How to add international channels? Special equipment needed?

[illusionescape]

I was thinking about adding the Portuguese channel SPT (a la carte) so that I can watch Portuguese SuperLiga soccer matches. When I tried to add the channel on my online account the other night, it stated that my equipment does not support the channel and to call the 1-888 number. Is there really special receivers for international channels? Or is it just a matter of them turning on a switch to allow international channel access? Thanks.

 

[Smith P.]

No, a receiver is the same, but your dish must be 500+ or 1000+ [if HD channels] type.

 

[Jim5506]

Probable cause is most internationals are on the 118.75 satellite and requires either a Dish 500+ or a Dish 1000+ with a special dual lnb

 

[DishSubLA]

In order to receive internationals you will need the dishes stated above. All internationals are at the 118 orbital location. But the really special piece of equipment you need is Dish's dual band LNBF that receives both 119 and 118 in a single LNBF: one LNBF for both 119 and 118 satellites. Also, the dish must be larger than the Dish 500 because 118 is an FSS Ku band satellite that operates at lower power than DBS satellites, and the larger dish is needed to receive sufficient signal strength form the lower powered 118 satellite.

Now, one can DYI this using some non-dish equipment and multiple dishes, but you really have to know what you are doing. It seems to me the best course for you is to let Dish do this for you, but it may require a cost to upgrade but almost certainly a commitment with possible no cost.

Or You can purchase all the Dish parts you need form on-line stores or as a kit, everything you need and guaranteed to work and is compatible and install the Dish 500+ ( or 1000+ if you receive HD channels) along with the appropriate LNBF's yourself. The Dish 500+ (and 1000+) dish itself is manufactured at the larger size that you will need to receive the lower power FSS Ku at 118 that has the internationals.

Good Luck.