Satellite TV...frustrating

[Cdogg]

I am just venting right now but ive had a busy day and all i wanna do is watch an hour or so of television.  I currently have directTV and its raining...the signal is out and im pissed.  Is this really too much to ask in this day and age???  I feel like its 1994 and im attempting to get an internet connection through dial up with many failed attempts.  I know digital cable is the way to go but i currenly stay at my moms house and she is locked into a 2 year agreement with these bastards.  I feel like i am living in a stone age otlr something and theres gotta be a better solution.  Any suggestions??

[Phishfan]

This is my biggest complaint. Living in Florida we can get some nasty storms and if I can't watch TV during them I would be pissed (especially since a few have come through during game time).

I keep hearing it is getting better but I'm not so sure because I keep hearing the complaint. As a solution are you in a position where you can get the cable hooked up as well? It may not be the most fiscally responsible thing but it would give you TV while the dish is out. Maybe an equipment upgrade would help? I've never had a dish so I'm not sure.

[Cdogg]

My mom gets a pretty good deal for like $49 a month.  She doesnt watch much tv so i dont think id be able to convince her to change.  Plus I dont think digital is available in her area (though its been a little while since i checked) and im not gonna be living here for much longer so whatever, it is what it is i guess, but i keep hearing the same exact thing...Whether its dish network or directtv.  They keep saying its getting better and i honestly dont see it.  The freakin wind blows in our direction and the signal is out.  Maybe i should call a technician to have him physically come look at the dish but this is ridiculous

[bsfins]

I found I got a lot less rain fade,when I switched to the HD receiver,they installed a different dish (I went from a round to oval shaped dish). I refused to put it on my dish on my roof,the old one was mounted on the side of the house...The new one was placed on a pole outside the house (bad spot IMO). I seem to get better reception there then I did before...Despite walking into the S.O.B. when mowing,taking out the trash,etc,etc...

My receiver just did get an update last night,just before the storm blew through,and took the power out for just over an hour here....

[Cdogg]

Good stuff guys.  Very helpful. Thanks!

[bsfins]

Just looking through some of the settings on my dish,and remembered,you can go to signal strength (I think it will be in the Menu->set up settings) and see if there is a transponder with a better signal strength...If I remember correctly anything over 60 is good signal. It's just another suggestion to possibly try...

[Cdogg]

I'll try that.  Thanks

[Cdogg]

I already have the HD box and i just checked the transponder settings and I am getting a 90+ rating on all 4 channels so i guess i am screwed, but i do appreciate the help fellas!  Looks like Im just gonna have to bite the bullet on this one.  Good thing its not raining today...