How to Install a DirecTV Satellite Dish

Standard professional satellite dish installation is free for those interested in receiving DirecTV service. However, customers can easily install the DirecTV satellite dish on their own. Here are some tips.

When installing a DirecTV satellite dish it is important to first have all the major parts necessary to install it and connect it to the TV set. These parts include the DirecTV satellite dish, any hardware necessary to install the dish, special cable, telephone line cable, DirecTV satellite dish receiver, and a TV set.

DirecTV Satellite Dish

The DirecTV satellite dish is what makes it possible to receive satellite signals from space and send these signals to a TV set. The satellite dish is what will be installed outside on the roof, balcony, exterior wall, or from a terrestrial location such as a pole on the ground. The satellite dish is round and is approximately 20 inches wide and 18 inches tall. It is important to note that besides this size dish, there is another size dish available if the DirecTV World Direct Service package is ordered. This dish is 36 inches wide, 18 inches high, and round.

For more information on DirecTV satellite dishes, read the FAQ answer What are the DirecTV Satellite Dishes?

The Dish Must Point in a Certain Direction

The satellite dish must point in a certain direction in order to pick up the satellite broadcast. In DirecTV’s case, the satellite dish must be able to point to the Southern sky. It must be in the line of sight of the Southern sky and trees, poles, or buildings should not block this sight line. This is a requirement to receive DirecTV satellite signals.

LNB Tester

LNB (Low Noise Block) tester is essential in finding clear, strong signals from a satellite TV service in order to maximize satellite dish installation. The LNB tester is a great way to make sure that the best signal possible is received from the satellite orbiting over head. They are usually very affordable and connect between both the satellite dish and TV receiver. They weigh less than a pound and fit in the palm of anyone’s hand.

Hardware Necessary to Install the Dish

The hardware necessary to install the dish depends on the type of installation selected. For instance, having the satellite dish attached to the balcony will differ from installing it on the roof. Contact a home improvement center for the materials that should be used with the specific installation.

IFL Cable

Once the satellite dish is installed either on the roof, balcony, or a pole from the ground, connect it to the receiver indoor. This is usually done with a cable. DirecTV uses an IFL (Intra-Facility Link) cable to transfer the satellite signal from the satellite dish to the receiver. There are two different types of cables that are used depending on the set up.

RG-6 Cable for Standard Receivers

If there is only one receiver in the home, an RG-6 cable can be used. This cable can hold a certain amount of bandwidth. Since there is only one receiver, it is not necessary to send much data from the satellite dish to the receiver.

Dual RG-6 Cable

A Dual RG-6 Cable is required when using advanced DirecTV satellite receivers. These receivers are used for advanced products and each receiver installed in a home can choose its own programming. These cables can carry much higher bandwidth.

Telephone Cable

In order for DirecTV to activate itself and work properly, it must be connected to a telephone line at all times. All receivers in the home must be connected to the same phone line.

DirecTV Satellite Dish Receiver

The DirecTV satellite dish receiver is needed in order to receive the signals from the satellite dish, unscramble them, and decompress them. They are pretty much the heart and soul of the satellite TV set up. These receivers usually come in set top boxes. They are generally small boxes that fit on top of the TV set. They have computer chips in them that decode and create image and audio from the satellite signals received. There are many models available and they all have different functionality. Some have advanced functionality, some deliver basic functionality.

TV Set

In order to view the satellite TV image, users need a TV set. Because satellite TV signals are broadcast digitally, they can be viewed on HDTVs. Your HDTV does not need its own tuner, the satellite receiver already has an HDTV tuner built in. The satellite receiver is compatible with standard analog TVs as well.

Activate the DirecTV Subscription

Once the satellite TV dish is installed and the components are all hooked up, activate the DirecTV subscription. Call (888)777-2454 to make sure that the DirecTV subscription is activated and confirm the entertainment package purchased.