Using a satellite in Mexico

[dhauser]

I recently moved to Mazatlan Mexico and am wanting to bring a satellite down here from either Directv or Dishnetwork. Our distance south is about the same as Key west so I'm assuming I could get coverage. Also, I have Sirius in my car and that works flawlessly. Is that satellite similar to the tv dishes as far as coverage goes? Anyone know which company would be better and what all I'd need to get setup such as a larger then normal dish? Which has/will have better HD programming?

Unfortunately, the local cable and Sat companies have terrible programming and even worse service.

[James Long]

Modern satellites have footprints that are taylored to cover where they should (the places where E* and D* can legally sell their signals) and not waste power covering areas where they shouldn't (where E* and D* are not licensed to cover).

While Florida and Puerto Rico may be further south than you the satellite footprint was designed to cover those areas. There is even an arm of coverage shooting up into Alaska while not giving good coverage to Canada. The pattern was not designed to cover where you are.

As noted in the E* thread, you MAY be able to get a usable signal with a larger than usual dish. There can be no guarantee of coverage from any US provider.

If you are looking for HD it should be noted that E* currently has trouble covering south Texas and Florida because of the footprint of the temporary satellite at 129° ... I would not expect coverage further south.

Probably the best thing to do is enquire locally. Find out what people are doing in Mazatlan. Look around. There were also some good responses in the E* thread on this matter.

[bavaria72]

But remember your "address" must be in the US, not Mexico. Also with E* if you go with a DVR product you will have to pay an additional fee of no phone hookup to the box.

[dr_know]

i am in cabo san lucas and have been a long time sat user i can get a fair signal on ,110 .119 with a 48 dish have not seen91 see only few transponders on 82 enough signal on a good dish to use a switch ,if i drop to a 42 inch dish i only get a few transponders, channels not enough gain for switch capability . The commercial installers here like to use 60 inch dishs a note it has to be a good dish as i have been given a lot of 42 inch dishes and the slightest tweek and you get nothing .