Well it's installed, but they left me worse off!!

[Scorch]

So yesterday I finally after 4 attempts got my hr20 installed and it seems to work just fine.............That is the only good part

I have a 4X8 multiswitch that of course doesn't work with the new dish so the installer took it out (no problem). All he did was hook up the hr20 and leave my other hr10 and 2 other tivo's disconnected in the other rooms. I asked him is there no replacement multiswitch and he said yes but I won't install it cause it's not on my work order. Well of course I got my hr10 hooked back up, but I've got 2 other tivo's sitting useless until I guess I install a 2nd dish myself. I called "D" and they said they could have someone out Oct. 31st. 5 weeks is a little long to wait to have TV back in the family room and my bedroom.

I'm really beginning to hate "D"


This has been the biggest headache in my life this stupid HR20 install!

[Reggie3]

Every posting here has said that you need to have the multiswitch on the w/o before they arrive.

[bonscott87]

Installer will not leave my house without the new switch installed. That's for sure. Of course all I need him to do is just leave it and I'll install it myself. You should see if the install company can just drop it off and leave it in your door and you can install it and be done with it.

[Scorch]

Yep I told him that and all he said was it's not on there so I'm not installing it.

Gotta love em

Every posting here has said that you need to have the multiswitch on the w/o before they arrive.

[BillyT2002]

Well, the installer I had on 9/18 tried to pull a similar stunt on me. He basically said "I am only going to do what is on the work order which is to install the AT9 dish and the HR20-700." I told him that he was going to do the entire job to my satisfaction or I'd have his company and the DirecTV retention people on the phone while he was there until I was completely satisfied. He then changed his tune and did everything I wanted. He was there from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM. He completely rewired everything (including installing blue boxes which I had and wall plates - though I will have to have my contractor friend reinstall those a little more flush to the wall and hide the wires better). He made sure everything was properly tacked to the corner of the house to neaten external appearance, siliconed the holes on all of the old wiring, ensured everything was properly grounded (as the original installer many years ago did not do). He let me wire up the HR20. The first HR20 was DOA and would not power up at all (bad power supply). He called his supervisor who met him at my house with another and all was well.

He had three more installs to do after he left my house, but he was pleasant and did the job right and I tipped him well for it.

So, the moral of the story is to tell them up front what you are expecting and to not take anything less from them. DirecTV and the installers have dealt with me enough in the past to know that I am one of those polite and persistent customers who feels entitled to get my way. So far, they have always given in, but then again I've never demanded anything unreasonable.

[Scorch]

Well I think this is a total disgrace that they would allow this to happen. I called Retention and got the samething, would be about a month until they could come back out.

What kind of company screws up a upgrade and then tells them "Oh we are sorry guess you will be worse off for a month". My wife is livid and wants to pay the termination fee and tell Directv to kiss off.

This is something I could do myself in 5 minutes, but they won't ship me a multiswitch. So now I'm stuck and plan on calling corporate offices for Directv and telling them fix this now or I'm getting a lawyer because I'm not getting the services you are charging me for!

[steelr]

I called and confirmed 3 times about the multi-switch. The installer did not even know what a 6x8 multi-switch was but he said they do use zimwell's sometimes but he didnt have any on his truck. The DVR box had an order number on it in magic marker, followed by "HD DVR, KA/kU dish, 6x8" so someone just didnt give it to him. He installed a 4x8 instead and my signals are about 75 or so for about half the signals.

I am on the phone with DTV atm but neither retention or the install dept they transferred me to know what a 6x8 is. "well he installed a multi-switch didnt he?" In the 3 conversations I had confirming the multi-switches, I was told every time that WB68's or equivalent 6x8 multi-switches would be installed.

[HDTVsportsfan]

Buy the Zinwell WB68 online and have D* credit your account for the cost.

[Scorch]

Here is a nice update for you

Called Directv again and they cancelled my W/O to come back out and install the multiswitch because they say it's not needed. EXCUSE ME? I have 5 DVR's and I was able to use them all before this install. So now they won't come back out and fix this and they won't credit my account if I buy one cause I don't need it


I was a loyal customer for 8 years and now they hose me because I wanted thier great new HDDVR

So I guess I will be installing a 2nd dish myself

[HDTVsportsfan]

Scorch,
Have you tried calling retention to voice (Politely) your dis-satisfaction. The retention CSR's are much better to deal w/ than the front liners.
There has to be some logiical explanation for there action. It's like a piece of information is missing at someone's end.
They cetainlt have there install issues, but many folks have been able to straighten it out. I'm not insinuating that you should have to go thru this. But somethin' ain't right.

Good luck.

[Scorch]

Every time I have called I have called retention. It's the installers who say it's not needed and Directv knows I do. Everyone at rentention has tried everything to get the installer to come back out and Ironwood keeps cancelling the order.

I was just called by someone at retention and I just told them I will do this myslef and install the triple lnb they took down. So he gave me a $100 credit on my bill.

So I have to say at least Directv tried to make this right and put all the effort they could into it.


Scorch,
Have you tried calling retention to voice (Politely) your dis-satisfaction. The retention CSR's are much better to deal w/ than the front liners.
There has to be some logiical explanation for there action. It's like a piece of information is missing at someone's end.
They cetainlt have there install issues, but many folks have been able to straighten it out. I'm not insinuating that you should have to go thru this. But somethin' ain't right.

Good luck.

[paulman182]

Here is a bit of advice for those expecting an installation:

First, if your online order does not mention the switch, call or email DTV and let them know you are concerned about it--that you know it is needed and you don't see it on the order.

Second, print off the install manual and booklet of tips that are available online, and have them handy when the installer gets there. I think the WB68 necessity is mentioned on page 13 of one of them. Make him call DTV and ask about it if he doubts it.

[Scorch]

Maybe a new thread should be started informing future installs to be on the lookout for this. So hopefully this won't happen to anyone else!

Just a thought


Here is a bit of advice for those expecting an installation:

First, if your online order does not mention the switch, call or email DTV and let them know you are concerned about it--that you know it is needed and you don't see it on the order.

Second, print off the install manual and booklet of tips that are available online, and have them handy when the installer gets there. I think the WB68 necessity is mentioned on page 13 of one of them. Make him call DTV and ask about it if he doubts it.

[HDTVsportsfan]

Every time I have called I have called retention. It's the installers who say it's not needed and Directv knows I do. Everyone at rentention has tried everything to get the installer to come back out and Ironwood keeps cancelling the order.

So I have to say at least Directv tried to make this right and put all the effort they could into it.

I don't understand how the contractors can dictate to D* what they install, especially something as basic as a multi-switch. It's simple math, a customer either needs one or they don't. It just doesn't make sense.:nono2:
As long as your O.K. w/ it. That's what counts.

[Guindalf]

My installer didn't use a multiswitch. He too the 4x8 out and connected the two HR20s directly to the AT-9 and then connected two of the outputs from the old dish to the HR10!

I have just come off the phone from a senior tech support guy who told me that a supervisor from the installation company would be here on Saturday WITH a 6x8 AND he'll remove the old dish - something they apparently do not normally do.

I'll post after he's been here and let y'all know what happens.

(The installer also left a pole in my yard and asked me to dispose of the dish box - and left two wires from the old dish exposed to the elements).

[gmoney]

I don't understand how the contractors can dictate to D* what they install, especially something as basic as a multi-switch. It's simple math, a customer either needs one or they don't. It just doesn't make sense.:nono2:
As long as your O.K. w/ it. That's what counts.

My installer came out today and he didn't want to be here. He said his office made him pick up my install after his day was done. He showed up at 3:30pm I don't know what his problem was. I mean how early do you get out of work? Then he tells me he WON'T install the AT9 on my roof tripod. He claims that it's too heavy, in reality he just didn't want to deal with it. I've heard of people getting this installed on tripods...although I haven't seen any. So I made him run an extra line for the HR20. Then he barely figured out how to set it up and went on his way. He told me that I would still get all the HD channels except for the locals. Well I found out after he left that NESN is a local because it's not coming in in HD. This was the main reason I upgraded to HD so I could watch the games in HD on NESN. So it's great that I have a DVR but now I'm paying $10.00 per month and can't get the HD channels I wanted. I called to schedule another install and told them that the tech didn't even want to do my install. The girl didn't even appologize and acted like I was crazy or something. So who knows how much longer I'll have to wait. If I didn't have so many trees I'd see if D* would ship me the dish and I'd install it myself. The bottom line is these guys do what they are in the mood to do, nothing more, nothing less!

[Scribo-san]

Here is a bit of advice for those expecting an installation:

First, if your online order does not mention the switch, call or email DTV and let them know you are concerned about it--that you know it is needed and you don't see it on the order.

Second, print off the install manual and booklet of tips that are available online, and have them handy when the installer gets there. I think the WB68 necessity is mentioned on page 13 of one of them. Make him call DTV and ask about it if he doubts it.

OK, so I'm starting to get frightened. I have a brand-new D* system scheduled for install on 10/05. I want to make sure I'm ready for the install.

How, exactly, do I check my work order to make sure I'm supposed to get everything I ordered?

Do you have a link to the install manual and booklet of tips?

I'm also going to start a new thread about "What to expect in an install."

[surfbird]

I called and confirmed 3 times about the multi-switch. The installer did not even know what a 6x8 multi-switch was but he said they do use zimwell's sometimes but he didnt have any on his truck. The DVR box had an order number on it in magic marker, followed by "HD DVR, KA/kU dish, 6x8" so someone just didnt give it to him. He installed a 4x8 instead and my signals are about 75 or so for about half the signals.

I am on the phone with DTV atm but neither retention or the install dept they transferred me to know what a 6x8 is. "well he installed a multi-switch didnt he?" In the 3 conversations I had confirming the multi-switches, I was told every time that WB68's or equivalent 6x8 multi-switches would be installed.

good god almighty.. not knowing what a multiswitch is.. (smacking hand against head) pa lease.. sorry.. random outburst.

[tengu79]

For future reference make sure DIRECTV® 6x8 Multi-Switch (WB-68) is added to the work order. You can request the number for the local installers office and confirm that it will be on the truck. As for a technician not knowing what a multiswitch is, as advised in previous posts call while he is there. If you call to file a complaint against an installer, rest assured this IS taken very seriously. Two complaints and they are most likely out of a job. Sometimes, it only takes one.

[satguy22]

I personally think the installer was right,a 30 lb. dish on a tripod? Sounds like a problem in the making,a service call, a big mistake. besides the pole is larger too. maybe he knows his job maybe not but the job is his call. Atleast in the right not to do damage to your house or himself.

[TheMoose]

good god almighty.. not knowing what a multiswitch is.. (smacking hand against head) pa lease.. sorry.. random outburst.

Well I don't know what a multi switch is!
Could someone explain it & tell me if I need one when my HR20 is installed this week?
I'll have 1 HR20 & 1 H20 in a diffrent room.
I'd like to know if I need to call back & have them include one.

[HDTVsportsfan]

You don't need a multi-switch. The two receivers you have only require 3 connections. Two for the dual tuner HR20 and one for the H20. If you have at least the 3-LNB dish or the AT9 5-LNB dish you'll be fine. Both of those dishes already have 4 outputs.

A multi-switch (for this discussion) will take the 4 outputs from either of the two above dishes and and allow you to have 8 outputs. The Zinwell WB68 is the latest. It is a 6x8. 4 connections from the dish in, 8 connections out. There are other smaller abnd larger switches for different needs. But most everyone is referring to the Zinwell WB68.

[TheMoose]

OK that makes sense.
So is there a 1X2 switch that would work as the 2 lines needed by the HR20?

[HDTVsportsfan]

Let me ask you a question in return first, before myself or others answers yours.

Do you know what dish you have?

I'm assuming you already have the H20, which again I would assume means you would have the AT9 5-LNB dish as well.

[TheMoose]

Let me ask you a question in return first, before myself or others answers yours.

Do you know what dish you have?

I'm assuming you already have the H20, which again I would assume means you would have the AT9 5-LNB dish as well.

That is correct I have the 5LNB AT-9, and customer service told me running a second line was included in the install so I will have 2 seperate lines I was just wondering about the 1X2 switchbox.
I have to pull my AT-9 off the roof in the morning because I'm having a new roof put on, the HR20 comes with a new At-9 so I'll have a spare dish for the shop roof .

[HDTVsportsfan]

Giving you a 2nd AT9, that's a little odd. But D* does odd things sometimes.

I haven't heard of a 1x2 multiswitch that is compatiable w/ the AT9 Ka/Ku dish. It may exist though.
1x2 multi-switches are out there but again I don't think they are compatiable w/ the AT9 as far as receiving MPEG4. You can use a 1x2 multi-switch but you won't get MPEG4 HD locals of D*'s satellite services.

Pause.....
I re-read your post. Are you asking about "multi-switches" or "switch boxes"?
Because they are two completely different devices.

If your still asking about multi-switches, again you shouldn't need one. I would utilize the 4 outputs from the AT9 dish by installing all 4 lines/runs even though you only need three at this time. Most people find over time they can always use another somewhere down the road.

I hope this helps.

[TheMoose]

Yea I was talking about multi switches.
Thanks for the info.

[HDTVsportsfan]

BTW, Why did you think you might need a 1x2 multi-switch?

[TheMoose]

BTW, Why did you think you might need a 1x2 multi-switch?

I didn't, I just wondered if they had one for those unable to run a second line.

[HDTVsportsfan]

I didn't, I just wondered if they had one for those unable to run a second line.

That was the obvious, I was just curious.:)

They make what's called Stackers/de-stackers. I have never touched them. I understand they are very expensive. But that (I beleive) is the only thing one can use to address the scenario of someone only have one line and no ability to run a second.

Hope your upgrade goes well.

[lovswr]

Maybe a new thread should be started informing future installs to be on the lookout for this. So hopefully this won't happen to anyone else!

Just a thought

Yes, maybe Earl can make a sticky perhaps? Like for OTA don't you need a special/particular multi-switch because of the new bandwidth usage?

[Chimpo414]

You don't need a multi-switch. The two receivers you have only require 3 connections. Two for the dual tuner HR20 and one for the H20. If you have at least the 3-LNB dish or the AT9 5-LNB dish you'll be fine. Both of those dishes already have 4 outputs.

A multi-switch (for this discussion) will take the 4 outputs from either of the two above dishes and and allow you to have 8 outputs. The Zinwell WB68 is the latest. It is a 6x8. 4 connections from the dish in, 8 connections out. There are other smaller abnd larger switches for different needs. But most everyone is referring to the Zinwell WB68.

So 2 dvr's and 1 non dvr would require a 6x8 switch right?
Thanks

[HDTVsportsfan]

If you are using both tuners on both DVR's plus the one tuner on the non-DVR that would make 5 connections.

Then yes, you would need the multi-switch. (Or technically a 2nd dish would work, but not the ideal approach)