DirectTV ... I signed up... NOW WHAT?

TomM · August 16, 2015, 03:55:32 PM

Gal at Mennards sold me on the idea of 'saving money' by going to DirectTV. I'll be keeping Charter internet.
They install on Tuesday...
I have a couple questions and thought maybe some of you might have experience.

Regarding the installation; Where? Should I put it on the roof? (just put a new roof on last August.) Will that damage the roof? These guys must know what they are doing, right? Or what about a pole next to the house? (southwest corner evidently). It is an extra $60.00 to put up a pole.

Any other caveats I should be aware of regarding the installation etc?
Thanks,
Tom

bigoil · August 16, 2015, 06:07:06 PM

Pole for sure.

Snow may stick to it and if it happens when you are watching the big tens, you are going to want to clear that snow, climbing on the roof in the winter, less than ideal. Throwing boots on and wiping it clean in 20 seconds.

Check out where you have the cable coming into the house, or where it aggregates just to know where your cables are running. Most these installers are really good.

TomM · August 17, 2015, 10:06:26 AM

Thanks. I have some trees 'in the way' perhaps and wondering if DirecTV needs to point southwest or southeast?
Glad you mentioned the snow issue... hmmmm... Was thinking roof would be my best spot. Now... not so much.
They come tomorrow to install.

bigoil · August 17, 2015, 10:45:47 AM

Quote from: TomM on August 17, 2015, 10:06:26 AM
Thanks. I have some trees 'in the way' perhaps and wondering if DirecTV needs to point southwest or southeast?
Glad you mentioned the snow issue... hmmmm... Was thinking roof would be my best spot. Now... not so much.
They come tomorrow to install.

If I recall, the guy told me towards Dallas, but I suspect that is different where you are. The signal goes up pretty fast so they can move the dish relative to the tree I'm sure.

badgerjohn · August 17, 2015, 12:43:23 PM

Quote from: TomM on August 17, 2015, 10:06:26 AM
Thanks. I have some trees 'in the way' perhaps and wondering if DirecTV needs to point southwest or southeast?
Glad you mentioned the snow issue... hmmmm... Was thinking roof would be my best spot. Now... not so much.
They come tomorrow to install.

tell them to bring a chainsaw,,,,,,, they prolly do ,,,,,, standard operating procedure

fangmbj · August 17, 2015, 01:38:33 PM

tell them to bring a chainsaw,,,,,,, they prolly do ,,,,,, standard operating procedure

They won't bring a chainsaw and they are instructed not to tell you which trees are in the way. They don't want to take responsibility for cutting down the wrong trees. I believe it's south west.

bigG · August 17, 2015, 04:09:23 PM

Mine's southeast. Splains the bad reception.

Dale Einerson · August 17, 2015, 04:19:26 PM

...and, pray for sunshine...

bigG · August 17, 2015, 04:51:49 PM

I live in a valley and lose reception all the time (rain or snow.) Wish Verizon would have told me I might not be able to make calls from home. $:-\$

ElectricGuy · August 18, 2015, 08:08:46 AM

big fan of direct tv - for rural customers - nothing better , But if you had Charter - yea you may save a couple dollars, but it's not as reliable as some mentioned.

I've installed a few dishes in the day for direct tv and wild blue internet (on the side) - If you have any tree issues that maybe close now - pick a different spot because it will be a common fight, when they leaf up, when the wind blows / moves a branch, etc.... I would guess that 95% of the dishes are installed on roofs / eves. But yes you will have to clear some snow from time to time. Putting on a pole away from house isn't always a great idea - you want to make sure then they use some type of conduit at the exit off the pole and entrance into the home - or else - then your fighting with weed whippers and lawn mower damages.

Couple of items I found interesting

* you have a "gal at Menards" who is your electronics expert - I didn't even know they sold Direct TV
* you get Direct TV the weekend the fight between them and CBS affiliates come to a head and CBS blocks the it's channels on there - aka - not broadcasting the PGA championship http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2015/aug/14/KFMB-direcTV-uverse-blackout-san-deigo-chargers/

maggie · August 19, 2015, 07:59:51 AM

NO SUNSHINE, NO RECEPTION! that simple....

ramjet · August 19, 2015, 09:30:23 AM

It's not as sensitive as these guys are making it the ONLY time I loose the signal is super heavy down pours or snow acumulation of many inches. I have allot of trees we found a spot without easily. I have lost other channels in bad weather but still had the local channels. They use a meter to set the direction for the strongest signal reception if done correctly you will have few problems.

bigoil · August 19, 2015, 12:29:32 PM

update Tom?

Dale Einerson · August 19, 2015, 01:23:58 PM

Quote from: Goat Roper on August 19, 2015, 12:37:05 PM
Quote from: bigoil on August 19, 2015, 12:29:32 PM
update Tom?

He is getting ready for Canada. Update will have to wait

Ah ha! Open lines on political discussions pretty soon...and with the dish, if that is Tom's internet connection, we are green lighted on snowy and rainy days.

hammer · August 30, 2015, 09:01:54 PM

I was told that point it towards Arizona because DTV has a satelite over that state. So that would be southwest.

I had DTV for years and I really like it. The most HD channels on the market, and if you have the new stuff you make a call and under their contract they will come out and adjust that dish at no cost.

I have mine on the deck so with snow I just have to brush it off and during big rains I still get the local channels but not the other ones to well. ESPN comes in good under heavy rain so does USA and the history channel but some of the others not so well. Over all pretty good for me and minor problems to say the least.