Hello,

Assuming there is a choice, would cable or satellite be the better choice? Does weather (rain) effect one more then the other? Thank you!

Does weather (rain) effect one more then the other? Thank you!

(In simple terms).

Heavy rain attenuates the signal from the satellite, and that attenuation is higher at high frequencies. This is why 'wipe-outs' usually occur when using the small UBC satellite dishes, because they are operating around 11GHz frequency, as opposed to the large, mesh satellite dishes which operate at a lower frequency around 4GHz.

The larger the satellite dish, the higher the gain (received signal strength). So if the satellite installer tries to save money by installing a dish whose diameter is less than the recommended size to allow a margin when heavy rain occurs, then you could still lose the satellite signal on a 4GHz dish.

As to whether cable or satellite is better to avoid wipe-outs, bear in mind that the cable provider will usually be receiving the TV channel from a satellite dish. Again, if that dish size is too small, or if the TV channel coverage 'footprint' is not intended for reception in your region, then loss of signal can still occur during heavy rain.

Note that iguanas are unlikely to resolve this problem

Simon

Edited January 17, 201412 yr by simon43

I new this forum would be beneficial. Thank you Simon for the great information. As for the iguana he knew less about the topic then I did.