CONFESSION: I’m such a satellite geek that I…
Yeah, that’s me. Mister Satellite Geek. I wonder if there is a twelve step program for people like me. I think that I’m past the point of being an enthusiast… I believe I may have a…
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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…
Solid Signal goes HANDS ON: DIRECTV Sports Search
Everyone knows that DIRECTV is all about sports dominance. Now, DIRECTV subscribers with Genies have a new tool at their disposal… DIRECTV Sports Search. This new interactive feature gives you total control of your viewing experience… from choosing…
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,…
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…
Which is better… a second SWM off the same dish, or a second dish?
You’re expanding your home DIRECTV system. You’ve gone over 16 tuners, and you’ve read our White Paper. You’re left with a nagging question though… with one run going to your guest house, is it better to have…
How do you know if your multiswitch is going bad?
Multiswitch problems can be very frustrating. The problems may be intermittent, or look like dish or LNB problems. So how can you test a possibly faulty multiswitch? Most of the time the answer is to simply…
What’s the best multiswitch for DIRECTV SD receivers?
The answer’s simple… SWM. If you’re still working with Zinwell, Spaun or Eagle Aspen multiswitches, you know that they work well and they’re reliable. We stand behind them and still sell quite a few. However, if…
CEDIA Expo 2013: Day 1 Wrapup
CEDIA Expo 2013 doesn’t compare in size or scale to its larger cousins IFA and CES but this trade show for home theater installers really stepped things up this year. Your blog team was on hand…
QAM 101: All QAM is not the same
Thanks to ahaley for this suggestion. QAM. Most likely you think it’s either an unpronounceable random set of letters or an Australian airline. In both cases you would be wrong. It stands for Quadrature Amplitude Modulation….
What is “quality TV?”
As we inch closer to the end of Breaking Bad… there’s some argument as to what real “quality TV” is. Breaking Bad is arguably the best-produced, most meticulous show of the 2010s so far, but it’s not the only…