Although a professional installation of a satellite TV system is simple and rapid, your home must meet certain criteria for eligibility to install satellite TV.

Obstruction-free Southern Exposure
In order to receive a clear satellite broadcast, your satellite dish must be mounted somewhere with an unobstructed view of the southern sky. Buildings, trees and other tall facades can block or impede the signal. Essentially, your dish must have an obstruction-free line of sight toward south.

If you reside in an apartment building without southern exposure, obtain authorization from the landlord or condo association to mount your dish on the roof. If if your home has objects in the way, position the dish in your backyard where the signal should be clearer. In summation, it is critical that your satellite dish is placed in a clear position of the south for the best reception.

Perfect Satellite Dish Placement
Satellite TV subscribers require an exterior area to mount a satellite dish.While some windows will allow clear transmission of satellite signals, it is recommended that the satellite dish be mounted, outdoors. Standard satellite dishes are either 18" or 20" wide. Find a clear area or mounting surface on the exterior of your home or apartment. Remember to consider placing your satellite dish on your balcony, roof or chimney.

For the satellite subscriber who rents their residence, your choice of satellite dish placement may be restricted. The FCC mandates that renters may install a dish in any area that is reserved exclusively for their use. For example a balcony or backyard is a possibility as long as it is not deemed a common area of the building. Obviously, certain landlord may have more flexible rules, but its best to obtain your landlord’s permission in writing before installing a satellite system.

Appropriate Wiring
Depending on the age of your home, certain wiring may be available. If your house is already wired for cable television, then you should already have coaxial cable outlets near your TV. If your home is wired with newer RG-6 coaxial cable line then you can simply use your current wiring to carry the signal from your dish to the TV set.

If reside in an older home, older coaxial wiring will not be able to handle the demands of a satellite TV. Most likely, you will need to run a new wire when you install your satellite system.
Satellite Checklist

VOOM

1. Confer with landlord for permission
   
2. Find 1-2 accessible locations for dish with unobstructed southern exposure
   
3. Reside in one of the 48 continental United States only
   
4. An HD-ready television or integrated HDTV
   

DIRECTV

1. Obtain landlord authorization
   
2. Scout 1-2 locations for dish with unobstructed southern exposure
   
3. Resident of Continental US, Alaska, or Hawaii (Alaska residents will need a larger dish)
   
4. Residence must be wired with RG-6 Coaxial Cable

Dish Network

1. Gain permission from landlord
   
2. Accessible location for dish with unobstructed southern exposure
   
3. Resident of Continental US, Alaska, Hawaii, or Puerto Rico (Alaska residents will need a
4. larger dish)
   
5. Residence must be wired with RG-6 Coaxial Cable