Alternatives to the dish

[cheebs]

I've been reading that Japanese and Korean DBS providers have begun rolling out very small, flat panel, phased array receiving antennae for fixed and mobile applications.

It would seem that this type of active antenna would have several advantages, not the smallest of which would be the ability to receive signal from several satellites without cumbersome, large dishes or difficult aiming and calibration.

Does anyone know if the North American sat providers have any plans for such equipment? I've seen products from independent manufacturers but nothing officially sanctioned.

 

[boba]

Cost is the biggest reason you are not seeing them. In the quantities DISH/Directv buys basic dishes they are probably paying less the $10 with electronics.

 

[Stargazer]

Another reason is the fact that the phased arrays only look at one orbital slot at a time where as the dishes look at multiple slots at one time. The phased array would be a great use for RV'ers.