Multiple Directv Receivers - Hook up

**rbinck** · 10-12-2005, 11:36 AM

I gave you a solution without having to buy anymore stuff.

Quote:

If you run two cables from the dish multiswitch to the HD TiVo and the other two to the 3x4 multiswitch and then feed all of the SD TiVos out of the multiswitch you will be ok. Your problem is trying to feed a HD TiVo out of a SD multiswitch.

Maybe you missed the part about the dish multiswitch. See the four connections at the dish are connections to an internal multiswitch built into your dish assembly. They are not just duplicate connections.

See the deal is a HD receiver can need any one of four signal paths. Running straight from the dish the cables are connected to a 5x4 multiswitch, so the source side of the multiswitch will have the four possible paths to connect to. Specifically here is a potential problem with the 3x4 multiswitch feeding both a HD and a SD receiver.
Tuner 1 on the HD TiVo is requesting a 18v 22kHz pulse channel. (sat 110 or 119)
Tuner 2 on the HD TiVo is requesting a 13v 22kHz pulse channel. (sat 110 or 119)
Tuner 1 on the SD TiVo is requesting a 18v channel (sat 101)
Tuner 2 on the SD TiVo is requesting a 13v channel (sat 101)

That will take 4 signal paths, ie 4 cables.

Many people have this preconceived notion that a multiswitch is a fancy splitter. They are not. They are named multiswitches because they actually switch the receiver connections to the dish side connections based on the signal being sent to the multiswitch by the receiver. Any one of four signals may be sent by any given HD receiver and there needs to be the corresponding one of four connection on the dish side of the multiswitch.

jnelaine · 10-12-2005, 01:13 PM

rbinck,

Thanks for the detailed answer and example - it makes sense to me now.

I did realize that I've got all the equipment that I need, but my problem was that I didn't want to have to get up on the roof to install anything. Unfortunately I only have 2 wires which run to the basement of my house, and that's where the HD TiVo and new SD TiVo are. Now it appears that I'll have to run two more lines from the roof to the basement in order to get things to work. I think I'll need to hire an installer to do that work and that's what I was trying to avoid. But it's clear that I really don't have a choice.

Thanks again for your help!

**rbinck** · 10-12-2005, 01:30 PM

You are welcome and the more people like you ask the better the thread becomes. It is hard to convey everything in a single post as people who know a subject tend to think others know too, so invariably things get left out.

juvenile · 10-12-2005, 04:45 PM

If I have 2 lines coming into my HD-TIVO unit, can I output two signals to my tv for picture-in-picture w/o adding a receiver?

**rbinck** · 10-12-2005, 05:41 PM

No. There is only one output available. There are two tuners, but only one output.

gopherhockey · 10-23-2005, 06:09 PM

Ok, I realize a lot of discussion is going on here regarding multiple receivers so I read as much as I could. I hope that what I am asking hasn't been already covered elsewhere... and hope someone can help me.

First, I have a triple LNB dish, a Spaun systems SMS 51602NF multiswitch, and dual cable runs to every room in my home. (we went nuts with the cabling when we built)

I am already in need of help. This switch can connect to 16 cables, but thats basically only 8 receivers.

I have 3 HR10-250 receivers, and 5 sat-t60 units. I cannot expand without some help.

I don't believe the Spaun unit (which was spendy, around $500) can be cascaded. I have written to them with no reply or help.

I read in places like 9thtee.com where you can stack and de-stack which looks promising, but I'm not sure I can use my Spaun unit to do this. (I hate to not be able to use it now that I bought it). I also was in an apartment that had a stacked signal and wasn't happy with that situatino. The destackers were expensive, and even though I could see signals I often would get the "searching for satellite" message on one of the two.

Is there anything I can do short of putting up another dish and buying a 2nd Spaun unit? I'd like to stick wth the one dish and use my Spaun if I can.

I'd love to have a system that can continue to grow as well (of course)

I don't much care about my local signal either.. so no need really to mess with that.

westcott · 11-10-2005, 02:42 PM

I must have the worst luck because every time an installer comes to my house, I have to explain to them how their equipment works. I had the "HD expert" sent out to install an OTA antenna, 3LNB, and cables. He did not know how to hook up the OTA signal to all the rooms even with the handful of diplexers I bought from RShack.

I would suggest speaking with the person who is going to do the install before their arrival date. I wish I had!!!!

He ran a dedicated cable from the UHF\VHF antenna I supplied from RS to the HD receiver.

I just threw up my arms in disgust.

Side note.
D* H10 receiver does not sent out a 480i signal from the component output even though their literature states it does.

**rbinck** · 11-10-2005, 08:46 PM

gopherhocky, you have several possibilities.

1. You can run four lines out of your current multiswitch into another SMS 51602NF multiswitch and gain 12 more outlets. Both switches have to be set for the 22kHz.

2. You can use four Spaun VB2PD splitters between the dish and multiswitches to be able to feed two 51602NF multiswitches. Or the second one could be smaller, if desired. See: http://www.spaun.com/tech/S_8.pdf

3. You could go to the Spaun launch amplifier and cascadable multiswitches system which will allow expansion to several hundred receivers. See: MULTI-SAT CASCADABLE MULTISWITCHES

I have given the options in the order I would recommend.

I'm not suprised they didn't know the 51602NF could or could not be cascaded, btw, as they have a special line for that. Check out the Spaun site also.

keithfm · 11-10-2005, 09:47 PM

I have a triple sat dish with the 4 outs on the LNB, can you hookup 2 wires each from the LNB to 2 seperate 3X4 switches to get 6 out puts?
Or do you have to use a 6X8 box to do this, also do i have to use the externaly power fed 6X8 or can i use the non powered 6x8 box.??

Thank you!!

**rbinck** · 11-11-2005, 01:22 PM

You can as long as the 4 outs on the 3x4 multiswitch feed SD receivers. The other two feeds out of the dish can feed HD receivers. You need four signal paths on the dish side of a HD multiswitch to feed HD receivers.

EddieWest · 12-26-2005, 09:43 AM

When I upgraded to the 5 LNB Dish last month, my installer said that if I was currently using a multiswitch, it wouldn't work with the new system and that I would have to get a new type. I currently have all 4 lines from the dish going to 4 separate non-dvr receivers. For Christmas, my wife bought me the DirecTV Tivo DVR system, in which I will need an additional (fifth) line. Does anybody know what I need to get to complete the install?

By the way, 3 of my receivers are SD, the other an H20. The new dvr receiver is SD.

dbundesen · 12-28-2005, 10:32 AM

Thanks for the great article on multiple receiver and antenna hookups.

One simple question; will the simple little RCA Diplexer Switch Model: D920, work in that instance?

link below to the actual model I have:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1051826213389

I have only two coax cables running to my new DTV HD DVR and running a third wire would be VERY involved.

thanks for the great faq.

**rbinck** · 12-28-2005, 10:47 AM

EddieWest.
As far as I know if you have a HD switch now chances are it will work with the new dish. There may be some switches that are a problem though. Many installers may assume you have a SD system existing and SD multiswitches will not work for HD receivers.
dbundesen,
If you have two coax cables now, one for the satellite and the other for the OTA antenna, then yes the diplexer will work to reconnect the OTA antenna wire to the satellite system. Remember that each diplexer will introduce a bit of signal loss, so it may require a booster on the OTA to offset it. Usually the satellite signal is not affected by the diplexers.

Edit:
The reply to EddieWest needs clarification. If the new mpeg4 is to be used for local channels, the multiswitch must be changed out to a model that will cover the extended frequency range. If the 5LNB dish is installed for use with existing receivers like the H10 or H20 without the HD locals, the an existing HD multiswitch may be used until such time as the HD locals are desired.

SteveoTivo · 12-30-2005, 05:25 PM

Great Thread and very informative... I have found the right place to get the answers I am sure...

So here it is..
I need some preventive help before the D* installer shows up on 1/4/06.. Currently I have 4 sd tivo set ups and 1 sd non Tivo. What I will be getting on the 4th is the following:
New 5LNB dish, H20 Hi Def non TIVO and keeping the 4 SD Tivo receiver set up. I get the HD locals via D* Thye tell me I do not need a OTA.

When the Installer came out to install the Tivos he installed another dish.. now I have 3. What I want is this:

Only 1 Satellite Dish to feed the H20 and the 4 Tivos... Also I want to be pre-wired for the new HD20-250 DVR. I will remove the HD20 and install the HD2-250DVR. Currently I have 2 feedlines to 4 of the 5 Receivers

Is it possible to accomplish this with just one dish? If so, please give the details...

Emil · 12-31-2005, 11:17 AM

I have a single SD system with a single line from the dish. If I understand all this is all I need for another receiver is to run another line to the other unused tap in the LNB and run it to the second receiver? If I wanted more than two receivers then I would need a multiswitch, correct?
Thanks for this awesome thread!

10-12-2005, 01:30 PM	#63
rbinck Administrator Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Katy, Texas Posts: 12,338	You are welcome and the more people like you ask the better the thread becomes. It is hard to convey everything in a single post as people who know a subject tend to think others know too, so invariably things get left out. __________________ www.highdefinitionblog.com www.BlogOfHawaii.com

10-12-2005, 04:45 PM	#64
juvenile How can anyone watch standard def? Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 21	Split screen If I have 2 lines coming into my HD-TIVO unit, can I output two signals to my tv for picture-in-picture w/o adding a receiver?

10-12-2005, 05:41 PM	#65
rbinck Administrator Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Katy, Texas Posts: 12,338	No. There is only one output available. There are two tuners, but only one output. __________________ www.highdefinitionblog.com www.BlogOfHawaii.com

11-10-2005, 08:46 PM	#68
rbinck Administrator Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Katy, Texas Posts: 12,338	gopherhocky, you have several possibilities. 1. You can run four lines out of your current multiswitch into another SMS 51602NF multiswitch and gain 12 more outlets. Both switches have to be set for the 22kHz. 2. You can use four Spaun VB2PD splitters between the dish and multiswitches to be able to feed two 51602NF multiswitches. Or the second one could be smaller, if desired. See: http://www.spaun.com/tech/S_8.pdf 3. You could go to the Spaun launch amplifier and cascadable multiswitches system which will allow expansion to several hundred receivers. See: MULTI-SAT CASCADABLE MULTISWITCHES I have given the options in the order I would recommend. I'm not suprised they didn't know the 51602NF could or could not be cascaded, btw, as they have a special line for that. Check out the Spaun site also. __________________ www.highdefinitionblog.com www.BlogOfHawaii.com Last edited by rbinck; 11-10-2005 at 08:49 PM.

11-10-2005, 09:47 PM	#69
keithfm A couch and an HDTV to go please. Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 10	A Triple sat and 2 3X4 switches to get 6 outs? I have a triple sat dish with the 4 outs on the LNB, can you hookup 2 wires each from the LNB to 2 seperate 3X4 switches to get 6 out puts? Or do you have to use a 6X8 box to do this, also do i have to use the externaly power fed 6X8 or can i use the non powered 6x8 box.?? Thank you!!

10-12-2005, 01:13 PM	#62
jnelaine What is HD? Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 3	rbinck, Thanks for the detailed answer and example - it makes sense to me now. I did realize that I've got all the equipment that I need, but my problem was that I didn't want to have to get up on the roof to install anything. Unfortunately I only have 2 wires which run to the basement of my house, and that's where the HD TiVo and new SD TiVo are. Now it appears that I'll have to run two more lines from the roof to the basement in order to get things to work. I think I'll need to hire an installer to do that work and that's what I was trying to avoid. But it's clear that I really don't have a choice. Thanks again for your help!

10-23-2005, 06:09 PM	#66
gopherhockey DirecTivo Lover Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Rosemount, MN Posts: 1	Ok, I realize a lot of discussion is going on here regarding multiple receivers so I read as much as I could. I hope that what I am asking hasn't been already covered elsewhere... and hope someone can help me. First, I have a triple LNB dish, a Spaun systems SMS 51602NF multiswitch, and dual cable runs to every room in my home. (we went nuts with the cabling when we built) I am already in need of help. This switch can connect to 16 cables, but thats basically only 8 receivers. I have 3 HR10-250 receivers, and 5 sat-t60 units. I cannot expand without some help. I don't believe the Spaun unit (which was spendy, around $500) can be cascaded. I have written to them with no reply or help. I read in places like 9thtee.com where you can stack and de-stack which looks promising, but I'm not sure I can use my Spaun unit to do this. (I hate to not be able to use it now that I bought it). I also was in an apartment that had a stacked signal and wasn't happy with that situatino. The destackers were expensive, and even though I could see signals I often would get the "searching for satellite" message on one of the two. Is there anything I can do short of putting up another dish and buying a 2nd Spaun unit? I'd like to stick wth the one dish and use my Spaun if I can. I'd love to have a system that can continue to grow as well (of course) I don't much care about my local signal either.. so no need really to mess with that.

11-10-2005, 02:42 PM	#67
westcott His and Her Room! Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Clear Lake, Texas Posts: 121	I must have the worst luck because every time an installer comes to my house, I have to explain to them how their equipment works. I had the "HD expert" sent out to install an OTA antenna, 3LNB, and cables. He did not know how to hook up the OTA signal to all the rooms even with the handful of diplexers I bought from RShack. I would suggest speaking with the person who is going to do the install before their arrival date. I wish I had!!!! He ran a dedicated cable from the UHF\VHF antenna I supplied from RS to the HD receiver. I just threw up my arms in disgust. Side note. D* H10 receiver does not sent out a 480i signal from the component output even though their literature states it does.

11-11-2005, 01:22 PM	#70
rbinck Administrator Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Katy, Texas Posts: 12,338	You can as long as the 4 outs on the 3x4 multiswitch feed SD receivers. The other two feeds out of the dish can feed HD receivers. You need four signal paths on the dish side of a HD multiswitch to feed HD receivers. __________________ www.highdefinitionblog.com www.BlogOfHawaii.com

12-26-2005, 09:43 AM	#71
EddieWest I like carrots Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Lapeer, Michigan Posts: 32	Is different multiswitch needed for 5 LNB Dish? When I upgraded to the 5 LNB Dish last month, my installer said that if I was currently using a multiswitch, it wouldn't work with the new system and that I would have to get a new type. I currently have all 4 lines from the dish going to 4 separate non-dvr receivers. For Christmas, my wife bought me the DirecTV Tivo DVR system, in which I will need an additional (fifth) line. Does anybody know what I need to get to complete the install? By the way, 3 of my receivers are SD, the other an H20. The new dvr receiver is SD.

12-28-2005, 10:32 AM	#72
dbundesen What is HD? Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: SF Bay Area, CA Posts: 1	Thanks for the great article on multiple receiver and antenna hookups. One simple question; will the simple little RCA Diplexer Switch Model: D920, work in that instance? link below to the actual model I have: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1051826213389 I have only two coax cables running to my new DTV HD DVR and running a third wire would be VERY involved. thanks for the great faq.

12-28-2005, 10:47 AM	#73
rbinck Administrator Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Katy, Texas Posts: 12,338	EddieWest. As far as I know if you have a HD switch now chances are it will work with the new dish. There may be some switches that are a problem though. Many installers may assume you have a SD system existing and SD multiswitches will not work for HD receivers. dbundesen, If you have two coax cables now, one for the satellite and the other for the OTA antenna, then yes the diplexer will work to reconnect the OTA antenna wire to the satellite system. Remember that each diplexer will introduce a bit of signal loss, so it may require a booster on the OTA to offset it. Usually the satellite signal is not affected by the diplexers. Edit: The reply to EddieWest needs clarification. If the new mpeg4 is to be used for local channels, the multiswitch must be changed out to a model that will cover the extended frequency range. If the 5LNB dish is installed for use with existing receivers like the H10 or H20 without the HD locals, the an existing HD multiswitch may be used until such time as the HD locals are desired. __________________ www.highdefinitionblog.com www.BlogOfHawaii.com Last edited by rbinck; 01-21-2006 at 12:26 PM. Reason: Clarification

12-30-2005, 05:25 PM	#74
SteveoTivo What is HD? Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 1	Need Your Advice Great Thread and very informative... I have found the right place to get the answers I am sure... So here it is.. I need some preventive help before the D* installer shows up on 1/4/06.. Currently I have 4 sd tivo set ups and 1 sd non Tivo. What I will be getting on the 4th is the following: New 5LNB dish, H20 Hi Def non TIVO and keeping the 4 SD Tivo receiver set up. I get the HD locals via D* Thye tell me I do not need a OTA. When the Installer came out to install the Tivos he installed another dish.. now I have 3. What I want is this: Only 1 Satellite Dish to feed the H20 and the 4 Tivos... Also I want to be pre-wired for the new HD20-250 DVR. I will remove the HD20 and install the HD2-250DVR. Currently I have 2 feedlines to 4 of the 5 Receivers Is it possible to accomplish this with just one dish? If so, please give the details...

12-31-2005, 11:17 AM	#75
Emil High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Barrington, Il. Age: 57 Posts: 1,225	Simplest Expansion I have a single SD system with a single line from the dish. If I understand all this is all I need for another receiver is to run another line to the other unused tap in the LNB and run it to the second receiver? If I wanted more than two receivers then I would need a multiswitch, correct? Thanks for this awesome thread!