Save $99 and do self-install?

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ss_blake

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If you sign up for a 12 months contract with Bell, can you chose to install the dish yourself and avoid the $99 installation fee?

How would you physically get the dish/lnb/switches? It is my understanding that only an installation technician can bring it to you..?
 
Of course you can.

Most Big Box stores that sell the receivers have them as "Systems' that include the Dish etc.

What about the RG6.?
What about the correct Connectors.?
Do you own a Compression Tool to install them.?
Do you know the correct dimensions for preparing the ends.?
What about Ground Cable.?
What about Grounding connections.?
Do you own a drill bit long enough to get through your walls, etc.?


Also doing a self install means NO warranty on the installation, so if an SW44 dies, tough, go and buy one from a Bell Store for $150, or use E-Bay.

Is it really worth saving $99 and having a host of other things to buy.? I think not.

My advice, if you are really that concerned about $99, reduce the number of receivers by 1, saving you at least $99 and let a Technician do your installation.
 
You forgot to include the "challenge" some people have with finding/aligning the dish, in particular when going for both sats :)

If you have the time and knowledge (which can be found here) then a self-install is certainly possible and can be a fun "project" and you will get exactly what you want. However, if you are not comfortable with the work and do not have the proper equipment, it is a bargain at $99, but depending on the number of receivers and how you want the cables run, it could end up costing more.
 
Yes your right, I did forget that part.

And as there is now a strong signal from 72.7, I see Dish's pointing at that on a regular basis.....
 
On the plus side the job will be done the way you want it done. Some installers are in such a rush they cut corners which for me is unacceptable. Also if you ever have to re-align the dish it will not be a big deal as you will already be familiar with it.

The last installer I dealt with came to my parents place to run three lines and only brought enough cable for one line. He ended up using my cable and I was able to ensure it was run the way it should be ran. He promised to drop off some cable to make up for what he used but never did.
 
If you know what you're doing, do it yourself and then pay the $99 for the installer to show up and sign off. Both parties will be happy.
For example, I was piping the cable down the outside wall and entering the house on the basement ceiling level through a junction box.
Same box has a pile of other cables - Cat6, RG6, HDMI - go through it (sometimes it is easier to jump through the outside then do inside).
 
If you rent YOU NEED TO HAVE A PROFESSIONAL INSTALLATION done. If you buy it's your choice...

My only question:Why no go with a 2 years contract (why will give you all the "new clients" credit + free install) instead of a 1 year which give you no promo, no credits?
 
I've always done the self install. Just because I like a challange. :)

Better than your average puzzle or video game. Great entertainment!!
 
Ahhh, a glutton for punishment too!
I don't mind doing the install myself either, although I wish an installer had installed the sw44 when I spent 3 hours only to find out I mixed up the 82&91 cables! :eek:
 
Do not forget, Not all Installers are created equal......

I have experiences where an installer who has been around since the C Band days has encountered a Diplxer and had removed because he thinks it is a "splitter", then spends hours trying to figure out why things are not working correctly. I sent him drawings of how to correctly use a Diplexer but he still never understood. Maybe he is one Old Dog that cannot learn a new trick....

Only yesterday I found a Commercial installation where 1 Dish was aimed at 72.7.......Oh well......
 
Yes of course you can install it yourself, if you BUY the equipment.

Do not forget there would not be any warranty for any of the parts, ie; LNBF, switch's etc.
 
If you are a new client you could also get the installation free (and the new client's promo) if you sign a 2 years contract
 
Update:

Bell REFUSED to let me install my PURCHASED HD-PVR that is sitting right here in my living room! They said they would NOT activate my receiver unless it was professionally installed by them. And since I have a 12 month contract, they force me to pay $99 installation fee.

Apparently if it was 6141 they would ship me the dish/lnb etc and let me do it myself.. but not with the 9242
 
He told me the only way to get the dish was for an installer to bring it to my house since they don't have them at the stores any more. If that is true then I'm sure I will still get charged the $99 for coming out to drop it off. I even asked if they could just send me the dish to install myself and he said no. But I know better than to believe sales people; which is why I am asking here.

Is there any retail place that I can get the receiver as well as the dish?
 
goto the source or futureshop...they sell them....just pick them up....I ordered a 6131 from the source and had it activated...
 
When I lived in Europe I always installed my sat gear myself, it is actually very simple and many people do that. It comes with simple instructions on how to do it. When I moved to North America awhile ago, suddenly the thing was said to require a so-called "professional installation". :rolleyes:

Bottom line is that you have here two businesses that are helping each other here.
 
Future Shop and Best Buy do not include the dish and switch and I would assume the Source would be the same. I already had my own dish, LNB and switch and did the install myself. Make sure you have your receiver registered with Bell at point of purchase and then you can call to activate when you get it all hooked up and the receiver streamed. If you don't have the equipment or don't want to buy it then have the free pro install. Of course some installers do a less than stellar job but you can always rectify the job after he leaves.
 
Just goes to show how 1 half of Bell have no idea what is happening in the other half.

My understanding, for what it is worth, is that a purchase (ORS) 9242, or any other new receiver for that matter, could be installed by the customer but a Rental can not.
 
False! I bought a 9200 at Best Buy and there was a dish and a SW44 included in the box. I told the rep that I didn't need the dish, since I already had it installed, that I was an existing client, and he refused to sell me a receiver alone.

When I called to book the installation I knew I was eligible for the Nimiq2 free upgrade since it was my first HD receiver, but the agent wanted to sell me the SW44, which I was refusing to buy since I had it in the box. The agent was arguing saying it was the only way to proceed, and that whathever amount they will take will be deducted from bill in 3-6 week (but I would still have to pay the amount to the credit card provider!)

I hung up

Called again and got another agent. He booked the tech for me whithout arguing to buy the SW44

When the tech came he taught he was comming for an original install...

Typical BellTV work!!! Why am I surprised?
 
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