Some individuals get concerned as to whether they can place their satellite dish at their place and enjoy satellite TV programming without necessarily contracting with a provider. However, if one has to install a satellite dish on its own, then there are several major problems that one would have to face. However, it is of essence to dissect the process further and determine its feasibility for most people in the case of DIY satellite TV.
What Equipment is Needed
To pick up satellite signals from major television providers, you need the following basic equipment: To pick up satellite signals from major television providers, you need the following basic equipment:
- Satellite Dish Antenna: The dish has to be between two to three feet in width at least to capture the satellite properly. An even larger dish is even better.
- Mount: You require a strong point or structure such as a mount, pole, or stand on which to fix the dish. It should enable you to point and select the correct angle/elevation of the dish without causing any inaccuracies.
- Coaxial Cable: You will need an RG6 quad-shielded coaxial cable for connecting the dish situated at your premises to the receiver box located at your home or desired location.
- Satellite Receiver Box and Smart Card: Each satellite company has its brand satellite receiver box and smart card that enable it to descramble the encrypted signals.
Without the receiver box and smart card issued from a satellite TV company of your own, you will not be able to decode the cable signals acquired from your home satellite dish.
Gaining Access for Free?
Some believe if one has their satellite equipment they should be able to receive the satellite programming signals for free without anyone charging them a provider. However, this is always far from the truth.
All primary and secondary satellite TV signals from leading providers like DirecTV and DISH are scrambled. Even if they receive the signals with your dish you will only be able to watch the scrambled videos. Their receiver boxes operate smart cards on an active paid account to enable unscrambling of channels.
Satellite providers also constantly patrol and disable those involved in piracy or account sharing. Subscribers are also restricted against receipt of unauthorized access to their programming under their subscriber agreement.
One-Way Receiver Alternative?
Others prefer to use a free C-band satellite system when making a transmission. The primary disadvantage that can be noted is that it only permits receiving some selected unencrypted channels while restricting the possibility of two-way communication.
A one-way C-band system devoid of a transmitter cannot perform operations like ordering OnDemand movies and programs, PPV events, or any other function that involves two-way communication as exists in most present-day satellite plans. The channel lineup is also rather small in comparison to, for example, Cable TV or Dish Network.
Picture Quality Challenges
Even if you somehow manage to gain lawful entry to a provider’s receiver and a smart card service, the use of your own SAT antenna is not without problems.
If your antenna is not correctly tuned and set up for optimal locations, then you could experience poor signal strength, brief television blackouts, rain absenteeism, or image distortion. Professional installation also is advantageous since it ensures the best signal and appropriate picture quality at the site.
Doing It Yourself Dangers
Further, safety issues arise when one has to install satellite equipment on one's own without any knowledge or form of training. Highway ladder accidents are often observed and can lead to serious injury or death.
Working with electrical wiring, screwing holes on the roof, or climbing around the territory is also likely to cause some physical risks if you know nothing about antenna installation practices.
Cost Reality Check
Thus, even if one can legally source the equipment oneself and accept the quality uncertainties entailed, it is unlikely that they will be able to achieve real savings on cost.
The total cost, which includes purchasing commercial grade gear, the contractor site survey, the needful construction materials, and other calibration tools would cost at least several thousand dollars.
This is in contrast to the normal $200 professional standard install fee that most satellite companies offer and may also be fully refunded after some time. Anything beyond the basic work required for installation because of challenging site circumstances or extra cables would normally only cost another 50 dollars at most with a provider.
Bearing in mind that you would be confined to a far lower quality of equipment performance and no possibility of contacting either a customer or technical support, the savings seem to be hardly adequate for realistic do-it-yourself reception.
Is It Legal?
Finally, putting your own cost-free satellite TV system in a way is unlawful and against the usage agreements that any kind of provider grants their hardware for merely getting signals. Currently, consumers can't get satellite programming in their homes without having to deal with an authorized provider legally.
The Bottom Line
While a novel concept in premise, the practicalities of attaining your satellite reception do not make sense in many home contexts. From spending more than $2000 on gears to having to compromise on safety, no customer support, and watching encrypted signals that are prohibited – and save your time.
Only go for satellite service with a paid provider most preferably DISH or DirecTV just to capture your favorite programs. Offering these promotions together with working extra hours ensures an affordable price, mostly lower than that of cable television services, giving customers the best chance at the best view, with choice packages, more than two hundred and fifty High-Definition channels, and unrivaled coverage all across the country.
Transform your viewing experience with DirecTV! Call us today at +1 855-213-2250 to explore our plans and find the perfect package for you. Our experts are ready to assist you and get you set up with top-notch entertainment. Don’t wait—contact us now!
