Owners Manual DIRECTV Receiver HAH-SA, HBH-SA, SD-HBH
Questions & Answers  39
Questions & Answers A
Questions? Did we forget to tell you something? We have compiled some the 
most common questions and their answers here. We hope they help!
Q I had a signal but now I am getting a message “Searching for satellite 
signal. To access related utilities, press 
SELECT
.” What happened?
A Rain clouds and snow can affect the satellite signal reception. This loss of 
signal is temporary. Also check for new growth on trees and bushes that 
could be blocking the signal. One other possibility is that the wind or 
someone has moved the satellite dish antenna.
Q Why can’t I control my TV?
A Before you can control your TV, VCR, or any other device besides your 
satellite receiver, you must program your remote control to match your 
different devices. See Chapter 3 – 
Using the remote control
 in this manual 
for specific instructions. If you have already successfully programmed your 
remote control, try pressing the appropriate device key to put your remote in 
the proper mode. Then try controlling that device. Also, make sure that the 
batteries in the remote control are good.
Q My satellite receiver does not respond when I press keys. What’s wrong?
A Most likely, if the front panel keys work but the remote control doesn’t 
work, try pressing the 
SAT button before trying to control the digital satellite 
receiver. If that doesn’t work, press the 
SAT and MUTE buttons together and 
try again. If that doesn’t work, or if the front panel buttons don’t work 
either, unplug your digital satellite receiver for 30 seconds, then plug it back 
in. Your satellite receiver is a computing device. It is susceptible to erratic 
changes in power and/or signal, just as any other computer, and these 
sudden changes can cause it to become “confused.”
Q Some channels look good, while others freeze or indicate that no signal is 
available. What’s wrong?
A The most common causes for this behavior relate to an improperly 
grounded satellite cable. Check the cable between your digital satellite 
receiver and the satellite dish antenna. Confirm that RG-6 (not RG-59) 
cable is used and does not exceed 100 feet in length. Longer cable runs 
require amplification. This special amplifier is available from your dealer.
Q I’m getting a message to call some extension. Why?
A There are many different reasons for this. If you want to watch the channel 
that is displaying the message, call DIRECTV at 1-800-531-5000.
Q Why don’t I have an on-screen offer to purchase pay per view programs?
A There are three possibilities; your digital satellite receiver must be 
connected to a phone line and it is not, or DIRECTV doesn’t realize that 
your phone line is connected or has disabled your ability to make on-screen 
purchases. Call DIRECTV at 1-800-531-5000 for assistance.










