Information Champion

As much as I love my DISH Network satellite TV service, I do hear about people that have problems with their service from time to time. As a long-time customer, I have picked up a few tips that may help make your experience with DISH Network a little more pleasant.

First, and most important, make sure the technician that installs your system does a good job. Simple things like making sure the satellite dish is mounted securely and cannot be blown around by the wind will make a big difference.

Before the technician leaves they should fire up your TV and check all the signal levels for the various satellite transponders that provide the signal to your dish. Make sure this is done before the technician leaves and you may want to watch the technician during that process to make sure the signal levels are adequate.

If you have a DISH Network DVR like I do, it helps to know that these a pretty complex devices, a lot like a computer. In fact, they even have a computer hard drive inside to store all the programs you record.

There have been a few instances when I have turned on my DVR to watch something and for some reason, it does not seem to work. The lights come on in the front of the unit but I am not able to see anything on my TV.

Remember, I said these things were a lot like computers, so that is the way I treat it. Just like when my computer acts up and I have to re-boot it, I simply "re-boot" my DVR by pulling its electrical cord out of the wall socket for a few seconds and then plugging it back in.

It takes a few minutes for the DVR to run through it’s start-up procedure and start sending programming to your TV so be patient. This simple technique has returned my DVR to good working condition each time I have done it.

Another good tip is to be aware that snow and ice sometimes collects on the satellite dish and may disrupt your ability to receive programming. I live in the snowy northeast and this has not been much of a problem for me, so it is not something I have had to deal with very often.

If your dish is easily accessible, by all means, clear any snow and ice off it when you see a significant amount has collected. Mine is on my roof so I am not able to reach it easily so I am glad it is not a problem I have to deal with very often.

These simple tips can make your experience with DISH Network satellite television a bit more enjoyable.

If you are considering DISH Network for your own home, take a little time to shop around on the Internet for the best DISH Network Deals you can find out there. There are quite a few companies that offer installation and even some free gifts when you sign up through their service.