10 things that can fix a problem with your Dish or Direct TV system

Ten things to try - fix your cable or Dish problem, before resorting to 'tech support."

1. Turn off the receiver box - actually unplug it for 25 - 30 seconds. This is a reset, much in the same way you reboot or restart a computer. Many times after a restart, the problem is resolved. Most times, this step, or steps 2 or 3 will fix the problem in very short order. Always try these first, they can save a lot of time and frustration.

2. Check you have not mixed up the remotes -- especially with Dish where one receiver may feed two TVs, but each is assigned a remote. If your tech didn't label the remotes TV1 and TV2, you might want to do so after you get them properly matched again.

3. Change out the batteries in the remote. If the batteries are getting old, even f they have some juice left -- it may not be enough to make the remote work right. The remote may appear to work slowly, or need to be closer to the receiver; this can indicate it's time to replace the batteries.

4. Is anything blocking the path between remote and the TV? Make certain that  a plant, curtain or any other object isn't in the way.

5. Check the dish outside. Is it still in its proper placement?

6. Check the cables, power cords on both the receiver and the TV, unplug and replug to ensure a good connection.

7. Is another gadget interfering with the normal operations of the remote/system? A DVD player, blueray player or other equipment may be 'taking' over the control of the system. Turm off, unplug or disconnnect any gadgets tha come between your tv and the satelite receiver or cable box. Taking extra gadgets out of the mix will simplify troubleshooting steps too.

8. Is your system set to receive input from a source other than your satelite or cable service? These days, TVs accept input for a number of other sources such as those DVD players, BlueRay players, old school VHS players or straight from the internet. Even if the external players are turned off or unplugged, or the internet cable is disconnected, the programming could be set to be looking to receive input from those sources. Make certain you have yours set for your system, TV, cable or Dish Network that you want in charge.

9. Is the power cable bad, an electric source failing, or other hardware issue to blame? Many times we look for a software, setup, or programming issue, when it's a simple matter of faulty hardware.

10. Is it a case of 'User Ed"? (User education) Perhaps the system would work fine if you knew more about the setup, options, remote, and programming. When frustration settles in, it's more difficult to troubleshoot, follow good checking procedures to rule out issues one by one, or realize when we have made a basic mistake. The cure can be walking away for 30 minutes or more to regroup, enlisting another set of eyes, reading more about the problem and possible solutions,... or in the end calling their tech support line to be walked through the process by those who do it day in and day out. Sometmes, the new-out-of the box approach will help: unplug it like it was when it first came, replugging and connecting and setting it up from scratch. There's no shame though if you've tried for an hour, or two... and need reach for the phone. That's what the tech dept is there to do -- help you resolve issues you cannot resolve on your own.