How difficult is it to switch from Dish to StarChoice to solve distants?

[RobbW]

Is it a nightmare conversion? Seems like the channel choice on StarChoice is fairly robust but I wonder how difficult it would be? I know getting a receiver is no problem in the US but I have no clue if I can even catch the signal in So Cal or if I would be able to just repoint my E*Dish as opposed to starting all over with new hardware outside of the receiver?

Has anyone ever tried this or care to share their thoughts? I'm really curious HOW big a project this would be? (Presuming StarChoice is even willing to turn on the service for us south of the border customers...)

Curious,

RobbW

 

[riffjim4069]

Although I receive local programming OTA, I purchased a *C HD receiver in order to receive HD locals from my hometown (Detroit), Seattle, and SD locals from Buffalo. You will need to purchase the receiver and the 75cm dish option from kusat.com: http://www.kusat.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=330

Additionally, you will need a broker to setup and maintain your account; you cannot deal directly with Star Choice (aka *C). I used kusat, but you can use another if you wish. I pay around $35 US Dollars per months for their "Essentials" package (see the Channel Lineup). I can't comment on multiple receiver and non-HD receiver systems (see the below posts), but I can tell you that my single HD receiver with 75cm dish cost around $280 with shipping. The dish comes with a quad LNBF so it will support up to four receivers (tuners) right out of the box without the need for a switch. Additionally, it will cost an additional $75 USD for the broker to maintain your mailing address. In may case, I used a relatives address so this fee did not apply.

The installation for a single HD receiver took me about two hours...however, your mileage may vary. Although I have installed my own OTA antennas (and help my friends), this was my first satellite dish installtion. Between the instructions posted on kusat, and information found in the Canadian Satellite Services Forum, the installation was a breeze. The dish comes with all the hardware to use the system, but you will still need RG-6 coax, connectors, grounding wire, grounding block, and simple tooks, mounting bolts/nuts (compression tool, wire strippers, drill, wrenches, etc.)...it's all listed in the installation guide.

These three posts should answer many of your questions:

http://www.satelliteguys.us/showthread.php?t=70384
http://www.satelliteguys.us/showthread.php?t=64723
http://www.satelliteguys.us/showthread.php?t=77639

These links will help you determine satellite footprints and look angles for both of *C satellites in your area:

http://www.kusat.com/go.php?path=/install/locate.php
http://www.kusat.com/go.php?path=/install/foot-display.php?nickname=f1
http://www.kusat.com/go.php?path=/install/foot-display.php?nickname=e2

Useful information on cable connectors, etc.

http://www.satelliteguys.us/showthread.php?t=77875&highlight=compression