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Frequently Asked QuestionsCan you get locals on DISH Network?-
Yes! Since March 31st, 2004, DISH Network has offered digital local
channels for the Lincoln area. This includes ABC (KLKN), CBS (KOLN), NBC
(KHAS) and PBS (KUON). If you want to receive HD (high definition) content
from ABC, CBS, NBC, and PBS you will still need a local network off-air
antenna. We can help you with this as it has been the primary focus of our
business since 1963. Click here to learn more about
Zager's antenna technology.
Will DISH Network be affected by "digital transition"?-
DISH Network is already digital so you will not be affected.
What about local antennas with respect to digital transition?-
Our antennas are all digital compatible.
The cable people tell me there is a problem with storm interruptions on a satellite dish. Is this true?-
Yes, but it does not occur with the frequency they would have you believe. Outage is approximately 3 to
20 minutes for the duration of time it takes for severe storms to move through, and only when the center
of the storm is between you and the statellite. This occurs less than 1/10th of 1% of the time which is
usually less than average cable outages resulting from storm power failures.
How do you make money giving away free DISH Network satellite TV systems?-
First of all, we don't make money selling hardware. The money is in programming. DISH Network
compensates us for bringing them a new subscriber. The cost of the satellite dish system is being
subsidized by DISH Network. They actually LOSE MONEY on the hardware in order to gain a new
customer. DISH Network is betting that you'll love the service so much that you'll remain a customer for a
long time.
I live in an apartment. Can I install the DISH Network satellite dish system?-
You will need a clear line of sight to the southern sky. The satellite dish faces south and is aimed up
approximately 45 degrees. South-facing balconies usually work fine. Be sure there are no large trees in the
way. If you have roof access you will have no problem. We will also need written
permission from the landlord to do the install.
I'm building a home, so what do I need to pre-wire for satellite and off-air antenna?-
We suggest that you wire your new home with home-run cabling (RG-6) from each
potential TV location to a central location, usually in your utility room, as
you would for cable TV. We also suggest that from the main locations
(living room, family room & master bedroom) that you run two RG-6 cables;
and for a home theater location, run four RG-6 cables. We then recommend
running four RG-6 cables from that same central location to a point on your
house where you plan to put your dish. This location must have an unobstructed
view of the Southwestern sky (195°-220° azimuth) at about 43°
elevation, specifically 110°, 119° and 129° orbital locations.
We also suggest that you run at least one RG-6 cable from the highest point in
your attic for your local, high definition antenna. Digital locals are available
on DISH Network but no high definition or Omaha channels. Most people want the
attic antenna anyway so they can get Omaha channels even though they have no
plans for HDTV.
Finally, some people want to distribute VCR, DVD, closed circuit cameras, or
some other video source to all TVs in their home. RG-6 cables should also be
wired from those locations to the central location.
Our homeowners association forbids satellite dishes. What can I do?-
Our satellite dish antenna sizes all comply with the satellite Consumer Bill of Rights, a
regulation released by the FCC on August 6, 1996. This regulation PREEMPTS zoning ordinances and
Homeowner Association covenants and restrictions on DBS dish antennas. This rule was required by
Congress in the 1996 Telecommunications Act. So you have the right to install your satellite system.
Congress is on your side in this matter. For more information, please contact:
- Satellite Broadcasting & Communications Association (SBCA)
Ph: 703-549-6990www.sbca.com
- Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
Ph: 202-418-0163www.fcc.gov
Is DISH Network satellite TV superior to cable TV?-
Yes. DISH Network is far superior to cable TV. DISH Network is a digital picture with CD quality sound.
Most cabled areas have not been upgraded to fiber and still have inferior picture quality, sound quality and
channel selection.
Can I hook up more than one television to my satellite TV system?-
DISH Network now offers up to four tuners (four separate programs) so that you
can watch something different on up to four different televisions, which adds
only $5.00 per month to your programming bill for the second two tuners.
Equipment is FREE for the first four tuners. Technology now allows for TV
hook-up on any number of televisions with separate programming at additional
cost. The possibilities are unlimited. Talk to us about what works best for your
needs. It is a very rare situation where we can't give you more channels at
significantly lower cost over your local cable company.
What is the difference between DTV (Digital Television) and HDTV (High Definition Television)?-
DTV is the new way of transmitting television signals. With this type of transmission stations can choose to broadcast one HDTV program or multiple SDTV (Standard Definition Television) programs.
What exactly is HDTV?-
High Definition TV (HDTV) uses certain standards to separate it from Standard
Definition (SDTV) when it comes to Digital TV (DTV) broadcasts. SDTV can be
in a 4:3 aspect ratio (square TV sets) or 16:9 (movie screen or rectangle)
aspect ratio. HDTV also uses a resolution of either 720P or 1080I. All true
HDTV is broadcast in a 16:9 aspect ratio. 1080P has been talked about a lot
lately but does not pertain to Television Broadcast. It is only used (at
this time) for next generation DVD players like HD DVD and Blu-ray DVD.
What is Channel Mapping?-
Channel mapping allows for the broadcasting stations to trick the receiver or
TV to move a channel. For example, right now channel 6 DTV is on UHF channel
22. So when you scan or try to add this to your system you need to add
channel 22. Once the system accepts channel 22 there is information embedded
in the signal to tell the system that it is channel 6, and should be shown in
the guide as channel 6-01. If at any time you can't find channel 6-01,
try to add or look for channel 22.
Please remember that every TV or digital tuner box may display the channel
differently (e.g., 6.1, 6-1, and 6-01 all mean the same thing).
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