Exploring my options, can I self install directv?

[lonewolf454]

I am an old c-bander with a 4dtv. With options limited to whats on W5(105W) after January 1, 2011, I have been exploring directv and dishnetwork. I am not sure what I will do yet and may stay with c-band.

I am still pissed off at dishnetwork since the old TurnerVision days, so they are out of question. I am somewhat reluctant to have a dumass installer at my place setting up direct they way he wants and wanting to run his own coax,etc. I know how to install and maintain c/ku BUD's (have 2) and also have set up my own ku small dish. Its pole mounted and its this pole that I would like to use for Direct. I already have quad shield coax run to all bedrooms and living room from this dish/pole.

From what I've read, they ship the hardware to your home. From here can I install the hardware myself and just call direct to turn it on? I would still expect to get the promo pricing (and subsequent 2 year contract).

 

[Mr Tony]

In most cases an installer does come out. But you can do like myself and tvropro did and when the installer comes tell him what you already have and he'll work with ya. When my installer came out all he did was hook up the DVR and call it in. tvropro I think was kinda the same way. He told the tech where the cable was already run and it was hooked up and that was it.

Most installers would love to have an easy install

If you go to a local retailer they might let you do self install

 

[lonewolf454]

Ice, In your opinion how does directv HD pq compare to the c-band hd and sd masters? (The ABC/Disney masters when itc are very good pq, even though SD. The Net and Wealth HD channels are awesome quality on my 50" and look better than dvd.)

 

[harshness]

From what I've read, they ship the hardware to your home.

Don't get your hopes up.

If you want to know what DIRECTV will offer you, ask DIRECTV.

If you don't get a satisfactory answer from them, try a local authorized DIRECTV dealer. They may be able to help you towards your goal.

 

[Mr Tony]

Very rarely would they ship it to the house...the installer brings it with them

 

[Blueridge66]

I have a sample size of two. Our main home and our cabin. Both places the installer brought the equipment and hooked to existing RG6 coax. With that said I think Directv's standard for the SWM setup is solid copper coax. I only have a single DVR setup and the coax is not solid copper but works fine.
You might try finding a friend with DTV to compare picture quality. I know it's a highly compress signal but find, for the most part, acceptable. Another option might be one of the big box stores however you never know if their signal source is good or not.

 

[lonewolf454]

Yeah most peeps around here go with DishNetwork. Closest installer listed is like 35-40 miles away. I am not impressed with Dishnet PQ.

 

[Jimbo]

I have a sample size of two. Our main home and our cabin. Both places the installer brought the equipment and hooked to existing RG6 coax. With that said I think Directv's standard for the SWM setup is solid copper coax. I only have a single DVR setup and the coax is not solid copper but works fine.
You might try finding a friend with DTV to compare picture quality. I know it's a highly compress signal but find, for the most part, acceptable. Another option might be one of the big box stores however you never know if their signal source is good or not.

I would NOT use a Big Box store as a idea what the signal will be, all of them are split so many times to get to all the TV's you'd never get a real idea.
Also, they are no longer in many Big Box stores (working service) Don't know ANY that I can think of anymore.
Dealers may be a different store.

 

[Jimbo]

Only way they would just send it out to you would be if your an already existing sub and have nothing to do but swap out a box.

Personally, I would run all your own lines and label them and have D* go from there.

You say you have 4 line C-Band already going to the rooms. Are you planning on doing away with the C-Band, if not, you'll need NEW coax ran.

Personally, I would run new RG6 to all rooms have the D* guy come out and if you want to do all the work, see if he'll let you sign off on it.
Remember, if you do it yourself, without D* coming out, you'll have to buy all the equipment yourself, Dish mainly and thats gonna cost you where if D* comes out to do it, it's free.