October 22, 2002 

By: Bob Buckham

dish tv network: Aiming for the sky

I am sure, like many others, you'll be aware that the dish tv network market has two main satellite providers to choose from. These companies have satellites floating in space, transmitting data signals back to earth for your viewing pleasure. But is your dish tv network aimed properly at those satellites?  We'll discuss this more below.

(If you wish to skip dish tv network tips and go directly to our website that has all the lowest prices and best packages on the Internet, click here)   

When installing your dish tv network and pointing the satellite dish, allow 15 seconds between any movements of the dish. This allows the receiver to complete a signal scan, lock, and give an audible beep indicating that you have located the signal. There is no specific signal strength at which you will find the satellite.  Reasonable signal strength is between 45 and 60. If it is lower than that range, you are either pointing into an object (e.g. trees, shrubs, or structures) or pointing above or below the satellite. You'll find your satellite dish must have a direct line-of-sight to the southern sky. You can get interference from trees, tall buildings, billboards, and even mountains.

Did you realize that after about a year or two of constant use of your dish tv network, your dish can become a little off? No…we don’t mean "eccentric"…. we mean its aim can be off. This can happen as a result of the rotor being just a minuscule, unnoticeable amount off when used back and forth over time. Another reason your dish can be "off" is from storms. The wind in a powerful storm sort of "wrenches" the dish so it’s pointing in a slightly different direction than your receiver thinks it is.  

Be sure installation of your dish tv network is completed properly. Check positioning of your dish periodically if you find you're not receiving programming, and protect you dish tv network system from weather hazards.