Any New Installation Tips?

Hendlefe

New Member
Original poster
Sep 7, 2006
2
0
I am getting dish network for the first time this weekend. Is there anything I should watch out for to make sure the installer does a good job? I hear a lot about how their customer service sucks so I do not want to have to call them about any mistakes.

Thanks!
 
You hear mostly only the horror stories. I for one have never had any issues with E*'s customer service. I usually deal directly with Tech Support however even on "service" or programming related questions. The consensus is that TS is a bit more savvy in a lot of matters.

There are many things to "watch out for". You want a competent installation. How can you be sure you get one? The best bet is to ask some pointed questions up front. Confirm that the installer is going to provide the equipment necessary to get the programming you requested. Ask which receiver(s) will be provided. Do they provide the features you're planning to pay for? (Are you getting HD, a DVR, multiple rooms, etc.) If you sense any confusion there, have the installer resolve it with E* before the installation begins. Ask where he plans to install the dish(es) and why? There could be options and you need to resolve that before the installation begins. Do you need any special treatment, like wall fishes or special coax runs, etc. Ask ahead of time. Is there a phone connection readily available? In most cases you will want to connect your receiver to a "land-line". How is the tech planning to ground the system, weather-proof the connections, etc. If he is unable or reluctant to answer these questions then you might be on the cusp of a problem - air it out beforehand. (There is no one right way to weatherproof equipment, but there should be at least some consideration given. Ask him where he will place the "drip loops". Some take shortcuts here and don't do them correctly, or at all. By asking you're placing him on notice that you expect drip loops where they are warranted. He'll be less likely to take shortcuts.) Make sure the installer spends a bit of time optimizing the dish(es) for best signal strength. And finally make sure he spends at least a few minutes showing you how to operate the equipment, how to use the remote(s), etc. If you ask some good questions that show you have at least some knowledge about what constitutes a "good job", then you're more likely to get one! And if you think the installer has indeed done a good job for you, give him a nice tip, $20 or more.

Good luck on your installation. Welcome, BTW...!
 
Last edited:
Thanks bhelms, I'll make sure I tip the guy if he does a good job. I'll let you know how it goes this Sunday.
 
Hendlefe said:
I am getting dish network for the first time this weekend. Is there anything I should watch out for to make sure the installer does a good job? I hear a lot about how their customer service sucks so I do not want to have to call them about any mistakes.

Thanks!
My first set of 2 installers were in so much of a hurry they didn't bother to tighten the wires to the connectors. 1 week later when I notice poor signal quality. I had to call again and they sent out someone else he tightened wires but a few weeks later signal was lost of 105. Not wanting any more "Proffessionals" to come back out. I just move the dish myself to the correct position to receive all 3 satellites. :D
 
***

Users Who Are Viewing This Thread (Total: 1, Members: 0, Guests: 1)

Who Read This Thread (Total Members: 1)

Latest posts