Shaw Direct Multi Switch

dre8675

Hi,

I have a Shaw Direct Satalite system and would like to exoand the number of receivers that I have on the system.

Can anyone advise is there are any compatible multi switches other than Eagle Aspen?

My issue is the following:

I only have two lines so it has to be a 2 x 4 or 3 x 4 switch. The reason why i only have two lines is because due to the location of the existing cable in my home (and, in my opinion the desire to go the easy route) the installer drilled through my living room and connected 2 lines directly to the PVR there.

I was able to run the other 2 lines to my basement where all of the builder installed RG6 lines meet.

I had connected an old multi switch that I had (RCA D6520) but found that i could no longer get HD channels. When I contacted Shaw I was advised that the channels I was not receiving were from their second satalite.

So... can anyone recommend a 2 x 4 or 3 x 4 multi switch that will will work with the Shaw system or am I missing something all together here.

I can get a Philips SDW5034 3 x 4 Multi Switch from a shop near my home but don't know if it will just be a waste of time.

Any comments would be appreciated.

Thanks

Meld

It might sound obvious but why not call Shaw direct and ask them for a switch.?

I think it all depends on the type of LNBF that you have as well, so without that info I am not sure how to help you, also what type of Dish, is it looking at 1 Sat or 2.?

Jimsathome

I think what you are suggesting is trying to split a pair of cables (either at your pvr, or in the basement).

You can't split SD signals in this manner with positive results. Each reciever/tuner has to have the ability to tune it's input at the Quad LNB to one of 4 states. (13v - no 22Khz; 13v - with 22Khz; 18v - no 22Khz; 18v - with 22Khz). Pvrs have 2 tuners => hence the need for 2 cable inputs to them. If you try to split the signal, and the other reciever is looking for a channel on another transponder you are hooped

Say you've got your pvr tuned to 13v - no 22Khz so you can watch a show, and 18v - with 22Khz to record another => all of this is seamless to the user by the way. The pvr and Quad LNB at the Dish handle all of this => But you want your new reciever to be on a different channel that needs 18v - no 22Khz => there is no way the LNB at the dish can resolve this conflicting request. If it happens that both reciever/tuners require the same signal at the same time (on the same cable) then you will get a signal and it will appear to work. But again, if you change the channel on either reciever/tuner away it won't work.

I really think you should bite the bullet and pull re-route all 4 lines to your basement => even if it's a bit of a pain. From there you can easily add a 4X8 multiswitch (Aspen, Zinwell, Phillips, etc.) which will give you 8 possible tuners (up to 4 pvrs). These multiswithes permanently tune each of the 4 inputs to the Quad LNB into one of the 4 states, and then make these signals available to any, and all, of the 8 inputs as requested by the connected reciever/tuners. Most powered multiswitches boost the signal by 1.5 dB or so to overcome insertion losses (think extra cabling, connectors, etc.,)

I know this wasn't the simple resolution you were looking for but IMHO it's the right solution.

I hope this is helpful.

__________________
Regards,

Jim

landrover

Just went through this with Shaw and the only one they recomend is the eagle Aspen 4x8, stay with that one as it's your best bet, and the safest bet. Just had mine done last week.

Jimsathome

Here in the west Shaw is now providing another manufacturers multiswitch as I think Aspen is a little pricey for them these days. IMHO, if you stick with any brand certified by Direct TV (they used the same multiswitches for the huge US market ) you'd be fine.

I used a Philips SDW5058 Satellite Multiswitch I got for less than $40 at Princess Auto. It works great.

__________________
Regards,

Jim

slim94

Does this multi-switch work? I really don't feel like dishing out the price Shaw is asking for their multi-switch.

Zinwell-Sam-4803

(can't post url's yet, sorry!!)

thanks!
SLiM