Potential installation problem

[Azalo]

I just closed on my house and the previous owner told me that DirectTV couldn't/wouldn't run the cable into the basement, this is a problem because that is the entertainment area. It is a finished basement.
Assuming the installer tells me the same thing tommorrow does that entitle to me to break my contract and would I get any of the 300 back that I paid for the HR20? Right now my account is suspended because I just moved to colorado from virginia.

[davring]

Installers are notorious for not wanting to do much more than drill a hole. Call D* and let them send someone out to check or it may be a custom install

[aim2pls]

the "free" install usually includes a "free" drill hole .. anything more than that expect to pay for it ... if you want it in the basement and its physically possible to do .. be willing to go the extra mile

[say-what]

It's hard for me to imagine why an installer couldn't run a cable to the basement. Is there something unique to the location that might cause a problem?

If it's a finished basement, I'm sure there's a way to run cable. Can you run some yourself? If so, prewire and have them connect to your designated junction area.

BTW, is there cable already run to the basement for your local cable company? If they ran some, D* can.

[Azalo]

I guess I will see what the installer says tommorrow. Hopefully it was just a lazy installer last time.
I was just wondering what my rights are if they "can't" install in the basement.

[say-what]

If the installer says they can't, then call up D* and let them know. They'll either send someone who can complete the install or figure out how to do it or adjust your account accordingly.

[JLucPicard]

I can't really imagine a situation where they would not be able to run to your basement somehow if that's where everything is now, but I would bet that before they allowed you out of a contract (which if I understand your post, you are in right now without this new work being done) they would just run to the first floor and require you to deal with it from there. If there's no line of sight and you can't get a signal at all, that's one thing. If you can get a signal but choose not to get service because they can't run to your basement, I doubt that would get you out of anything commitment-wise.

My guess is that unless your basement is designed/built as a bomb shelter, too, they should be able to get an installer out there that can get you set up.

[69hokie]

It would be interesting what the installer says to you is the reason he can't run it to the basement. I wonder what he told the previous owner was the reason. and.....Welcome to Virginia!!:welcome_s

[RobertE]

Finished basements can be a PITA.

With that said, a hole can be drilled darn near anyware. However, if you want a wall plate on the opposite wall from where the cable enters the basement, that is a completely different story. It's really going to depend on the layout of the basement. Finished side vs unfinished, and where your tv will be.

[Azalo]

well the installer came and there were no problems. the reason why the previous owner couldn't get service is because when the builder finished the basement they used a splitter somewhere to go to the two outlets in the basement family room. apparently the HD signal can't be split according to this installer. He had to run a new line but he made it work. It took him like 3 hours to finish the install but he was very professional and didn't try to weasel out of a dificult install.

[TigersFanJJ]

well the installer came and there were no problems. the reason why the previous owner couldn't get service is because when the builder finished the basement they used a splitter somewhere to go to the two outlets in the basement family room. apparently the HD signal can't be split according to this installer. He had to run a new line but he made it work. It took him like 3 hours to finish the install but he was very professional and didn't try to weasel out of a dificult install.

It's not just with HD. With D*, splitting one cable into two will screw up SD as well.

[Smuuth]

well the installer came and there were no problems. the reason why the previous owner couldn't get service is because when the builder finished the basement they used a splitter somewhere to go to the two outlets in the basement family room. apparently the HD signal can't be split according to this installer. He had to run a new line but he made it work. It took him like 3 hours to finish the install but he was very professional and didn't try to weasel out of a dificult install.
I am not an installer nor do I play one on TV, but I hope you tipped him for the extra work. ...And welcome to Colorado :welcome_s

[Azalo]

I am not an installer nor do I play one on TV, but I hope you tipped him for the extra work. ...And welcome to Colorado :welcome_s

Actually I didn't. I never tip any installers, didn't know that was expected. I just offer them drinks and stuff. What is considered standard rate?

[RobertE]

Actually I didn't. I never tip any installers, didn't know that was expected. I just offer them drinks and stuff. What is considered standard rate?

Thats a big YMMV. Tipping while greatly appreciated, should never be expected.

Really depends on the case, how much work the guy did, how difficult is was, his professionalism, etc.

One thing I would highly suggest though, is if you have the number for the installation company he works for, give them a call and comment on how well he did the job. That will be a nice touch to his day. :)

[Smuuth]

Actually I didn't. I never tip any installers, didn't know that was expected. I just offer them drinks and stuff. What is considered standard rate?I don't know that there is a standard rate. I know the installers here told me they get a flat rate per receiver installed, no matter how complex the job. When I had two HR20s, a 5LNB slimline, and two multiswitches installed, I tipped the installer $30, which was probably not enough, considering he spent almost 4 hours here by the time the receivers were up and running.