Tutorials

Will “six strikes” make a difference?

Last week, several major internet service providers rolled out “The Copyright Alert System,” which is supposed to be a self-governing method of keeping people from spreading pirated material. The details are really kind of sketchy, even…

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The proper way to hook up a SWM-D2 diplexer

Sonora’s SWM-D2 diplexer is a great piece of technology to have around. Whether you are a commercial installer looking to put broadcast TV on the same line as DIRECTV service or a DIY’er who wants to use…



PlugCam problems? Try these tips

The PlugCam is cool. It uses your home powerlines to create a security system that needs no wiring and doesn’t even rely on your wi-fi. It’s easy to configure and easy to use. But what if it doesn’t…


How to install a legacy DIRECTV system

While it’s true that the DIRECTV world has moved to SWM technology, there are times when a plain legacy install is the best way to go. You may be replacing parts and have no need for…


Living without the scourge of .NET

It’s probably on your computer right now. It’s called the Windows .NET Framework, and it’s probably sitting there taking 2 or 3 gigabytes of space. (That’s ridiculous right there. It wasn’t that long ago all of…



“Undefined OSD” error?

We’ve read several cases where a DIRECTV receiver will fail to boot and the only message will be “Undefined OSD.” Courtesy of our members texasbrit and litzdog911, here is the solution (originally posted at the…


Is it ok to use a cheap HDMI cable?

Don’t fall for those overpriced monstrosities. This is our Installer Series HDMI cable. It gives you everything you’ll need for today’s HDTV installations, and it actually supports all the advanced features of the HDMI 1.4 specification. Yet,…



TIP: Reset that remote!

Remote not responding? It happens to everyone. Maybe it got dropped one too many times, or maybe you’re trying to use an old remote with a new box. Either way, you need to reset it. There’s…



BACK TO BASICS: Cable Compression Kit

Solid Signal makes great cables. But of course, you can too. With a little practice you can make the cables you need and by buying parts in bulk you’ll save a lot of money. You’ll also…



BYOD? What’s that?

B Y O D. Have you heard the term yet? If there’s been one big acronym in the business world in 2012, it’s BYOD: Bring Your Own Device. After decades of telling users that their cell…