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PageThere are a lot of people out there that are afraid of new technology. Computers alone are scary enough with all the advancements. Who would have imagined that a hard drive would HAVE to be over 1 Gig in size to handle today's O.S.s and programs (Obviously Microsoft and IBM never thought it would happen). The speed that electronics have advanced makes me wonder if there is an alien presence in Intel or Motorola :).
Because of these advances, home electronics have also benefited from the rapid changes. We no longer have a "TV" in our living room, instead it's a "Home Entertainment System" (Boy, talk about being politically correct??!!). Even the home computer has invaded the living/family room with Gateway Computer's entry of the Dimension series.
Satellite television has been around for a long time. Home hobbyists have enjoyed the live news feeds, radio stations from across the country, "free" HBO before General Instrument started scrambling everything, and other random feeds for years. The technology was advancing at a much slower pace than computers until a few years ago. The TVRO (Television Receive Only) receivers use to be separate "boxes": Receiver, Positioner, Polarizer (for some), and Descrambler. Then these components started to be integrated together (called IRD's - Integrated Receiver/Descrambler.) along with computer-controlled functions so the home user could just sit down with his/her remote and experience TV. Now that certain standards have developed for PCs, some have migrated to the TVRO industry; In this case, the compression technique used called MPEG-2. Without MPEG, the DSS industry wouldn't even exist!
OK. Enough of my babbling. Let's get down to business. Here's a list of questions you may have. Click on the question and you will be taken to the answer:
Question: "What is involved in installing the DSS system?"
Answer: "Not very much, compared to the 'big' dishes. All that is needed are the proper tools, a clear 'shot' or 'site' to the satellite itself, proper knowledge of how to hook up a VCR and some other things to consider. The shot depends on where you live. In Central NY, the dish has to point in a South-Westerly direction. Somewhere between 220° and 240° on the compass and approximately at a 45° angle from level ground. The installation kits that can be purchased are highly recommended for 'newbies' that are not familiar with the DSS system and want to install it themselves. Included in the box are cables for the dish, TV, A/V Center (RCA and S-VHS cables), and a grounding block (very important). There is a video tape, more manuals, and other misc. stuff. A great package."
Question: "What does it take to become an installer?"
Answer: "If you want to become an installer, like me, all it takes is time, patients, and knowledge of how both the satellite and the system work. In general, you have to:
- Like working outside in all climates.
- Be prepared for anything that may show up at the job site (trees, dogs, kids, impossible mounting locations, etc.).
- Driving for hours, and enjoy fast food (a necessity for the average installer ;).
- Read the manuals! I can never stress this enough. A lot can be learned just doing that.
- Don't 'cob-job' the installation. Think of each install as if it were your own home. Some things to consider:
After a while you may develop a "second-eye" for the satellite. There have been quite a few times I've pointed the dish at the satellite, guessing where the bird is, and the dish pointed EXACTLY on the satellite with maximum signal strength (87-92 in NY). I've been doing satellite installations and service for well over 6 years, so I guess I developed a knack for this :)."
Question: "How does all of this work?"
Answer: "This gets a bit technical. For the DSS system. there are presently 3 satellites that the one dish 'looks' at. Their owned and operated by Hughes Communications and are the latest in satellite technology. Click here for a more technical explanation from the DirectTV Web Site."
Question: "What are some important things to consider before, during, and after installation?"
Answer: (Boy, this list should get big before long ;)
- Don't put the dish in a spot where kids could hang off of it or it can get hit with something like a baseball.
- Is the dish in a spot where ice may build up on it from the roof?
- Will trees or buildings block the signal in the future? Remember, it's the moisture in the leaves that help block the signal. If the dish is mounted in the winter pointing toward trees, when the leaves return in the spring it could cause problems.
- What will the distance be between the dish and receiver? The shorter the distance, the better signal strength. RCA recommends no more than 100 feet. After that, a line amp specifically for satellite signals (950MHz-1450 MHz) should be used. If an amp is needed, you can buy one from Radio Shack, your local satellite dealer, and where you bought the system (in most cases). Also, only RG-6 cable should be used. RG-59 is not specifically designed for effective satellite signal reception.
- Is the surface that the dish will be mounted on sturdy for high wind/storm conditions? To many people think that wood siding can hold the dish in place. It can as long as 4 lag-bolts are used and the wood isn't in bad shape. What I always try to do is at least find a stud to get the maximum holding strength. Two bolts can hold it, but it's not recommended.
- How will the cable be run into the house? A lot of people I've done installs for don't consider that question. Questions to ask yourself: Will it go through a window sill, wall, or concrete? Where will the cable enter the room that the receiver will be located? Can I run it in the wall? I've found that running the cable can use up 80% of the install time. The things you find in small crawl spaces and under Modular Homes (Mobile Homes), can be scary :). Even old farm houses have their secrets like thick floorboards, sills, spiders, rats, and odd spacing of wall or floor studs. Eyeballing a drill site can be pretty tricky in these homes.
- Are you living on rental property? Some landlords don't want to see the dish from the road and/or extra holes in the walls. Be sure to check before even buying the dish just to cover your arse.
- Will you violate any zoning laws? Some states and/or townships may regulate if and/or where the dish can be mounted. Check all local laws for permits, regulations and anything else that may be needed.
- Where is/are the receiver(s) going to be placed? Adequate ventilation is needed because of the high-speed electronics inside. The older RCA models were known for the higher temps that they produced. The 2nd and 3rd Generation (Black) receivers are much better at displacement of heat. Plus, they run cooler. Also, be sure to keep the receiver out of direct sunlight. Enough heat is generated without any help from the sun.
- How and where will the extra hookups be in the location? There are several options in distributing the satellite signal throughout the location (I use location due to bars and hotels starting to use these systems as well as homes). One receiver, all TV's hooked up see the same channel; Or two receivers, signal may be split up to other TVs. Some accessories include remote extenders, 2-Way to 12-Way splitters, and others. One thing to note also is that one receiver can output to several TVs without using an amplifier. Since the signal is so strong and pure, I've seen old TVs have problems because the TV was originally designed to pull in distant stations, and as a result, the pre-amp could get overdriven.
- Do you have the proper tools? Here's a basic list: 7/16 wrenches, drill, proper-sized drill bits, level, compass (VERY important), good quality lag-screws and/or lag-bolts, screwdrivers (both Philips and straight-bladed), hammer, ground rod, and an assistant, if needed. I've noticed some of the 'cheaper' kits use different size screws and/or nuts, so be sure you have the proper sizes.
- Can any animals (especially dogs) chew on the wire and can the wire be pulled down by anyone? I can tell ya that splicing ribbon or coax in cold weather isn't an enjoyable experience.
Question: "What's the difference between the DSS systems and PrimeStar?"
Answer: "In a nutshell, the PrimeStar is not a full-digital system and new technology like the DSS systems are. To explain it better, I'll have to tell you a little about the history of PrimeStar. Back in 1987-88, PrimeStar was first established for installation through cable companies to compete with the TVRO market. There are a lot of people that live out in the country where cable lines couldn't be cost-effectively run to their homes. So the first PrimeStar system was developed using current (at the time) TVRO technology using more-powerful Ku-Band satellites. Scientific Atlanta developed their own proprietary receiver and descrambling technology, which were somewhat similar to the DSS systems of today. Some of the problems that arose were that whoever set up the programming didn't follow proper channels (no pun intended) to have permission to transmit the different networks. The networks forced them to pull the plug or find a lawsuit slapped in their faces. Also, the technology only allowed 32 channels at maximum and more were available that people wanted, but couldn't receive with the PrimeStar dish. Hence, the "little dish that couldn't" went obsolete within a very short amount of time with only 7 channels available (I think).
"What's interesting is that the technology used in PrimeStar systems of today and the older systems are very similar. Instead of using SA's system, they developed a "new" receiver using the older technology of the TVRO market. It basically consists of a TVRO receiver with a General Instrument DCII decoder module customized for the service, and a standard Ku-Band signal. The only part of the system that is digital is the decoder module. The signal is still an analog medium with no data compression in the signal itself, unlike the DSS signals. IMHO, why rent and use old technology when you can own new? Sure, you don't have to pay for the equipment, but why rent old?
"Of the tests I've personally done between the two (PrimeStar and DSS), the DSS technology blows the chips off of the PrimeStar systems. The sound and picture quality are far superior over the PrimeStar and the technology is just plain better and more reliable. Granted, PrimeStar has updated their system, but I think it's a little to late. They should have thought about it before they started up the second time. They knew about the DSS technology coming out, and they pushed themselves to get it out before the DSS systems hit the market. Sorry. DSS wins by a long shot in my book."
Question: "Which is better? DSS or TVRO (TV Receive Only - The big dishes)?"
Answer: "It depends on what you want or need. There are some advantages and disadvantages to both systems. Here is a partial list:
- The TVRO systems have moving parts while the DSS has none, which is the biggest factor in terms of reliability. And, it depends on the quality of the moving components. For example, the life span of the actuator (the motor and arm that move the dish) is usually 2 to 5 years. When it fails, you can look at spending $100 to $300 for a new accuator. There are other alternatives, but generally it's a good idea to replace the whole assembly instead of just one part. Plus, some systems are installed with arms that are not designed for the dish installed. A small motor can't drive a fiberglass dish that weighs 100 pounds. Hence, the motor burns out within a couple of months.
- For TVRO systems, there are a lot of random feeds that networks transmit over the C-Band and Ku-Band satellites. During the Desert Storm crisis, the birds were filled with live feeds direct from overseas. It's interesting to see a professional news reporter get the pants scared off of him and hear him say a few words that aren't allowed on-the-air. Sports feeds are a plenty, even though the networks are starting to scramble more live feeds than they use to. Want to watch a game without a loud-mouth commentator? There's a chance you'll find a feed like that.
- Most people don't realize that a TVRO system is one of the best radio receivers available. Well over 100 different feeds from all over the US and Canada are available FREE for your listening pleasure. Don't have any good local stations (like here in Syracuse)? Listen to LA stations if ya want to. This is one of the best reasons, for me, to stay with the TVRO systems. For digital quality, though., go with the DSS system. 31 music-only stations are available and there's no DJ or commercials to get in the way of the music. Excellent for parties and DJs collecting a wide collection of music.
- TVRO systems can be tricky to install in city and suburban areas due to building and safety codes, different ordinances, Terrestrial Interference (called "TI" for short), dish location and mounting, and other factors. Some people think that a 10' black-mesh dish is ugly. To me, it stands for "The Ultimate Experience in Home Entertainment Technology" (There I go again, being politically correct).
- You get what you pay for. Don't expect a $500 TVRO system to be a reliable and enjoyable system. Look at spending at least $1500 and up for a good-quality system. My recommendations are a Toshiba IRD, Chaparral feedhorn, a high-quality LNB with at least a 30º temperature (to many manufactures to recommend here), a 6' or 8' Perfect 10, Paraklipse, or WineGuard dish, and a solid mounting location close to the installation site. A 500' run is not recommended, even with line-amplifiers, but sometimes necessary. Don't skimp on quality components or you'll pay later (this also goes for some Satellite Installation companies which will remain nameless here)."
If you have any other questions or answers that you'd like to add to this page, please contact me using the address jr_bloodsworth (at) usa.net. Proper credit will be mentioned as well as links to that persons home page and/or e-mail, if requested.
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Last Updated: Friday, December 22, 2000
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