What can you do with an old DIRECTV box?

Introduction Replacing a DIRECTV receiver is very easy and it does not require you to hire the services of a technician in order to have the job done. The process is really a piece of cake – the old hardware needs to be disconnected from the system, the cables have to be disconnected, the new receiver is to be connected, the cables are to be connected to the new receiver, the new receiver needs to be activated, and finally, you get to enjoy your updated DIRECTV service. This guide will provide a detailed procedure on how to perform each of these steps.

Things You'll Need Before getting started, make sure you have the following materials ready:Before getting started, make sure you have the following materials ready:

• New DIRECTV Receiver – This unit may be offered for lease or provided by DIRECTV when you change to a new package or buy your own DIRECTV receiver out from the market. Some of the choices available are the HDTV, the HD DVR, and the Genie.

• DIRECTV coaxial cable – This is the thick cable that connects your satellite dish to your receiver. Ensure that it is long enough to span the distance between the two locations with adequate slack.

• HDMI cable – Although this is not mandatory, it is highly advised that you connect your receiver to your TV using this cable.

• Phone line - It can be used in connecting with the technicians through a phone call after the installation of a new receiver.

• Internet connection on computer – Activation can also be done on the website.

  Disconnect The Old Hardware The first step is to disconnect and remove your existing DIRECTV receiver and cables:The first step is to disconnect and remove your existing DIRECTV receiver and cables:

1. Find the present receiver and switch off the receiver and the television and remove them from the source of power then remove the cables. This helps protect the components from voltage fluctuations when the switch is in use.

2. Unplug the coaxial cable that connects the satellite dish on the roof or balcony to your current receiver. Remove the cable from the ‘Satellite In’ slot at the rear of the receiver.

3. Remove any HDMI, component, composite or any other audio/video cables that may be connected between the receiver and the TV.

   This means that after removing all the cables, you are free to physically disconnect your old receiver. Put it somewhere reachable in case you will be needed to check any numbers or pieces of information on its labels during activation.

   Acquire The New DIRECTV Receiver Next, it's time to get your new receiver hooked up:Next, it's time to get your new receiver hooked up:

4. Position the new DIRECTV receiver in the same vicinity as your existing television set. Ensure it is in an area with adequate air circulation so it does not hinder the flow of air to other parts.

5. The coaxial cable that is coming from your satellite dish should be connected to the ‘Satellite In’ port on the back of your new receiver. Screw it on securely.

6. Plug an HDMI cable (or other compatible AV cable depending on the input/output ports of your TV) into the ‘HDMI Out’ of the receiver.

7. Reconnect the receiver and TV power cables to their respective power outlets.

   Activate The New Receiver Before you can start watching DIRECTV programming on your new receiver, you will need to activate it:Before you can start watching DIRECTV programming on your new receiver, you will need to activate it:

8. As soon as you switch on the receiver for the first time, it will start activation sequence on its own. Select other options on the touch tone and confirm such details as your account number and the receiver identification number.

9. When you reach the point of needing to call or go online for activation, you have two options:When you reach the point of needing to call or go online for activation, you have two options:

   A) Dial the toll free activation number displayed on the screen and contact a DIRECTV representative to activate the new equipment.

   B) Alternatively, you can activate your Directv account on the web by going to directv. com/activate, logging in with your account information.

10. At activation you may be required to entered a new information such as the Smart Card or the Receiver ID numbers which should be displayed on stickers on the new receiver.

11. Wait until activation process is fully done on your receiver. This may take 10- 15 minutes.

    Welcome to the New Improved DIRECTV Service! When activation is complete, the receiver will reset itself. You can then begin watching with an improved view and having other options that your new hardware provides such as high definition or digital video recorder and Genie whole home TV solution.

    If there are any problems related to the activation of your new device, you can try to contact the Customer Service with DIRECTV or use certain sections on the website directv. com. Otherwise, your new DIRECTV receiver is completely ready to go and you can start using it right away.