DirecTv dish issues...?

[Deadmozs]

I've had a 3 LNB dish and 5X8 Multiswitch for the past 3 or 4 years and never had an issue. I recently moved, hooked everything back up and all was fine... for about 3 or 4 months. Suddenly over the last 3 weeks my signal on sat 119 is spotty at best. The odd number transponders are 0% and the even ones are anywhere from 45% - 55% in strength. I get lots of "searching for signal on satellite 2" etc... I would think if it was the dish it wouldn't be sparatic, it would just not work at all. I'm just not sure what the issue is. I really don't feel like replacing my dish if I don't have to. Besides, I see that there are newer dishes out now too so I'm not sure if I should get a replacement or upgrade.

Also, my 5x8 switch is extremely warm. Enough so that I really can't hold my hand on it. It has always been warm to the touch, but I can't remember if it was as hot as it is now.

I have 3 DVR's and two single boxes running from the splitter.

Any help or suggestions would be appreciated.

[SolidSignal_Mike]

I recommend bypassing the multiswitch and going straight to the receiver, just to eliminate the possibility of the switch being bad. I do find it unsettling that multiswitches get so hot, but that is normal.

If the switch is not the problem, make sure all the bolts are tight on the dish, if they aren’t the dish can become unaligned over time by wind, and gravity. It could also be the spring foliage growing back and affecting your signal strength, so be sure that’s not it either.

-Mike

[Deadmozs]

Okay, I will try that. I just find it odd that only the odd transponders on 119 are at zero. By the way, is there any truth that my current DVR (actually have 3, one DTV SD, and two Hughes models - one SD & one HD) will have trouble receiving the MPEG 4 HD signal???

So, if my dish is the issue (say one of the LNB's has gone bad) should I just replace it with a current 3 LNB or should I get a 5 LNB dish? Any recommendations??? I just want to make sure that when DTV starts broadcasting the "150 HD channels" they claim they will be later this year, that I have adaquate equipment on my end to watch it.

Although I have to say, I'm not too happy with their current business model, i.e., "leasing" upgrades. Having to pay $300 bucks for something then give it back when I'm done is a bit crappy. I've been a customer since '96, so I'll most likely not be going anywhere, but it's just the point of the matter.

Thank you for your quick response. It's much appreciated.

Joe

[SolidSignal_Mike]

It is true that if you don't have an H20 or HR20 receiver then you will not get the MPEG-4 programming. If you were going to update the dish I would recommend the Slim Line (AU9-S) Especially if you want to receive all the new HD Channels they are launching this year.

-Mike

[Deadmozs]

Sorry for all the questions.... just one more thing...

I'm fine with upgrading... but I haven't heard too many good things about those receivers or the DVR service that comes with it. My one receiver is a DTV R-15... and it's pretty crappy in comparison to my Hughes HD (HR-250 I think that's the model).

Do you guys have any special offers or could you recommend an "upgrade" package for me? I already have a 5X8 switch so I don't think I would need anything else other than a new HD DVR and a dish. (My old units would still receive the SD signal, right?) I have two D-10's and Hughes SD Tivo unit.

Are there any better models that will receive the MPEG 4 signals or is that it?

Thanks again for your help. As soon as I figure out what I need to get I'll be making an order.

[DIRECTV_Chris]

I hope that you have figured out your signal loss it does sound like it would be coming from either the switch or the LNB. As far as the dish upgrade the new slim line KaKu dish is much easier to install than the original, however if you go that route your 5x8 will not work with the MPEG 4 channels coming this fall you will need to get a 6x8 wide band switch to be able to process the new signals.
As far as the recievers go DirecTV has been using updates to make the new models of their DVR and HD reciever work better and easier. The new models are designed so that they can continue to upgrade the software in the recievers without haveing to do more reciever switches as they go forward. However you are going to have to upgrade your old recievers to H-20 or the HR-20 in order to reciever the MPEG 4 signal. There is no way around this if you want to get all the new channels this fall.

[Deadmozs]

Originally Posted by DIRECTV_Chris

I hope that you have figured out your signal loss it does sound like it would be coming from either the switch or the LNB. As far as the dish upgrade the new slim line KaKu dish is much easier to install than the original, however if you go that route your 5x8 will not work with the MPEG 4 channels coming this fall you will need to get a 6x8 wide band switch to be able to process the new signals.
As far as the recievers go DirecTV has been using updates to make the new models of their DVR and HD reciever work better and easier. The new models are designed so that they can continue to upgrade the software in the recievers without haveing to do more reciever switches as they go forward. However you are going to have to upgrade your old recievers to H-20 or the HR-20 in order to reciever the MPEG 4 signal. There is no way around this if you want to get all the new channels this fall.

Well, looks like I need to start pricing out a new receiver, multiswitch and dish real soon!

Thanks for all the info!

[kniles]

Originally Posted by Deadmozs

Well, looks like I need to start pricing out a new receiver, multiswitch and dish real soon!

Thanks for all the info!

HR10-250 users that upgrade to HR20's are getting very good deals on complete packages through Directv. Check out this link
What the Deals are, and what are you being told by CSR? - DBSTalk.Com