OTA Antenna Install Question

[justinmcafee]

I am having an OTA antenna installed tomorrow (I don't get local HD in Charleston, SC). I currently have 1-HR20 and1-H20. The HR20 has 2 coax runs which are both plugged into the receiver. The H20 has a single coax. Will the installer need to run additional coax for this setup (or is diplexing the signal still possible?)

I know it has been discussed in many threads but its been quite confusing getting a straight simple answer. The antenna install is $100 (which they are crediting back to my account). If the installer needs to run additional coax will he try to charge me for each run? I just had DTV installed last month and its impossible to get straight answers from customer service.

Thanks for any info!

[mbruno]

I get my install today for DTV so I will ask the Technician who comes out and see what he said and let you know. Keep in mind that it may be a different price for each Tech. I called Directv last night just to confirm my appointment because I didn't want a no show because no one call them to confirm. I also ask the Directv the same question about the wire run and they were not able to get me a straight answer about it. The one thing I was able to get out of them is that if the run is more then 125FT then it is considered a Complex install and they charge but the fee would be up to the installer which seems kind of weird. How you know if the installer is ripping you off or not if there is no set price? I ask about a single line multi-switch and I was told that the technology doesn't exist yet.

[saryon]

Unless the tech happens to have a single-wire-multiswitch (unlikely because they're not in general deployment yet), the tech will have to run a new antenna wire directly from your new antenna to the back of the H20/HR20 units for OTA to be available. Diplexing is no longer an approved method.

As for costs per run, I guess that depends - I've heard $25/run, but if you want it fished in-wall or other non-standard setups, that's between you and the installer.

[code4code5]

I allowed my installer to cannibalize my OTA feed from the attic to supply the second sat tuner. Now I'm regretting it. I miss my OTA HD's.

[finaldiet]

Run the line yourself. I had an old antenna and line in my attic, so I figured what the heck. I connected that line and it works great. If you paid DTV $100. that shall cover up to 125'. For $100, I'd run the line if you lived close!

[K4SMX]

I am having an OTA antenna installed tomorrow (I don't get local HD in Charleston, SC). I currently have 1-HR20 and1-H20. The HR20 has 2 coax runs which are both plugged into the receiver. The H20 has a single coax. Will the installer need to run additional coax for this setup (or is diplexing the signal still possible?)

I know it has been discussed in many threads but its been quite confusing getting a straight simple answer. The antenna install is $100 (which they are crediting back to my account). If the installer needs to run additional coax will he try to charge me for each run? I just had DTV installed last month and its impossible to get straight answers from customer service.

Thanks for any info!
You could use 2 diplexers to eliminate a cable run, but I wouldn't recommend it, unless you will be receiving really top-notch OTA signals. Even good diplexers inevitably add signal loss. You're already going to need to use a two-way splitter (3 db loss). There's an additional 3 db loss inside the HR20, because of the internal splitter, and the HR20 ATSC tuner is inferior to your H20 ATSC tuner to begin with. It may also turn out that you need an antenna amp. Please see my post here (http://www.dbstalk.com/showpost.php?p=1142556&postcount=11) for further elaboration on your possible issues.