Dish TV Tips
Here you will find 12 basic tips about
getting and using a satellite dish in order to receive a bounty of
tv programming. These dish tv tips are not meant to be all encompassing
and should merely be used as a guideline when deciding between the
Dish
Network and Directv® offers that are currently available.
1) Don't settle for less. The current
offers from Dish Network and Directv® allow you to get a free
satellite dish and equipment for up to 4 rooms in your home. You should
also be able to get free shipping of your equipment and free standard
professional installation. Try not to settle for anything less when
the time comes for you to go ahead and order
satellite tv services online or by phone.
2) When comparing satellite tv offers,
keep the big picture in focus. Instead of trying to get the best value
or even the cheapest prices for programming packages, take a look
at the channel selections that will come with your offer. Try to select
a satellite TV provider that offers a package that has the channels
that you watch the most.
3) Do not worry about upgrades when
you are doing your initial comparison. You can opt for DVR, HDTV,
better and more receivers, etc. after you have already signed up.
When you call to schedule your installation you can upgrade at that
time. You will have some time to give it some thought so don't stress
yourself out trying to decide which programming package or equipment
options you want until you have to.
4) Do some research. Although you
will have plenty of time to decide on your options, it is a good idea
to do some research about DVR and HDTV technology. You don't want
to have your system installed and then 3 months later stumble upon
some DVR information that makes you feel like it's something that
you just have to have. The initial deals for DVR and HDTV from the
satellite TV companies are usually much better than if you try to
convert to this technology at a later date.
5) If you would like to have satellite
TV reception in more than 4 rooms then you will have to pay a little
extra. The normal splitter that comes with a multi-room setup only
has 4 outlets. You will need to upgrade to an 8-way splitter. You
will also need an extra receiver for each room over the 4 room limit.
You can buy these directly from the satellite TV provider that you
choose or a qualified representative.
6) In very large homes (over 3,000
sq. feet) it may be a good idea to add a power booster. The satellite
signal originates from your dish and loses power as it goes. In large
homes, the signal may have to travel quite a distance. Signal boosters
can help if your TV cable has to travel more than 1,000 feet or so.
7) As soon as you decide on a satellite
TV provider, start a log so that you can keep track of the conversations
and other types of correspondence that you have with their customer
service representatives. Satellite TV companies are expanding their
customer bases in record numbers and confusion can end up being part
of the process. If you keep a log of your conversations then you will
have something to refer to if any discrepancies happen to pop up.
8) Check out your local laws before
you decide to get a satellite TV dish. If you live in an apartment
or condominium or if you live in a community then there could possibly
be some rules on the books regarding satellite TV installation. Know
the rules but also be sure to take the time to know your rights!
9) Do not try to service your satellite
TV equipment yourself. If you do, you will most likely void your warranty.
It is a much better idea to call the satellite TV company and let
their trained professionals take care of any repairs or services.
10) Your satellite TV receiver is
a sensitive piece of equipment. It should be handled carefully and
should not be stacked under or above other components.
11) If you are moving then let the
satellite TV company handle all of the details. They will set you
up with new equipment at your new location. You will generally need
to turn in your equipment before moving, excluding the dish. Each
satellite TV provider has a procedure to follow for moving so just
contact them!
12) Don't sign up for HDTV equipment
programming services if you don't have an HDTV-ready television set.
High Definition TV is certainly the wave of the future and a good
percentage of the TV sets that are sold these days are HDTV-ready.
However, many of us still have those old dinosaurs that are 4 or 5
years old and are not compatible with the HDTV technology. If you
are planning to get an HDTV-ready television set then do so before
your satellite TV installation date so the the technician can make
sure that everything is fully integrated.
