Cable TV in Moultonborough

[fpartri497]

The only complaint I have about the dish Is during a snow storm the dish gets covered with snow and blocks the signal. happened to me four times this winter. had to go out with a very long pole and a rag on the end to clean off the dish. Now mthat would happen no matter who`s dish Is up on te wall.

[songkrai]

Originally Posted by fpartri497

The only complaint I have about the dish Is during a snow storm the dish gets covered with snow and blocks the signal. happened to me four times this winter. had to go out with a very long pole and a rag on the end to clean off the dish. Now mthat would happen no matter who`s dish Is up on te wall.

Very good point. For some if dish is on roof and not high enough up or roof is a shallow slope - a large snow store - the snow can overcome the actual dish - and the snow has to be pushed aside. So some do need a plan to remove snow.

[wifi]

If that is an issue, you can always use one of these

[escaped from NJ]

So, we have Direct TV at home in CT and while at the Wolfeboro fair last summer, we stopped by the Direct TV booth. The person at the booth said we could bring up the "box controller" from our home and put it in our cottage. Then, he would come and install a dish on our cottage and the only additional cost would be for him to install the dish. So, from others, it looks like this works. Would we get the same channels we get in CT?

Seems to me this is the only and potentially least expensive way to get more than the couple Maine stations that we presently get on the island, especially when we need it only six months a year. Yes?

[ishoot308]

Originally Posted by escaped from NJ

So, we have Direct TV at home in CT and while at the Wolfeboro fair last summer, we stopped by the Direct TV booth. The person at the booth said we could bring up the "box controller" from our home and put it in our cottage. Then, he would come and install a dish on our cottage and the only additional cost would be for him to install the dish. So, from others, it looks like this works. Would we get the same channels we get in CT?

Seems to me this is the only and potentially least expensive way to get more than the couple Maine stations that we presently get on the island, especially when we need it only six months a year. Yes?

Yes you would get the same channels as in CT unless of course for some reason the signal is not available in the lakes region area.

It is definitely the best and cheapest way to go!

Dan

[songkrai]

Originally Posted by escaped from NJ

So, we have Direct TV at home in CT and while at the Wolfeboro fair last summer, we stopped by the Direct TV booth. The person at the booth said we could bring up the "box controller" from our home and put it in our cottage. Then, he would come and install a dish on our cottage and the only additional cost would be for him to install the dish. So, from others, it looks like this works. Would we get the same channels we get in CT?

Seems to me this is the only and potentially least expensive way to get more than the couple Maine stations that we presently get on the island, especially when we need it only six months a year. Yes?

The short answer is yes. Just call Direct TV and make an appointment for a new dish for the NH home. I was told the charge is $49.95 for them to do this.

The long answer is be careful. You will obtain different answers from different people at Direct TV.

But what I was told was that if you are out of your 24 month (no current contract ) contract AND you add any new equipment - including a dish on roof - you begin a NEW 24 month contract.

Yes, if you have the correct dish - and there are many different dishes - you can use the same receiver in CT and NH. You can have one account and use it in two different locations. One is turned OFF the the other is turned ON. And you do have a choice to receive either the local channels in CT or NH. There are other ways to do this but those may or may not violate Direct TV rules.

But you best read up on how all this works.

LINK

[SteveA]

Based on experience, be sure you have the dish company check that you can get a clear signal before you sign a contract. You will need a clear view of the sky looking to the south. Things like trees and mountains can be a problem in some areas.

We couldn't get a signal, the guy even suggested that we "could" get one if we removed a few trees. We stayed with Metrocast.

[escaped from NJ]

Originally Posted by songkrai

The short answer is yes. Just call Direct TV and make an appointment for a new dish for the NH home. I was told the charge is $49.95 for them to do this.

The long answer is be careful. You will obtain different answers from different people at Direct TV.

But what I was told was that if you are out of your 24 month (no current contract ) contract AND you add any new equipment - including a dish on roof - you begin a NEW 24 month contract.

Yes, if you have the correct dish - and there are many different dishes - you can use the same receiver in CT and NH. You can have one account and use it in two different locations. One is turned OFF the the other is turned ON. And you do have a choice to receive either the local channels in CT or NH. There are other ways to do this but those may or may not violate Direct TV rules.

But you best read up on how all this works.

LINK

Thanks for this link. Very helpful. When you say one account is turned on and one off, does that happen automatically or how do you make that happen every weekend when we go from CT to NH?

[Irrigation Guy]

Originally Posted by escaped from NJ

Thanks for this link. Very helpful. When you say one account is turned on and one off, does that happen automatically or how do you make that happen every weekend when we go from CT to NH?

I don't think they want you to do it but I think you can just bring a box from home and hook it up. No phone call.

[hancoveguy]

I just got off the phone withy direct tv and they said that you cannot "just move a box between locations and retain service". They told me that I could "pause" one location and move to the box to the second or "add" another account for the entire separate account fee.

I have read here that if you have a second dish (how ro from whom I don't know) you can just transplant a box from your home to the lake without direct's knowledge or approval for no additional fee. Based on my limited understanding of how this stuff works I am inclined to believe this is true and direct cannot prevent it so they do what they can to "convince" someone that it cant be done.

Before I commit to switching from Verizon in Mass (I hate verizon anyway) I just wanna here from someone that actually does this without any additional cost or issues.

Also, how would I get another dish and get it installed...

HCG

[jmen24]

Been all around the Mulberry Bush on this one and here is our experience.

Had Direct TV, by far the best TV service we have ever had. Wanted to upgrade to HD when the new TV showed up, site line for HD dish was to low and could not get the signal.

Went to Comcast, paid a ton of money to have HD on only one TV (we had 2 other sets) Left as soon as we could. Comcast HD channels are just expanded SD shows (TnT, USA, etc) viewing is rediculous. The other two TVs were basic plug in the back with no box. It was going to cost us almost double what we were currently paying to upgrade with additional boxes. I don't even know how they can legally charge what they do.

Found out from a bird that Dish Offers TWO different Satellite pointing directions, Eastern Arc and Western Arc (the eastern arc points about 30 degrees further to the Southeast). We were able to get the Eastern Arc pointing (you have to request it when ordering the package). Have HD on each TV, have 3 times the channels than Comcast and pay the same amount. The only issue is that not all of the HD channels are on this Arc, we have lost Vs in HD, which isn't an issue if not not a house full of Hockey fans like us (TV size will compensate for this if need be, that's a free excuse for the guys out there, won't charge for it this time around). NESN is still HD though, so all is well on the eastern front.

The HD picture with Dish, blows Comcast out of the water. 1080i from Dish matched with a 4,000,000:1 Contrast ratio on the LED and you can actually see the depth in the scene that was shot, like they are sitting on the couch next to you. Only slightly lagging behind Blueray, but oh so close. Took quite a while to get used to it. That is a pretty good picture signal if you ask me.

[songkrai]

Originally Posted by hancoveguy

I just got off the phone withy direct tv and they said that you cannot "just move a box between locations and retain service". They told me that I could "pause" one location and move to the box to the second or "add" another account for the entire separate account fee.

I have read here that if you have a second dish (how ro from whom I don't know) you can just transplant a box from your home to the lake without direct's knowledge or approval for no additional fee. Based on my limited understanding of how this stuff works I am inclined to believe this is true and direct cannot prevent it so they do what they can to "convince" someone that it cant be done.

Before I commit to switching from Verizon in Mass (I hate verizon anyway) I just wanna here from someone that actually does this without any additional cost or issues.

Also, how would I get another dish and get it installed...

HCG

Here is one way that is done all the time.

You have one account with Direct. If you have two homes. Both homes obviously need a dish. If non-HD then any dish will operate. If you have HD in CT then you would need an HD dish in NH. You bring receiver from CT to NH. You telephone Direct customer serice and tell them to turn off service in the CT and turn on the service in NH. If you already have a dish in NH. Very simple no charge. You would get the local Maine or Boston channels depending on what county you live in. Belknap county gets the Boston channels and Carroll county gets the Maine channels. Done deal. No charge. Happens every day.

Now, if you do not have a dish on the roof in NH. That is different. You can call Direct and they will come out and install one for a fee. You still bring the receiver up from CT or Direct will provide you with one. At this point you may/probably will begin a new 24 month contract. If you are still under the initial 24 month contract then it begins another 24 month contract. The type of receiver you have determines what dish you get.

If you wish to avoid any new 24 month contract you can hire an independent contractor and pay for the correct dish to be placed on your roof - assuming there are no trees blocking needed direction. At this point you are paying somewhere around $250.00 to $300.00 for the dish and the installation. This is a private contractor that is not working for Direct. This is what I did and here is the link to an independent contractor: Cold River.

LINK

If you have no dish in NH and you want to use receiver the easiest way is to just call Direct and pay the $49.00 and begin a new 24 month contract. Have your CT receiver with you or Direct will lease you another one.

The more expensive way is to hire an independent contractor and pay for a dish installation and not do it through Direct. There is nothing against any rules to do this.

Local CT channels or lacal NH channels. You can keep the CT channels. What determines the local channels is the card that you slide in the receiver. AND whether you advise Direct where you are.

All with one account. But one has to be turned off and the other turned on. By turning on is meant that you telephone Direct to do this.

The receiver itself is dumb. It does not know where it is. So hypothetically, if you got the Boston or Maine local channels one day, you could telephone Direct the next day and tell them that you are in CT the and get the local CT channels.

I own all my Direct equipment. Receivers and dishes. I completed my 24 month contract many years ago. I have two homes. When I get to my destination home I telephone Direct and have them turn off one home and turn on the other (receivers). You do need to keep track of receiver ID numbers if you are not carrying the receiver with you. One account. No contract. Well, some will say "What if something breaks?". Direct offers insurance. $5.00 per month. And all service calls are free no charge. Direct has even replaced one of my owned (not leased) receivers at no charge.

The short answer is just have Direct come out to your NH home and pay the $49.95 for installation of dish and begin a new 24 month contract. Direct can bring out a new receiver at this time or you can bring the one up from CT. It makes no difference. Direct charges $6.00 per month for any additional receivers after the first receiver whether you own them or they are leased.

There are still other ways to accomplish this that are against Direct rules and I will not go into those ways here. Everything I do is above board and I follow all of Direct rules.

Important note about Direct TV Customer Service. It can be agonizing at times. You will get different answers from different customer service representatives. What I do with my Direct account is completely with the rules of Direct TV. But some customer service people at Direct TV have told me that it can't be done. Dealing with Direct TV (and Dish Network) can try ones patience. You the customer have to be knowledgeable in what can and cannot be done. And be persistent.

What dish to get? If you have HD receivers then you will need a Slimline 5 dish. If you are starting from scratch then ask for a SWM dish. The SWM (called swim) dish is the latest and only uses one wire (RG6 cable wire). If you have legacy equipment (older receivers) then ask for a Slimline 5 dish.

Again, satelliteguys is an excellent resource.

LINK

I am by no means an expert on this. Others please chime in.

[Grady223]

songkrai - what about the phone number that the receiver is hooked to, doesn't it need to be changed and doesn't it determine what local channels you get?

[wifi]

Originally Posted by Grady223

songkrai - what about the phone number that the receiver is hooked to, doesn't it need to be changed and doesn't it determine what local channels you get?

In the old(er) days, the phone number was fairly reliable locator, these days, just get a VOIP number in the location you want to appear to be (say Laconia, for example) and you can get the Boston channels.

The least complicated and simpler solution is, as mentioned above, is to have someone put a dish in NH and carry your receiver between locations, and not plug the NH phone line into it and live with what ever satellite channels aren't broadcasted into NH

[songkrai]

Originally Posted by Grady223

songkrai - what about the phone number that the receiver is hooked to, doesn't it need to be changed and doesn't it determine what local channels you get?

No.

You don't even need a phone to receive regular or HD channels. Unless you wish to purchase pay per view. That is all the phone line is used for. Remember the receiver is dumb. It does not know where it is. Even hooked up to a telephone. Maybe sometime in the future Direct will change and be able to tell where a receiver is by the telephone number but as of today it does not. And again, you do not need any telephone connection at all. You do have to tell Direct that the room receiver is used in has no telephone.

Every day, people with Direct TV get/order another receiver for a spare bedroom. And not all homes new or old have a phone jack in every room. Direct TV knows this. So if you were to call them and order another receiver you just tell them that there is no phone jack in the room. Again, no phone connection no pay per view channels. You can order another receiver in CT or order one in NH. It makes no difference.

You can also use cat5e (broadband) wire. All receivers today have both a phone jack and a cat5e (broadband) jack in back and either can be used or not used. Direct does not expect all customers with rooms in home with no phone connection to rewire all rooms with a new hard wired phone connection.

Direct TV is just beginning to get into the wireless technology. I'm not sure how that works. All my receivers are hard wired. I use cate5e wire in both my homes. And the cat5e (broadband) wire has nothing to do with my telephone and has nothing to do with Direct TV. All Direct desires is a connection so that they can charge for pay per view. So if you do not need pay per view then no phone or cat5e wire is needed. My receivers are hard wired (cat5e) only because I order movies - pay per view - from Direct. Ohterwise I would not have any phone or cat5e hard wired to the receiver.

Again, I can't over emphasize this. You do have to do your homework. Customer Service at Direct (and Dish) can and do provide different answers to the same question on different calls to them. You have to know what can be done before you call them. And you have to be persisitent. Some of my calls to Direct TV require being transferred to a higher up Customer Service person. The higher up in Customer Service the more knowledgeable.

Off this question. Just a note. I actually own my receivers - no lease whatsoever. But be forewarned. Buying a new receiver at Best Buy or Amazon - you do not actually own the receiver. You are buying a receiver that is leased and if you ever cancel Direct TV you must send the receiver back to Direct as these "bought" receivers are actually leased.

[songkrai]

Originally Posted by Grady223

songkrai - what about the phone number that the receiver is hooked to, doesn't it need to be changed and doesn't it determine what local channels you get?

Determining the local channels.

What determines the local channels is the physical location Direct TV is told that the receiver is at. Not any telephone connection. You, the customer tell Direct where the receiver is located. The physical location of receiver has nothing to do with where you are billed. The average customer probably gets their bill at the home where the receivers are located. I get my bill at a PO Box. The stated location of my receivers is a physical street address that I told Direct TV.

Let's do a hypothetical for instructional purposes only. Let me state up front that you should tell Direct TV where all receivers are at all times. Those are the rules. Let's say you have a son in Montana. He has a correct dish on roof. You can take your CT receiver to Montana and just plug it in. No calls to Direct. No phone connection. You would still receive the channels you presently get in CT. There are some caveats to this. Certain satellites are located in certain areas of sky. Last I was told there are about a dozen satellites in sky. You don't use all of the satellites. Some are for foreign channels. As an example, some in US are from Asia. Direct has an Asian package that these folks can purchase.

Again, I advise all to follow the rules at all times.

[fatlazyless]

A 32.6 million dollar pay package that includes salary and stock options is what the ceo of DirecTV, Michael White, is getting for 2011. And the 30-dollar monthly DirecTV charge here in Meredith is still about half the price of the 60-dollar/month that Metrocast Cable will charge you. In the second year of the 24-month DirecTV contract, the monthly charge automatically goes up, probably to about sixty.

[wifi]

Originally Posted by fatlazyless

A 32.6 million dollar pay package that includes salary and stock options is what the ceo of DirecTV, Michael White, is getting for 2011. And the 30-dollar monthly DirecTV charge here in Meredith is still about half the price of the 60-dollar/month that Metrocast Cable will charge you. In the second year of the 24-month DirecTV contract, the monthly charge automatically goes up, probably to about sixty.

What does any of this have to do with cable TV in Moultonboro ?