Your LNB (Low-Noise Block downconverter) is the small device on your satellite dish that receives the signal. It’s the small device that sticks out from the centre of the dish. The type of LNB you have affects how many programmes your Freesat box can record at the same time.
Wideband LNB
If you’ve switched from Sky Q, your dish likely has a Wideband LNB. This lets you:
- Record three channels while watching another live.
- Or record four channels while watching a recording or something On Demand.
Standard LNB (Single, Quad or Octo)
If your dish has a Standard LNB and is connected to your box with two cables, you can:
- Record one channel while watching another.
- Or record two channels while watching a recording.
If your box is connected with only one cable, you can:
- Record and watch the same one channel at a time.
- Or record one channel while watching a recording.
Hybrid LNB
Hybrid LNBs work with both older Freesat boxes and the newer 4K TV Box. You can:
- Record up to four programmes at once, if your box is connected to the Wideband outputs of the Hybrid LNB.
- If your Hybrid LNB doesn’t have dedicated Wideband outputs, any output will work, but you may only be able to record up to two programmes at once.
MDU / MDU 2 (Communal Dish)
If you live in a block of flats with a communal satellite dish, your box will usually detect the best setup automatically.
If you run into issues, speak to your managing agent or whoever looks after the communal system.
How do I know what LNB type I have?
You can check your LNB type in your Freesat box settings:
- Go to Settings.
- Open the System Information menu.
- Select Signal Strength.
- Look next to Type to see your LNB:
- Wideband LNB
- Standard LNB (1 cable)
- Standard LNB (2 cables)
- MDU / MDU 2
Want to record up to four programmes at once?
You’ll need a Wideband LNB and a Freesat 4K TV Box.