The satellite television antenna device scans the sky and locks onto a first satellite candidate by measuring microwave radiation. The antenna acquires identification (ID) of a first satellite candidate from a set top box (STB), if possible. Then, the antenna moves to a second satellite candidate and acquires the corresponding ID from the STB, if possible. Antenna dish orientation information is stored in memory for at least all satellites that were identified as corresponding to a user's television programming package. The antenna can switch directly between two or more stored dish positions in response to the user changing channels on the STB. The antenna can be powered solely by the STB. A two-way communication conduit can be established between the STB and the antenna via a single cable. The communications conduit can also be used to transmit power to the antenna.