Editing Low-noise block downconverter (section)

== Monoblock LNBs ==
[[Image:monoblock lnb.jpg|thumb|right|120px|A twin-output monoblock LNBF for [[Astra 19.2°E]] and Hot Bird with a collar size adapter fitted]]
{{main|Monoblock LNB}}
A monoblock (or monobloc) LNB is a single unit comprising two, three or four LNBs and a [[DiSEqC]] switch, designed to receive signals from two, three or four satellites spaced close together and to feed the selected signal to the receiver. The feedhorns of the two LNBs are at a fixed distance apart for reception of satellites of a particular orbital separation (often 6°, but also 4°). Although the same functionality can be achieved with separate LNBs and a switch, a monoblock LNB, constructed in one unit, is more convenient to install and enables the two feedhorns to be closer together than individually cased LNBs (typically 60mm diameter). The distance between the feedhorns depends on the orbital separation of the satellites to be received, the diameter and focal length of the dish used, and the position of the reception site relative to the satellites. So monoblock LNBs are usually a compromise solution designed to operate with standard dishes in a particular region.<ref>Bains, Geoff. "Multi-feed dishes" ''What Satellite & Digital TV'' (August 2007) pp44-47</ref> For example, in parts of Europe, monoblocks designed to receive the [[Hot Bird]] and [[Astra 19.2°E]] satellites are popular because they enable reception of both satellites on a single dish without requiring an expensive, slow and noisy motorised dish. A similar advantage is provided by the [[duo LNB]] for simultaneous reception of signals from both the [[Astra 23.5°E]] and [[Astra 19.2°E]] positions.

There are also available triple monoblock LNB units, which enable users to receive three satellites:

for example [[Hot Bird|Hotbird 13°E]], [[Eutelsat|Eutelsat 16°E]] and [[Astra 19.2°E]]
or the same can be used for positions: [[Eutelsat|Eutelsat 7°E]], [[Eutelsat|Eutelsat 10°E]] and [[Hot Bird|Hotbird 13°E]]. This monoblock can be used for other positions with the same spacing (3°+3°=6°spacing).

Other very popular example for different spacing is: [[Astra 19.2°E|Astra 1: 19.2°E]], [[Astra 23.5°E|Astra 3: 23.5°E]] and [[Astra 28.2°E|Astra 2: 28.2°E]] (4.3°+4.7°=9°spacing).

And there are also available four feed monoblock LNB units, which enable users to receive signals from four satellites, for example [[Eurobird|Eurobird 9°E]], [[Hotbird|Hotbird 13°E]], [[Astra 19.2°E]] and [[Astra 23.5°E]] (4°+6.2°+4.3°=14.5°spacing).

Most receivers sold nowadays are compatible with at least [[DiSeqC|DiSeqC 1.0]] which allows to switch automatically between 4 satellites (all of contemporary [[Monoblock LNB]]s), as user changes channel on remote control.