Need DirecTV HD Programming for RV

[JimRVer]

As a fulltimer sometimes getting service established on anything is tedious. This journey to get DirecTV to start HD Programming for an RV has been a real test.

After buying the Slimline/HR21 DVR equipment outright, I purchased Maxwell Satellite's HD PortaKit to haul it around (big dish). I wanted to have all my ducks in a row, so to speak. Now I can't get service started.

Does any RVer on this forum have the information? A telephone number...website...anything to get me started in the right direction. Calling DirecTV directly does not work!

JimRVer

[Steven]

Have you check with Maxwell Satellite about getting activated? Seems to me they must have had to deal with this before.

The only other suggestion would be to contact a local directTV installer to see if they can help.

[jeff]

I use FTA service.  I have direct TV and Dish network.  I also have many dishes using dual and triple lnbs.  I have over a 1000 channels.  Now you need two things.  Your converter box must be a HD which I guess you have.  You also need to point the dish at the Sat that has HD programming.  The three Sats for DT are 110, 119, 121.

121 has the HD programing. If you want to learn more about this industry try typing in fta in the search engine and go to one of the fta forums.  you can read and learn all you want to know.  You can ask questions and get an answer very quick.  Some of the sites are pay sites and some are free.  These sites are for people who use FTA boxes  Free to Air.  To get 1000 of channels from the 100 of sats in the air.

hope this helps.

jeff at www.iamrving.com

[LindaH]

What, exactly, is your problem with getting service started?  Can you be more specific?

Assuming that you have all the correct equipment, it's hooked up correctly, and you can tune in the satellite (I'm not sure of the channel, but there is one channel that you can see prior to starting service...the Owner's Manual should have this information in their setup instructions).

Once you have that channel tuned it, starting service should be as simple as calling DirecTV and saying you want to start service. 

[JimRVer]

Thanks, Steven. I followed your advice and checked the MaxwellSatellite.com website. Sure enough, their FAQ covered all the bases and I was able to handle the "getting service" part in about 15 minutes. Don't know why I didn't think of checking there. duh!

Stayed on the phone with DirecTV about 15 minutes (and following the suggestions in the Maxwell FAQ) I was able to have the service beamed into my HD TV within minutes after the basic information was recorded. One thing mentioned in the FAQ to watch for was to make sure the rebate was activated by the Rep otherwise it could be 2 months before your bill dropped to the special rate. Also ensure that the DirecTV Rep punched the right button to start the DVR service (if you have that).

[LindaH]

I use FTA service.  I have direct TV and Dish network. 

There is legal FTA and illegal FTA.  If you are *really* picking up DirecTV and Dish Network programming, that is theft of service and is illegal.