boldly made a move and took 3rd place. It is funny how arbitrary distinctions matter so much. Fourth is very good, but third is on the podium and incredible. Race 1, Veekay started in 24th, finished in 3rd. JHR has some soul searching to do. They have up'd the game with the car, and now that they are fighting for podiums, they need to level up the pit crew performance. That was the reason Veekay did less well and finished 7th in Race 2.
O'Ward won both races (7th driver to win two races on same day, first since some Mears character in 1981), after apparently hitting the reset button on the car setup. Malukas was better positioned to win Race 1, but a power issue on the restart dogged him and that was that. DC turned out to be good, but today was what "awesome" actually looks like, and I'm not saying that because Veekay finished 3rd and 7th. There is a reason Milwaukee is still around, while other ovals have come and gone.
Palou played the 'don't DNF' card as his car "struggled", but it did enough to stay in front of Kirkwood who really failed to perform in Race 1. From the start he sank. Palou is only the second driver to win 4 titles in a row, the other being Bourdais, and to be fair Indycar wasn't quite as competitive in those days. Only Foyt has put up results like Palou has. Andretti is an asterisk because he went to F1, so Andretti's numbers would likely be better had he stayed in USAC. Palou is looking to be a multi-generational talent. It'd be great to see him in F1, but F1 is so political, we aren't even allowed to talk about at this web board except in The Pit.
And the guy is super-chill, very friendly, always smiling. I remember see him after the Mid-Ohio race two years ago, when he goofed up and finished second. Smiles to the fans in Paddock.
O'Ward won both races (7th driver to win two races on same day, first since some Mears character in 1981), after apparently hitting the reset button on the car setup. Malukas was better positioned to win Race 1, but a power issue on the restart dogged him and that was that. DC turned out to be good, but today was what "awesome" actually looks like, and I'm not saying that because Veekay finished 3rd and 7th. There is a reason Milwaukee is still around, while other ovals have come and gone.
Palou played the 'don't DNF' card as his car "struggled", but it did enough to stay in front of Kirkwood who really failed to perform in Race 1. From the start he sank. Palou is only the second driver to win 4 titles in a row, the other being Bourdais, and to be fair Indycar wasn't quite as competitive in those days. Only Foyt has put up results like Palou has. Andretti is an asterisk because he went to F1, so Andretti's numbers would likely be better had he stayed in USAC. Palou is looking to be a multi-generational talent. It'd be great to see him in F1, but F1 is so political, we aren't even allowed to talk about at this web board except in The Pit.
And the guy is super-chill, very friendly, always smiling. I remember see him after the Mid-Ohio race two years ago, when he goofed up and finished second. Smiles to the fans in Paddock.
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Lifetime Supporter
Just finished S2. Watching Gary Oldman as deshvilved, dejected MI-6 agent, Jackson Lamb, is one of the best things streaming right now. Already 2 more seasons in the works. HIGHLY recommended. And yes, Mick Jagger sings the theme.
59 Replies
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6616 views