HD reception from dome antenna

[Gidean]

I am new to the forums and a new rv owner. Having purchased a new 2011 Leisure Travel Unity I asked the dealer about installing a dome capable of receiving an HD signal from Dish Network. The dealer told me that although the manufactures claim to be HD capable, the KVH model they sell doesn't get HD and he doesn't think any of them do. This doesn't sound right to me and wanted to check to see what you all have experienced. Thanks!

[Bill Adams]

He's confused. (Surprise, surprise!) All of the recent domes on the market are capable of receiving the Dish Network SD and HD programming. Where he is likely confused is that no dome on the market can receive the DirecTV HD programming.

[offthewall]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gidean I am new to the forums and a new rv owner. Having purchased a new 2011 Leisure Travel Unity I asked the dealer about installing a dome capable of receiving an HD signal from Dish Network. The dealer told me that although the manufactures claim to be HD capable, the KVH model they sell doesn't get HD and he doesn't think any of them do. This doesn't sound right to me and wanted to check to see what you all have experienced. Thanks!

The dealer doesn't know what he's talking about. I dont know of a current dome that doesn't receive DISH HD. I've got the wingard mini max and it picks up DISH HD on the 129 and 61.5 sats.

[docj]

The problem with dome systems for receiving HD is that the antenna has to be toggled between several satellites when you change channels. This makes using a DVR virtually impossible if you want to be able to record one program while watching another.

Furthermore, the dish sizes of dome systems are substantially smaller than the dish size of an antenna like the Winegard Trav'ler which is basically a full-size residential unit. So dome systems intrinsically have lower signal strength and are more easily blocked by trees, etc. Lastly, the dome itself acts to reflect a small percentage of the signal; this reflection gets worse if there is any moisture on the dome surface.

As a result, it is not surprising that a dealer would say that dome systems can't get HD. Having had an SD dome previously, its performance was horrible compared with the HD Winegard we have today. I think dealers encourage customers make choices that are most likely to lead to satisfaction; that would argue against dome systems unless in-motion capability is a must.

[Wayne M]

My little dome Winegard Carry-out automatic antenna does receive all of the Dish network satellites, one-at-a-time and get's all the HD Programming I am subscribed to. Read again what Bill stated. Direct TV will not receive HD programming with any Dome antenna. Signal strength has never been a problem. It has been saturated with rain and still receives a signal. If the atmosphere interferes, that is a different story.

Go for it. Just be aware of the options.

Also, there are no dome antennas that are capable at the present time of receiving more than one satellite at a time. Do not confuse "dual LNB Output" with "Dual LNB" (the later meaning two LNB feeds, not one LNB with two outputs.)

[Gidean]

I knew it didn't sound right given the little bit of research I've done on the domes thus far. Given the limitations inherent in dome systems I wonder if I'm better off without the in motion tracking? Sounds like the weingard dome may be the way to go. Thanks all for your quick and informative responses, this is new territory for me!

[offthewall]

Quote:

Originally Posted by docj The problem with dome systems for receiving HD is that the antenna has to be toggled between several satellites when you change channels. This makes using a DVR virtually impossible if you want to be able to record one program while watching another. Furthermore, the dish sizes of dome systems are substantially smaller than the dish size of an antenna like the Winegard Trav'ler which is basically a full-size residential unit. So dome systems intrinsically have lower signal strength and are more easily blocked by trees, etc. Lastly, the dome itself acts to reflect a small percentage of the signal; this reflection gets worse if there is any moisture on the dome surface. As a result, it is not surprising that a dealer would say that dome systems can't get HD. Having had an SD dome previously, its performance was horrible compared with the HD Winegard we have today. I think dealers encourage customers make choices that are most likely to lead to satisfaction; that would argue against dome systems unless in-motion capability is a must.

While all you say is true about domes, an HD sat signal requires no more received strength than an SD one. In other words, a dome is just as capable (or incapable) of receiving a DISH Network HD signal as it is an SD signal.

If you require the ability to watch two tvs with different channels or use a DVR to record one channel while you watch another, a dome may not work for all combinations. If you live and travel in the northeast, set up your DISH dome to use the 61.5 sat for HD. I get ALL my HD channels (locals included) off that one sat. In that particular case, the multiple tv and DVR setup WILL work with the dome.

I personally have never had signal strength be an issue. It's usually a tree completly blocking the path to the sat.

The in-motion is great if you need to keep kids entertained on the road. And I feel the dome offers some degree of protection for the dish while traveling and is one less thing to remember to fold down when hitting the road.

[Bill Adams]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gidean I knew it didn't sound right given the little bit of research I've done on the domes thus far. Given the limitations inherent in dome systems I wonder if I'm better off without the in motion tracking? Sounds like the weingard dome may be the way to go. Thanks all for your quick and informative responses, this is new territory for me!

If you don't need/want in-motion then you will be miles ahead with a Winegard Trav'ler instead of a dome. However, if you do choose a dome then it really makes no difference (except for the much higher price tag) whether you buy the stationary or in-motion versions.

[Gidean]

I like the Winegard portable unit, the challenge for me is the amount of valuable storage space it will take up. The Unity is painfully short on storage, one of the trade offs for a fuel efficient Class B+ Sprinter conversion.