minidish
{{Short description|Small-sized satellite dish used by Sky and Freesat}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2025}}
{{more citations needed|article|date=July 2011}}
The Minidish is the tradename used for the small-sized satellite dish used by Freesat and Sky. The term has entered the vocabulary in the UK and Ireland as a generic term for a satellite dish, particularly small ones.{{Citation needed|date=July 2011}}
The Minidish is an oval, mesh satellite dish capable of reflecting signals broadcast in the upper X band and {{Ku band}}. Two sizes exist:
- "Zone 1" dishes are issued in southern and Northern England and parts of Scotland and were 43 cm vertically prior to 2009; newer mark 4 dishes are approximately 50 cm
- "Zone 2" dishes are issued in elsewhere (Wales, Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, Scotland and northern England), which are 57 cm vertically.
The Minidish uses a non-standard connector for the LNB, consisting of a peg about {{convert|4|cm|in|abbr=on}} in width and {{convert|7.5|mm|in|abbr=on}} in height prior to the mark 4 dishes introduced in 2009, as opposed to the 40 mm collar.{{Clarify|to what does the 40mm collar refer; other, "standard", dishes, post mark 4 dishes, or both?|date=July 2011}} This enforces the use of Sky-approved equipment, but also ensures that a suitable LNB is used. Due to the shape of the dish, an LNB with an oval feedhorn is required to get full signal.{{Cite web|url=https://www.satcure.co.uk/tech/lnb.htm#SX1019|title = LNB mysteries explained – part 1}}