dslreports logo
This FAQ text is copyright dslreports.com
Reproduction of all or part only with our permission..
This FAQ is edited by: Irish Shark See Profile, Primus See Profile
It was last modified on 2007-07-16 20:50:10

1. General Information

How many TV's can I connect to one receiver?

You can connect as many as you want, by using splitters, but you will only be able to watch one channel on all the TV's. Think of it as a VCR. You can connect it to as many TV's as you want, but only watch one thing at a time.

If you have more than one TV and you would like to watch separate programming, you'll need to buy multiple receivers.

What is an LNBF or LNB?

It's the little, white, round object that connects to the end of the dish arm. It's used to convert microwave signals into something that can be read by the receiver.

What is required for a satellite setup?

The following is usually included together, and can be bought from the service provider:

•Receiver (This is the decoder of the signal. Think of it as a cable box. This will come with a remote.)
•Dish (This is the actual piece of equipment that sits on the roof. This should also include an LNBF.)
•Access Card (This is inserted into either the front or back of the receiver. It tells the receiver what programming you're authorized to watch. This should be included in most store bought receivers. If one isn't supplied, your provider will have to supply one.)
•Cables, etc. (All the necessary cables to connect the receiver to the TV are usually included.)

Note: If you're doing a self install, you will require additional equipment.

What are my choices for providers?

You basically have two choices in either Canada or the US.

•In Canada you can either choose Bell ExpressVu or Starcoice

•In the US you have the choice of DirecTV or Dish Network

Why do I need to have my phone line connected to the reveiver?

This is to let the receiver talk back to your provider. The dish is only one way, so when you order Pay Per View and special programming, your provider needs a way to find out. This is why you're told to plug your phone line in, however if you do not order Pay Per View on your receiver, there is actually no need to connect your phone line, despite what your provider might tell you.

The only instance you might be required to plug it in, is when they are doing upgrades or maintenance. In this special case, you should be notified, but otherwise don't worry about it.

2. Installation

I've just installed my dish, how do I get a signal?

There are a couple things to consider when setting up a dish. You should have already chosen a place that is free from obstacles and has a free line of sight. You'll need to point your dish in the general south direction, so keep that in mind when choosing a location. Once you've got your location picked out, install the dish mount to the surface (the manual will help you out there).

Once you've setup with actual dish, you now need to connect with cable. You should have already gotten an RG-6 cable. RG-59, which is more common, will work, but you will get a degraded signal after time, and depending on the length of your cable, you may not get a signal at all. Also, keep in mind, that the cable should be no more than 100 feet. You will need to find the best way to run the cable in the house.

Depending on how your house is setup, and where the dish is located, you have a couple options for pointing the dish. You can bring a small TV outside with the receiver and check the signal like that, you can have someone yell from inside the house (this is complicated, and can take a while), or possibly the easiest way, is to use a cell phone and talk to someone inside the house. Once you've got that figured out, you need to start the actual pointing of the dish. In your manual you can find the right elevation (this is the vertical adjustment) and azimuth for your location. For DirecTV, you can find this, by entering your ZIP code in the menu.

The actual only important one is the elevation. You will notice the elevation reading on the dish base. You should set this a few degrees lower than what is in the manual. Now using a compass, point the dish in the general south direction. Slowly move the dish from left to right along the southern horizon. If you don't get any signal, increase the elevation by 1 or 2 degrees. If you use this method properly, you should be able to point your dish in about 5 minutes. Don't forget to secure all bolts securely, once you've got it in the right position.

Keep in that that you don't need to have a 100% signal reading. Chances are you won't ever get 100%. Usually anything above 65% works, but keep in mind that the lower the signal, the more susceptible it is to interference such as snow or rain.

I've installed my dish, but I can't get any signal reading.

This is a common problem. If this is your first time installing a dish before, you should have a look at »/faq/8763 first.

If you are sure that it's not a position problem, there are a couple things you should check.

•The first is the cable. If the cable isn't RG-6, it might not work, even if it worked in the past. RG-59 cables get degraded and can eventually stop working. Check that the cable length isn't too long. It shouldn't be over 100 feet. Another very common, but overlooked problems is pressure or sharp bends in the cable. Too much pressure or a sharp bend in the cable can cut off the signal completely. You should run along the cable, from outside, into the house, checking to make sure there is no excess pressure on it.

•Secondly, you should check the LNBF. If it's a dual LNBF, switch the cable from one connection to the other. Sometimes, one works and the other doesn't. If you can get one connection working, but not the other, and you only have one receiver, you can still use it. If you notice a lot of corrosion around the connections on the LNBF, you might want to consider cleaning it. Also make sure the cable at the end isn't damaged.

•Thirdly if you have a multiswitch, you should disconnect it, and connect the LNBF directly into a receiver. If you can't get a signal, you can eliminate the multiswitch as the problem.

•If after this, you still can't get a signal, you should try replacing the LNBF. You can get them fairly cheap at local electronic stores. After a couple years, they can die off. Even brand new LNBFs can be faulty.

Should I install the satellite myself or pay someone to do it for me?

That's up to you. Everyone's situation will be different, but with the right tools it can be fairly simple. You should consider if you're going to have to drill any holes in the wall for example. You should also consider how safe the surface you will be installing it on is. If you don't feel comfortable doing this yourself, then you shouldn't hesitate to call someone to do it for you.

If your system you bought came with free installation, you should take advantage of that.

If you're doing a self-install, here is an FAQ to help you get a signal; »Satellite TV »I've just installed my dish, how do I get a signal?

3. Tweaking and advanced issues

How come I only get a signal on odd or even transponders?

This is a problem with the LNBF and the only solution is to replace it. It can happen as it gets old, but is usually only common in new LNBF's.

Can I interchange dishes from different providers?

All dishes from DirecTV, Dish Network, Bell ExpressVu can be interchanged. This means, that any one will work with another system. You don't have to buy a dish specifically from your provider.

4. American Satellite

5. DirecTV

Where can I find the channel lineup?

You can find it on DirecTV's website at: »www.directv.com/see/pdf/ ··· neup.pdf

5.1 DirecTV Equipment/Technical

Programming the TERK DTVR Universal DirecTV Remote (Blue Remote)

I've made a list of remote codes for the TERK DTVR Universal DirecTV Remote ("Blue Remote") to control different DirecTV receiver.

Programming DIRECTV Control:
1. On the Remote, press Sat, then hold the Setup button, until the Sat button blinks twice.
2. Enter the 4-digit remote code for your receiver model.

---
DIRECTV Reviever Setup Codes:
•Hughes (most models) -- 0749
•Hughes models GAEB0, GAEB0A, GCEB0, GCEB0A -- 1749
•GE models GRD33G2A, GRD33G3A -- 0566
•GE model GRD122GW -- 0866
•Hitachi model HDS210R -- 0819
•Mitsubishi HD models SRHD400, SRHD500 -- 0749
•Panasonic models TZ-DBS01, TZ-DRD100 -- 0247
•Panasonic models TUIRD10, TUIRD20 -- 0701
•Philips models DSX5150R, DSX5250R/I, DSX5350R, DSX5454R, DSX5353X, DSX5375R -- 1076
•Philips HD model DSHD800R -- 0749
•Proscan model PRD8630A -- 0566
•Proscan model PRD8650B -- 0766
•RCA models DRD102RW, DRD203RW -- 0866
•RCA models DRD301RA, DRD302RA, DRD303RA, DRD403RA, DRD703RA -- 0566
•RCA models DRD502RB, DRD503RB, DRD505RB, DRD515RB, DRD523RB, DRD705RB -- 0766
•RCA models DRD202RD, DRD221RD, DRD222RD, DRD223RD, DRD225RD, DRD420RE, DRD440RE, DRD460RE, DRD480RE, DRD430RG, DRD431RG, DRD450RG, DRD451RG, DRD485RG, DRD486RG -- 0392
•RCA model DTC-100 -- 0492
•Samsung model SIR-S60W -- 1109
•Samsung models SIR-S70, SIR-S75 -- 1309
•Sony models SAT-A1 and SAT-B1 -- 0639
•Sony models SAT-A2, SAT-B2 -- 0739
•Sony models SAT-A3, SAT-B3, SAT-A4, SAT-B4 -- 0839
•Sony models SAT-A50, SAT-A55, SAT-B50, SAT-B55, SAT-HD100 -- 0939
•Sony models SAT-A65, SAT-A65A, SAT-B65, SAT-B65A -- 1039
•Toshiba model DST-3000 -- 1749
•Uniden model UDS100 -- 0724
•Zenith model DTV1080 -- 1856

PVR Setup Codes:
•Hughes/Tivo model GXCEBOT -- 1142
•Philips/Tivo model DSR6000R -- 1142
•RCA UltimateTV model DWD490RE -- 1492
•Sony/Tivo model SAT-T60 -- 1639
•Sony UltimateTV model SAT-W60 --1739

6. Dish Network

How can I receive HDTV programming with Dish Network?

If you have a High Definition television, Dish Network will provide you with a High Definition receiver as long as you subscribe to their High Definition programming, which is $9.99 per month extra.

6.1 Dish Network Equipment/Technical

7. Canadian Satellite

8. Bell ExpressVu

Where can I find the channel lineup?

You can find an updated list of channels on Bell's website.
»www.bellsrdu.ca/bell_exp ··· eup.html

8.1 Bell ExpressVU Equipment/Technical

Is it possible to rent the equimpment from ExpressVU?

Yes, it is possible, if you sign up for a 1 or 2 year contract. Call 1-866-801-9995 for details.