Activating KVH Trackvision Directv

Yes. Initially on Track 4. Later on HD7.
 
Update - I received the HR24-500 receiver from Solid Signal who is a Directv supplier. Hooked up the receiver and started the KVH system then called Solid Signal to activate per the directions. Solid Signal transferred me to AT&T/Directv who then spent the time and took me through the entire setup and activation as well as gave me the technical explanation why certain things were configured they way they were. Selecting the correct antenna type was the most time consuming (no KVH antenna type was available so we had to go through all 24 selections for the best) but they hung with me through it all; over an hour. So, now I have all of the channels that I have at home albeit not in HD but the picture is great regardless. I ended up making some changes to the audio video system on the boat so the recording features on the HR24 could be used, pipe the Sirius feed from the helm to the Bose system (eliminating one of the Sirius receivers), and adding a Blu Ray player. Only one thing left and that is reducing the number of remote controls... The previous owners had a Universal Remote system installed but it seems a certified technician needs to program it..
Oh, and I worked with ATT/Directv with them knowing this was a marine system on a boat; they said this is a typical authorized installation that is an extension of my home's system and will be treated simply as an additional receiver at home.
 
Oh the whoa's I went through setting mine up for years. Piece by piece then finally broke down and bought a whole new system and the shrink wrap guys did a horrible job and destroyed my new $2500 unit and it went deep six over the winter! So Here I go again!!!
 
Fellas, I have a MD3 and didn’t set this up last year. I’m being “pressured” from my kids to hook it up.. Anyways, I’m a novice to the KVH / directtv world. I have a directtv and KVH box in the cabin.
What’s my first step?
B2889911-6052-4E8C-B630-0E089BF518E3.jpeg
 
I'm a novice also but got through it. I'm not familiar with a MD3 but assume the process to get it operational is similar:
First contact KVH (in your case) and give them the model number, access card number, and Serial number of the receiver and your satellite antenna system. They will then provide you directions on how to set up the antenna system. They will also provide you or connect you to the AT&T/Directv representative that will help you activate the receiver. As you are a Directv customer at home this will be considered an extension of your home service and a monthly charge of $7 to have your boat system operational. Should you desire to travel outside of your local channel feed area and want the local feeds where you are going, that is a new contract and the costs go up quite a bit. Regardless, and contrary to others, I found the process simple and friendly. As a note - if there are issues with the receiver or existing access cart (like unpaid bills, a serial number not in Directv's inventory, or other anomalies as Directv sees them, simply trash it and obtain a new one from Solid Signal or other Directv authorized outlet; not worth trying to make it legal.....
Tom
 
I bought my KVH new a few years ago. Once I installed it I had the same easy activation experience as Tom. Although I never called KVH. I called DirectTV, gave them the serial number of the box and then they walked me through setup including selecting the antenna type. They were great and didn't care whether it was on a boat or wherever. Not sure where all "don't tell them it's a boat" fear has come from. Now mine is piggybacking on my home Direct TV plan. So this is also just another receiver added to that plan at only $7 per month fee. As Tom mentioned, if you don't have an existing plan you will have to sign up for a new plan and are looking at the $50-$100 per month cost.
 
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So I assume the model number is M3, correct? I don’t have an access card number that I know of. What info does that include? Thx Tom
-Rich
If it is an M3 there should be no setup required except you need to know the antenna type (round, slimline, etc) as when setting up the receiver this information is required.
There should be an access card (looks just like a credit card) inserted into the receiver that you can simply pull out; the card number is printed on it; you will need that number when you talk to Directv. If there is no card in the receiver Directv will need to supply you another then when you receive the card and install it should operate or call to activate.
 
There should be an access card (looks just like a credit card) inserted into the receiver that you can simply pull out; the card number is printed on it; you will need that number when you talk to Directv.
So the access card would be in the bottom or top box in my picture above?

Thx again boys, I appreciate the detailed explanation
 
I bought my KVH new a few years ago. Once I installed it I had the same easy activation experience as Tom. Although I never called KVH. I called DirectTV, gave them the serial number of the box and then they walked me through setup including selecting the antenna type. They were great and didn't care whether it was on a boat or wherever. Not sure where all "don't tell them it's a boat" fear has come from. Now mine is piggybacking on my home Direct TV plan. So this is also just another receiver added to that plan at only $7 per month fee. As Tom mentioned, if you don't have an existing plan you will have to sign up for a new plan and are looking at the $50-$100 per month cost.

In 13/14 years a lot has changed. I experienced many issues over the years including the fact that DTV wanted to charge a separate and individual plan charge if you were adding a receiver on a boat or anywhere else other than your primary residence. I have been a DTV customer for 23 years and service had been great right up to about 2015/16 when ATT took over, service was and has been horrible in my experience since. On rare occasion I get a knowledgeable well spoken rep that I can understand. Mind you I worked for AT&T for more than a decade. Seems all too familiar that we are looking at what appears to be a monopoly again when it comes to equipment bar the one authorized supplier that I am aware of. One would certainly hope that after 3 years following the acquisition that customer service and support will eventually get better and maybe it’s starting to - I can only hope.
 

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