Activating KVH Trackvision Directv

[ttmott]

I need some 101 on satellite TV for the boat.
My 52DB has an operating KVH Trackvision 4 however the previous owner removed the receivers from the boat; why? Who knows.
So it's time to get the system up and operational.
I'm currently a Directv / ATT customer and my home has the Directv Genie system throughout.
I understand that for a nominal monthly charge my Directv can be extended to the boat.
I need to acquire receivers for the boat; internet perusing seems to focus on the KVH / Directv H24 or H25 receivers - are these the correct receivers for the boat's system? Or, should I have DTV provide them?
Will Directv accept the H24 or H25 in conjunction with my home's Genie system?
Procedurally - how does this all come down? I buy the receivers, hook them up, start up the dish, then call DTV to activate or does KVH need to be in the mix?

Thanks
Tom

 

[The Bill Collector]

My receiver (and dish) on board is KVH and came with the boat, but I couldn't activate because the previous owner stiffed them on the bill. I finally got a rep. to give me a dollar number and I paid it. My motorhome has a DTV box connected to a KING unit that I just installed and it was plug & play... The RV & boat are just additional bedrooms in the house as far as DTV is concerned. and no matter what you have to get the activation card from DTV.

 

[bobeast]

Just tell DTV it's for another room or for an RV. Don't tell them it's for a boat or their little support heads will explode.

 

[flyboycj84]

We have a TV3. The KVH guys are very helpful with blueprinting of the system. Yes, the DTV fee is like $6/mo to have on the boat. I told them it was a boat when I activated and they didn’t care. The h24 or 25 sounds right, but I can’t recall. I do remember that the Genie setup does not work on the boat. Call KVH though and chat, they’ll hook u up

 

[bmac]

The H24 is the correct box. Get it from DTV, though they will likely require you to have continuous service for 24 months. I agree with not telling them the additional receivers are for a boat, their customer service agents work from scripts and most don’t know how to handle boats. DTV required me to return the boxes from my 52 and get new ones for my 58. Never got an answer why. Oh and you won’t have true HD reception regardless which box you use. That model KVH antenna is no longer HD capable.

 

[ttmott]

The H24 is the correct box. Get it from DTV, though they will likely require you to have continuous service for 24 months. I agree with not telling them the additional receivers are for a boat, their customer service agents work from scripts and most don’t know how to handle boats. DTV required me to return the boxes from my 52 and get new ones for my 58. Never got an answer why. Oh and you won’t have true HD reception regardless which box you use. That model KVH antenna is no longer HD capable.

Thanks!
I've been with DTV for 20+ years. I'll try to get one from DTV but as my home is Genie SWM they may go into autoshake and balk at the request. Hodges has certified DTV/KVH receivers that I can buy outright as another choice.

 

[Russ Calasant]

I am going through it now - again. Always changes with time and the experience with DTV is horrible, been a Cust for 25 yrs. I have a TV 5 and am using the wireless genie. I first bought my own and was told it’s not in my account and couldn’t use. Finally they agreed to send me a new acces card, got it and then they refused to activate my equipment. So I ordered it from them and insisted on coming to install - I didn’t need them to but they would not ship. Due to a software issue the genie will occasionally show a message on the one tv with the dvr that there is no satellite signal but there is - it does go away but it’s on and off. All the wireless clients work fine. KVH states it’s a glitch they are trying to resolve but dtv is not very cooperative. Now dtv is trying to charge me $600 for the equipment “lease” and a two year commitment. I told them to come and get it, I will go to Dish and get HD the same equipment and best channel package for $125 a month - pay $250 now. They said the dept I need to talk to is not available and they will call me within 72 hours to a week. It’s been a week and have not heard from them - they must be very busy. Not too busy tho - they are hounding me for the money. Total time on phone - 5.7 hrs- oh and the folks that you deal with to save/disconnect speak perfect English, what a surprise!

 

[FootballFan]

When we were purchasing our boat, we knew we were redoing the Satellite system. It was an old Seatel SD system.

Had a local company do the switch out to new HD KVH. That part was great.

Dealing with the DTV activation during this process was one of the top "Bad Customer Service" events I ever experienced.

But then I previously was Dish on another boat. Dish is right up there as a headache.

Mark

 

[Brett H]

DirecTv customer since 1995. Their support is typically marginal when talking to the initial contact. They can transfer to a more knowledgeable person but often need to work up to that first.

In the old days you bought and therefore owned the receiver. About 10 years ago DirecTv changed their terms of service to lease only. In general when boats are sold then just like a house DirecTv says to take your receivers with you.

If going through DirecTv to get a new receiver, it typically requires a service contract for 24 months. I believe you can still purchase from solidsignal.com or some other Satellite equipment websites at full price but no contract.

I initially had the Trackvision 4 which as stated above is no longer HD. This changed when DirecTv needed more programming bandwidth and reorganized their programming, now supplied from three separate Satellites at the same time.

I have a Genie system at home and non-Genie system on the boat. DirecTv is fully advised that one of my receivers (sometimes two) are on the boat. Never had a problem related to this.

You can set up to get HD at the dock and SD while away but you have to change the antenna selection when switching back and forth. Also will need to have channel preferences set to see both if intending to use both. I think by default new boxes are set to HD so with Trackvision 4 you will get an error.

The only way to get HD while away from the dock with DirecTv is to get the KVH HD7 which I did about two years ago. I got lucky and found an installer that was upgrading a new large yacht to the HD11 for use in South America.

Occasionally I forget to swap the AB switch to Dock. This means the receivers are no longer getting programming. Over time this can become a problem. Sometimes a reset (red button) will fix. Other times I have had to call DirecTv in order to Resend Authorizations (basically the receiver needs to be reminded that your subscription is current). If you need to do this call 877-235-6139. It's quick, just follow prompts, and no need for talking to operator.

I also have an antenna mounted to the dock (covered) with an AB switch between the two. By having HD at dock and a KVH HD7 then no requirement for reconfiguration. Same can be said for setting both up for SD with a Trackvision 4.

I have called KVH on several occasions (for my boat and helping friends set up new to them boats) and they have been great.

 

[tbrown1985]

I need some 101 on satellite TV for the boat.
My 52DB has an operating KVH Trackvision 4 however the previous owner removed the receivers from the boat; why? Who knows.
So it's time to get the system up and operational.
I'm currently a Directv / ATT customer and my home has the Directv Genie system throughout.
I understand that for a nominal monthly charge my Directv can be extended to the boat.
I need to acquire receivers for the boat; internet perusing seems to focus on the KVH / Directv H24 or H25 receivers - are these the correct receivers for the boat's system? Or, should I have DTV provide them?
Will Directv accept the H24 or H25 in conjunction with my home's Genie system?
Procedurally - how does this all come down? I buy the receivers, hook them up, start up the dish, then call DTV to activate or does KVH need to be in the mix?

Thanks
Tom

I have the same home setup as you. I bought 4 additional H25's (smaller and DC capable if you like) from solid signal. Have to activate them at your home on your home account, then plug in on the boat and you are good to go.

 

[ttmott]

Thanks All! I think I have a path; I'll give an "out-brief" when it's all said and done.....
BTW - Does anyone have the HR24 (receiver with DVR integrated)?

 

[The Bill Collector]

Thanks All! I think I have a path; I'll give an "out-brief" when it's all said and done.....
BTW - Does anyone have the HR24 (receiver with DVR integrated)?

I have the HR24 w/DVR in my motorhome...

 

[ttmott]

I am going through it now - again. Always changes with time and the experience with DTV is horrible, been a Cust for 25 yrs. I have a TV 5 and am using the wireless genie. I first bought my own and was told it’s not in my account and couldn’t use. Finally they agreed to send me a new acces card, got it and then they refused to activate my equipment. So I ordered it from them and insisted on coming to install - I didn’t need them to but they would not ship. Due to a software issue the genie will occasionally show a message on the one tv with the dvr that there is no satellite signal but there is - it does go away but it’s on and off. All the wireless clients work fine. KVH states it’s a glitch they are trying to resolve but dtv is not very cooperative. Now dtv is trying to charge me $600 for the equipment “lease” and a two year commitment. I told them to come and get it, I will go to Dish and get HD the same equipment and best channel package for $125 a month - pay $250 now. They said the dept I need to talk to is not available and they will call me within 72 hours to a week. It’s been a week and have not heard from them - they must be very busy. Not too busy tho - they are hounding me for the money. Total time on phone - 5.7 hrs- oh and the folks that you deal with to save/disconnect speak perfect English, what a surprise!

So, I learned a little today regarding DVR - For the Trackvision systems pre HD7 simultaneous tracking of more than the two satellites (the two allowed in the KVH tech manual) will not happen; consequently should you have your DVR attempting to record on one satellite not in the pair (record off the DTV programming menu) and watching programming from another satellite then an error will come up. It's a hit and miss thing. the newer HD7 generation can simultaneously look at multiple signal sources, consequently obtain the additional HD signals and host seamless DVR in both the Ka and Ku bands. I understand Directv migrated all of their HD programming to a specific satellite. The default Trackvision 4 (for example) programming is satellites DSS101 and DSS119 of which the HD programming is not on. Now, you can obtain the coordinates and technical data of other DSS satellite pairs then program into the Trackvision, however they need to be pairs within the field of common view of the antenna.

 

[Russ Calasant]

So, I learned a little today regarding DVR - For the Trackvision systems pre HD7 simultaneous tracking of more than the two satellites (the two allowed in the KVH tech manual) will not happen; consequently should you have your DVR attempting to record on one satellite not in the pair (record off the DTV programming menu) and watching programming from another satellite then an error will come up. It's a hit and miss thing. the newer HD7 generation can simultaneously look at multiple signal sources, consequently obtain the additional HD signals and host seamless DVR. I understand Directv migrated all of their HD programming to a specific satellite. The default Trackvision 4 (for example) programming is satellites DSS101 and DSS119 of which the HD programming is not on. Now, you can obtain the coordinates and technical data of other DSS satellite pairs then program into the Trackvision, however they need to be pairs within the field of common view of the antenna.

Interesting. I didn’t get the error message until I upgraded The dvr and wireless. And I get the error message but I’m not sure if I’m recording and watching another channel at that time but I will check going forward. The newer TV series 7 can track multiple but the 5 cannot - a $5k difference. Obtaining data of other pairs - I’m not sure what that means? Are you saying there is something that can be done to receive HD or eliminate the error message? I’m glad you are on this! - thanks

 

[Russ Calasant]

DirecTv customer since 1995. Their support is typically marginal when talking to the initial contact. They can transfer to a more knowledgeable person but often need to work up to that first.

In the old days you bought and therefore owned the receiver. About 10 years ago DirecTv changed their terms of service to lease only. In general when boats are sold then just like a house DirecTv says to take your receivers with you.

If going through DirecTv to get a new receiver, it typically requires a service contract for 24 months. I believe you can still purchase from solidsignal.com or some other Satellite equipment websites at full price but no contract.

I initially had the Trackvision 4 which as stated above is no longer HD. This changed when DirecTv needed more programming bandwidth and reorganized their programming, now supplied from three separate Satellites at the same time.

I have a Genie system at home and non-Genie system on the boat. DirecTv is fully advised that one of my receivers (sometimes two) are on the boat. Never had a problem related to this.

You can set up to get HD at the dock and SD while away but you have to change the antenna selection when switching back and forth. Also will need to have channel preferences set to see both if intending to use both. I think by default new boxes are set to HD so with Trackvision 4 you will get an error.

The only way to get HD while away from the dock with DirecTv is to get the KVH HD7 which I did about two years ago. I got lucky and found an installer that was upgrading a new large yacht to the HD11 for use in South America.

Occasionally I forget to swap the AB switch to Dock. This means the receivers are no longer getting programming. Over time this can become a problem. Sometimes a reset (red button) will fix. Other times I have had to call DirecTv in order to Resend Authorizations (basically the receiver needs to be reminded that your subscription is current). If you need to do this call 877-235-6139. It's quick, just follow prompts, and no need for talking to operator.

I also have an antenna mounted to the dock (covered) with an AB switch between the two. By having HD at dock and a KVH HD7 then no requirement for reconfiguration. Same can be said for setting both up for SD with a Trackvision 4.

I have called KVH on several occasions (for my boat and helping friends set up new to them boats) and they have been great.

Brett, so your getting HD on the dock by switching to a dock mounted antenna? Is there another way - I’m confused. I feel so what settings would I need to change with a TV5? Thanks

 

[ttmott]

Interesting. I didn’t get the error message until I upgraded The dvr and wireless. And I get the error message but I’m not sure if I’m recording and watching another channel at that time but I will check going forward. The newer TV series 7 can track multiple but the 5 cannot - a $5k difference. Obtaining data of other pairs - I’m not sure what that means? Are you saying there is something that can be done to receive HD or eliminate the error message? I’m glad you are on this! - thanks

It appears that the Trackvision 4 dish and LNB has a limited field of view when locked onto the satellites. This is the satellite paring list from the Trackvision 4 tech manual. The default is DSS119 paired with DSS101. 101 and 119 are degree locations at equator. What other are available today? I don't know yet however one can program the system to lock onto others. Keep in mind that there is Ka band and Ku band satellites; I don't believe the Trackvision 4 will receive the Ka band satellites.

 

[tbrown1985]

It appears that the Trackvision 4 dish and LNB has a limited field of view when locked onto the satellites. This is the satellite paring list from the Trackvision 4 tech manual. The default is DSS119 paired with DSS101. 101 and 119 are degree locations at equator. What other are available today? I don't know yet however one can program the system to lock onto others. Keep in mind that there is Ka band and Ku band satellites; I don't believe the Trackvision 4 will receive the Ka band satellites.
View attachment 54457

HR24 DVR works fine. No HD on DTv without kvh tv7. DTv high def is Ka band 99 and 103. I too have hd at the dock and works fine. Newer kvh have 8 tuner limit and older ones have 5 I believe. Remember a dvr has 2 tuners. If you exceed the number of tuners, one will simply give you a 773 error code if I remember correctly. Hope this helps.

 

[Brett H]

Brett, so your getting HD on the dock by switching to a dock mounted antenna? Is there another way - I’m confused. I feel so what settings would I need to change with a TV5? Thanks

Russ,

Correct. I have to change the AB to my dock mounted antenna is since I'm at a covered dock which the KVH can't see through. Since both the HD7 and the dock antenna both are HD compatible then no configuration change.

The entire KVH "TV" product line is SD for DirecTv. I've used 18 round as the setting for the Trackvision 4. Someone here may be able to give the setting. Otherwise call KVH with Receiver model and KVH model.

 

[Brett H]

Thanks All! I think I have a path; I'll give an "out-brief" when it's all said and done.....
BTW - Does anyone have the HR24 (receiver with DVR integrated)?

Sorry I didn't reply to this earlier. I had to look it up. Yes, my receiver is the HR24-500 (w/ DVR). For the last few years (when the kids were up a lot more often) we also had a H24-700. No problems with either.

 

[ttmott]

Sorry I didn't reply to this earlier. I had to look it up. Yes, my receiver is the HR24-500 (w/ DVR). For the last few years (when the kids were up a lot more often) we also had a H24-700. No problems with either.

Assume the HR24-500 and H24-700 were used for your Tracvision 4 right?