Frequently Asked Questions – Installation/Setup FAQ
- Do you install DISH satellite dishes?
- We do not install the satellite dishes ourselves. We have partnered with a nationwide network of licensed DISH installers who will be happy to install your satellite dish. These installers conform to all industry standards, ensuring that you will receive a quality installation from a certified, insured company. You will even receive a 90-day warranty with your installation.
- Do you install the DISH receivers in my house?
- The installer will bring the DISH receivers to your home when they come to install your satellite dish. They will help you connect the receivers to your satellite dish, but depending on the connection that you want, you may be responsible for connecting it to your TV. Most basic connections can be completed by the installer, but they may not have more expensive or advanced cabling.
- How long does it take to install DISH?
- Installation can be performed “next day” in most cases. The actual installation time of the satellite dish and the DISH receivers will depend on the equipment you choose, your home, and the placement of the satellite dish.
- Does DISH charge installation fees?
- Currently, new customers are not charged for installation. You will receive free installation when you initially sign up for DISH.
- Are there any geographic restrictions that might prevent installation of DISH?
- You will only be able to install DISH in the United States and its territories. DISH is not available in any other countries or areas.
- Are there any environmental factors that might prevent installation of DISH?
- You will need a clear line of sight to the Southern sky that is not impeded by any trees or other natural formations that would interfere with the satellite signal. It is also best to mount or locate your satellite dish in the highest possible location.
- Can I get DISH if I live in an apartment or a condominium?
- In many cases, yes, you can get DISH in these situations. In some cases, you will need the permission of your landlord before you will be able to install the satellite dish. For these instances, we provide a landlord permission form that will have to be downloaded and completed before the installer arrives.
- Can my Homeowner’s Association keep me from installing DISH?
- No, because the DISH satellite dish conforms to standards that have been set by Congress. The DISH antenna is 20 inches large and complies with the Satellite Consumer Bill of Rights, a regulation codified by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on August 6, 1996. This regulation OVERRULES area zoning ordinances and Homeowner's Association covenants and restrictions on DISH antennas. This rule was required by Congress in the Telecommunications Act of 1996. Some Homeowner's associations (HOA's) have been fighting to keep the right to restrict satellite installation by threatening tenants with dish antennas with legal action. In a few cases, the HOA's argued that a DISH antenna installed on a roof was within the common area. The HOA's lost this argument. The United States government is on your side in this matter. For a copy of the FCC regulation, please click here. For more specific information, please contact the Satellite Broadcasting & Communications Association (SBCA) at (703)549-6990 or at SBCA.org.
- How long after installation can I start to enjoy DISH programming?
- You will be able to start enjoying your new DISH programming just minutes after the satellite dish and DISH receiver are installed. However, you will need to activate your DISH account before you are able to display a signal on your television. To activate your account, you will have to call DISH’s Customer Support Center at 1-888-686-2388. You cannot activate your account online.
- If I purchase additional DISH receivers, do you install them?
- If they are purchased or leased at the time of the initial sign-up, the installer will bring and install your additional receivers when they install your satellite dish. If you purchase additional receivers or upgrade your receiver after the initial installation, you will have the receiver shipped to you and you will have to connect it to the TV yourself.
- Who should I call if I need to change my installation date or time?
- You should call the installer’s network at 1-888-542-2526.
- Do you install DISH satellite dishes?
- We do not install the satellite dishes ourselves. We have partnered with a nationwide network of licensed DISH installers who will be happy to install your satellite dish. These installers conform to all industry standards, ensuring that you will receive a quality installation from a certified, insured company. You will even receive a 90-day warranty with your installation.
- Do you install the DISH receivers in my house?
- The installer will bring the DISH receivers to your home when they come to install your satellite dish. They will help you connect the receivers to your satellite dish, but depending on the connection that you want, you may be responsible for connecting it to your TV. Most basic connections can be completed by the installer, but they may not have more expensive or advanced cabling.
- If I purchase additional DISH receivers, do you install them?
- If they are purchased or leased at the time of the initial sign-up, the installer will bring and install your additional receivers when they install your satellite dish. If you purchase additional receivers or upgrade your receiver after the initial installation, you will have the receiver shipped to you and you will have to connect it to the TV yourself.
- How do I set up my caller ID through DISH?
- You will have to connect your phone line to your DISH receiver in order to see Caller ID notifications on your television screen. You will also need to have Caller ID enabled on your phone line for this to work.
- Are there parental controls available on DISH?
- Yes. Parental controls are available on all DISH receivers. Please see our detailed instructions on how to set up parental controls for different DISH receivers.
- Can I use parental controls to prevent certain recordings?
- Yes. You can set up parental controls for DISH receivers that will prevent recordings, or even the viewing of particular channels. Controls can be set up to restrict access based on MPAA ratings (G, PG, PG-13, R and NC-17) or by TV ratings that are based on language, sexual content, and violence. You can also block entire channels completely. Parental controls can be overridden by users who enter a Personal Identification Number (PIN).
- Can I use parental controls to prevent ordering through DishHOME Interactive TV?
- Yes. You can restrict ordering through the DishHOME interactive TV interface. While some measure of control can be achieved by setting up controls based on content ratings, you may wish to block ordering from this channel entirely if you are concerned about purchases.
- Can I use parental controls to prevent access to Pay-Per-View programming?
- Yes. You can set controls based on the ratings of the content, or you can require that users enter a Personal Identification Number (PIN) to complete a Pay-Per-View transaction. If you are concerned about unauthorized purchases, you may want to disable the ability to make purchases unless a PIN is answered.
- How do I ground my system after installation?
- Your satellite dish will be grounded upon installation. Grounding your receiver is achieved by plugging it in to a surge protector.
- Can I adjust the internal volume of my receiver?
- Yes. You can adjust the internal volume of the receiver simply by using the volume controls on the receiver’s remote control.
- How do I change to an alternate audio or language output?
- Changing the audio output depends on the channel, receiver, and remote used. Most changes can be made through the menu of the receiver. Learn more about changing the language in this helpful video.
- Can I make a favorite list using my DISH receiver?
- Yes. In a matter of minutes, you can set up a favorites list that will give you instant access to your favorite channels. You will be able to surf through your favorite channels with the press of a single button when you are done.
- Can I set up alerts/reminders or event timers on my DISH receiver?
- Yes. Most DISH receivers give you the option to set up alerts or reminders so that you don’t miss your favorite shows. You can even set up timers that let you know how long you have been watching TV if you want to keep tabs on your own or your family’s usage.
- How can I disable ordering through DishHOME Interactive TV?
- Yes. You can restrict ordering through the DishHOME interactive TV interface. While some measure of control can be achieved by setting up controls based on content ratings, you may wish to block ordering from this channel entirely if you are concerned about purchases.
- How do I control access to Pay-Per-View programming?
- Yes. You can set controls based on the ratings of the content, or you can require that users enter a Personal Identification Number (PIN) to complete a Pay-Per-View transaction. If you are concerned about unauthorized purchases, you may want to disable the ability to make purchases unless a PIN is answered.
- How do I control closed captioning?
- Closed captioning can be activated by entering the “Settings” menu on your receiver. You can choose between CC1 and CC2, which offer different feeds of closed captioning for some programming.
- How do I change my DISH guide display?
- Adjustments to your DISH guide display can be made by entering the “Settings” menu on your receiver. Some elements of your guide cannot be changed, but the ones that can be altered are found here.
- How does the ‘Search’ function work on my DISH?
- The ‘Search’ function on your DISH allows you to find programs that will be airing or on-demand programming that is available to you. Simply type in the first few letters of the word or phrase that you are looking for, then scroll through the results to select the program you want. If the program you are looking for is scheduled for a future airing, you will be able to set up a recording (if you have a DVR) or a reminder (if you do not have a DVR).
- Can I get DISH if I live in an apartment or a condominium?
- In many cases, yes, you can get DISH in these situations. In some cases, you will need the permission of your landlord before you will be able to install the satellite dish. For these instances, we provide a landlord permission form that will have to be downloaded and completed before the installer arrives.
- How does the ‘Search’ function work on my DISH?
- The ‘Search’ function on your DISH allows you to find programs that will be airing or on-demand programming that is available to you. Simply type in the first few letters of the word or phrase that you are looking for, then scroll through the results to select the program you want. If the program you are looking for is scheduled for a future airing, you will be able to set up a recording (if you have a DVR) or a reminder (if you do not have a DVR).
- How does my EPG (Electronic Program Guide) update information?
- Updates are downloaded on a regular basis in a few ways to your DISH receiver. If you do not have your receiver connected to a phone line or by Ethernet connection, your updates will be sent as part of the satellite signal. Receivers that are connected by a phone line or Ethernet cable will get programming updates from data that will come to the box in the middle of the night.
- Who should I call if I need to change my installation date or time?
- You should call the installer’s network at 1-888-542-2526.
- Who should I call if I have other questions about installation or setup?
- You can call Sterling Satellite for questions before your installation at 1-800-299-5610.