Access Card:
A plastic card, like a credit card that comes with all satellite receivers. The access card is registered to the receiver (much like your phone number is registered to you) and cannot be used in any other receiver. It gives Dish Network the information necessary to provide the programming to which the owner subscribes, as well as Pay Per View billing.

Audio Alternatives:
Standard audio is provided with the video when the receiver is connected to the TV with a standard coax connection. Certain programs allow you to select a different language.

Audio/Video Jacks:
The new Dish Network receivers also have Audio/Video output jacks on the back for the best picture and sound to your TV, VCR, and sound system. The DP 301 receiver has three an RCA jacks to connect your TV and/or sound system. One for video, one for the right audio channel and one for the left audio channel. It also has an S-Video jack for the best possible video on TV's with an S-Video input. The 510 DVR and 721 DVR have two sets of RCA jacks, S-Video and an optical output for 5.1 Dolby Digital sound.

Alignment:
The azimuth is East/West alignment of the dish. The Elevation is the vertical angle of the dish from the horizon. The dish must have an clear, unobstructed view of the satellites and the coordinates vary depending on your location. If you have any doubt, you can download your own azimuth/elevation calculator in a few minutes.  See where to aim your dish

Bandwidth:
The range of frequencies used for satellite broadcast.

Blackout Areas:
Certain areas of the country where some Network programming is not available due to contractual agreements.

Check Switch:
A term used by DISH Network to be sure you have a good signal from the satellites to the Dish 500 and a second dish that may be needed for HDTV or International channels. Selecting the check switch option will start a series of tests. The tests will tell you if you are receiving all the satellites you need.

Closed Captioning:
Is an option that provides text in the broadcast signal for a narrative description of dialogue, action sounds, and other elements of the program. This is great for the hearing impaired.

Coaxial Cable:
RG-6 Coaxial cable is required to bring the signal from the dish to the receivers. It also handles the low voltage to power the LNB.

DBS - Direct Broadcast Satellite:
The term used for satellites that broadcast directly to your home satellite dish.

DSS:
Digital Satellite System

Digital Compression:
The satellite signal is sent in a compressed digital format to allow more channels and more audio video options.

Dolby Digital Surround Sound:
The DP 510 DVR, 721 DVR and the 6000U HDTV receivers have an optical output for a Digital Dolby AC3 surround sound system. This gives you six independent sound track channels.

Dolby Pro Logic Surround Sound:
The right and left audio outputs on basic receivers, like the DP301, can be connected to your surround sound system to give you 5 separate sound channels. Right and left stereo on the front speakers, rear speakers, plus the center speaker and a sub woofer for bass. The difference between Pro Logic and Dolby Digital is that the rear speakers are stereo with Dolby Digital.

Electronic Program Guide:
The Electronic Program Guide or EPG displays all available programming. You can easily create your own custom guides. With the DP301 you will have to wait a little for the current guide information to download, but with the DP510 DVR or DP721 DVR about 7 days of programming information is stored on the hard disk and updated automatically, so there is no waiting. Check out the Guide Menu system link at the top details.

Footprint:
Where the signal transmitted from a satellite is able to reach with an acceptable signal.

Geostationary:
The satellites are in a geosynchronous orbit, 22,300 miles above the equator. This means the satellites stay in the same place and orbit with the earth.

Hard Reset:
Is like rebooting your computer. It's used to reset your satellite receiver and let it download any new features. Just turn the receiver off, unplug the power cord and wait a minute or two. When plug the power cord back in and turn the unit back on it will download all the new information.

HDTV:
High Definition TV is broadcast on a separate satellite. This requires the 6000 receiver and an 18 inch dish in addition to the Dish 500.  Click here to learn more about the 6000U HDTV receiver.

LNBF:
LNBF stands for Low Noise amplifier, Block Converter, Feed Horn. It's commonly referred to as the LNB and is located out in front of the Dish. The front of the LNB is the feedhorn which catches the high frequency satellite signals reflected from the dish. The high frequency is down converted to a lower frequency and sent to the receiver(s) via RG-6 coax cable.

OTA:
Is the common term for a regular TV antenna that receives local television programming broadcast Over The Air.

Pay Per View or PPV:
A program, like a new non-commercial movie, sporting event or an adult program.

Parental Control:
Allows you to set a password to control access to programming based on channel, rating, or content.

Receiver for Satellite:
The receiver is the box in the house connected to your TV and other equipment, like a sound system. It receives the signal from the LNB on the dish and allows you to view programming. All receivers come with a universal remote control that will control your satellite programming, TV and other components.

R/F Coax Connectors:
Also called R/F connectors. The R/F connectors are attached to the end of coax cable to allow you to connect the cable to the receiver, LNB and other devices. The copper center conductor in the cable should be cut about flush with the R/F connector. The connectors outside should be protected with coax seal, silicone grease to keep the moisture out.

RG59 Coax:
Is a low cost coaxial cable used in many homes prewired for cable. It can be used to connect the output of a receiver to other rooms, but it shouldn't be used to connect the LNB to a receiver.

RG6 Coax:
Is a high grade coax cable that should be used to connect the LNB to the receiver and where ever possible. The center conductor is larger in diameter, which is needed to carry the DC voltage from the receiver to power the LNB.

S-Video (Super Video):
Better quality TV's generally have an S-Video input jack. All the new Dish Network receivers have an S-Video output. This will provide the highest quality picture.

Satellite Dish:
The dish is parabolic reflector and serves as a passive amplifier - the first and most important stage of amplification. The signal from the satellite that hits the dish is reflected to LNB at the focal point, about 12 inches in front of the dish. The Dish 500 is an elliptically shaped parabola that picks up two satellites at the same time.

Switches:
There are several types of switches that can be used to connect a second dish and LNB and/or multiple receivers. Switches look like splitters with multiple inputs and outputs. Typically, the first number on the switch refers to the inputs and the second number refers to the outputs. For example, an SW-21 switch has 2 inputs and four outputs. The SW-64 switch has 6 inputs and 4 outputs. For details on which switch to use, click the Technical Help link at the top of the page.

Spot Beam:
Is a satellite transmissions that is focused on a specific area within the footprint of the satellite. Spot beams are used to control the local Networks so they can only be received within a few hundred miles of your home.

Transponder:
Is the equivalent to a satellite channel. The satellite receives, amplifies, and transmits a signal back to earth on various transponders.

UHF Remote:
Ultra High Frequency remote control that allows you to control the receiver from another room.