Receiving a dish network satellite TV service requires having a good signal all the time to get the best experience. However, the signal can be sometimes weak or interfered with by other sources of interference so it creates pixelation, freezing, buffering, or even loss of signal. Luckily, some measures can be taken to increase the Dish Network satellite signal strength for optimal operation.
1. Look for Blockages along the Transmission Route
The first point of checking is to ensure that there are no barriers of any kind in the line of sight with your Dish Network satellite situated in space. It may be obstructed by trees, buildings, poles, or any other structures that may be in the vicinity of the active antenna.
Look at the satellite dish and determine whether some branches or leaves have grown to hide the line of sight. Prune any vegetation that seems to be obstructing the signal. Also, look for any changes within the structure of your building that may be causing the interference. Signal quality is affected by interferences, and it is therefore important that a clear unobstructed transmission path is maintained.
2. Adjust Satellite Dish Position
Small differences may occur in the position of the satellite dish and this has a way of determining the level of signal strength that is received. You may have moved to a new location, or the environment might have changed the skewing angle or rotation alignment of your dish.
There is a satellite dish direction finder and angle meter that will help you determine if the current alignment of your dish is correct for the coordinates of your location. Alter the dish orientation, elevation, and skew according to the Dish Network pointing directions of your location. This can greatly enhance the signal capture while at the same time reducing interference or reflections.
3. Tighten Loose Dish Components
The components of satellite installation are loosely installed hence the weather elements or any form of debris causes a shift in the components. When performing the alignments, ensure that the mounting brackets, dish arm joints, and cable connections are properly tightened. Check and make sure all the nuts, screws, or ports that are associated with the distribution of the signal have been firmly tightened. This helps to reduce signal loss from loosely fitting connectors and distortions arising from the misalignment of the dishes.
Check the LNB located at the front of the dish and ensure that all its connectors are tight enough. LNB selects the satellite signals and any oscillation may affect signal power received at your receiver.
4. Improve Satellite Dish Associated Hardware
If the Dish Network equipment used currently has become old, then replacing some of the components gives better signal boosting.
LNBs and multi-switches wear out over the years. Replacing with newer models of LNB that are more effective in decoding the signals with less noise. Replace old multi-switches with the latest low-loss multi-switches so that signals can be distributed to multiple receivers without interruptions.
Coaxial cables also undergo the process of weathering and corrosion as they are used over some time. If your cabling is more than a few years old, replace the cables with fresh RG6-grade coaxial cable intended for satellite TV. Newer cables reduce resistance to allow cleaner signal transmission to your satellite receiver.
5. Add a Signal Amplifier
Signal amplifiers or preamps are mainly applied to capture scarce satellite signals and make them stronger. They are mounted as a line device on the coaxial cable transmitting signals from the satellite dish LNB to your Dish receivers.
Select a good quality Ku band-specific amplifier that offers high gain while introducing as little noise as possible. Get the best place to fix it - near the dish for maximum reception or the receiver for minimal cable losses. This brings cleaner transmission of improved signals to your Dish receiver, hence improved reception.
6. Relocate the Satellite Dish
For instance, if your Dish dish is placed in an area that is restricted by some structures, then moving it to an open area can help a lot. Examine your property to discover areas of higher ground with clear unobstructed views toward the satellite point. Find a space that is open with either the dish located at roof level or tall poles to mount your dish higher than other structures.
Just make sure the new location complies with the Dish safety standards so the antenna will not fall, get damaged, etc. A visible area also does not undergo future construction that might block the path and also lets the dish point directly toward the satellite and capture as much signal strength as possible.
7. It is time to change to Eastern Arc Satellite.
Dish Network broadcasts signals from two satellite groups, Western Arc which includes 110 and 119 degrees west, and Eastern Arc which has 61. 5 and 72 degrees west. A majority of Dish subscribers have dishes tilted towards the West. If too many obstructions are in the way of Western satellites, you can ask Dish to aim your dish toward the 72°W Eastern Arc satellite. This may solve reception problems due to local barriers such as mountains and dense forests in the western direction.
8. Add a Second Antenna
In certain situations it may become difficult or even impossible for a single Dish antenna to deliver enough signal, thanks to unfavorable weather conditions, for instance, installing a second dish antenna can greatly enhance the signal. Place both dishes in distinct clear areas targeted towards different satellites.
Connect the antenna outputs with a multi-switch then ensure that all the signals are transmitted through a single wire into the compound. This dual antenna diversity significantly enhances the total sum of the signal gain that is transferred to your Dish receiver. Although it is complicated, it might be the only option when you are in a cramped area surrounded by dense obstructions in a rather secluded area.
In Summary
As any Dish Network subscriber will tell you, a weak signal can be very disruptive when watching satellite TV. However, before seeking the services of a professional, consider using these simple techniques such as aligning your dish, adding boosters, replacing outdated coax cables, and repositioning your antenna to optimize reception. Every solution increases the signal pickup gain for better picture quality and Dish Network programming in threatened conditions. Reliability of signal means you continue to get quality entertainment from Dish Network for several years.
Ready to upgrade your TV experience? Call us now at (877) 471-4808 to find the perfect Dish Network plan for you! Don’t miss out on great entertainment—our team is here to help you choose the best package and get you started today.