Each satellite is put into the sky at specific coordinates, similar to a longitude and latitude for navigating on land. These coordinates, the azimuth, the altitude and the skew, tell your dish exactly where to look. The azimuth is the East/West location while the altitude or elevation tells you how far North of the horizon (ground level) you need to go. The skew is a calculation to compensate for the natural curvature of the Earth itself. With these three coordinates, you can accurately point your DIRECTV Satellite Dish to receive transmission from the right satellite.

There are some systems that can receive signals from more than one satellite, having multiple horns to pick up multiple signals. To prevent any mix-up, each signal must be accurately reflected to separate feed horns so that there is no interruption. 

When your DIRECTV Satellite Dish catches the signal, it sends it through the feed horn where it is transmitted to your DIRECTV Receiver. To make sure you receive a strong satellite transmission, your DIRECTV Dish should be mounted in an open area without obstructions such as trees and buildings.