Triple LNB no Local channels?

[TK22867]

Hello all,

I've been browsing these boards for a while and thought it was time to make my first post. I am a cable user looking into switching to directv, strictly for the NFL sunday ticket. I wanted to do the installation myself, and am capable, but it seems like directv just doesn't let that happen anymore. FYI, I want to go with the standard four (4) room option.

Anyways, I asked a directv rep at the mall today if I could get a triple LNB "elliptical" dish with my standard system, and he proceeded to tell me that this dish could not get local channels. He said I had to use two (2) dishes, each pointed a different direction. Is this true or is he pulling my leg? I think I want the triple LNB satellite just in case I go with HD someday, and I don't want to mess with re-aligning two satellite dishes by myself if we get a nasty wind storm here in South Dakota. I'm pretty sure I could re-align the triple LNB dish.

Also, when they do the professional install, do they leave behind the manuals for the receivers and dish?

I think I found the system I want at solidsignal/com, but wanted to check here first to see if I am thinking about this the right way.

 

[rockaway1836]

They told you the truth. In some areas a second dish is needed for locals. The installer should leave you all manuals. If for some reason he would forget to, they are all available on D's website.

 

[TK22867]

I thought the elliptical, 3 LNB dish was a "multi-satellite" dish and could get all the channels, including the local channels?

 

[Neutron]

Welcome to Satelliteguys!!

For some of the smaller markets D* does require a second dish pointed at 72.5 to get their locals. The multisatellite dish does get locals, but for other markets. You will need the multisatellite (3-LNB) dish to get HD.

 

[Greg Bimson]

TK, since you are in South Dakota, I'll assume you would be receiving the Sioux Falls local channels. They are located at the 72.5 degree West slot, which does require a second dish, 18 inches, pointed to that position.

 

[TK22867]

Thanks for the answers guys. Yes, they will be Sioux Falls channels so it looks like I need a second dish. So the last question I have is if I order a system online that only includes one dish (the triple LNB), will the installer already know that he needs to bring a second dish to install? Will there be an extra charge because of this? If I don't plan on going HD for a while, should I just order a regular dish?

The previous homeowner has a dual LNB dish already installed on the house with cables to the electrical room. However, I am concerned about a line of sight issue in the future (newly planted trees). Does the installer have the right to re-use that dish, or can I have them install the new one higher, or will they just move the existing dish higher?

Thanks again!

 

[Neutron]

I would recommend ordering your Directv system from Value Electronics. Robert is very good and will make sure your order is taken care of!!

 

[TK22867]

I thought of one more question. If I use the triple LNB dish and want local programming, will the directv installer provide the multiswitch for free or do I have to provide it? From what I recall, you need a special cascadable multiswitch in addition to the built-in multiswitch in order to get both local and directv channels.

Thanks.