Every time a different answer? HELP me?

[jimntom]

We were solicited to upgrade to the 5LNB dish in September. In setting the appointment, I was specific to clearly indicate our current configuration: 2 HD tuners, a DB-8 OTA and a Terk multiswitch - and that I clearly wanted to confirm the new dish was compatible, no additional cabling or other changes were required to work with the new hardware. I was assured there were no conflicts, I wouldn't go there otherwise. The installation team was good, brought a new multiswitch, diplexers and made a clean install. We had legacy HBO/Show HD and a Zenith HD tuner. There were some problems, attributed the old software on the Zenith - sporadic, in/out outages error messages on the HD channels, we had about six rookie AdvTech technicians rerunning cables, replacing the Zinwell X3- we bought a new H20; already had one for a new LCD we bought (it had a heat problem). My OTA was not great but worked. Next we added the D* HD DVR and another H20; this time the tech was from a different provider and got things straightened out...THEN we added the HD package. Only one of the new channels displayed and the old HD channels were inconsistent...OTA is abysmal. Another tech from AdvTech dispatched with no idea on a resolution...pull the diplexer from the tuner (?...they're still at the dish). Then another tech call to D*, 45 mintues trying various resets, remove offair channels, etc. Seems the diplexer converts all to a-band and no b-band passes? This erradicates my single coax option to all TVs in the house that I specifically wanted to retain (its an old house and its horrible to snake thru walls)? I now need to run separate coax from the antenna to the 4 TV anenna inputs, have no OTA listed in the guide? Without the OTA I lose alternate local channels, my PBS HD and 3 other alternates and local "UHF" HD channels - I was also originally told we'd have all available local HD, sorry PBS. Some suggestion that I could locate the b-band before the outside diplexer, but that I'm told converts to a-band and negates 1080 output. Some star "HD expert" tech promised on one call vanishes and cannot be identified on subsequent calls and I now have another appointment with the contractor from hell tomorrow AM. Does anyone have a potential solution for this tortured situation? We were fine without the new dish, I would not opt for the new channels if told of the sacrifices and am now $$$ into an HD/D* money pit.

[rickybennett]

well now thats easy ......... um what was the question agen ??

[car421]

[jimntom]

Essentially, I had no b-band channels due to the installation of the 5 LNB with a diplexer installation from D* with the new dish & tuners. I tried the B-band prior the diplexer but the run is too long for that to work...we lost signal completely. I disconnected all of the diplexers yesterday, still 771 on some of the HD channels...finally an experienced tech arrived today. The HD programming was not properly configured, then I got ANOTHER Zinwell with weather caps this time, a new b-band converter and a new tuner. Everything seems to be working correctly...of course I now have to run another coax from the OTA so I can receive my locals and am limiting that to a single TV due to the complexity of running this thru an old house but I am completely worn out from this experience. D* had bad and conflicting info at every step of the process, AdvTech sent rookies with no functional knowledge more than a half dozen times since September & didn't show at all in some instances-usually late Saturday when their local office is closed. The advanced tech today even complained that all of the new HD hardware and configurations was released too quickly with no real functional knowledge updates to their particular company - granted, they should not accept this situation and from experience would attribute this to MasTech/AdvTech for not keeping their techs properly trained. I am not satisfied, was not given what was promised but have what they are able to deliver at this time. Without this forum for current information, I'd have no idea of the functional limitations imposed by this not ready for prime time service. Thank you all for your many contributions, explanations, diagrams and info.

[TomLewandowski]

Ever hear of sentence structure and paragraphs? Makes things a tad easier to read through.

[IamMrDJ]

Maybe this is what all the adults were saying in the Charlie brown cartoons because that is what is sounds like when I try reading his statements.

[joed32]

Originally Posted by jimntom

Essentially, I had no b-band channels due to the installation of the 5 LNB with a diplexer installation from D* with the new dish & tuners. I tried the B-band prior the diplexer but the run is too long for that to work...we lost signal completely. I disconnected all of the diplexers yesterday, still 771 on some of the HD channels...finally an experienced tech arrived today. The HD programming was not properly configured, then I got ANOTHER Zinwell with weather caps this time, a new b-band converter and a new tuner. Everything seems to be working correctly...of course I now have to run another coax from the OTA so I can receive my locals and am limiting that to a single TV due to the complexity of running this thru an old house but I am completely worn out from this experience. D* had bad and conflicting info at every step of the process, AdvTech sent rookies with no functional knowledge more than a half dozen times since September & didn't show at all in some instances-usually late Saturday when their local office is closed. The advanced tech today even complained that all of the new HD hardware and configurations was released too quickly with no real functional knowledge updates to their particular company - granted, they should not accept this situation and from experience would attribute this to MasTech/AdvTech for not keeping their techs properly trained. I am not satisfied, was not given what was promised but have what they are able to deliver at this time. Without this forum for current information, I'd have no idea of the functional limitations imposed by this not ready for prime time service. Thank you all for your many contributions, explanations, diagrams and info.

There is supposed to be a single wire multiswitch SWM available soon but we have been hearing that for quite a while. If you are willing to be patient that will be your answer.

[mystic7]

ok, let me get this straight. There are no trees involved in this situation, correct?

[rickybennett]

i stell dont no what the ?? is

[rserkes]

Originally Posted by mystic7

ok, let me get this straight. There are no trees involved in this situation, correct?

ROFLOL

[rickybennett]

lol

[texasbrit]

Originally Posted by jimntom

Essentially, I had no b-band channels due to the installation of the 5 LNB with a diplexer installation from D* with the new dish & tuners. I tried the B-band prior the diplexer but the run is too long for that to work...we lost signal completely. I disconnected all of the diplexers yesterday, still 771 on some of the HD channels...finally an experienced tech arrived today. The HD programming was not properly configured, then I got ANOTHER Zinwell with weather caps this time, a new b-band converter and a new tuner. Everything seems to be working correctly...of course I now have to run another coax from the OTA so I can receive my locals and am limiting that to a single TV due to the complexity of running this thru an old house but I am completely worn out from this experience. D* had bad and conflicting info at every step of the process, AdvTech sent rookies with no functional knowledge more than a half dozen times since September & didn't show at all in some instances-usually late Saturday when their local office is closed. The advanced tech today even complained that all of the new HD hardware and configurations was released too quickly with no real functional knowledge updates to their particular company - granted, they should not accept this situation and from experience would attribute this to MasTech/AdvTech for not keeping their techs properly trained. I am not satisfied, was not given what was promised but have what they are able to deliver at this time. Without this forum for current information, I'd have no idea of the functional limitations imposed by this not ready for prime time service. Thank you all for your many contributions, explanations, diagrams and info.

You certainly seem to have had a bad experience and yes many of your problems are due to the technician's lack of knowledge and training. Even though the fact that the new satellites with signals in the b-band would not work with diplexers has been known for a long time (certainly over a year) some techs were still installing diplexers when the new satellite at 103(b) was already transmitting, and then wondered why their customers could not receive 103(b).
You say you have tried relocating the bbc to the dish side of the first diplexer - how far is that cable run?

[jimntom]

Gentlemen. I apologize for the volume of information without sufficient structure/punctuation; I was not aware that we were posting for grammatic effect here and those who post unhelpful, critical comments may benefit from basic coursework in simple courtesy. Such comments are self-serving and unconstructive; we have already endured enough through this ordeal. Those who attempted to help with constructive questions or comments...Thank you.

My signal strength is consistently in the upper 90's; I have no trees or other obstacles. Since every location, installer and installation is different, searches here and eleswhere are not always relevant. D* customer service has been either very helpful or useless dependent on the representative since the intial solicited September installation service call. I ultimately removed all of the diplexers from the installation - the cable run is from the first floor to the roof (at least 50+ feet) and that only lost the signal from the dish completely when I located the converter prior the diplexer at the dish.

Yesterday's tech replaced the Zinwell, the b-band converter and receiver; D* also had confounded the HD subscription details and the tech had to unravel that and perform another reset and software download. After about 90 minutes I have what I will get from the service, I will have to decide where I need OTA and run additional coax. They (AdvTech) still have no 103 meter on their handheld; I have little confidence in their abilities.

It seems we are at the mercy of the local contractor and new services that are not completely tested nor understood by D* (as well as the local contractors in some areas). If one has not personally spent entire days trolling for information, wading through IVR options, speaking to folks from faraway lands who are challenged by our spoken language -either in person or via telephone- and yet been unable to get a simple answer, you are a lucky minority.

Please limit your comments to those that are helpful or make a kind suggestion to better structure an inquiry; those of us posting likely already have had a full serving of frustration and will appreciate the consideration.

[jimntom]

Hopefully we will have the hardware to accommodate the changes sooner rather than later? It seems irresponsible to initiate a new level of service that does not support existent conventions...sounds like Redmond to me. I guess it requires more patience. Again, thank you to those who provided helpful information and useful responses.

Patience is gained through understanding; understanding achieved through communication. The relevant portions of and comments to this forum provide communication. Sarcasm is the lowest form of wit.

[jimntom]

Originally Posted by IamMrDJ

Maybe this is what all the adults were saying in the Charlie brown cartoons because that is what is sounds like when I try reading his statements.

The print version is actually entitled "Peanuts" and the themes for this comic by Charles Schulz often encompassed mutal respect, compassion and other "adult" themes via the innocent activities of children. Perhaps it would be helpful to read some of the strips rather than simply view "It's the Great Pumpkin" again? I don't recall any sound effects when I read them, but then, I don't read to myself aloud.