Satellite dishes receive microwave signals from orbiting communication satellites. A dish used to receive satellite signals is generally a parabolic surface that reflects microwaves to a feed. The small metal probe within this feed is, in reality, the microwave antenna.satellite dish collects and concentrates the very weak signals downlinked from a broadcast satellite while ignoring as much of any unwanted signals and noise as possible. Most dishes in use today are parabolically shaped, although multi-focus dishes are combinations of circular or parabolic shapes. Flat plate antennas are also used for receiving broadcast signals from satellites. Signals are reflected from the dish surface and concentrated to a "focal point" or to a series of focal points.