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To Have or Not To Have . . . . A Satellite Dish

Many people these days simply couldn’t imagine life without the satellite dish perched on their rooftop, but for others it’s still very much a decision which is not yet made. Is Satellite TV the answer? Depends on the question I suppose . . .  Long gone are the days when a monster satellite dish overtook the yard (big enough to direct air traffic), the 18″ jobbies of today can be erected very quickly and easily enabling the householder to access more TV channels than they could shake a stick at.  Now then, don’t get me wrong, you can also access many of these channels through cable TV, so that can make the decision even more difficult to make.

Satellite Dish Installation Considerations - Where Do You Live?

Where you live can have a big bearing on whether or not you should have a satellite dish.  If you live in a pretty remote area where cable is not an option, then installing a satellite dish could be the answer to many of your problems . . . well, TV watching problems anyway, other problems you’ll have to sort out in different ways.  Anyway, just because you live too far away from civilization for cable it doesn’t mean that you can’t pick up a signal from the southern sky and beam it down to your TV (well, you know what I mean).  You’d have to live in a pretty faraway and remote corner not to have the option of either cable or satellite, and often a satellite dish really is the best option.

You might also find that there are restrictions on certain apartment blocks and in some neighborhoods when you’re simply not allowed to instal a satellite dish, but if that’s the case don’t worry, demand for this stuff is so high that there’ll probably be some sort of communal satellite dish beaming up (or down!) your favorite programs.

Satellite TV channels are also available online, so as long as you have access to broadband then you’re in with a shout.  You will need to have a modern computer with a high spec monitor to be able to really enjoy watching satellite TV in this way, in fact it’s also a good idea to have a TV out card which enables you to watch the TV programs through your PC but on your TV . . . pretty neat huh!

Installing a Satellite Dish – How to Do It

This shouldn’t be a problem for new satellite TV users.  You’ll probably find that your chosen satellite TV provider will not only provide all of the gear you’re going to need, but instal it for you too . . . well, it is in their best interests isn’t it? That way they can be sure that everything is fitted and working properly (pointing in the right direction!) and that their client is completely satisfied and getting the most from their service. This is only generally available for new customers though . . . if you move to live in a different place then it’s up to you to pay for the equipment to be removed and re-installed.  Your service provider will still probably do it for you, or there are plenty of other companies around who will do the job . . . but you’ll have to pay.

Installing a satellite dish is not actually rocket science, but there are a few things which need to be taken into consideration.

• Don’t head straight for the roof – it might not be the best place to actually put it.
• Run a cable from your satellite dish to your receiver/decoder. The shortest route is generally the best so have a good “recky” in the loft or attic space and plan your route carefully.
• Make sure that your satellite dish has a clear and unobstructed view . . . that’s very important.
• Make sure that your satellite dish is pointing in the right direction . . . to the south. Use a compass for this (handy tip – south is directly opposite to north).
• Make sure that there is something secure to fasten your satellite dish to, I know that they’re not as big as they used to be but you still don’t want one landing on your head . . . you won’t get a good signal at all.
• Secure all cables and wires so that they don’t start flapping in the wind . . . can be very annoying and not really conducive to a good service and picture.

That’s about it really. You’ve chosen your satellite TV provider, you’ve picked out the perfect package of channels you want to watch (at the best price), you’ve had your satellite dish installed by the professionals . . . and it’s pointing in the right direction. What’s next? Crack open a cold beer and settle down to enjoy Harry Potter – don’t worry, grown ups like it too, you don’t have to hide.