This is from Mike Kohl on Oct 25, 2005
Star Choice's receivers could be called close cousins to the big- dish 4DTV digital receivers. But you cannot use the American hardware for subscription programming on Star Choice. Serial numbers and other information are carefully tracked, they will not authorize a receiver that has not been in their inventory.
Star Choice sells 24 and 30-inch Elliptical offset dishes for 2- satellite reception within Canada. A secondary satellite (Anik F2) carries French language, foreign language, and High Definition TV signals. Thus, most continental U.S. viewers will probably settle for the offerings of the main Anik F1R satellite, which has most English language services, plus a token four French language channels. Those wanting access to both satellites should take the standard "remote areas" 30-inch elliptical dish, called model 75-E. Potential viewers in remote areas outside of the U.S. and Canadian mainland (as well as Mexico) might consider single antennas of sufficient diameter for each satellite. Preliminary reports show Anik F2 to have weaker coverage in Hawaii and Alaska, and slightly stronger signals than Anik F1R in Mexico southward. Those desiring separate antennas might consider a supply of 84-E elliptical antennas (28 x 39 inches) that we have, for improved signal and rain fade margin. Resulting signal is about 0.7 dB greater than that found with a directly pointed 75-E antenna. But a very cost effective way to obtain signal in marginal areas without the often prohibitive extra costs charged by UPS and others for 36 inch offset antennas that just happen to be a whisker over the 130-inch length and girth formula that triggers a rating as a 90-pound box. For Hawaii, we recommend at least a 1.2 meters on both satellites with separate antennas for each.. Areas experiencing frequent rainfall will need even larger sized dishes. Alaskan, Mexican and Central American residents should contact Global Communications for specific recommendations, as signals drop off rapidly over a very small geographic area. Due to a change in signal coverage area on the new Anik F1R satellite, turned on in October 2005, areas south of central Mexico (Guadalajara) may require absolutely huge antennas, if they work at all, for Anik F1R, while 75 cm models work into Guatemala and parts of Honduras on Anik F2. Same with the Caribbean, which is pretty much out of the usable coverage area of both, with signal strength dropping off rapidly southeast of a line drawn from central Cuba to Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula.