A: To receive the satellite signal using the standard 18" or 18" x 20" dish, you must live in the continental U.S. (lower 48 states). If you're in Hawaii or Alaska, you'll need a larger dish to receive all channels.

To receive the satellite signal, your site must have a clear view of the southern sky, free of signal-blocking trees, buildings, hillsides, etc. Most people prefer to have trained professionals perform their installation to ensure that the dish is properly mounted and aimed directly at the satellite. However, if you are interested in finding out more about what the installation involves before you decide, see either DIRECTV's or DISH Network's installation page.

The FCC (Federal Communications Commission) has ruled that homeowners aren't required to get permission from their homeowner association or government/zoning board to install DBS dishes one meter or smaller in size.

If you live in a condominium or town house, you should be able to install a dish as long as it's on your property rather than on common property. And if you live in an apartment, you'll need to check with your landlord.

Q: What kinds of satellite dishes do providers have?

A: DIRECTV currently offers six types of dishes; DISH Network has four. Your choice of dish and receiver depends on what kind of programming you want to receive. Dishes range in size from 18" to 36" x 22". Some common ones include:

Dual LNB: An 18" dish with a single LNB and two outputs. This dish looks only at the satellite in the 101° position.
Triple LNB: An 18" x 20" dish with three LNBs and four outputs. This dish looks at the 101°, 110°, and 119° satellites. It is required for HD customers, Spanish language services, and local channels in some markets because these services are not all available from the 101° degree satellite.
DISH Network's DISH 1000: A dish that looks at satellites in the 110°, 119°, and 129° positions.

Q: I want to hook up more than one TV. What's the best way to do it?

A: Here are two ways to do a multiple-TV system:

Multiple TVs using a single satellite receiver: Even with a basic single-receiver system, you can hook up more than one television — although you will be limited to watching the same satellite channel on each TV. Simply connect the satellite receiver's antenna-style "RF" output to the input of your second TV (for this connection, RG-6 or RG-59 cable is fine). Some satellite receivers include two tuners, letting you watch two different programs on two different TVs using a single receiver. These receivers give you two sets of audio/video outputs as well as two remotes (one remote operates via radio frequencies, so you can control the receiver from the second room).
Multiple TVs using multiple satellite receivers: Some dishes now allow you to connect up to four receivers — that means you can watch up to four different channels in separate rooms. If you want to hook up more receivers than your dish can accommodate, you can use a multiswitch to split the satellite feed without compromising signal quality. And since you're running independent coaxial cables from the dish, the TVs can be located anywhere in your home.

Of course, even if you don't need multiple receivers right now, you may feel, like many people, that it's worth getting a multiple-output dish to allow for future expansion.

Q: If I get a satellite system with a dual-output dish, can my family watch two different satellite channels simultaneously in different rooms?

A: Sure, but you need to have two satellite receivers, one for each TV. Of course, even if you don't want or need two receivers right now, you may feel, like many people, that it's worth getting a system with a dual-output dish now to allow for future expansion.

Q: If I buy two satellite receivers, will I have to pay twice as much every month for programming?

A: No, as long as both receivers are continuously connected to a phone line (see next question). Satellite providers do charge a small monthly fee on each additional receiver.

Q: What happens if I don't keep my satellite receiver constantly plugged in to my phone line?

A: You will be unable to order pay-per-view programs with your remote control — you'll need to order by phone each time. Also, there is a small additional charge for each program ordered by phone.

The phone connection is required for pay-per-view ordering and billing purposes only. You will not incur any additional charges on your monthly phone bill.

Q: What equipment do I need to receive HDTV satellite programming?

A: To receive DIRECTV's HD offerings, you will need a newer, DIRECTV Slimeline Dish, an HDTV-capable satellite receiver, and a compatible HDTV-ready TV. For DISH Network, you will need at least a triple LNB multi-satellite dish, plus an HDTV-capable satellite receiver and TV.

Q: Why are there blackout restrictions on some satellite sports programs?

A: These infrequent blackouts are due to league and team franchise requirements, and are not controllable by the satellite program providers.

Q: Will I be able to listen to satellite programs in surround sound with my home theater?

A: Definitely. The audio signal is crisp, clear, full-range digital stereo, fully compatible with the Dolby Surround or Pro Logic II decoder in your audio/video receiver. High-def satellite receivers usually include an optical digital output, which enables them to pass a multichannel Dolby Digital signal to an audio/video receiver with Dolby Digital decoding.

Q: Can weather affect my satellite reception?

A: On rare occasions in some parts of the country, severe rainstorms may interrupt your reception for brief periods of time. If that should ever happen, your picture will return automatically.

Q: I like the idea of having so many channels, but how will I know what's playing when, and how will I find it?

A: All satellite systems feature an intuitive on-screen program guide that can display two or three days' worth of programming. Some DVRs provide two weeks of listings, as well as keyword searching to help you find what you want to watch and record.

Q: I have young children. Can I control what they watch?

A: Absolutely. These systems have built-in lockout features that allow you to prevent pay-per-view program viewing, or restrict it by cost or rating (based on the motion picture rating system — PG, R, etc.). You can also lock out other entire channels if you choose. Your own personal identification number protects lockout settings.

Q: Can I install the satellite dish inside my house?

A: It's not recommended. In order to receive the signal, the dish would need a direct line of sight to the south through a window. However, many types of window glass degrade the satellite signal, resulting in poor picture and sound. Satellite providers strongly recommend that you install your dish outside in a suitable location.

Q: Can I use my existing wiring to carry signals from the dish to the satellite receiver?

A: If the cable in your house is RG-6 coax cable, it's fine to use with a satellite system. If your cable is not RG-6 coax (RG-59 is more typical), you will need to run new cable. It is important that you use RG-6 cable due to the high frequency of the digital satellite signals.

If you need to run wire underground — for example, from a satellite dish in your yard to your home — you'll need to make sure that the wire is protected from moisture and temperature extremes. There are two ways to do this: (1) Use normal wire enclosed in PVC conduit; or (2) Use cable rated for direct burial. Using conduit has the advantage that the wire is protected from damage by gardening tools. However, it is certainly more work to install. Direct-burial cable is rated to survive moisture and temperature extremes found outdoors, underground. However, it's not armored to withstand a shovel. Either way, you have to bury the wire in a trench that's a minimum of 24 inches deep.

Q: I've been told that an ordinary surge suppressor doesn't provide adequate protection for a satellite system. Why not?

A: Even though a properly installed dish includes electrical grounding for both the dish itself and the coaxial cable running from the dish to the satellite receiver, your system can still be damaged by power surges and nearby lightning strikes. A power surge has 3 different routes to attack your satellite receiver: the AC wall outlet, the coaxial cable coming from the dish, and the phone connection.

Many surge suppressors designed for audio/video systems include regular coaxial inputs/outputs (for your cable TV connection, etc.). They're designed to work with standard RG-59 coaxial cable, not the RG-6 cable required for use in digital satellite systems. This type of suppressor strips out part of the satellite signal as it travels from the dish to the receiver.

Be sure to use power protection specifically designed for use with digital satellite systems. Look for models that offer AC, RG-6 coaxial, and phone protection.

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