DIRECTV uses satellites to broadcast more than 225 digital-quality channels across the United States. To get DIRECTV® programming with your receiver, you'll need a dual-LNB (Low Noise Block filter) satellite dish antenna. The antenna can be included with the receiver package, or the receiver can be sold without a dish antenna for customers who already have a compatible DIRECTV satellite dish.

This type of antenna provides two separate feeds to the receiver so you can use Picture-In-Picture, take advantage of the interactive and Internet features of the UltimateTV® service, record two shows at once, or record one show while watching another. This can be accomplished with either a round dual-LNB single satellite dish or an oval multi-satellite dish.

To use the satellite dish antenna, you must have a clear line of sight toward the satellite, which is located south of Texas. If you live on the East Coast, for example, you must have a clear line of sight to the southwest. If you live on the West Coast, you must have a clear line of sight to the southeast.

You can assemble, connect, and position the dish antenna yourself or have a professional installer do it. If you haven't installed a dish antenna before, professional installation is recommended.