Anybody use flat coax cable?

[Beaudry]

I'm having problems installing my 2 receiver Direct TV. (Before anybody asks, I don't get free installation)

The cables will need to run through the utility room in the basement, then through the ceiling panels. The utility room window is directly below the back porch. The porch is low to the ground and a ***** to get under, but can probably be done.

The holes to the outside for electric and cable are too small to fit a additional coax cable through.

I have two choices, that I can see:

1. Get 2 flat coax cable strips to run through the utility room window.

2. Drill another hole.

Any suggestions? #1 is easier for me, but I worry about losing picture quality.

**Bonus Question** What signal strength should I have? What are the "great" "good" "acceptable" levels?

[frankbones]

I didn't install mine when I had Directv, but they used the flat-coax cables and the picture was fine.

[medicio]

I would drill another hole mate, you will kick yourself if the flat coax loses quality. Might as well make sure the quality is as good as it can first time.

[SoCalSkins]

Drill the second hole. If you have a triple LNB dish, there is a ton of bandwidth being used by the cable and power is being sent from the receiver to the LNB. I would run 2 cables as well since you are going through the trouble in case you get a 2 tuner DVR at some point.

You should have signal strength above 70. Anything in the mid 80's and above is excellent.