But with satellite television and the companies that endorse them continuing to cater to the needs and desires of the consumer, many have begun to take a chance on the possibility of owning a satellite dish. Satellite companies were able to gain a lot of new customers over the last few years with their ability to provide the service to a wider variety of customers.
It used to be that your home had to sit in the right place on your block, with the right trees and bushes surrounding the house and a perfect view of the sky as to not limit the satellite reception. But with so many customers complaining about the strenuous needs to own a satellite, not many would take the chance. Now satellites can be installed as easily as putting a new lock on a door and it really doesn't matter what kind of door you have.
Lynn Jenkins is the president of Satellite Country. In six years of business, it has been voted a top 10 company the last two years. Jenkins said that the only problem potential satellite owners might have today would be attempting to get a satellite dish mounted in an apartment building.
"The only time you would have difficulty receiving satellite is if you live in an apartment or high-rise building," Jenkins said. "Single family homes can get it anywhere. In an apartment it's difficult, because you have to have a balcony that faces the direction of the signal (usually south)."
"There are also grounding issues," he added. "So with all that in mind, it is not recommended that apartments or high-rises have individual satellites. It's really only recommended for single dwelling homes."
While Jenkins and other experts do not recommend having a satellite dish mounted on an apartment or high-rise building, they will all admit that it's not an impossible task. For someone interested in having a satellite dish mounted in an apartment or high-rise building, one of the first steps they should take would be to contact their rent office or landlord. In most cases, apartment buildings will shy away from allowing customers to have satellite dishes for fear of how they may make their property look. Also, if they do allow for satellites, most will charge additional fees to the consumer in hopes of discouraging them. But with satellite companies now catering to those that live in apartments by offering free movers packages, if a satellite is what you want in your apartment, then getting one should be a feasible task.
Also, there are high-rise and apartment buildings that cater specifically to the satellite users. So if you're looking for a new place to live, be sure to ask if owning a satellite is possible.
"There are, however, ways to put satellite service into large complexes under what is called an MDU, or multi-dwelling unit," Jenkins said. "Using the commercial method rather than the residential method, we can go in and service entire property using only one satellite dish."
