 a Squarial (right), adjacent to a Sky Minidish | |
| Inception | 1990 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | British Satellite Broadcasting |
| Available | Obsolete |
| Notes The Squarial became obsolete when the Marco Polo satellites were shut down (and sold) upon BSB's merger with Sky | |
The Squarial (a portmanteau of the words square and aerial) was a satellite antenna used for reception of the now defunct British Satellite Broadcasting television service (BSB). The Squarial was a flat plate satellite antenna, built to be unobtrusive and unique. BSB were counting on the form factor of the antenna to clearly differentiate themselves from their competitors at the time. At the time of development, satellite installations usually required a 90 cm dish in order to receive a clear signal from the transmitting satellite. The smaller antenna was BSB's unique selling point and was heavily advertised in order to attract customers to their service.