DISH Network -- FAQs

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Installing DISH

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Can I paint the dish antenna so that it blends in with my house?
We do not recommend painting your dish as it may cause signal loss. If you do decide to paint your dish, do not get paint on the front cover of the LNBF (the white plastic cap that faces the dish), and avoid latex and metallic paints. We also recommend that you use as few coats as possible as more paint will increase signal loss.

I have trees in front of my dish. What can I do?
If your system has been installed for a while and you lose signal during clear weather, you may have obstructions (trees, buildings, mountains, power lines, etc.) causing interference with the satellite signal. If you cannot find a different location that provides a clear line of sight to the satellite, you may have to trim your trees.

What can I do about snow and ice on my dish?
If you experience signal loss due to the accumulation of snow and ice on your dish, if safe to do so, gently by hand or with a small broom, brush as much of the snow and ice off as possible. Your signal should return shortly.

Why do I need a phone line connected to my receiver?
A phone line connection is required in order to provide non-interrupted programming. The phone line will not interfere with your telephone use. If the receiver is using the telephone line and someone picks up the telephone, the receiver will immediately stop and try again later. The same will be done if a call is received. The receiver will only use a toll free (800) number. This provides continuous access to DISH Network Pay-Per-View movies and events and allows use of the Customer Support Application and other Interactive TV applications on channel 100.

DISH Network Pay-Per-View purchases are stored within your receiver and limited to a specific purchase amount. The phone line connection allows your DISH Network Pay-Per-View purchases to download automatically and be processed by our computers. These purchases are then applied to your regular bill.

A phone line connection is also required with some of the features of dish home Interactive TV on channel 100. “dish home” is available on the models 3900, 4900, 111, 301, 311, 322, 501/508/510, 522, 625, 721, 811, and 942.

What are the benefits of DISH Network periodically updating receiver software?
From time to time, we update the software in our receivers to improve the performance or add new features. There is no charge for these enhancements. Please note that the receiver must be in standby mode (plugged in but turned off) to receive software downloads successfully.

The download process takes between 5 and 15 minutes. It’s best to leave the receiver off overnight, or when you are not watching TV for an extended period of time. In our dual-tuner receivers, like the DISH 322, DISH PLAYER-DVR 522, DISH PLAYER-DVR 625, and DISH PLAYER-DVR 942, both TV1 and TV2 power indicators on receivers need to be off in order to receive a software download.

The time in my Electronic Program Guide (EPG) is incorrect. What can I do?
During an initial activation, the time will be set normally 10-15 minutes after the programming is authorized. The time is set according to the ZIP code listed for the physical address, which is federally assigned.

If it has been more than 15 minutes since activation, you can perform a Smart Card reset. Please note that the following receivers have no physical Smart Card present; DISH 111, DISH 311, DISH 322, DISH 811, DISH Player - DVR 522, DISH Player - DVR 625 and DISH Player – DVR 942.

Caution: The Smart Card could be damaged by a Static Electricity discharge. To prevent this, you should touch the outside of the receiver prior to removing the Smart Card.

Locate the Smart Card. The Smart Card is normally located behind a door on the front left of the receiver.
Carefully remove the Smartcard for 15 seconds then reinsert the card.

You may also perform a Hard Reset:

Remove electrical power from the receiver by unplugging the receiver from the AC electrical outlet.
Wait 15 seconds.
Plug the receiver back into the AC electrical outlet.
If you are still receiving the incorrect time, please contact our Technical Support Department at 1-888-284-7116 for further assistance.

I need a Professional Installation. Who do I call?
Simply call 1-888-284-7116 to schedule an installation time convenient for you.

Can I install my satellite TV system myself?
You can not install the DISH Network satellite system by yourself at this time.

How can I find out if I have a clear line-of-sight to your satellite?
This webpage has an azimuth and elevation calculator that requires only your ZIP Code. Your professional installer will also check for a clear line-of-site before they proceed with any installation.

We have a satellite dish antenna and during heavy rain and snow we lose our signal. Is there something we can do to eliminate this?
Losing satellite signal during very severe weather, to include heavy rain or snow, can happen. Only on rare occasions will your satellite signal not come back after the weather has passed. After a snow storm, if your signal does not come back, check your dish antenna to ensure snow has not accumulated on your dish, which may interfere with your signal. Carefully remove the snow from your dish and your signal should return.

If you continually lose signal during inclement weather, please call 1-888-284-7116 to speak with a specially trained agent. If it is determined your current dish antenna is not optimally peaked, you may need to schedule an appointment for a technician to assist you with resolving this problem.

Need additional information? Learn more at the Tech Portal.

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