While professional installation of a satellite TV system is quick and easy, your home must still meet a certain number of criteria in order to be eligible to install satellite TV.

Unobstructed Southern Exposure

In order to receive a satellite broadcast, you must mount you dish somewhere with an unobstructed view of the southern sky. Trees, buildings, and other tall objects can block or degrade your signal, so it is critical that your dish have an obstruction-fee line of sight to the south. If you live in an apartment building with no southern exposure, you may be able to mount your dish on the roof, or if your house has objects in the way, you could position the dish in your backyard where the signal is clear. Either way, a clear view to the south is absolutely necessary for satellite reception.

An Appropriate Area for a Satellite Dish

Satellite TV customers need an exterior area to mount a satellite dish. While some windows will allow the transmission of satellite signals, it is highly recommend that you mount your dish outdoors, and, as discussed above, you must have a clear view of the southern sky. Standard satellite dishes are either 18" or 20" wide, and can be mounted on a wide variety of surfaces, including chimneys, balconies, and roofs.

If you rent your home, your choice of mounting areas may be restricted: the FCC has ruled that renters may install a dish in any area that is reserved exclusively for their use, such a balcony or backyard, but that they do not automatically have the right to install a dish in a common area such as a roof deck. Of course, your landlord may have more flexible rules, and renters must have their landlord's permission before installing a satellite system, so we recommend that you contact your landlord before purchasing a satellite system.

Proper Wiring

If your current home is already wired for cable television, then you should already have coaxial cable outlets near your TV. If your house is wired with newer RG-6 coaxial cable line, as many are, then you can simply use your current wiring to carry the signal from your dish to the television. If your house has older coaxial wiring, however, it will not be able to handle the demands of a satellite TV and you will need to run a new wire when you install your satellite system.

Requirements Checklist

DIRECTV

Accessible location for dish with unobstructed southern exposure
Resident of Continental US, Alaska, or Hawaii (Alaska residents will need a larger dish)
Landlord permission is required for renters
Residence must be wired with RG-6 Coaxial Cable

Dish Network

Accessible location for dish with unobstructed southern exposure
Resident of Continental US, Alaska, Hawaii, or Puerto Rico (Alaska residents will need a larger dish)
Landlord permission is required for renters
Residence must be wired with RG-6 Coaxial Cable