New Install question

[srd1]

Just signed up last night and will be having a 942 installed in 2 weeks. I also want to add OTA but I'm curious how I should handle that portion of the install. As I see it I have 3 main options: 1) Install myself ahead of time and run coax to the receiver location 2) Install Pay the installer to put it in 3) Install after the fact myself using direct run or diplexers. Any suggestions?

Thanks,

Steve

 

[jergenf]

Just signed up last night and will be having a 942 installed in 2 weeks. I also want to add OTA but I'm curious how I should handle that portion of the install. As I see it I have 3 main options: 1) Install myself ahead of time and run coax to the receiver location 2) Install Pay the installer to put it in 3) Install after the fact myself using direct run or diplexers. Any suggestions?

Thanks,

Steve

I would recommend option 1 because testing you outdoor TV prior to the install of the dish. This allows you to tune for best analog reception a head of time. Also the installer can focus on the dish install and position it so it doesn't interfere with your OTA. Also you can start watching OTA digitals as soon as the satellite install is complete. If you prefer the installer to do both you'll have to pay separately for the antenna install and also would make special arrangements if they're to happen on the same day.

 

[srd1]

How to test for OTA prior?

If I understand correctly, the 942 won't work for OTA until activated. How would I test the OTA prior to install if I don't have another OTA receiver? Will the 942 display signal strength even if it isn't activated yet? They are shipping the equipment to me so I'm sure I'll have it a couple of days ahead of the install.

Thanks,

Steve

 

[korsjs]

unless you know you are too far away to get a signal with a inside antenna, i would start with the cheapest antenna and work your way up. i can pull in all my locals hd channels with rabbit ears that cost less than five bucks. make sure you buy from a store that will let you return easily.

 

[jergenf]

If I understand correctly, the 942 won't work for OTA until activated. How would I test the OTA prior to install if I don't have another OTA receiver? Will the 942 display signal strength even if it isn't activated yet? They are shipping the equipment to me so I'm sure I'll have it a couple of days ahead of the install.

Thanks,

Steve

You're right you can't test the digital channels until you have the 942 receiver unless you have another digital tuner. Basically just tune for analog until then. You may discover that the antenna needs to be tweeked but you'll probably be close especially if you have an assortment of UHF channels.

The 942 will not display signal strength for analog channels but will for digital channels. For analog you have to eye ball it for best picture (looking for snow, interference and ghosts). With digital tuning all you have is max signal strength to go by so it can be tricky at times. As a general rule max signal is most reliable but too strong may also cause problems especially if amplifiers are used.

When you get the 942 run "Scan DTV" through the menu options and if you are missing some channels you should be getting or if you're getting frequent dropouts then you may need to adjust your antenna. At that point you will need to run "Add DTV" then enter the digital channel number and adjust the antenna for max signal just like the dish antenna adjustment.

You may need a preamp if that occurs but if you tested for analog first you would have realized that because you would have seen weak signals initially.

 

[jergenf]

If you 942 is connected to a dish antenna and you get channel 101 then you should also be able to get OTA digital and analogs when a TV antenna is connected. You don't need services for OTA just confirmation that a dish is hooked up and receiving something. Also you need two satellite connections for both tuners.