How Do I Get Ready For an Install?????

[Sat4me]

I am about to become a new customer for Directv and I want to make sure that the tech can install me when he shows up. I live in an old 2 story house. I have 4 locations that are wired with single wire (RG6) from each of the 4 locations back to a central location inside my Family Room. I would like to put a receiver at each of the 4 locations. Two of the 4 would be standard receivers while the other 2 locations would be DVRs. Also, there is a question of whether or not I have a clear view of the satellites from my place. Here are my questions ----

1. Do I need to pull another RG6 to all 4 locations or can I get away with just pulling an extra cable to the 2 DVR locations?

2. Should I do nothing and "hope" I will "qualify" for the SWM that I keep reading about on here?

3. I would like to have any switches, etc. installed outside and I could go ahead and extend the 4 cables through the wall and to an external location. Is this ok or do they want the switches, etc. inside?

4. Will Directv consider having an installer drop by my place to give me an indication of what I need to do before they actually show up to do an install? It would greatly benefit them because I could get much of the work done including the installation of a pole for the dish, if necessary.

I do thank you for any suggestions any of you can give me.

[jdspencer]

Since you plan to have a total of five tuners, you should get an SWMLine dish with one output. The line would go to your central location where the power inserter and an SWS splitters be located for distribution. Therefore, no additional lines would need to be run to the rooms.

For checking your line of sight, go to http://dishpointer.com and enter your address and select the DirecTV sat cluster from the drop down box. You can then move the location around your place to find a sight line.

Good luck.

[BattleZone]

The OP didn't mention getting HD; HD is a requirement for getting a SWM. If the OP is getting HD, then he will qualify for a SWM, but that doesn't guarentee he'll get it. It's always possible that you'll get a legacy system for whatever reason, so I'd pull an extra coax to the DVR locations.

Putting the switch outside isn't a problem.

DirecTV isn't going to send anyone to your house until they have a work order for you. If you want a pre-survey done, you'll need to contact an independent retailer. IMO, you'd be better off doing that anyway, as *they* could assure you of a SWM, assuming you're getting HD.

[awblackmon]

You may well have qualified for a SWM install with your described setup. I would also include that you have furniture pulled away from the wall where your Directv service is going so the installer has less in the way during his install. If the install is going into a teens room, it is time for a bit of picking up if need be. If more lines will need to be pulled, the tech should be prepared to do it. I don't do an install that there isn't need for lines to be run. Locally we use only 100% copper on the center conductor of the coax, and it is a rare thing to find that already run on a house we come to.

[jdspencer]

I was wrong about the numbers of tuners, his initial plan has 6. And, I just assumed that at least one, if not two, DVRs would be HD. Why would anyone just getting into DirecTV not have HD? :)

[BattleZone]

Why would anyone just getting into DirecTV not have HD? :)

Cost and the fact that there are hundreds of millions of SD-only TVs in active use. We still do lots of SD-only installs, even in houses that have HDTVs. Some folks just don't care.

[DaaQ]

Best thing you can do is have your home ready and picked up. I myself would much rather install all the necessary wiring, switches and if needed pole for mount. That way I know for sure it is done right.
So leave all of that for the installer, I would recommend to have any furniture moved out of the way, entertainment centers, pictures or thing that stick out from the wall ect. Wouldn't hurt to make sure those areas are tidy too. If you have little ones make sure toys and such are out of the way.
Also have the outside picked up where the tech will be working and have the grass cut and weed whack if needed. Don't know if your in the city or not but ticks and chiggers really suck, and they are more likely to be in tall grass.
Just my 2 cents on the subject, hope you have a good experience.

[litzdog911]

See the "Installation FAQ" sticky at the top of this forum .....
http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=67769

[Sartori]

Dim the lights, light some incense, put some nice sexy music on......

[Shades228]

If you ordered it through DirecTV you can call and ask them to see if the work order has a SWM on it or not.

[netraa]

If you have an automatic sprinkler system turn it off if it's set to go off the day of your install.... or expect mud.

[dtvrillo]

If your market is a Mpeg4 for locals, all of your equipment will be hd wether you want it or not, and if you are and you order more than 4 tuners, you will be Swm

[lbrannen]

Arm your self. when tech shows up, order him out of the truck and tie him up.
Remove all equipment and supplies you need from the truck and complete the install yourself. When completed, untie the tech, tip him a $ 20 spot and send him on his way. Everybody's happy...except maybe the 'customer retention' rep. who told you in the first place you couldn't have a SWM.


ps Just kidding folks !

[GodisGreat79]

I was wrong about the numbers of tuners, his initial plan has 6. And, I just assumed that at least one, if not two, DVRs would be HD. Why would anyone just getting into DirecTV not have HD? :)

I am 30 years old and have SD only TV's nor do I care about upgrading.