View Full Version : Wiring Directv HD?
Rumblebee2475
10-22-07, 05:22 PM
Is their any possible way that you can get HD for Directv without having to add a second wire to the dish on my roof because, it would be impossible for me to get the wire from the dish to the reciever now that the house has been finished.
Do they make anything to get HD with a single wire???
Yes - the H20 receiver - just doesn't have the DVR feature!
Michael D'Angelo
10-22-07, 05:27 PM
Is their any possible way that you can get HD for Directv without having to add a second wire to the dish on my roof because, it would be impossible for me to get the wire from the dish to the reciever now that the house has been finished.
Do they make anything to get HD with a single wire???
:welcome_s to DBSTalk
If that is going to be your only receiver then you can run the one line to an HD receiver (H20 or H21) and you will be good.
If you want an HD DVR (HR20 or HR21) you can run the one line to it and just use one of the two tuners. You will only be able to record or watch one program at a time. You would also be able to add an SWM (Single Wire Multi-Switch) later when it comes out. You could put the SWM at the dish and put the PI (power supply) inside by the receiver. That would allow you to use one SAT cable and use both tuners.
Rumblebee2475
10-22-07, 05:41 PM
But the guy at BestBuy told me I would have to run two wires from outside on my rooftop because, an HD satellite dish is basically like two dishes.....
Canis Lupus
10-22-07, 05:43 PM
nope, an HD dish is not like 2 dishes, so that info was wrong. However as it stands today, 2 lines would be required to have both tuners on your DVR. But you could still do it with one as mentioned above, and wait for SWM.
But the guy at BestBuy told me I would have to run two wires from outside on my rooftop because, an HD satellite dish is basically like two dishes.....
bobnielsen
10-22-07, 05:44 PM
The dish actually receives from satellites at 5 locations, but has a built-in multiswitch to combine and switch between them. One wire will work even with a DVR but you will be limited to a single tuner. You should be able to upgrade to a SWM later if you are not in one of the areas where they are already available.
Rumblebee2475
10-22-07, 05:50 PM
What would be the downside of only having one tuner? do you know if SWM are available in North Dakota?
So it WOULD work with only ONE wire running from the dish to the reciever and I WILL be able to have Hd compatibilites?
Michael D'Angelo
10-22-07, 05:53 PM
What would be the downside of only having one tuner? do you know if SWM are available in North Dakota?
So it WOULD work with only ONE wire running from the dish to the reciever and I WILL be able to have Hd compatibilites?
1) You will only be able to record or watch one show at a time like I said above.
2) The SWM is only in field trials right now.
3) Yes you will be able to receive all SD and HD channels with only one line.
John4924
10-22-07, 05:58 PM
What would be the downside of only having one tuner? do you know if SWM are available in North Dakota?
So it WOULD work with only ONE wire running from the dish to the reciever and I WILL be able to have Hd compatibilites?
Will you be able to physically get to the dish to install the SWM?
techrep
10-22-07, 06:01 PM
What would be the downside of only having one tuner? do you know if SWM are available in North Dakota?
So it WOULD work with only ONE wire running from the dish to the reciever and I WILL be able to have Hd compatibilites?
With the right HD program package and the H20 or the HR20; one cable will get you all the HD available, in your area, to your TV. A SWM can be located anywhere in between the dish and the receiver.
lwilli201
10-22-07, 06:03 PM
I do not think we even know what dish the OP has.
John4924
10-22-07, 06:11 PM
With the right HD program package and the H20 or the HR20; one cable will get you all the HD available, in your area, to your TV. A SWM can be located anywhere in between the dish and the receiver.
techrep, I have a multiswitch, WB68 and I need all four sat lines run into the input. How does the SWM work? Do you need all four sat lines input to the SWM? And if so, that means the OP will have to run 4 lines to the input of the SWM? Just trying to clear up all the questions.
Michael D'Angelo
10-22-07, 06:13 PM
techrep, I have a multiswitch, WB68 and I need all four sat lines run into the input. How does the SWM work? Do you need all four sat lines input to the SWM? And if so, that means the OP will have to run 4 lines to the input of the SWM? Just trying to clear up all the questions.
Yes all 4 lines need to go from the dish to the SWM just like the WB68.
But the SWM can be mounted on the dish with 4 short lines from the dish to the SWM and then the one line from the SWM to PI (power supply) by the receiver. Then from the PI to the receiver.
Rumblebee2475
10-22-07, 06:17 PM
Yes I will have to get a new dish to get Hd, but the only reason I was holding out on getting it was because they said I would need to run two wires from the satelllite dish, which would be impossible for me to do.
ptimmerm
10-22-07, 06:21 PM
There is no way to get the other wire into the house??
John4924
10-22-07, 06:23 PM
Yes I will have to get a new dish to get Hd, but the only reason I was holding out on getting it was because they said I would need to run two wires from the satelllite dish, which would be impossible for me to do.
When you order the dish, see if they possibly might have the SWM available. Not sure they will even know what this is, but it is worth a try! :)
Rumblebee2475
10-22-07, 06:45 PM
But could I get HD without using SWM and only using one cable from the rooftop? No there is no other way to get the wire into the house.
Michael D'Angelo
10-22-07, 06:49 PM
But could I get HD without using SWM and only using one cable from the rooftop? No there is no other way to get the wire into the house.
Yes everything will work great with only one line and not using an SWM. But you will only be able to watch or record one thing at a time.
bobnielsen
10-22-07, 06:50 PM
But could I get HD without using SWM and only using one cable from the rooftop? No there is no other way to get the wire into the house.
I think this has already been answered, but yes.
Rumblebee2475
10-22-07, 06:51 PM
Ok is their a certain reciver and dish I should get.
Thanks for the help I just thought in order to have Directv HD it REQIRED two wires running down from the satellite on the rooftop....
John4924
10-22-07, 06:54 PM
Ok is their a certain reciver and dish I should get.
Thanks for the help I just thought in order to have Directv HD it REQIRED two wires running down from the satellite on the rooftop....
If you want a DVR, get the HR20/21. If not, get the H20/21
Edit: and the dish you want is the Slimline
Michael D'Angelo
10-22-07, 06:54 PM
Ok is their a certain reciver and dish I should get.
Thanks for the help I just thought in order to have Directv HD it REQIRED two wires running down from the satellite on the rooftop....
You will need an 5 LNB dish and an HR20 or HR21. They are the same HD DVR's except the HR21 does not have an OTA tuner and the HR20 does. The HR20 is also a little ahead with software right now.
If you get the HD DVR from DirecTV you will not be able to choice what you get.
Rumblebee2475
10-22-07, 06:56 PM
The DVR functions will all work using only one wire for HD and SD, but the only thing that will not work is that I will not be able to record one channel and watch another, correct?
Michael D'Angelo
10-22-07, 06:56 PM
The DVR functions will all work using only one wire for HD and SD, but the only thing that will not work is that I will not be able to record one channel and watch another, correct?
That is correct.
John4924
10-22-07, 06:57 PM
The DVR functions will all work using only one wire for HD and SD, but the only thing that will not work is that I will not be able to record one channel and watch another, correct?
Correct. But you could watch a recording while recording something else.
Rumblebee2475
10-22-07, 07:02 PM
Alright, I think I will order a new dish and reciever.
But why did the guy at BestBuy say I needed to run two wires, is it recommended thats how I do it, or is he plain-old just wrong.
Just to confirm all I will have to do basically take down the dish I have, and put the new one up with just one wire and then get the new reciever and call and get it activated, and I will have HD and SD, correct?
Michael D'Angelo
10-22-07, 07:04 PM
Alright, I think I will order a new dish and reciever.
But why did the guy at BestBuy say I needed to run two wires, is it recommended thats how I do it, or is he plain-old just wrong.
Just to confirm all I will have to do basically take down the dish I have, and put the new one up with just one wire and then get the new reciever and call and get it activated, and I will have HD and SD, correct?
That is correct.
As far as the guy at Best Buy he didn't know what he is talking about. But that is nothing new.
Rumblebee2475
10-22-07, 07:05 PM
Do you have HD? DO you only have one cable running down from the dish on the rooftop?
Michael D'Angelo
10-22-07, 07:07 PM
Do you have HD? DO you only have one cable running down from the dish on the rooftop?
Yes I have HD. I have always had 4 cables from my dish to an multi-switch. But before I got an SWM (I am a field tester. That is how I got an SWM.) I had two HD DVR's with only one line from the multi-switch to each and did not have any problems.
John4924
10-22-07, 07:10 PM
Alright, I think I will order a new dish and reciever.
But why did the guy at BestBuy say I needed to run two wires, is it recommended thats how I do it, or is he plain-old just wrong.
Just to confirm all I will have to do basically take down the dish I have, and put the new one up with just one wire and then get the new reciever and call and get it activated, and I will have HD and SD, correct?
Are you installing the dish yourself? The slimline is much heavier and needs much better support. And it will work with just a single cable.
Rumblebee2475
10-22-07, 07:14 PM
Alright, I just belived the BestBuy kid because, the dish kindof has sort of like two dishes, so I figured and believed him that would require two wires to be run which is impossible for me to do. But basically how you are saying it all I have to basically do is "plug and watch", and not run another wire from the dish. which I can do. So thanks for all your help, and basically helping me get HD!
Rumblebee2475
10-22-07, 07:16 PM
I was going to install it myself, but if it is extremely heavy then I may not. Isnt their another HD satellite that would work?
Michael D'Angelo
10-22-07, 07:17 PM
I was going to install it myself, but if it is extremely heavy then I may not. Isnt their another HD satellite that would work?
No, you need an 5 LNB dish. DirecTV will install it for free.
Rumblebee2475
10-22-07, 07:19 PM
Yes but isnt their a "slimline" and another HD satellite? Will both of them work with a single cable?
Michael D'Angelo
10-22-07, 07:20 PM
Yes but isnt their a "slimline" and another HD satellite? Will both of them work with a single cable?
The Slimline 5 LNB dish is the one that we are talking about and the one that DirecTV will install. The older AT-9 is a little larger and DirecTV has not installed them in a while.
Rumblebee2475
10-22-07, 07:20 PM
Also, if it is available should I get the SWM?
Michael D'Angelo
10-22-07, 07:21 PM
Also, if it is available should I get the SWM?
Yes, but I doubt that they will have one yet to install for you.
Rumblebee2475
10-22-07, 07:25 PM
Alright. but GUARANTEED if I dont have the SWM, they will not need to add any other wires basically all they will have to do is install the new dish and remove the old ones. Put in the new recievers and I will have HD, correct?
Michael D'Angelo
10-22-07, 07:25 PM
Alright. but GUARANTEED they will not need to add any other wires basically all they will have to do is install the new dish and remove the old ones. Put in the new recievers and I will have HD, correct?
yes
Rumblebee2475
10-22-07, 07:28 PM
Alright, thanks for all your help! Its Awsome it is basically just replacing them and not having to run another wire!
What would the SWM really do different for me then?
Davenlr
10-22-07, 07:40 PM
The swm would let you record two shows at the same time with one cable.
Rumblebee2475
10-22-07, 07:52 PM
But without it I will only need one wire, but it just wont allow me to recored two channels at once?
PoitNarf
10-22-07, 08:22 PM
But without it I will only need one wire, but it just wont allow me to recored two channels at once?
Yes...
Give D* a call and have them install the dish for you. It's free after all. And the installer may find a way to run an extra wire. Unless your house is made entirely of steel there is ALWAYS a way to run extra coax.
techrep
10-22-07, 08:36 PM
Rumblebee2475,
If you haven't figured it out yet, you will get the best DBS information available from this forum. Unlike the "kid at BestBuy" if someone here tells you something that is not quite correct there will be at least four or five guys jump in with corrections. You can trust the group here to give you the "straight poop."
joe diamond
10-22-07, 08:41 PM
But the guy at BestBuy told me I would have to run two wires from outside on my rooftop because, an HD satellite dish is basically like two dishes.....
Uh...!
Awhile ago I did an installation for Best Buys. The Multi Sat 3 LNB had one bad port. I fixed the job with a spare and went by the Best Buy to get my spare LNB back............The clerk in the TV department didn't know what I had just put on the counter. The manage did and all went ok.
Consider the source.
Joe
techrep
10-22-07, 08:42 PM
techrep, I have a multiswitch, WB68 and I need all four sat lines run into the input. How does the SWM work? Do you need all four sat lines input to the SWM? And if so, that means the OP will have to run 4 lines to the input of the SWM? Just trying to clear up all the questions.
Sorry for the late response but, I validate BMoreRavens info to you and bow to his superior knowledge.
!devil12: Shoulder :angel:
techrep
10-22-07, 08:56 PM
Rumblebee2475,
I dislike the word "impossible." ;) I accept difficult, hard, troublesome, tedious, etc. If you are not into the DIY thing, follow PoitNarf's advise. There IS always a way.
!devil12: Shoulder :angel:
PoitNarf
10-22-07, 09:01 PM
If you are not into the DIY thing, follow PoitNarf's advise. There IS always a way.
I was able to wire my entire already finished house by running coax lines through closets and the attic and basement. All looks very professional too :D
Rumblebee2475
10-22-07, 09:10 PM
well ok it probably not "impossible" but very difficult because I dont know I would run it through sheetrock and I dont want to make the wire go all the way around my house because it wouldnt look good.
But I dont need to deal with a second wire because I really dont care about recording and watching a different show at the same time, thats why I have more than one TV! Thanks for all of you help!!!!
techrep
10-22-07, 09:23 PM
I was able to wire my entire already finished house by running coax lines through closets and the attic and basement. All looks very professional too :D
Between: attics, basements, closets, storage rooms, sofits, gas pipes, water pipes, drain pipes, air conditioner head runs, and air conditioner ducts; it is hard to figure a way that it CAN'T be done.
Rumblebee2475
10-22-07, 10:01 PM
Well my house is a log house and it basically has like two seperate roofs. And Im trying to get it to my bonis room which is above the garage.
CCarncross
10-22-07, 10:52 PM
Just to make sure you understand everything, if you want a D* receiver at more than one tv, you will need at minimum one line per receiver coming from the dish itself. 3 tvs with D*, you will need 3 lines from the dish. You do need one line going to each receiver, you cant use one line total and make it go to 3 different D* stbs on 3 different tvs. It will not work like cable, where you can use splitters
techrep
10-23-07, 12:14 AM
Well my house is a log house and it basically has like two seperate roofs. And Im trying to get it to my bonis room which is above the garage.
Usually not hard at all. I visualize a barn ceiling with short vertical walls which normally have dead space behind them. An attic to attic (assuming there is an attic) run with a cable push or pull to a spot in the 45* ceiling that is within 12" of the short vertical wall.
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