SuperDish
Multi-satellite dish deployed by DISH Network in 2003.
The Super Dish, introduced by DISH Network in November 2003, is a rooftop-mounted satellite dish measuring 36 inches by 20 inches. It captures signals from three separate satellites, including the AMC-15 satellite for Ku-band local channels and the EchoStar 9 satellite (also known as Galaxy 23/EchoStar 9 through a joint venture with Intelsat) for local and international programming. These two satellite services, along with older Fixed Service Satellite technology, were added to boost capacity, allowing DISH Network to meet the Federal Communications Commission's "must-carry" rules for local channels and to create space for HDTV channels. The dish receives standard Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS) services in circular polarization at 12.7 GHz from EchoStar's existing 110°W and 119°W orbital slots, while the 105°W and 121°W slots use the same frequency at 11.7 GHz with lower power. As a result, compatible receivers can handle both circularly and linearly polarized signals across two frequency bands, originating from up to four satellites. Local channels in most major cities were initially offered as digital broadcasts via the Super Dish, but HDTV services later moved to the 61.5°W and 129°W satellites. In 2007, most services at the 121°W slot were relocated to the Anik F3 satellite at 118.75°W, and existing subscribers received a "repoint kit" to continue accessing those services in the medium-power FSS band. The Super Dish also supported business services for commercial clients, including many Wachovia Bank branches (now owned by Wells Fargo), which still use the dish to receive "Wells Fargo TV."
- Deployment date
- November 2003
- Reflector size
- 36" x 20"
- Satellites received
- three orbiting satellites
- Frequency bands
- Ku band (11.7 GHz and 12.7 GHz)
- Polarization types
- circular and linear
Lore & Background
The Super Dish has a dish-shaped reflector measuring 36 inches by 20 inches. It receives signals from three orbiting satellites, providing local channels from the Ku band via SES Americom's AMC-15 satellite, and local and international channels from EchoStar 9 (also known as Galaxy 23/EchoStar 9 due to a joint partnership with Intelsat). These two satellite services, along with older Fixed Service Satellite technology, were added to provide additional capacity for completing the FCC's 'must-carry' requirements for local channels and to make room for HDTV channels.
The Super Dish receives standard Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS) services in circular polarization at 12.7 GHz from EchoStar's existing 110°W and 119°W orbital slots. The 105°W and 121°W slots are received in same-frequency electromagnetic waves at 11.7 GHz at a lower power. Consequently, Super Dish-compatible receivers can handle both circularly-polarized and linearly-polarized signals across two distinct frequency bands, originating from as many as four satellites.
Local channels in most major cities were available as digital broadcasts over DISH Network using the Super Dish, but HDTV has since been moved to the 61.5° and 129° satellites. In 2007, most services at the 121° location were moved to the Anik F3 satellite at the 118.75° location, and existing subscribers were retrofitted with a 'repoint kit' to receive the same services via Anik F3 in the medium-power FSS band.
Reader's Guide
The Super Dish's significance lies in its role as a transitional technology that allowed DISH Network to expand capacity for local and HDTV channels while meeting regulatory requirements. By integrating reception from multiple orbital slots and both circular and linear polarizations, it bridged older Fixed Service Satellite technology with modern Direct Broadcast Satellite services. Its legacy is evident in the continued presence of Super Dish installations at commercial sites, such as former Wachovia Bank branches (now owned by Wells Fargo), which still use the dish to receive 'Wells Fargo TV' service. The 2007 migration of services from the 121° location to the Anik F3 satellite at 118.75° demonstrates the adaptability of the platform through retrofitting, ensuring continued utility for subscribers. Although HDTV services later moved to other satellites, the Super Dish represents a key step in the evolution of satellite television distribution, particularly in addressing local channel carriage and high-definition broadcasting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is SuperDish?
SuperDish is a rooftop-mounted satellite antenna introduced by DISH Network in November 2003. It is a 36-by-20-inch reflector designed to pull in signals from three orbiting satellites simultaneously.
What are SuperDish's powers and role?
Its primary job is to capture Ku-band signals at 11.7 GHz and 12.7 GHz, supporting both circular and linear polarization. It handles local channels via AMC-15 and broader local-plus-international programming through the EchoStar 9 (Galaxy 23) satellite, which DISH operates in a joint venture with Intelsat.
When did SuperDish first appear?
DISH Network deployed the SuperDish in November 2003 as a multi-satellite rooftop unit. It was rolled out to supplement older Fixed Service Satellite technology and expand overall network capacity.
What satellites does SuperDish receive from?
The dish is aimed at three separate orbiting satellites in total. Two of the key feeds come from AMC-15 for Ku-band local channels and from EchoStar 9 (also catalogued as Galaxy 23) for a mix of local and international programming.
Why is SuperDish considered important?
By aggregating signals from multiple satellites into a single rooftop unit, it gave DISH Network the extra bandwidth needed to satisfy the FCC's must-carry obligations for local channels. Without that added capacity, the provider could not legally deliver the full slate of local broadcast stations its subscribers expect.
More in Antenna Types, Part 3 1-17
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced