View Full Version : Install Checklist Question
I've been reading some of the bad install posts and I have a request. I'm getting my D* installed this Saturday. I will be using a SWM8 because I have single cables to my TV locations. I will be getting one HD DVR and two HD receivers installed.
Can some of you experienced members give me a list of items I should check before the installer leaves? I'd like to make sure everything is good to go before he leaves so hopefully I won't have to call them back out to fix something they should have done during the initial install.
I would greatly appreciate it.
Thanks!
jodyguercio
04-03-08, 10:31 AM
I've been reading some of the bad install posts and I have a request. I'm getting my D* installed this Saturday. I will be using a SWM8 because I have single cables to my TV locations. I will be getting one HD DVR and two HD receivers installed.
Can some of you experienced members give me a list of items I should check before the installer leaves? I'd like to make sure everything is good to go before he leaves so hopefully I won't have to call them back out to fix something they should have done during the initial install.
I would greatly appreciate it.
Thanks!
1) Proper dish grounding
2) PQ that YOU (not the installer) are happy with
Thats the big two for me...anyone else?
Grumparoo
04-03-08, 11:14 AM
Look in the Installation FAQ. You'll find it in the sticky threads at the top of the forum.
make sure he doesnt use the bbc's with the swm8. also, he only needs one cable into each hr20/21 unit connected to sat in 1. make sure he hooks everything up before he powers up the swm
Grydlok
04-03-08, 02:35 PM
You are responsible for installing the SWM8.
Grydlok
04-03-08, 02:36 PM
make sure he doesnt use the bbc's with the swm8. also, he only needs one cable into each hr20/21 unit connected to sat in 1. make sure he hooks everything up before he powers up the swm
Nope not the installers responsibility. The op want's to use it he must install it.
Nope not the installers responsibility. The op want's to use it he must install it.
im sorry, you are who???? there has been multiple reports of directv installers hooking up the swm for people that have purchased them on their own.
RobertE
04-03-08, 03:49 PM
make sure he doesnt use the bbc's with the swm8. also, he only needs one cable into each hr20/21 unit connected to sat in 1. make sure he hooks everything up before he powers up the swm
AFAIK, no installers outside of the test markets have been trained on the SWM hardware yet. They won't have the line testers to make sure that the line is ok for SWM. Probably won't have the right splitters. So, I wouldn't even consider having then attempt to hook one up. Not until they have been trained.
OTOH, when I'm not installing, I'm here (need a life please) I'd have no problems hooking one up.
AFAIK, no installers outside of the test markets have been trained on the SWM hardware yet. They won't have the line testers to make sure that the line is ok for SWM. Probably won't have the right splitters. So, I wouldn't even consider having then attempt to hook one up. Not until they have been trained.
OTOH, when I'm not installing, I'm here (need a life please) I'd have no problems hooking one up.
yes thst is very true robert, but there has been multiple people that have had installers put them in for them.
RobertE
04-03-08, 03:56 PM
yes thst is very true robert, but there has been multiple people that have had installers put them in for them.
While that may be true, consider the potential for serious hardware damage from a improperly installed PI by an installer that doen't know a thing about how the PI & SWM works. I'm not sure if the HSP would take responsibility in that case, since it isn't "available" to the general public "yet".
While that may be true, consider the potential for serious hardware damage from a improperly installed PI by an installer that doen't know a thing about how the PI & SWM works. I'm not sure if the HSP would take responsibility in that case, since it isn't "available" to the general public "yet".
oh i know, and totally agree. ;)
Grydlok
04-03-08, 09:08 PM
im sorry, you are who???? there has been multiple reports of directv installers hooking up the swm for people that have purchased them on their own.
Robert has already answered it for me.
Grydlok
04-03-08, 09:10 PM
While that may be true, consider the potential for serious hardware damage from a improperly installed PI by an installer that doen't know a thing about how the PI & SWM works. I'm not sure if the HSP would take responsibility in that case, since it isn't "available" to the general public "yet".
So true. You know how subs are. The installer ruined my switch.
SSpectre
04-04-08, 07:11 AM
yes thst is very true robert, but there has been multiple people that have had installers put them in for them.
Installer hooked up mine. I had planned to have it all hooked up before they arrived but didn't get around to it. They had never seen one before, but I walked them through it.
Will every installer do it for you? Probably not. But there are installers who will.
Scott in FL
04-04-08, 07:28 AM
I will be using a SWM8 because I have single cables to my TV locations. I will be getting one HD DVR and two HD receivers installed.
Why do you need the SWM8? If you use the Slimline dish there are 4 outputs available: 2 for the DVR, and 1 each for the HD receivers. And you really don't need 2 for the DVR (only if you want to record and watch at the same time). So why not avoid the entire SWM8 and BBC issue entirely? Keep it simple.
SSpectre
04-04-08, 08:53 AM
Why do you need the SWM8? If you use the Slimline dish there are 4 outputs available: 2 for the DVR, and 1 each for the HD receivers. And you really don't need 2 for the DVR (only if you want to record and watch at the same time). So why not avoid the entire SWM8 and BBC issue entirely? Keep it simple.
I got an SWM for the exact same reason. Why run lines when there's a better solution? Also, if you think he's crazy for getting one for three receivers... I only have one.
Robert has already answered it for me.
no, actually robert did not answer it for you. you said that the tech will not install the swm. well that is totally false information. if you are going to post something, do some research on it first and make sure that no techs have installed any for people that have provided them. it very well may be the subs responsibility to install it, but many techs have done it for them. :nono2:
Grydlok
04-04-08, 11:26 AM
no, actually robert did not answer it for you. you said that the tech will not install the swm. well that is totally false information. if you are going to post something, do some research on it first and make sure that no techs have installed any for people that have provided them. it very well may be the subs responsibility to install it, but many techs have done it for them. :nono2:
Tech are not required to install any item that is not on a workorder period. You can all DirectV and bitch and complain. If a tech decided to install an item such as a SWM he/she is responsible for it working correctly. If SWM is defective and the sub complains and cries the tech installed it for him. The tech/HSP/retailer is now responsible.
"make sure he doesnt use the bbc's with the swm8. also, he only needs one cable into each hr20/21 unit connected to sat in 1. make sure he hooks everything up before he powers up the swm"
Your comment saying make sure the installer connects it correctly is FALSE!!!!. Doing something for someone being a nice guy is one thing. If it's not provided by the Tech/HSP/DirecTv it is ultimately the subscribers responsibility. The SWM has not been issued for general use for the HSP's yet. There hasn't been any internal documents that I have read that has said otherwise. Earl has said it repeatedly that is not in general use yet. It should be even included into a CHECKLIST until it has been giving a green thumb nationwide.
you keep repeating things that we already know. techs have installed these for people. the end!
Why do you need the SWM8? If you use the Slimline dish there are 4 outputs available: 2 for the DVR, and 1 each for the HD receivers. And you really don't need 2 for the DVR (only if you want to record and watch at the same time). So why not avoid the entire SWM8 and BBC issue entirely? Keep it simple.
A SWM makes a whole lot of sense for him given the single cable runs and difficulty/cost to run a second line for the DVRs. IMO, running a dual tuner DVR with only one tuner is less than ideal and results in him not getting the most out of his equipment. It's like owning a twin engine boat and always running around with only one engine working. Sure it works and it will move along slowly, but why do that when you have two engines that you paid for that will allow you to get the most performance.
Also, the SWM actually simplies the whole install. It sits where the MS would sit and allows one cable to each DVR. Plus, the BBCs are NOT required when using a SWM; they are required when not using a SWM and a MPEG 4 capable receiver.
Scott in FL
04-04-08, 02:07 PM
I will be using a SWM8 because I have single cables to my TV locations.
Sorry, I guess I misunderstood him. By "single cables to my TV locations" I thought he meant he would be running separate cables from the antenna to each receiver. In that case, a SWM would not be necessary. I like to keep things simple... less to go wrong.
And of course two tuners operational on a DVR is optimum. I was merely trying to point out that it's not required. I'm not sure everyone understand this.
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