How to Install Dish Network Satellite TV Indoors

If a space crunch or a homeowners' association is making it difficult to install your Dish Network satellite system outside, try installing it inside your apartment, condo or house instead. Follow the steps below.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver
• Dish antenna
• Nuts
• Concrete
• Carpenter's level
• Bolts
• GPS
• Drill
• Compass
• Mounting bracket or pole
• Internet connection
• Hammer
• Maps
• User's manual

Instructions

1. Read through the user manual that came with your Dish Network satellite dish, so you can be sure you understand the equipment.

2. Figure out the longitude and latitude of your location, using a GPS device or the Internet.

3. Find the satellite nearest your location. (See Resources for a helpful Web site.)

4. Identify a location where the dish antenna can face south without any obstruction (especially from a wall). Ideally, look for space next to a balcony, patio or window.

5. Install the Dish Network satellite dish, and make sure it's held in place securely. Take care that it won't get jostled by people bumping into it; it shouldn't move easily.

6. Use the coaxial cable to connect the dish to the receiver.

7. Connect the receiver to your TV.

8. Switch on the TV and follow the steps listed in the user manual to see if the newly installed system is catching a signal.

9. Align the dish. To do so, determine the elevation level appropriate for your location and identify the elevation indicator on the dish. Adjust the dish elevation by loosening its elevation nuts and gently moving it up and down. When the elevation indicator lines up with the elevation number for your location, the dish is adjusted properly.

10. Compare the channels appearing on your TV with the channel guide to ensure that the dish is getting a signal from the correct satellite. Otherwise, you may end up with a set of channels you're not interested in.

11. Focus the picture by moving the LNB-or low-noise blocker-function in and out. Someone else may need to help you test the picture quality by checking the TV for a clear signal while you're rotating or adjusting the dish.

Tips & Warnings

• Use the toll-free number 1-888-284-7116 to call Dish Network with any installation-related queries.

• Use a signal meter to detect the availability of a signal while adjusting the dish for signal reception. Signal strength greater than 60 percent minimizes outages or poor picture during rough weather.

• See if someone you know has set up a satellite TV system for him- or herself. Getting help from a person who has already successfully installed a dish will save a lot of time.

• If possible, consider professional installation.

• Check your location coordinates before making a decision about the spot where the dish can be mounted. This will ensure that you can later properly align the dish antenna without it hitting the wall or some other object.

• After finalizing the signal, fix the coaxial cable so no one will trip over it and get hurt or alter the dish alignment.

• Though it is possible to install the satellite dish inside a building, Dish Network strongly cautions against doing so. Signal reception may become poor because of window glass or an obstructed signal path. The antenna should be installed indoors only if you have restrictions on installing it outside.