zinwell 6x8 multi-switch needed?

[[fayde]]

I am having an HD dish and HR20 installed today (right now in fact) and the tech has stated that there is no need for the multi-switch, tho he would give it to me if I wanted.
There are 4 lines running from the 5-lnb dish, to a ground block, then from the ground block to my 4 TV's (none of which are able to utilize the dual-tuner set up on the HR20 or R15's I have due to the physical layout of my house).

...so I guess my question was, do I NEED the Zinwell 6x8 multi-switch?

[RegGeek]

If all you need is 4 tuner lines as you describe then you don't need the switch. However if you ever add another box or decide to utilze 2 tuner capabilities you will need it. If the install is willing to leave it, I would take it. I didn't need one when I got my 5LNB dish install last year but the installer left it anyway and I later ended up adding additional boxes.

[Chargerdan]

If all you need is 4 receivers with one line per then you're fine without the switch. If you ever want to add another receiver or have the ability to have another run to one of your DVR's then get the multi-switch. If he isn't going to charge you for it I would just get it. It won't hurt and it lets you be more flexible for expansion.

[Doug Brott]

If you have 4 TVs and you have at least 1 HR20, then you will likely have 2 tuners @ the HR20 and minimally 3 other tuners. That's 5 tuners .. you need the multiswitch even if you don't have the second line run to the HR20 - you'll probably want it later.

So yes, get the Zinwell WB68 and ask him to hook it up while he's there.

[[fayde]]

wow...thanks for the quick responses...I will have him hook it up, just incase...Though I am sorta holding out hope for the SWM =)

[Doug Brott]

;1150528']wow...thanks for the quick responses...I will have him hook it up, just incase...Though I am sorta holding out hope for the SWM =)

If you only have one line going to the HR20 location and it's tough to get a second line there, an SWM will be of great benefit to you when it is available. Hopefully you'll be able to get one from DIRECTV or purchase one later in the year or early next year.

[Tom Robertson]

BTW: Unless he absolutely CAN NOT install the second lines to the HR20 and R15 because of the house construction, he is required to install two lines to each DVR. I suggest pushing for those required lines.

Cheers,
Tom