View Full Version : Now what? A tech said i cant upgrade to HD cause of trees
NYRDiehardfan
02-01-07, 04:30 PM
A Directv tech just left my house after I had ordered the upgrade in equipment to the 5lNB sat (slimline) and the hr20. I have a line sight for my current dish between two trees that are about 40 feet from house. I have a sigmal strength in the 90's. Well, the tech comes out and says that I will not be able to get the HD signals cause the sats are to the right of the 101 transponder. I asked him if he could move the dish from the back of the house (on roof) to the front of the house (still on roof) but it would still face same direction and might help in the angle. He said he didnt think so. He BELEIVED that he could only get 2 sat signals. I then asked him what about if he pole mounted it on the front of the house, say on a 5 foot pole to help get a line of sight over the top of the trees to the right. He said he didnt think it would work, but then said he couldnt so it because it would be a special order and he'd have to go to home depot, etc?
He then told me that he could install the 3lnb sat for me, but I wouldnt be able to get my locals in HD(which is ok cause I get that through basic cable). I asked if that would affect me getting the NFL Sunday ticket HD games or any of the new hd channels. He said he wasnt sure. HUH? So, I said no cause I didnt want a dish installed for HD that wouldnt let me use it for the NFL HD package, as well as all the new HD channels coming. So he just left without doing the install or without even seeing if he could get a signal from the front of the house.
Now what? Should I get a new tech out here or should I go with a private installagtion company that might charge me around $250 for an installation? Im in Branchburg, NJ. I would appreciate any feedback.
That installer is lazy and contradicted himself. If he can get a signal from a 3LNB dish, he should also be able to get the signals from the 5LNB. Because the new sats are at 99 and 103 degrees. The current 3 LNB can get 99, 101 and 119!
leww37334
02-01-07, 04:38 PM
A Directv tech just left my house after I had ordered the upgrade in equipment to the 5lNB sat (slimline) and the hr20. I have a line sight for my current dish between two trees that are about 40 feet from house. I have a sigmal strength in the 90's. Well, the tech comes out and says that I will not be able to get the HD signals cause the sats are to the right of the 101 transponder. I asked him if he could move the dish from the back of the house (on roof) to the front of the house (still on roof) but it would still face same direction and might help in the angle. He said he didnt think so. He BELEIVED that he could only get 2 sat signals. I then asked him what about if he pole mounted it on the front of the house, say on a 5 foot pole to help get a line of sight over the top of the trees to the right. He said he didnt think it would work, but then said he couldnt so it because it would be a special order and he'd have to go to home depot, etc?
He then told me that he could install the 3lnb sat for me, but I wouldnt be able to get my locals in HD(which is ok cause I get that through basic cable). I asked if that would affect me getting the NFL Sunday ticket HD games or any of the new hd channels. He said he wasnt sure. HUH? So, I said no cause I didnt want a dish installed for HD that wouldnt let me use it for the NFL HD package, as well as all the new HD channels coming. So he just left without doing the install or without even seeing if he could get a signal from the front of the house.
Now what? Should I get a new tech out here or should I go with a private installagtion company that might charge me around $250 for an installation? Im in Branchburg, NJ. I would appreciate any feedback.
Call Directv and tell retention the whole story, I'll bet he'll be back out rather quickly.
litzdog911
02-01-07, 04:39 PM
Get another opinion. If you receive everything with your 3-LNB dish, then you shouldn't have problems with the 5-LNB dish.
islesfan
02-01-07, 04:43 PM
Call Directv and tell retention the whole story, I'll bet he'll be back out rather quickly.
Actually, hopefully, soemone ELSE will be there rather quickly.
Alternatively, you could move to Nevada like I did. There is NOTHING to block the signal here. Just clear blue skies and 40+ miles of view! :)
Then take all the money you save in taxes and fill your house with HD screens!
(My parents still live on Long Island and have a house in Avalon, NJ, so I hear about their taxes ALL THE TIME!!!)
That installer is lazy and contradicted himself. If he can get a signal from a 3LNB dish, he should also be able to get the signals from the 5LNB. Because the new sats are at 99 and 103 degrees. The current 3 LNB can get 99, 101 and 119!
Sorry but the 3 LNB (Phase III) dish sees 101, 110 and 119, not what you said. But I do agree, he was just lazy and didn't want to do the extra work required.
Get another opinion. If you receive everything with your 3-LNB dish, then you shouldn't have problems with the 5-LNB dish.
Sounds like he has only a single LNB at 101 since he asked if he could install a phase III instead. Even a phase III could have a problem getting 99 since the alignment has to be right on for Ka since the tolerance is so much tighter then with Ku for alignment.
NYRDiehardfan
02-01-07, 05:25 PM
Sounds like he has only a single LNB at 101 since he asked if he could install a phase III instead. Even a phase III could have a problem getting 99 since the alignment has to be right on for Ka since the tolerance is so much tighter then with Ku for alignment.
Yes, I only have a single LNB. So, is the guy right then? He was suggesting I do a 3lnb rather than the 5 lnb. But, he did not know about the new sats going up and also had no clue when i asked him about Sunday NFL ticket and the HD feeds. He was like, "What?- thats on ESPN right? You can get ESPN on the the 3lnb, yeah". I realized at that point what I was dealing with.
So, I called Directv back and they reconnected me to the Direct Tech (the install companyDirectv uses in my area I guess). I asked to speak with a supervisor to see if he would come out. Yet to hear anything back. That was 5 hours ago.
leww37334
02-01-07, 05:56 PM
Yes, I only have a single LNB. So, is the guy right then? He was suggesting I do a 3lnb rather than the 5 lnb. But, he did not know about the new sats going up and also had no clue when i asked him about Sunday NFL ticket and the HD feeds. He was like, "What?- thats on ESPN right? You can get ESPN on the the 3lnb, yeah". I realized at that point what I was dealing with.
So, I called Directv back and they reconnected me to the Direct Tech (the install companyDirectv uses in my area I guess). I asked to speak with a supervisor to see if he would come out. Yet to hear anything back. That was 5 hours ago.
you can get ESPN HD on the three LNB, the 5 LNB adds MPEG 4 HD locals and new MPEG 4 channels to be added at a future date.
A Directv tech just left my house after I had ordered the upgrade in equipment to the 5lNB sat (slimline) and the hr20. I have a line sight for my current dish between two trees that are about 40 feet from house. I have a sigmal strength in the 90's. Well, the tech comes out and says that I will not be able to get the HD signals cause the sats are to the right of the 101 transponder. I asked him if he could move the dish from the back of the house (on roof) to the front of the house (still on roof) but it would still face same direction and might help in the angle. He said he didnt think so. He BELEIVED that he could only get 2 sat signals. I then asked him what about if he pole mounted it on the front of the house, say on a 5 foot pole to help get a line of sight over the top of the trees to the right. He said he didnt think it would work, but then said he couldnt so it because it would be a special order and he'd have to go to home depot, etc?
He then told me that he could install the 3lnb sat for me, but I wouldnt be able to get my locals in HD(which is ok cause I get that through basic cable). I asked if that would affect me getting the NFL Sunday ticket HD games or any of the new hd channels. He said he wasnt sure. HUH? So, I said no cause I didnt want a dish installed for HD that wouldnt let me use it for the NFL HD package, as well as all the new HD channels coming. So he just left without doing the install or without even seeing if he could get a signal from the front of the house.
Now what? Should I get a new tech out here or should I go with a private installagtion company that might charge me around $250 for an installation? Im in Branchburg, NJ. I would appreciate any feedback.
He said the satellites are to the right of the 101 Sat. He also said that he could install a 3 lnb dish. Well on a 3 lnb dish the 110 and 119 satellite are to the right of the 101 Satellite. The 99 is to the left so that would not have been a problem. If a 3 lnb dish would work then a 5 lnb dish would work.
NYRDiehardfan
02-02-07, 01:20 PM
Well, I got back in touch with Directv and they are sending someone else out on Saturday. I pray this can be done.
veryoldschool
02-02-07, 01:56 PM
Well, I got back in touch with Directv and they are sending someone else out on Saturday. I pray this can be done.
:welcome_s to the forum.
I have many trees blocking my line of sight. What I did to find the only place I have to mount my dish was to make a tool. It was nothing more than two crossed sticks with nails to mark 10 degrees either side of the center nail. This is crude but effective. With it and a compass, I was able to point it in the right direction and see what was in the way, until I found where I could get all of the SATs. I did this for the 3LNB dish, but the only change would be to give a wider "view" to the left [101 SAT] so you would see the 99 & 103 on either side of it. It's really not rocket science, but just a little common sense being applied, which may be the installer's problem.
I hope this will help or as least give you some ideas. :)
Save yourself time and frustration by calling a private contractor.
I had directv techs out several times and all of them said it could not be done. They were all in a hurry and none were willing to look at any alternatives than exactly where my single lnb dish was installed. So I switched to cable for a few weeks. The cable around here is was so bad that I gladly paid a private contractor to install my dish. I have been enjoying HD ever since.
Good luck
Stay on top of them. Direct Tech really need some better installers and they definitely need to get more updated information from D*
Here is a few links to my experiences with them.
http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=68264
http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=76084
http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=75954
It took the tech's trainer (link 3) to come and get me 100%
Also keep this in mind. The 110 and 119 sats are hardly going to be used after the launch of the new sats. Since you are in NY market you currently get your MPEG4 locals from the 99 which you should be able to see no problem based on what I have read in this thread. Also NBC and CBS are in HD in the 80s and those come from the 101 so you will be able to get those 100% no problem.
At least you will have your locals until they start moving over the nationals to the 99 and the 103.
NYRDiehardfan
02-02-07, 03:18 PM
Stay on top of them. Direct Tech really need some better installers and they definitely need to get more updated information from D*
Here is a few links to my experiences with them.
It took the tech's trainer (link 3) to come and get me 100%
Hey, thanks man. Is there a way you could provide me with the names of the guys who succesfully did it for you?
rcoleman111
02-02-07, 03:55 PM
There are some very tall pine trees in the yard next to my house. It wasn't a problem with my old dish, which was mounted at ground level on the side of the house. When I upgraded to HD, the dish had to be remounted on the roof, where it's working just fine. I know the new satellites won't be a problem, because they are in a location where there are no trees. It all depends on the installer - the first installer mounted the dish where the old one was located and I had to call back and get another installer sent out.
If DTV can't get an installer to do the job right, consider hiring your own installer. You really shouldn't have to do that, but it's just a one-time expenditure to get the job done right. Once it's done, you won't have to bother with it again. And you won't have to give up your NFL Sunday Ticket.
hombresoto
02-02-07, 08:58 PM
I have been doing HD upgrades in NH and Northern MA for DirecTV customers independently as of late. DirecTV will usually reimburse the customer with service credits, and there are no middlemen, 4 hour appointment windows, no shows, or shoddy work. I deal DIRECTLY with the customer, and am certified, bonded, insured, and have installed 100's of HD setups. After service credits, my work MAY cost an extra $50, but considering all the issues with service providers, no shows, defective installs, service calls, etc, I have found customers are more than happy to pay for QUALITY.
Michael Bastianelli
MBAVCS
NYRDiehardfan
02-02-07, 10:53 PM
I have been doing HD upgrades in NH and Northern MA for DirecTV customers independently as of late. DirecTV will usually reimburse the customer with service credits, and there are no middlemen, 4 hour appointment windows, no shows, or shoddy work. I deal DIRECTLY with the customer, and am certified, bonded, insured, and have installed 100's of HD setups. After service credits, my work MAY cost an extra $50, but considering all the issues with service providers, no shows, defective installs, service calls, etc, I have found customers are more than happy to pay for QUALITY.
Michael Bastianelli
MBAVCS
Do you do any work in NJ?:)
I am pretty sure the name of the tech trainer was Kevin and he was also here with his boss Steve. They came from an office in Berkeley Heights if I rememeber right so I am not sure if they also service your area.
Hey, thanks man. Is there a way you could provide me with the names of the guys who succesfully did it for you?
NYRDiehardfan
02-03-07, 02:57 PM
Well, here's an update.
Another tech came out today and walked around the house with me. I showed him where I thought it might work and he agreed with me. However, he stated to be 100% sure, I might want to wait until spring time when all the leaves are back so I wouldnt be stuck with a two year comittment for nothing. Man, this guy seemed a little better. We walked to the front of the house and he suggested that it might have to be put on the PEAK of the roof, facing the back (As I had told the other guy.) He had his compass on him and pointed it with me there to show me where it would have to face. It looked like it might just make it, however, I wont fullu know until the spring. So, again, I chose to wait.
At least this guy was open to conversation. BTW, the size of the trees in my line of site are about double the size of my colonial style house. Still, the tech said it would definatley work now, but the concern was the leaves returning. He also mentioned that the dish was gonna have to be secured in a "special order" type deal. He said its about 40 lbs in weight. I asked him if this was the new slimline one and he said it was. Does that make sense?
lwilli201
02-03-07, 04:14 PM
Well, here's an update.
Another tech came out today and walked around the house with me. I showed him where I thought it might work and he agreed with me. However, he stated to be 100% sure, I might want to wait until spring time when all the leaves are back so I wouldnt be stuck with a two year comittment for nothing. Man, this guy seemed a little better. We walked to the front of the house and he suggested that it might have to be put on the PEAK of the roof, facing the back (As I had told the other guy.) He had his compass on him and pointed it with me there to show me where it would have to face. It looked like it might just make it, however, I wont fullu know until the spring. So, again, I chose to wait.
At least this guy was open to conversation. BTW, the size of the trees in my line of site are about double the size of my colonial style house. Still, the tech said it would definatley work now, but the concern was the leaves returning. He also mentioned that the dish was gonna have to be secured in a "special order" type deal. He said its about 40 lbs in weight. I asked him if this was the new slimline one and he said it was. Does that make sense?
I put up my AT9 up after all the leaves had fallen off the trees. Good thing my only tree problem was a tree in my yard. Some trimming took care of that.
Paul Secic
02-03-07, 04:52 PM
Well, I got back in touch with Directv and they are sending someone else out on Saturday. I pray this can be done.
Pray?? It's just TV!!! GEEZ!
veryoldschool
02-03-07, 04:55 PM
Pray?? It's just TV!!! GEEZ!
And your point? :lol: :lol:
It's not TV... it's DirecTV :D
litzdog911
02-03-07, 05:24 PM
Also, check out this thread ....
http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=63277
In early March you can use the sun to help you verify possible sites for your dish.
lwilli201
02-03-07, 07:01 PM
Also, check out this thread ....
http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=63277
In early March you can use the sun to help you verify possible sites for your dish.
That thread needs to be a sticky. To much good info to be buried.
litzdog911
02-04-07, 02:19 AM
That thread needs to be a sticky. To much good info to be buried.
We've talked about it. But it's mostly only relevant in March and October, so I just bump it up then.
I think the techs have to err on the side of caution myself. I was in this EXACT situation a couple years ago and could not get HD thru DirecTV due to a neighbors tall trees. The first thing the installer said when he pulled up was he thought the trees would be in the way. He got out his ladder, climbed the roof, looked thru some device, walked around looking, said it cant be done. I asked about a pole as my neighbor has one and he said not even with a pole.
Just think how pissed someone would be if the tech was there a couple hours mounting the dish,running the cables, drilling the holes then HD didnt work and he had to take it all down, unhook everything, remount your old dish, etc.... Also how much the tech would lose wasting all this time.
The compasses, line of sight and other devices are very accurate and if its not there, its just not there and you dont need to spend much time at all to see that. I am hoping once everything is switched to MPEG4 on different satellites, I can try for HD again.
D-Bamatech
02-04-07, 08:29 PM
Save yourself time and frustration by calling a private contractor.
I had directv techs out several times and all of them said it could not be done. They were all in a hurry and none were willing to look at any alternatives than exactly where my single lnb dish was installed. So I switched to cable for a few weeks. The cable around here is was so bad that I gladly paid a private contractor to install my dish. I have been enjoying HD ever since.
Good luck
Lmao!:)
rcoleman111
02-04-07, 11:48 PM
Regarding the comments by msjcpa, I agree completely. I was able to get my dish upgraded and working by the second installer sent out by DTV, but I would have hired my own installer if necessary. It's just a one-time expenditure. Better to spend a little money and get what you want than to be stuck with crummy cable TV.
jaywdetroit
02-05-07, 06:55 AM
The tech told me the same thing. It was Friday night at 3pm. I knew he didn't want to be there and was looking for a way out. Lucky for me, my neighbor strolled over. "Hey - I just finished a tree cutting class..." LOL. I told the tech - put the dish up and if it doesn't work we'll take the trees down.
He put the dish up and we got a solid signal. Without taking any trees down.
msfaulk
02-05-07, 08:07 AM
Installer told me the same the same thing. I asked him how long it would take to set the dish up before he installed it. He told me 30 min. I told him to get started and I would take care of the tree problem. SO while he set up the dish I downed a couple trees. I don't think he was very happy about that. It took him another 3 hours to finish the install. Oh well! I got my Hi-Def and that's all that matters.
Mike
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