I would give Direct a call. I had a problem while trying to get our new Sat. box online, but it sounds very different from yours. When I called to get them to turn on the new access card in the new box, we'd get everything for about 2 min. then we'd get various cue screens. 'Call for ordering' 'Searching for signal' something about Call for service on access card or invalid access card or replace access card popped up. I had to call 3 times and they had to reset it 3 times before it stabilized.
Your sit. seems different, I assume your keeping your video feed during this?
If Direct can't help then call Outlaw?