Directv and splitters

[Skarr11]

Greetings!

For the last several years I've been running Sage with analog cable as the input to both my TV and my Hauppauge PVR-350 using a cheapo 2-way splitter, a very simple setup. I've recently moved, and instead of cable I got Directv service with the HD package and an H20 HD receiver. Can I still use this same simple splitter arrangement or do I need additional hardware? Can I just hook the wall cable into one end of the splitter, then run one side to the Directv receiver and the other into the PVR-350?

I read through a couple of posts on the subject but didn't really find a good answer. It kinda sounds like a can't do this splitter setup anymore, but I'd like some confirmation one way or the other. If I need additional hardware, can you provide some suggestions?

Thanks!

[stanger89]

No, you need an IRD for each channel you want to use, and you need a multiswitch between the dish and those IRDs.

[HelenWeathers]

Originally Posted by Skarr11

Can I still use this same simple splitter arrangement or do I need additional hardware?

The answer is IT DEPENDS. If your dish is of the SWM type (single wire multiswitch) and the multiswitch has an OTA antenna input both signals are present in the cable running to your receiver. You will need what is called a diplexer (Radio Shack has them) that has 1 input for the incomming cable and two outputs, one for antenna signals and one for sat signals.

DTV installs use SWMs with OTA inputs and SWMs without OTA inputs, as well as installs with no multiswitch. No OTA input or no multiswitch = no OTA in coax line.

Contact your installer to see what you were given or go to DBSTalk.com for more info.

[bastian74]

You could use a rca splitter out the back of the receiver if you want to watch the same channel on all the tvs at the same time.

[Skarr11]

Sorry, been busy and couldn't continue this until now. Thank you for your responses. And I should mention that the IRD I have is an H21-100, not an H20 (not sure if that's important).

I've been doing a little more digging around on this, and it's clear that I can't do what I want without the SWM and another receiver, as you responded. I did come across a few people who suggested using an S-Video out to the tuner card, but if you change the channel of the receiver, any recordings will be affected by the change. So that's no good.

I called Directv and was informed that I do not have an SWM, although haven't actually gone up to the roof to confirm that. When I go to any of the system test screens in the Directv menus I see no mention of an SWM, so that would lead me to believe that I don't have the SWM. I asked how much it would cost to have them come out and install the SWM and provide me a second IRD, and they gave me a quote of around $280, which includes the 2nd receiver, the switch, and installation labor. I clearly made a mistake and should have asked for multiple receivers upon initial installation, but that's my fault for not doing my homework.

I found this website that sells SWMs:

http://www.swm8.com/swm-wiring-examples.php

Now I'm not a genius or anything, but I have to believe that one could install this SWM DIY and make all the necessary connections, right? And if it's a matter of climbing up on the roof and making a few connections, then that's something I can handle. Has anyone heard of the above mentioned company that sells SWMs? Has anyone had experience installing an SWM and hooking everything up? I was looking in the DBStalk forums and it looks like people do this all the time.

Any thoughts/comments are appreciated. I miss my PVR - I gotta get this think hooked up!

Thanks!

[HelenWeathers]

SWM modules are fairly easy to install. Here's my preferred place to buy:
http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_disp...AT=&PROD=SWM-8

What kind of dish do you have installed? you can go to (on your directv receiver) Menu, favorites & setup, system setup and look at the first page under dish type.

Report back for more help.

[Skarr11]

Thanks for the link.

I have a 5LNB dish.

So it looks like I also need a splitter so that I can get one line going to the TV and one to the PVR computer, right? And with the SWM8, the power supplies and power inserters are included, or do I also need to get one of those?

I wouldn't imagine any dish alignments are necessary in this installation, right?

Thanks for all the help!

[HelenWeathers]

The 5lnb dish will work with the SWM. You must run 4 cables from the four ports on the dish to the 4 sat input ports on the SWM. If you have an OTA antenna, you run a cable from it to the ANT IN port on the SWM. From the SWM you can run one cable thru your house and using special 2/4/8 way splitters (i.e. http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?prod=SWS-4) have up to eight tuners (receivers have 1 each, dvrs have two tuners each). Then you can use a diplexer (http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?prod=CPV902) at each receiver to separate OTA and Sat signals.

EDIT: With the SWM8 in my link last post, the power supply (which is also a power inserter) is included. No dish realignment is necessary.