SUGGESTIONS FOR EQUIPMENT

[intwoit]

I am looking to install my directv sat system myself, just because I am retired engineer and it sounds like a good science project.

I was wondering if anyone could direct me some recommended equipment.

I want HD

I have been looking at a 5lnb dish, multiswitch 4 receivers, and a signal meter.

I know that it is easier to have pro install, but I like to do it myself if possible.

Any suggestions for equipment would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Al

 

[JAG72]

If you are going out and getting your own equipment, I would recommend the following.

HR24 (HD DVR) or H24 (HD)
If some of your receivers are going to be SD ones then you would need a D12 or H24 for future upgradeability.
The SD DVR that I would recommend is the R22 if you can find one.

The dish should be a Slimline with a SWiM LNB. Of course this means you will also need a power inserter for it as well.

 

[harshness]

You need to call DIRECTV and see what they say. They have been edging towards a model that demands a professional installation at least once (especially if you plan on subscribing to the Whole Home DVR Service).

You're more than likely welcome to run all of the approved wire you want (but know that an installer is often required to reterminate it).

Also keep in mind that this experiment is going to cost you hundreds of dollars over having them do it so you need to be certain you're going to get something out of the experience.

Standalone multiswitches are no longer used with HD installations of 8 or fewer tuners.

 

[johns70]

Go ahead and get all the stuff yourself and install the stuff yourself. If DIRECTV insists on sending out an installer let them send one. All the installer has to do is look at everything then activate the receivers you got.

The installer won't rip out everything you did and start the installation over. :haha

DIRECTV can't FORBID you from installing everything yourself.

Get the dish from dealers on EBAY and the receivers and DVRs from www.solidsignal.com.

 

[jcrandall]

Just my opinion, but if money is ANY object, call DirecTV.

You will spend a ton doing it all yourself on equip/dish/wire/meter/etc.

DirecTV will give you an HD-DVR, an HD Receiver, the dish and install for free. Watch the installer, even off to help, then afterwards - tinker until you're heart is content.

 

[Jimbo]

Just my opinion, but if money is ANY object, call DirecTV.

You will spend a ton doing it all yourself on equip/dish/wire/meter/etc.

DirecTV will give you an HD-DVR, an HD Receiver, the dish and install for free. Watch the installer, even off to help, then afterwards - tinker until you're heart is content.

Or call D* and have them bring the stuff out, let the installer know you would like to set it up yourself, tell him you will take responsibility for the set up and equipment from there.

You would need to sign off on the set up so the installer would not get charged back.

 

[johns70]

Or call D* and have them bring the stuff out, let the installer know you would like to set it up yourself, tell him you will take responsibility for the set up and equipment from there.

You would need to sign off on the set up so the installer would not get charged back.

As if that would work......


If an installer did that some homeowner would totally screw it up and totally blame DIRECTV for it.

The only way that might work is if the installer is a close friend or family member.

 

[Jimbo]

As if that would work......


If an installer did that some homeowner would totally screw it up and totally blame DIRECTV for it.

The only way that might work is if the installer is a close friend or family member.

Well, maybe ......

I do ALL my work.
D* basically dropped of my stuff just yesterday, that said, I was not starting from scratch either, but everything I have, I installed.

It REALLY depends on how you deal with the installer, he may help you, you may help him ...
Talk to the guy when he gets there, see how he feels about showing you the basics.

The installer CAN have you sign off on the install and not get charged.
Most of them give you a number to call (cell) if you have any issues as they don't want anyone calling back as it cost them.

 

[intwoit]

what equipment

I want to stay with non swm dishes.

What I would really like is a recomendation on a multi switch for HD and a descent alignment meter.

As I said I want to learn, but have not found a technician who reall knows why he is doing something.

Thanks.

 

[wildbill129]

I want to stay with non swm dishes.

What I would really like is a recomendation on a multi switch for HD and a descent alignment meter.

As I said I want to learn, but have not found a technician who reall knows why he is doing something.

Thanks.

Why not SWiM? It makes life so much easier. A single cable from the dish and a single cable to each receiver. Without SWiM, you need two cables per DVR, if you have more than four tuners, you need a WB68 multiswitch, with four cables to the dish.

With SWiM you can upgrade to DECA.

I realize it sounds like a fun project. I like fun projects myself. I would run the wires yourself, have them come do the install, (unless you are made of money) and then fix it all to your liking. (I do this every time)

Whether you do it yourself or have DirecTV do it for way cheaper if not free, you still get stuck with a two year contract as soon as you activate the receiver.

 

[Jimbo]

I want to stay with non swm dishes.

What I would really like is a recomendation on a multi switch for HD and a descent alignment meter.

As I said I want to learn, but have not found a technician who reall knows why he is doing something.

Thanks.

Skip the meter, if you want to learn ..... you can do it just as easy without one.

I too would rec. you stick with the normal Slimline set up ,not the SWM , this way you can learn all the previous stuff before jumping into the newer.

 

[JAG72]

Skip the meter, if you want to learn ..... you can do it just as easy without one.

I too would rec. you stick with the normal Slimline set up ,not the SWM , this way you can learn all the previous stuff before jumping into the newer.

There is really nothing to learn with the old stuff, unless you want to learn how to run extra cable.

 

[Jimbo]

There is really nothing to learn with the old stuff, unless you want to learn how to run extra cable.

Your saying that the guy walking down the street can set up my D* set up ?

 

[JAG72]

Your saying that the guy walking down the street can set up my D* set up ?

No, I said that their is nothing extra to learn with the old stuff that you can't learn with the newer SWiM dish. What are you learning by installing a non SWiM dish that you would not learn with the SWiM setup?

 

[Jimbo]

No, I said that their is nothing extra to learn with the old stuff that you can't learn with the newer SWiM dish. What are you learning by installing a non SWiM dish that you would not learn with the SWiM setup?

True, I guess I prefer to get good at the other before I jump into the new, but essentially your right, you still have to set up the dish regardless and it's no different, if he can set up a Slimline he can set up a SWiM.

 

[harshness]

Your saying that the guy walking down the street can set up my D* set up ?

JAG is right on the money. It isn't like you need to (or even get to) learn and use fancy diagnostic tools. The receivers do all of the heavy lifting.

The only real "experience" comes down to acquiring compatible hardware (whether multiswitches or splitters) and selecting the proper LNB and switch technology configuration to match when doing the initial receiver setup. Dialing in the dish is the same either way.