In wall drop install question

[WestDC]

Originally Posted by rightcoaster

Another good trick is to attach a heavy twine or fish tape to the existing wire, pull it back to the attic, tape the two RG6 together, use the twine to pull them both back down. Particularly helpful if you have trouble dropping the second RG6 near the wall opening.

That works only if the existing wire is loose in the wall and not tacked to a stud before the wall was closed up otherwise that is the correct way to do it if you have full acess above the ceiling

[WolfpackRon]

Rightcoaster,
I currently have a single RG6 cable prewired into each room back to a box in the garage for Time Warner cable. I am considering going back to DTV because I have a townhouse at the Lake, which I used to piggy back DTV service. What is the Cat 5 ethernet cable for? Also, is the phone connection necessary if you do not use "pay for view?" Why three RG6 cables? Does the second RG 6 cable need to go to my box in the garage or to the dish?
Thanks in advance, WolfpackRon.

[rightcoaster]

Originally Posted by WolfpackRon

Rightcoaster,
I currently have a single RG6 cable prewired into each room back to a box in the garage for Time Warner cable. I am considering going back to DTV because I have a townhouse at the Lake, which I used to piggy back DTV service. What is the Cat 5 ethernet cable for? Also, is the phone connection necessary if you do not use "pay for view?" Why three RG6 cables? Does the second RG 6 cable need to go to my box in the garage or to the dish?
Thanks in advance, WolfpackRon.

Plain receivers require one RG6 to the dish or multiswitch.

DVR's require two RG6 to the dish or multiswitch, so you can record two channels at once. You can operate them on a single RG6 but it severly reduces its utility.

In both cases you need a separate RG6 (even RG59 will do) for the antenna. It can not currently be combined into the satellite RG6 because it blocks the new HD frequencies. A fix is on the way but not here yet. If you get your HD locals via satellite (check D* website) then forget all about this. You can also use an indoor antenna next to your receiver if you have a strong OTA signal and avoid this extra cable.

That's how a remote roof or attic antenna ups the ante to two RG6 for the receiver and three for the DVR. Since everyone using a receiver will want a DVR sooner or later, run the three now.

The cat5 allows you to download video-on-demand to your DVR. If you're already running cable, go ahead and include it. Otherwise a wi-fi gaming adapter that plugs into the DVR's ethernet port (NOT the usb port) is a much easier option.

The phone connection is optional, but you'll have to order PPV via the website or pay an extra fee if you do it by phone. Again, if you're already fishing cable, why not.

[WolfpackRon]

Thanks,
The Cat 5 cable for video on demand connects to the dish or multiswitch? Video on demand is new I guess.
WolfpackRon.

[rightcoaster]

Originally Posted by WolfpackRon

Thanks,
The Cat 5 cable for video on demand connects to the dish or multiswitch? Video on demand is new I guess.
WolfpackRon.

It plugs into your broadband internet router which is in turn plugged into your cable or DSL modem. The downloads are done via the internet. VOD is new and the firmware upgrade for it won't be fully rolled out until about Feb from what I hear. I think the HR-21 will get it last. The ethernet connection will also allow you to view pictures and video from your PC.

To use a wireless ethernet game adapter instead of cat5, you will need a wireless wi-fi router.

[DtvRep07]

Originally Posted by Jaggles

Along similar lines, I recently upgraded to an HD DVR from an HD receiver. The installer wanted $50 to run a second line. I refused and am dealing with D* as well. Do I need a second line or can I just get a splitter?

That most definitely should be free. The second line is required for full functionality. Get a supervisor at Direct's install department on the phone o verify.