Hughes Network Systems HIRD-E11, Silver Edition
Written: Dec 23 '01
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Pros: free (promotional), simple to operate, inexpensive programs
Cons: package costs can really add up
The Bottom Line: This is an excellent choice for an individual/family looking for a digital satellite system.
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| CindyJean's Full Review: Hughes Networks HIRDE11 Silver DirecTV Digital Sat... |
Free Is a Very Good Price
I know the saying has been around for a long time, but every time I say these words I am reminded of Tom Peterson. Those of you who saw his commercials for his electronic stores in the Portland, Oregon area from the late 1980s will recognize the annoyance I feel with this association. The rest of you couldn’t care less about this little story—sorry!
I say the free is a good price, because that is how I came to be the owner of a Hughes Network Systems HIRD-E11 digital satellite receiver.
A local company (A1 Satellite of Boise, Idaho) was offering a promotion of a free satellite dish with professional installation in exchange for a one-year programming contract to a minimum level of programming, and I used this as a way to convince my husband that we could afford better television than six local broadcast stations.
System Components
This satellite system comes in three parts: the satellite dish antenna (dish), the DIRECTV PLUSÔ Digital Satellite Receiver, and the remote control.
The satellite dish antenna (dish) is the 18-inch, dish shaped item that attaches to the outside of your home. Generally this is installed on a roof awning, though it can be installed on a wall or even on the ground if it is able to obtain an unobstructed path to the orbiting satellite it gets its feed from.
The receiver is the unit that sits inside your house and connects to your television. There is an access card on the right side of the satellite receiver, hidden behind a small door. This is a nice feature as it keeps small hands from removing the card. There are a few buttons on the front of the receiver that will allow you to perform the most basic features of setup, installation, and program viewing. There are several input and output ports on the back of the receiver that are used to include your digital satellite programming in the configuration of your home entertainment system.
The remote control is that horrible little device that makes many a woman angry with her husband for hoarding. Really, the remote control is your lifeline to your satellite system and will allow you to access all that your system has to offer.
Installation and Set-Up
As I said in my introduction, we were given professional installation as a part of our sign-up agreement, so I cannot comment on the difficulty, or lack thereof (whichever the case may be).
My husband has, in a previous home, installed a satellite dish without too much difficulty, so it is possible for someone who is not a trained technician to accomplish.
Also, the installer did the basic set-up of this system so I again cannot comment on the difficulty of this particular system. Once again, we did have a similar system a few years back, and we had no difficulty setting that system up for our use so I wouldn’t expect this to be any more difficult.
Note: If you are considering ordering digital satellite television, I would highly suggest either springing for professional installation or waiting until your local company offers it as a promotional feature. It is possible to install and set up the system yourself without an excessive amount of trouble, but why not save the hassle for a professional?
So You Want to Do It Yourself?
I find it insulting that the owner/operator manual for this product includes instructions for placing the batteries in the remote control. Have we, as a society, become so stupid that some things are not self-explanatory?
The manual for this product gives detailed explanations for installation of the receiver, so I will not needlessly pad my review by including them here. If you can read and follow instructions, so you configure your satellite system with little stress.
The satellite antenna dish is a more difficult to install than the receiver, and it may actually require some tools and “behind the walls” knowledge. To install this you might have to (as listed in the manual):
**Climb a ladder and work on your roof.
**Use a power drill to drill holes in your house.
**Determine if there are water pipes, electrical wiring, or gas lines hidden in the walls near where you will be drilling.
**Route coaxial cable through the foundation wall, under floors, and through interior walls.
**Ground the antenna and coaxial cable as recommended in the National Electrical Code
Tools that may be needed (also from the manual):
**electric drill
**drill bits
**carpenter’s level
**pencil or chalk
**tape measure
**wrenches or hex socket
**hammer
**hole digging tools
**wheelbarrow or concrete mixing box
**hacksaw
**sledgehammer
**flat blade screwdriver
**Phillips screwdriver
**clinometer or protractor
I include this information only to forewarn you of the “hassles” of installation and help you to decide when you first order your system whether or not you are up for the challenge of “do-it-yourself” installation.
The manual also includes detailed instructions on how to install the satellite antenna dish, so I will not include those here.
Watching Television Programming
Before you can really use your satellite system, you need to subscribe to a programming package through DirecTV.
You can check out their available programming packages at http://www.directv.com/packages/packagespages/0,1336,516,00.html, and you will also be able to find out programming prices there as well.
The ‘technicalities’ of watching television are clearly outlined in the user’s manual, so I won’t go into detail here.
I will tell you the information that is practical to consumers though. This satellite system is quite easy to view programming on. It took a few days to get used to the system, but that was only because our home entertainment system is multi-component and I had to learn which items (VCR, DVD player, satellite system, etc.) worked on which input of our television (broadcast channels, video 1, or video 2).
On a system that was comprised of only a television, VCR (or DVD player) and satellite system it would take only a few moments to learn.
Just to give you an example of how easy this system is to run, my six-year-old son can run the satellite system with either the buttons on the receiver or with the remote. If he can do it, you can too!
Programming Your Remote
The remove that comes with this unit is a universal remote, meaning it can be used with (almost) every brand of television and VCR on the market. The manual has a code guide in it that will allow you to use this remote with whichever products you own.
Our installer performed this action for us also, but it appears to be nothing more complicated than looking up your machines and pushing a few buttons.
My Summary Recommendation
I have been very satisfied with the performance of our Hughes Network Systems HIRD-E11, Silver Edition.
This system appears to be easy to set up (though I advise professional installation for all but the ‘handiest’ of people), easy to configure, and very easy to use.
The programming available through DirecTV is exceptional, providing you with all the choices you could possibly want.
My family spends $41.99 per month for programming, which is less than most people spend on cable. For this amount we get numerous channels and the Starz/Encore package. You can get fairly comprehensive programming (over 105 channels) for as little as $31.99. You an add packages for family programming, sports, movies, or even local programming (depending on availability in your area).
I would highly recommend the Hughes Network Systems HIRD-E11. My family has enjoyed ours for almost a year.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): free
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Epinions.com ID:
CindyJean
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