DirecTV is unique in the fact that the service can offer you a wide variety of channels and pay-per-view options at a reasonable rate. Installing DirecTV to your television is complex, but not impossible. The biggest factor to remember is that you need to have a RG-6 coaxial cable running throughout your home (RG-6 is notated on the cable itself). You should ensure your dish is mounted straight and pointing in the right direction and that the satellite dish path is free and clear of foliage and buildings; this done, you will have perfect reception for years to come.
Planning Your Installation
Planning the installation of your DirecTV dish is the most important part of ensuring perfect reception. Walk your property and determine a line of sight. You will want to purchase a compass and ensure you are pointing the dish in a southwest position. Double-check your line of sight by ensuring that there is no foliage or any other obstruction present, and that you have a clear view of the sky.
Installing the Dish
Mount your dish firmly in the ground or along the overhang of your roof. Use a level and make sure your mounting brackets or pole are standing straight. You can also use quick drying cement to make sure the pole stays sturdy in the ground. When you have your mount or pole straight, you are ready to install the dish and the low noise blocker. Your dish has settings provided to you by entering your zip code on the receiver. They will tell you to what degrees to adjust your tilt and pivot settings on your dish. Use a 7/16 inch wrench to tighten the coaxial cable to the low noise blocker and run it through the arm. You can screw the low noise blocker to the arm by running the Phillips head screws in through the top. Your dish is now ready to be attached to the receiver.
Installing the Receiver
Your coaxial cable running to the house should be separated from the coaxial cable running out of the house by a ground block. This is a junction that separates the cable. The ground block also protects against storm damage. Ensure all the coaxial cable is screwed into the ground block. When you run the coaxial cable to the back of the receiver, you will notice the receiver will indicate a signal as it goes through the set-up process. You can tighten the dish as soon as you get confirmation that your signal strength is above 90%. Your set-up is now ready to be completed by the sales representative at DirecTV. They will walk you through your receiver identification numbers, as well as programming choices.
Tags: coaxial cable, cable running, coaxial cable running, ground block, noise blocker, cable running house