If you're installing satellite broadcasting in your business, getting the best satellite antenna is key. There are many businesses that use satellite service, be it bars or those using or selling commercial vehicles, and they will need high quality antennas.

You may need to purchase more antennas or replace them with higher grade models, so finding discounts from other retailers may help. You must weigh multiple factors when researching the pricing and costs of satellite antennas. These include:

1. Satellite antennas bought straight from the provider or an independent dealer.

2. Stationary antennas for offices or mobile ones for vehicles.

3. Antennas for satellite television or radio.

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Compare prices on stationary dishes from satellite antenna vendors

You should only need to buy from an independent satellite vendor if you need an extra, since many satellite packages come with the satellite dish antenna included. Satellite antennas can cost as little as $29 for smaller dishes and up to $130 for larger models, and upgrades can cost as much $200. Shipping can range from $16 to $175, and features like extra cable, signal meters and surge amplifiers can add as little as $5 to over $100, depending on the provider you choose.

I recommend: Sadoun Satellite Sales has a wide selection of antennas between both ends of the price spectrum, from low-end models such as the 18-inch dish and mount, no low noise block feed to higher-end models like a 36-inch dish for international channels, and can include multiswitches, extra cable, signal meters and surge amplifiers. Satellite One has antennas and upgrade kits from as little as $40. Check out Satellite Insight for tips on choosing the right antenna for your specific need as well as insight into other factors like service visits and additional room installation that can drive up cost.

Find the best price on mobile satellite antenna systems for vehicles

People who run trucking companies or sell recreational vehicles can install satellite TV in the vehicles they sell or use. These will need portable satellite antenna systems that work for mobile units. Most of these are expensive, ranging anywhere from $80 to $2300 since they are made more durable to withstand travel conditions.

I recommend: Stark Electronic offers a wide variety of remote and mobile dish antennas. King Controls sells antennas for trucks and RVs with upgrades ranging between $895 and $1200, with a savings of around $300 deducted from your cost if you return the original antenna. They also offer extended warranties for as little as $100.

Locate the best prices on satellite radio antennas

Satellite radio has catered to the vehicular crowd from their inception. So those using vehicles for their business definitely want satellite radio antenna units, although shops and other establishments can use them, too. You can expect to pay anywhere from $10 to $130, depending on the brand and supplier.

I recommend: Satellite Radio Experts has XM antennas for as little as $10, with Sirius models starting just a bit higher. Expect discounts of up to $30 off the retail price, plus shipping charges. Gigaweb carries various antennas for both systems XM and Sirius as well. The Satellite Radio Superstore sells antennas for all types of homes and vehicles and shipping charges may vary by destination. The Satellite Radio Buying Guide gives all the help you'll need choosing a satellite radio system and antenna and provides useful information on other costs owners must consider like monthly service fees and fees for additional stations.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Keep up to date on events like the XM/Sirius satellite radio merger. This may affect not only pricing and cost but possible compatibility of both brands' equipment.
• •  Installation and maintenance is typically handled by your service provider if you don't perform them yourself and generally included free from your provider.

As businesses become increasingly global, communication in remote areas of the world becomes more challenging. Businesses now utilize creative technology solutions like satellite antennas to meet global communication challenges.

Satellite antennas use geostationary satellites orbiting the earth to transmit audio, video and data signals. Because they are not dependent upon cell towers or other land devices, satellite antennas offer an effective and reliable communication option in areas where telecommunications infrastructure is not available.

Before purchasing a satellite antenna, do some research about satellite antenna products including:

1. What type of satellite antenna will meet your business communication needs?

2. What type of service is provided by your satellite antenna supplier?

3. How much do satellite antennas cost?

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Determine what kind of satellite antenna will facilitate your business communication needs

There are a variety of satellite antenna options available to improve business communication, like satellite dish antennas, satellite radio antennas, industrial satellite antennas or mobile satellite antennas. To determine which type of satellite antenna meets your communication needs, evaluate your preferred manner of communication, the geographic area needing satellite coverage and the desired frequency range.

I recommend: Search for satellite antenna products by antenna type or frequency range at Antenna Systems & Solutions, Inc. Andersen Manufacturing offers a comprehensive selection of True Focus satellite dish antennas and detailed antenna satellite product specification sheets. Antedo, Inc. provides large-scale commercial satellite antennas and accessories.

Evaluate the service options offered by your satellite antenna provider

Satellite antenna services vary by supplier. If your satellite radio antenna purchase is not a turnkey product, ask about installation services. Be sure to research maintenance and upgrade services provided by each vendor.

I recommend: Antenna Systems & Solutions, Inc. offers full-service engineering, consulting and installation services for a reasonable fee with your satellite antenna purchase. HyperLink Technologies provides an online technical support center. Applied Telecommunications, Inc. provides upgrade and modification services for satellite antenna systems.

Compare prices among several satellite antenna manufacturers

Just as satellite antennae vary depending upon your business communication needs, prices fluctuate as well. Be a smart shopper and compare prices among several satellite antenna vendors. Be sure your satellite dish antenna comes with a warranty, and ask about installation costs.

I recommend: Schlumberger Limited provides an online inquiry form for purchasing satellite antennae. HyerLink Technologies offers a wide selection of satellite antennas at competitive prices and a section specifically for sale items. Applied Telecommunications, Inc. offers upgrade services for satellite antenna systems as a low-cost alternative to purchasing a new satellite antenna system.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When considering the location for a satellite dish antenna or satellite radio antenna, make sure the satellite antenna has an unobstructed path to the southern skies. This will provide a clear signal and alleviate the need for future service calls due to spotty service.

Satellite antennae are used for many residential and commercial applications. For most residential projects, antennas are commonly found on satellite dishes. For commercial applications, you may also work with satellite dishes. However, you may also need training to install more sophisticated equipment, such at military satellite antennas and industrial satellite antennas. These are used for advanced communication systems.

Satellite antennas education and training can come from a variety of resources. As a professional installer, you should check with the manufacturer to see what kinds of training materials they provide. Traditional classes and online classes are available, in addition to training provided by:

1. Videos that teach the basics of installing different types of antennas.

2. Training sessions provided by a satellite antenna manufacturer.

3. Tools and simulators that teach installation techniques.

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Consider DVDs that explain the installation process for satellite dish antennas

Videos are a practical way to learn the basics of installing satellite antennas, especially those made for residential properties. These videos cover the installation process, plus the basics of the technology. You'll find out how the antenna works, how the installation process factors in, and learn how to troubleshoot for weather related issues.

I recommend: Prominent Video provides training to help you understand how satellite communications work, and offers a library of videos for installation professionals. The Training Dept. provides a 60 minute video that covers digital TV antennas and installation.

Take satellite radio antenna training courses offered by the manufacturer

Most manufacturers and distributors provide their employees with specific training for their products. Installation training sessions can last from a few hours to a weekend course, and will teach employees the necessary skills to install satellite antennas for residential or commercial properties.

I recommend: ViaSat provides support and training sessions for its range of satellite antenna products. Winegard manufactures of a variety of mobile satellite antennas and offers installation training sessions for its employees.

Train to install satellite antenna systems with simulation tools

When working with electronics, it is a good idea to have some basic knowledge before you work with the actual products. With satellite antennas, you can easily find hands-on simulation tools that allow your to work with a scaled down version of satellite antennas. These tools can help train you for the installation process, from cable connections to positioning the antennas.

I recommend: Amtec Electronics offers a antenna training system allows installers to practice setup and installation. Testing Equipment Depot provides a different model of antenna training tools that focuses more on the installation of the cables needed for the satellite to connect to various devices.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  While there are general classes for satellite installation, most satellite antenna manufacturers also provide more specific training for the products they sell.

Your satellite antenna is a critical component to your satellite system. The antenna is the device that receives the satellite signal so your satellite dish can transmit the signal to your audio and/or video source. Multiple satellite signals travel through the airwaves at any given time, and your satellite antenna can tune in the right frequency to obtain the signal you need. Consider these satellite antennas key terms to help you learn the lingo of the industry.

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Frequency range

An antenna works by receiving the frequency of the audio and video signal and transmitting that signal to the receiver, which then sends that signal to the television. The satellite antenna you need varies, depending on the frequency range you need to pick up. There are numerous frequency ranges because of the wide variety of signals sent through the airwaves.

I recommend: Read about frequency range options for a satellite dish antenna on the Antenna Systems & Solutions website.

Hydroformed aluminum antennas

Hydroformed aluminum antennas, a common type of satellite antenna, cause absolutely no distortion to the audio and video signals because of its design. It performs best on C-band and KU-band.

I recommend: Andersen Manufacturing provides details about hydroformed aluminum antennas on its website.

Radome covers

Radome covers are designed to protect satellite dish antennas. It's especially helpful in protecting mobile satellite dish antennas, like the WiFi dish antenna, because they are more likely to sustain damage while on the move.

I recommend: The L-com website details information and product specifications about Radome covers.

VSAT, Very Small Aperture Terminal

VSAT, an abbreviation for Very Small Aperture Terminal, relays narrowband data from terminal to terminal. This technology is used mostly to transmit communications, videos, satellite Internet, VoIP, broadband data, polling, credit cards, RFID (radio frequency identification) data and SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition). A dish antenna is necessary for a VSAT to receive the data necessary.

I recommend: Tech-FAQ provides detailed information about VSAT technology on its website.

Antenna controllers

The position of the antenna is critical to receive the best signal in that frequency range. Antenna controllers allow you to remotely move the antenna placement until you receive the optimal signal.

I recommend: Read about the benefits of antenna controllers on the ViaSat website.

Satellite radio antennas

To receive satellite radio signals, you need a satellite radio antenna. There are two different types of satellite radio antennas you can use in your home or business: indoor and outdoor.

I recommend: Read about "Satellite Radio Antennas for the Home" on the Crutchfield New Media website.