Are you a marine electronics installer who has questions about satellite TV installations? Signal Connect, the division of Signal Group responsible for satellite TV sales and support, has the answers.
Signal Connect is a member of the NMEA, the National Marine Electronics Association. This organization is dedicated to helping its members streamline the process of outfitting boats with the latest tech. Even before the pandemic, NMEA’s remote presentations helped people all across the country participate in a roundtable to try to get as much information as possible. NMEA has called upon the Signal Connect experts time and time again to try to help explain the thornier parts of satellite television. Satellite TV is a strong part of marine life, even today. It’s more reliable and less costly than even the newest satellite internet packages. Marine installers know that it’s a great way to make money. We’ve compiled a list of some of the best questions asked from previous NMEA presentations, and so…
Here are the five things you need to know about marine satellite TV installation:
Question: “We heard that some DIRECTV satellites will go dark within the next year or two. Is there a future in marine satellite TV installations?”
Answer: There definitely is a future in marine satellite TV. It’s true that DIRECTV planned to discontinue most or all of its standard definition (SD) programming in 2019. After a three-year wait due to world events, those plans are back on. The company’s satellite 119 is going into a parking orbit after all programming is migrated off it and will cease its broadcasts. DIRECTV’s remaining 101 satellites will continue to carry most SD programming. You’ll be able to use the same round dish you used before, but you may need to upgrade to MPEG-4 compatible equipment if your receiver was made before 2012. As SD programs are removed, this will make room for more HD content at that location.
Q: “You said Signal Connect can activate our clients’ DIRECTV and DISH accounts very quickly. How much does this service cost?”
A: Our activation services are free for marine installers. Just call us and we’ll get your client’s account activated, sometimes in as little as 10 minutes. As an authorized DIRECTV and DISH dealer, we have established relationships with these satellite providers. This means that we know who to call to quickly activate the even most complicated accounts. We take this off your plate so you can focus on the things that actually make you money.
Q: “What are the differences between commercial and residential installations, as far as marine satellite TV is concerned?”
A: This was a big part of our presentations and we’re happy to explain it again because satellite installations can get tricky. DIRECTV offers two types of accounts – residential and commercial. To be considered a residential account, the programming must be viewed by the customers only, and in a boat that isn’t used to generate revenue. If your client uses their boat to earn a living, even if it’s just a couple of charters each year, then they need a commercial account. Fortunately, there are many benefits to commercial satellite TV accounts, which Signal Connect is happy to discuss with you.
Q: “Can my clients bring their home receivers onto the boat/trawler with them to watch DIRECTV while they work?”
A: Yes they can, but it’s illegal if they do it. Clients who use residential satellite receivers in a commercial environment are committing fraud and/or misclassification, which is a serious offense. DIRECTV’s legal team is cracking down on anyone who violates the company’s compliance issues. This is why it’s important for installers like you to know the difference between commercial and residential installations. It’s equally important that you advise your customers as to which DIRECTV installation they should get on their boat(s).
Q: “If my client buys a boat that already has receivers on it, can we reuse that equipment?”
A: In most cases, yes. Much of it depends upon if the previous client is caught up with their DIRECTV account. If everything is good, your new client can reuse those receivers. The easiest way to know if everything is good to go is by sending the device to us. We’ll run it through DIRECTV’s system and get it cleared for you. Just like our activation service, we do this quickly and easily because of our relationship with the satellite service provider.
Signal Connect: The DIRECTV Resource for Marine Installers
When it comes to marine satellite TV activation and service, Signal Connect is your No. 1 resource. Whether it’s at a convention, trade show, or over the phone, our team has helped thousands of installers make money doing marine satellite TV installs.. They want to help you, too. They’ll answer your questions about DIRECTV’s services and equipment. They’ll also get your clients’ DIRECTV and DISH accounts activated. To access the knowledge and experience of our marine satellite experts, call us at 888-233-7563 or fill out the form below.
