Any difference between the AT9 and SlimLine dishes?

[DubMarc]

When I scheduled the install and was confirming the equipment, they said that they are out of the SlimLines in my area, and that my dish would be an AT9. I assume that 5 LNB is 5 LNB, but is there any reason to prefer the SlimLine? Thanks.

[litzdog911]

The Slimline looks, well, a bit slimmer. But they're both 5-LNB dishes and perform the same. You can see photos here ....
http://www.solidsignal.com/satellite/directv_dish_antenna_types.asp

[DubMarc]

LOL, yeah that's about what I thought. I don't mind the cosmetic differences, as it won't be mounted in a very visible spot. Thanks.

[carl6]

The AT9 is a little harder to properly align because you are dealing with two separate LNB housings that must be attached to each other. If the tech/installer knows what he's doing, it's no problem at all. If not, well....

So what you want to do is when they are all done make absolutely certain your MPEG4 feeds (HD locals) are working properly. If they are, you should be just fine.

Carl

[DubMarc]

Thanks...I'll pay particular attention to the locals when I verify everything at the end.

[liverpool]

not much difference

[FastEddie]

About 5lbs





The AT9 is heaver than the Slimline and as Carl mentioned it is more critical on the alignment. Also watch out for the thin port connectors that attach to the main LNB, they are very temperamental and can be damaged easily.

From an installers standpoint I like the Slimline as they are lighter and easier to maneuver onto the mounting arm vs the heaver AT9.

[xandor]

I was looking for something like this, I was planning on upgrading to HD when spring/summer hits...I currently have an oval 3LNB dish, running 2 R10s, a Hughes SD-HBH, and a D11.

I wanted to see what the dish looked like as well, but like the OP, it won't be in an area that is very visible. I think I may just insist on the slimline anyway.

[aubierulz]

I have had both and I'm much happier with the Slimline (so far). The arm that supported the MPEG4 LNB broke on my AT9. I literally used duct tape to keep it on once it broke. It is not well designed IMO. Another person mentioned the small wires sticking out of it. I did not like that either. The Slimline is the entire deal and I highly recommend for the long run to get a Slimline. It just seems more durable and less resistant to having to pay for a service call in 1 year to get it fixed.