DirecTV Installation Question

[DivotMaker]

Just signed up for DirecTV and have installation scheduled for Thursday. We're getting 2 DVR's, but the install is going to require new cable to be installed because there aren't any jacks where we have our TV's. Both locations are on outside walls and within 5-10 feet of each near a corner of the house. The CSR said the installer would drill one hole for us, but anything above that would have to be negotiated with the installer. The dish will be right above where the two holes will have to be drilled too, so the total cable used will be very minimal.

What can I expect to pay (and should I have to pay) to have an extra line ran through an outside wall? Any help on how to "negotiate" with the installer is appreciated. Thanks.

[HDTVsportsfan]

Define "right above". Can everyting be reached from the ground or a standard 6 foot step ladder. Or are we talking about a 2 story structure?

[DivotMaker]

Define "right above". Can everyting be reached from the ground or a standard 6 foot step ladder. Or are we talking about a 2 story structure?

Yep, it's a single story structure, and a 6 foot ladder would reach no problem.

[or270]

Just signed up for DirecTV and have installation scheduled for Thursday. We're getting 2 DVR's, but the install is going to require new cable to be installed because there aren't any jacks where we have our TV's. Both locations are on outside walls and within 5-10 feet of each near a corner of the house. The CSR said the installer would drill one hole for us, but anything above that would have to be negotiated with the installer. The dish will be right above where the two holes will have to be drilled too, so the total cable used will be very minimal.

What can I expect to pay (and should I have to pay) to have an extra line ran through an outside wall? Any help on how to "negotiate" with the installer is appreciated. Thanks.

You should not have to pay anything, The free basic install includes-

* Mount dish on an outside wall of the dwelling with appropriate hardware, within 125 feet cable length of TV.
* Provide up to 125 feet of RG-6 cable.
* Provide the hardware necessary to ground the satellite antenna.
* Route all cables to the TV either through an exterior wall (frame or one layer of masonry) or from a basement.
* Connect the receiver to an existing telephone jack (if available) in the same room with the supplied telephone wire.

You will need a phone line close to each receiver. (Directv requiring the phone line
changes depending who you talk to)

[HDTVsportsfan]

You should not have to pay anything, The free basic install includes-

* Mount dish on an outside wall of the dwelling with appropriate hardware, within 125 feet cable length of TV.
* Provide up to 125 feet of RG-6 cable.

I'm not so sure about the 125 feet total. It's always been my understanding that they will provide one entry point into the house. If it's only twenty feet, there done. Any extra runs are at whatever can/is negotiated is extra. If I understand your statement, if the OP needed 3 runs at 40 feet each (or whatever math you want to use) that it would be included in the "free" installation. I know I'm splitting hairs, but if those three seperate 40 foot runs were spread thru out 3 different locations of the house, it "ain't happen'" without paying extra.

But there has been so many different stories posted on this, that it can be somewhat of a crap shoot. It's all going to depend on the individual subs that come out.

In an attempt to answer the cost question. I would imagine if everything is as close to each other as you say, 50.00 bucks would cover it. But again, so many variables when it comes to the installers and what they want. Some go the extra mile, some only do what they have to.

Good Luck.

[DivotMaker]

The CSR was pretty adament that although 125' of cable was allowed, the basic install only included one run and additional runs had to be negotiated. Maybe I'll just watch what he does and punch my own hole through the second wall for him :-).

Thanks everyone for the replies.

[Finnstang]

The CSR was pretty adament that although 125' of cable was allowed, the basic install only included one run and additional runs had to be negotiated. Maybe I'll just watch what he does and punch my own hole through the second wall for him :-).

Thanks everyone for the replies.
Be careful, there's electrical wiring in walls.

[HDTVsportsfan]

My response was going to be similiar to Finnstang. You have to be careful. Your most likely going to want to have that second drop somewhat close to an existing electrical outlet. Your always going to run the risk of drilling to an existing electrical wire possibly other utilities. Chance's are low that you would hit and existing line, however, it certainly exists. The chances are no better for the installer himself, but at the end of the day he would be responsible for it. If you have a stud finder that will find electrical wires inside your wall that may help you avoid said wires. But again no guarantee. If you don't have the stomach for it just pay the money to have the installer do it. Someone else may come along and give you better "tricks of the trade".

DISCLAIMER. I'm not recommending you do this yourself. Not trying to scare the bejesus out of you, but if you don't feel comfortable doing it yourself, then don't.