Updating Apps
Marty Silbernik is the author of I’m Too Old To Do This, a tech blog for folks who remember when none of this stuff existed. This article appears with permission. I’ve always been one of those who…
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Webmail vs. Stand Alone Email Clients
Over the last few weeks I’ve had a few folks tell me that they didn’t like their email software but kept it because they didn’t want to change the email address that they’ve had for…
What receivers can’t be used without a SWM multiswitch?
DIRECTV SWM technology is awesome, but not everyone is ready to upgrade right away. If you’re staying with legacy technology for one reason or another, you need to watch out for these receivers that won’t work…
TIP: Use the DIRECTV AM21 with your HR44 Genie DVR
It can be done. There are so many rumors that you can’t use the AM21 antenna module with the HR44 Genie. It’s easy to see how they get started since our guide to installing an AM21 has you unplugging the receiver…
What are the flex ports used for on a multiswitch?
You’ve seen them there just taunting you. Those “flex ports” on your multiswitch. They’re just there empty while the other input lines happily supply your home with satellite service. So what are they there for? …
Here’s how to use IP Control on your DIRECTV receiver
DIRECTV’s HD receivers use a technology called SHEF that lets you control them from your home network. It’s what makes DIRECTV’s apps work, but did you know that you can use the same functions yourself? If…
Solid Signal shows you HOW TO DO IT: DIRECTV’s Built-In Self Tests
Sometimes you really need to get down and dirty. The basic tests aren’t enough. You need the real information. DIRECTV receivers have three built-in tests that can help you understand what is going on inside that…
Transformer Tests
I’ve been telling people to try their antennas without the standard TV 300 Ohm to 75 Ohm transformer for years now. With the inclusion of the Digiair DTV Spectrum Analyzer in my bag of tools,…
What is RDK?
Cable companies across the country are racing to change over from the old way of doing cable TV, known as QAM, to new IPTV technology. With IPTV, all the TV information comes through as digital data…
What is net neutrality?
Maybe you’ve heard the term and maybe you’ve never been curious before. But, with “over-the-top” streaming services like Netflix getting more popular, it’s something you might want to get familiar with. Net neutrality is the idea…
When will DIRECTV stop SD broadcasting?
Sometimes it’s hard to see the forest when you’re standing so close to a tree. Our Solid Signal Blog readers are the elite of home theater DIY’ers an we sometimes forget that the rest of the…
Where’s the STOP button on my new DIRECTV remote?
So you just got that brand new HR44 Genie and its slick little RC71 Genie Remote. You sit down, you watch a recording and… hey, where’s the stop button! You want to go back to live TV,…
Bow Tie Element Length Evaluation
THE QUESTION The question I wanted to answer was, “Does making a bow tie (BT) antenna with longer elements improve the VHF response of the antenna?” It is easy to answer this question for a…
Do you still need a phone line for DIRECTV equipment?
Easy answer: no. Like millions of folks, you might be thinking of ditching traditional phone service. Most people have cell phones and they’re just as reliable as land lines (and sometimes easier to use.) If…
NICE AND EASY: How can I connect a Broadband DECA?
Looking for an easy way to connect all your SWM-enabled receivers to the internet? We’re happy to provide an easy installation diagram showing you how to install your new-style DECA and network all your receivers! If…