DirecTV Signal Problem

[Tom Snyder]

After two years, I finally got around to wiring my master bedroom for DirecTV, and plugged in the SD Sony box that I had in our bedroom at the old place.

WHen I fired it up, I got the "Call x722" message and spent some time with the CSR trying to get it up and running.  After several system reboots, and a lot of keyboard clicking on her end, I finally got a picture, but it takes about 10 seconds between channel changes for the picture to appear and I'm getting a lot of lockups.  

She said that they're getting a lot of solar flare activity problems, although I'm having no problem with my DTC-100 in the living room.  She said if it doesn't go away in a few days, I should call back.

My cable run from the sateliite dish to the TV is about 60 feet, but I'm using good quality RG6.

Any thoughts?

[Todd Wiedemann]

What kind of signal strength are you getting, Tom ??

I had similar problems until I tweaked my sig. strength up into the 90's ...

If it would help, I could help you tweak the alignment ... sometimes it's easier with "real-time" feedback while you're pointing.

[Tom Snyder]

Getting a 75-85 on Box 2, upper 80's on Box 1.  I can lean out my window and tweak the alignment and watch the signal strength as I mess with it. I'll give that a try...

[Todd Wiedemann]

Let me know ... the tweaking solved a few of those pesky issues for us.

[Gregg Lengling]

If it turns out you have a flakey box...don't worry I've got a spare you can have.

[Tom Snyder]

Thanks... I can't get any higher than an 85 on the second box, and an 87 on the DTC-100... but with all my putzing, the post that holds the dish has now loosened up and is slightly wobbly! :bang:

I need to go get some goop to pump into the space and get it rock solid before I do any more...

Is it possible to get a 90+ signal?

[Todd Wiedemann]

90+ ? Oh, yeah. Just have to be REALLY patient.

Currently, here's my stats:

101 (A) - 93 - TP16
110 (B) - 91 - TP22
119 (C) - 83 - TP08

SatC has lesser power, thus the smaller number.

[Tom Snyder]

But shouldn't an 85 be enought to keep the picture from locking up? Sound continues just fine, but the picture freezes.

Tomorrow I'm going to run a short 5-6 foot cable run directly off the dish to the box and hookup a small tv. If it's still doing it witha short run, it's probably a flakey box...

[Tom Snyder]

6 feet of cable from the dish to the box, 3 feet to the TV, signal strengths of 82-98... and picture is still freezing up.  DTV CSR sez it's definitely the box.  They offered me a replacement for $30, or an upgrade to a new DirecTV reciever with Tivo for $99... something I hadn't considered.  

So before I take Gregg L. up on his generous offer, does anyone have any experience or thoughts on the Tivo unit DTV provides?

[Todd Wiedemann]

I'm a huge ReplayTV advocate, but I've even considered the DirecTiVo at that price !

For only $99 there's not much downside ... please keep us in the loop, Tom !

[Tom Snyder]

I'm wondering whether DTV will have a similar deal for an HD Tivo unit when those are available.  If so, it might be worth the wait.

Then I can take Gregg's box as a "loan" instead of a "gift."

[Matt Heebner]

FYI...I  do believe that DTV charges a $4.99 Tivo fee a month unless you carry the whole Total Choice Premier package. So thats $5/mo for the extra box, and $5/mo for Tivo. Unless they've changed it since I last  inquired.

Matt

[drgingras]

Originally posted by Tom Snyder
I'm wondering whether DTV will have a similar deal for an HD Tivo unit when those are available.  If so, it might be worth the wait.

Why wait? The Hughes and Phillips (almost exact twins) offered by D* have been selling on Ebay for $100-200 for a long time. Get some experience / get spoiled with SD Tivo now, you can always get your money back thru Fleabay later when the HD Tivo comes out.

Besides the $4.99 Tivo fee Matt mentioned, keep in mind that these are 2-tuner units. Be prepared for 2 coax drops and a new/additional switch if you're currently maxed out with the Sony.

As far as experience with these units goes, I can't offer much - I'm an E* sub - and somewhat jealous. Dish's 2-tuner buggy DVCR is over $500 cost. However. I do have a single-tuner DVR, and except for HD, hardly ever watch live TV anymore (that's the "spoiled" part).

BTW, everyone is offering this $99 deal. Definately a legit deal, but who knows how long it'll last? Street rumor for the HD unit upgrade when available is $699-$799.

Dave

[Bebop]

which transponder is the best to aim for getting the best overall signal?

[Tom Snyder]

When I was on the phone with the CSR, she had me go to Sat A, Transponder 1 and 2. As I recall, I got an 83 on 1 and a 79 on 2. She said that was good enough to get a good picture. I got 98's and 100's on a couple of others, but I don't remember which ones...