Does DirecTV actually install cable wires or do they just use the old house wiring?

Question

Im getting DirecTV with dual tuner HD DVR's. Is the guy going to say he cant do it because my house is wired with only one line to each room? Or do they actually run the second wire to accommodate the dual tuner? I cant believe I'm the only person in America who wants a dual tuner DVR and does not have 2 lines pre-wired into my house running to each room?

I also don't want cable wires running all around the outside of my house going into holes for each room I want a dual tuner DVR.

I guess I was under the impression that DirecTV actually INSTALLS DirecTV lines and doesn't just bank on using the house's pre-existing wiring.

Plus, I count on my existing wiring for cable internet. I cant have DirecTV using all the existing wiring for TV, then how will I get my cable internet signal?

Does anyone know if I will be OK, or will DirecTV show up and just say "Sorry, cant do it"

Answer 1

Can you say "Paranoid", calm down, Direct tv will install them or if you wish they may can use your old cables.  Just ask, the repairman won't bite your head off.

Answer 2

the installer won't say they can't do it. That's for sure.

Using the existing cabling, however, is dependant on a few things.

The biggest thing they're going to look for is what kind of coaxial cables were used. Most people don't realize, but there are different kinds, and what kind can affect a cable or satellite broadcast.

If your house has RG6 cabling (the installer SHOULD check) then the installer could integrate the satellite signal into that wiring.

If it's RG56 (more common for cable installations) then you and the installer will have to discuss your options. RG56 coaxial cabling will not pass the DirecTV signal properly, so he will either need to update it or do separate wiring.

Answer 3

They would run new cables through out your house

Answer 4

When I moved and DirecTV did the reinstallation, they did install new cabling for the dish. However, the guy did just place the cables up under the eaves along the house to get them to the rooms where the tvs were. He did a good job stringing them up and we haven't had any problems with that. He did re-use the connection where the old cable system cables went into the house, so didn't have to drill too many holes just to string the cables.

We do have an older house that had been retrofitted when cable was introduced to the neighborhood, so our cable connections came in from the outside anyway. And we still have cable service for the internet, so those connections are still live and not piggybacked.

In a newer house where the cable system might be directly wired into a central control system, I am not sure what they can do. They can probably tie into this system directly from the dish, but don't know a lot about any signal splitters or whatever they may have to use for an HD signal.

Usually, when DirecTV sends someone to your house for service or installation, they use local contractors, and those local contractors will usually call to confirm your appointment. You could ask then about your particular situation, although the person you speak with will most likely not know - they will probably just be a receptionist. Ask to speak with a supervisor or service rep, and they might be able to answer your questions to your satisfaction.

I hope this helps.