How to Install a DirecTV Satellite Dish

It is important to note that if you are interested in receiving DirecTV service, standard professional installation of your satellite dish is free. However, you can easily install DirecTV satellite dish on your own. Here are some tips.

When installing a DirecTV satellite dish it is important to first have all the major parts necessary to install your dish and hook up your dish to your TV set, this usually includes 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 then to send these signals to your TV set. The satellite dish is what will be installed outside either on your roof, balcony, exterior wall or from a terrestrial location such as a pole on the ground. The satellite dish is approximately 20 inches wide and 18 inches tall. The shape of the dish is round. It is important to note that besides this size dish, there is another size dish available if you order the DirecTV World Direct Service package. This dish is 36 inches wide, 18 inches in height and also round shaped.

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

Your Dish Must Point a Certain Direction

Your satellite dish must point a certain direction in order to pick up the satellite broadcast. In DirecTV's case, your satellite dish must be able to point to the Southern sky. It is important to note that you must be in the line of sight of the Southern sky and this sight line must not be blocked by trees, poles or buildings. This is a requirement to receive DirecTV satellite signals.

LNB Tester

LNB stands for Low Noise Block, this 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 you receive the best signal possible 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 your hand.

Hardware Necessary to Install the Dish

The hardware that is necessary to install your dish will vary on the type of installation you choose. For instance, having your satellite dish attached to your balcony will differ from installing it on your roof. You should contact your home improvement center for which materials should be used with your specific installation.

IFL Cable

Once you have your satellite dish installed either on your roof, balcony or a pole from the ground, you will need to connect your dish to your 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 cable that are used depending on your set up.

RG-6 Cable for Standard Receivers

If you have only one receiver in your home, you will be able to use RG-6 cable; this cable is able to hold a certain amount of bandwidth. Since there is only one receiver, watching one channel at a time, lots of data is not necessary to send from the satellite dish to the receiver.

Dual RG-6 Cable

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 at all times into a telephone line. All receivers in the home must be connected to the same phone line.

DirecTV Satellite Dish Receiver

The DiecTV 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 your satellite TV set up. These receivers usually come in set top boxes. They are generally small boxes that fit on top of your 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 your satellite TV image, you need a TV set. Because satellite TV signals are broadcasted digitally, they are able to be viewed on HDTV's. Your HDTV does not need its own tuner, the satellite receiver already has an HDTV tuner built in. For people with standard analog TV's, the satellite receiver will be compatible with these types of TV's as well.

Activate Your DirecTV Subscription

Once your satellite TV dish is installed and your components are all hooked up, you may need to activate your DirecTV subscription. You can call (888)777-2454 to make sure that your DirecTV subscription is activated and at this point you can also confirm the entertainment package that you have purchased.