Help needed - install a 3LNBdish upgrade?

[birddogman]

I have a directv account with a dual LNB dish. I just upgraded the programming to receive local channels. But now I see that I will also need to upgrade the dish to the 3-lnb multisatellite model to receive the locals in my market (champaign IL). The Directv site doesn't offer much help if you just want to buy a new dish and not a whole new system. By googling, I see that I can buy just the dish from other online sources. But what about the installation? I gather the multi-satellite installation is a bit complex, and I don't have a lot of time to fiddle with this myself.
So, MY QUESTIONS:
1) what's a good source for purchasing just the 3LNB dish?
2) is it true I should have it professionally installed?
3) how do I find a professional installer (for champaign-urbana IL).

Any advice appreciated - can email me directly:
birddogman@sbcglobal.net

 

[HCI]

Look under the yellow pages under Satellite Services.

There should be a local directv retailer that can help you.

And please support the retailers.

 

[Mark_AR]

If you are not DIY savvy then take Tate's advise and call someone.

BUT - If you think you can handle it yourself, the 3LNB dish isn't much more difficult to put up than any other. It has 3 feeds and 4 cable connectors with a built-in multi switch, so you can run up to 4 receivers with no extra hardware.

You may need a ladder, RG-6 cabling(more than the cost of install in some cases), a drill and more. Sometimes it is well-worth the money to have it done but here is a quick overview.

The biggest thing is making sure the pipe or mast is super-level. This is the first step to making the rest of the install easier.

YOU can go to Directv.com and get a feel for how to install with the following link:
http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/DishPointerServlet

It isn't very comprehensive, but does give the basics.

You peak the dish using 110 and then make sure you have the right 'twist' or (skew) like when a dog tips it head sideways.

I won't go into detailed info.

If you feel uncomfortable with anything the outline details then stop and call in the professionals like stated above.

Your local retailer might cut you a deal on the equipment and sometimes that alone outweighs the cost of ordering/buying online coupled with shipping costs and you get local personalized customer support.

 

[boba]

Have you talked to Directv they may offer FREE dish and installation if the Phase3 is required for local channels.

 

[Newshawk]

I think that D* will provide a 3 LNB dish with installation (and a 1 year committment) for free if you need it for local channels or for $49 (plus $15 S&H) if you want it for HD or other reasons

 

[cr0mag]

I just finished a massive re-wire of my entire house so that I could install a multiswitch and a new reciever. Believe me, if I didn't already have the tools and the time on my hands as well as a masochistic desire to spend an entire saturday getting dirty I would have called in a pro.

What I'm getting at is if you don't already have everything you're going to need as far as tools, equipment and supplies, you should call D* and see if they can help you out. Most of the time, it's far less expensive and if something goes wrong they can fix it instead of you.