How to Install a DirecTV Satellite in an Apartment

Follow the preparation steps prior to installing a DirecTV dish in your apartment, condominium or townhome.

DirecTV is a popular telecommunications company that transmits digital satellite television to homes and businesses throughout the United States. This satellite-based television provider is coveted among sports fans because it holds exclusive rights to several sports packages including NFL Sunday Ticket and NASCAR Hot Pass. DirecTV can also be installed in apartments and the DirecTV Satellite Television installation is free. However, before you schedule an installation at your apartment, DirecTV requires that you follow several steps including getting permission from your landlord in writing. This is necessary to avoid delays in your installation.

Things You'll Need

• GPS device

Instructions

1. Print the DirecTV Permission Installation Form. Take it to your landlord for installation approval and fill out the form with your landlord's signature. According to the FCC, you are allowed to get a satellite dish installed in an exclusive area of your apartment (i.e. balcony, patio, yard). However, written permission is required by DirecTV.

2. Ensure that you have an unobstructed view of the southern sky from your apartment. To get a signal from DirecTV, the dish need to face its satellites directly without any type of interference (i.e. trees, buildings). You can find out where your southern sky is by using any type of GPS device. Thereafter, you can verify that you don't have any obstructions.

3. Call DirecTV at 888-355-7530 to schedule your installation.

4. Ensure that the satellite dish you will receive is less than one meter in diameter. In 1996, the FCC passed a rule that requires satellite dishes that will be installed in apartments, condominiums or similar residences to be less than one meter in diameter.

5. Provide the signed installation permission form to your installer on the day of installation.

Tips & Warnings

• Depending on your apartment's layout, the installer will mount the dish on your balcony or use a tripod to hold your satellite dish.

• In some cases, apartment complexes have a main satellite dish installed in the premises that will send the signal to every apartment that wishes to use satellite TV services such as DirecTV.

• You can install the satellite dish yourself; however, having it installed by a professional for free is your best bet, mostly if your apartment's layout is awkward and you don't have experience performing this type of task.

References

• Direct Start TV: Free DIRECTV Satellite Television Installation
• Direct Start TV: Get DIRECTV Programming in Your Apartment
• Federal Communications Commisions: Over-the-Air Reception Devices Rule

Resources

• Direct Start TV: Installation Permission Form