How to Set Up a Direct TV Dish & Receiver
Direct TV is one of the most popular satellite dish companies in the United States. Although Direct TV can be installed by a professional, you can also safely self-install your own Direct TV dish and receiver. Direct TV provides most of the equipment, including the satellite dish, television receiver and cables. You will have to plan the proper placement of the satellite dish for an adequate signal. Most people who self-install the Direct TV dish claim this is the most difficult part of the self-installation process; however, with trial and error, it is possible to find a position for your Direct TV dish that provides crystal-clear quality.
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Things You'll Need
- Direct TV dish
- Direct TV receiver
- receiver cable
- satellite cable
- electric drill
Instructions
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1
Determine where you want your Direct TV dish. If you live in an apartment complex, contact your landlord or rental company about proper placement of a satellite dish. If you have a home, you may want to be cognizant of zoning laws, practical placement locations and if the satellite will be blocked by any objects.
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2
Set up your Direct TV dish according to the instructions provided by the manufacturer.
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3
Connect the receiver cable to the Direct TV receiver and your television. The receiver should connect to the television's in-jack, while the Direct TV receiver should be connected to the out-of-TV-jack.
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4
Go into the dish mounting screen. When the receiver is connected to your television, you should be able to access the Direct TV menu. From there, the Direct TV menu will guide you on how to mount your Direct TV dish. Specifically, the menu will be able to tell you how strong your signal is to the Direct TV satellite.
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Mount your Direct TV dish that follows the Direct TV elevation guidelines on the menu. Direct TV recommends that the satellite be aimed at a 30- to 60-degree angle. Your specific Direct TV menu will give you the exact coordinates.
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Begin to route the satellite cable into your house. This step will vary depending on where the satellite dish is placed. If it is placed outside near a patio, you should make sure a small hole is drilled into the wall leading outside and route the satellite cable toward the Direct TV Rreceiver. If you place your Direct TV satellite dish on your roof, you will have to route the cable through your roof, down through the ceiling of your television and connect the cable to the receiver.
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Tips & Warnings
Direct TV's satellite is always located south of Texas. Always point your Direct TV Dish toward the general direction of Texas for the best satellite signal.
Make sure the satellite cable route is tightly secured. If the satellite dish is outside, such as on a patio, have the satellite cable stretched and lined against a wall or underneath a housing structure. The key is ensuring that the cable is taut, not loose.
Avoid all power lines and electrical cables. Be careful when installing the TV dish near a location with many wires.
References
- Photo Credit Satellite dish image by Scrivener from Fotolia.com
