Can I get DirecTV based on my prewired config?

[eyedrop]

Hopefully the experts at the forum can shed some light for me. I am very new at this, so please bare with me. It is much appreciated.

I lived in a MDU, where each unit is prewired with 3 coax cables.

I ordered DirecTV with 3 HR-21s, and when the installer came by, he looked at the room on the side of the building where the wires are and say he will need 4 cables to perform the install. I assume he is feeding the 4 wires to a multiswitch to allow for the 3 HD-DVR, which needs 2 wires each, for a total of 6. The installer left without performing the install, and my order was cancelled afterwards.

I contacted the HOA, which gives me the name of the local installer who is contracted (and familiar) to do the work on our community. The local installer say that my problem is I cannot put that many HD-DVRs in the home. He suggests I go with Dish, which is a different technology that allows one cable for the receiver and can be use on 2 TVs.

I want to go with DirecTV, so I made another call to setup an appointment for a new install next Friday. This time I only request for 1 HD-DVR.

My question is, based on the pre-wiring done, can I at least get one HD-DVR into my living room? If not, what are my options? This community was built last year, so I do not think the HOA will spend the money to rewire the cables. I keep hearing about the SWM, is that what I need?

Thanks again.

[DirecTv Chicago]

Yes SWM would be ideal, not to say that the right technician wouldn't be able to get you up and running with the cabling you already have.

SWM stands for I believe single wire multiswitches. It would exactly what you need but it is only out in limited quantity. In most cases you will not be able to ask for that just yet from the installer when he comes out.

What is wierd is that the installer told you to go with Dish? Are you pulling from a local single sat dish or does each tenant have their own dish outside their window?

[eyedrop]

Thanks for the reply. So with 3 coax wires, does it mean I would need 2 cables for the dual tuners, and 1 possibly for OTA signal? That is, without using any switches, just those 3 cables alone?

We're not allow to have our individual dish on our balcony, I believe it's got dishes installed on the roof of the building. I couldn't see it myself when I last looked.

I think they have dishes installed for both Dish and DirecTV, I could be wrong.

[DirecTv Chicago]

Thanks for the reply. So with 3 coax wires, does it mean I would need 2 cables for the dual tuners, and 1 possibly for OTA signal? That is, without using any switches, just those 3 cables alone?

We're not allow to have our individual dish on our balcony, I believe it's got dishes installed on the roof of the building. I couldn't see it myself when I last looked.

I think they have dishes installed for both Dish and DirecTV, I could be wrong.


Yes and no would have to be my answer without knowing the system which is installed. In the MDU environment there are alot of different variables dependent on if your system is MFH1, MFH2 or an older model. In an MDU enviornement you can't just request a SWM unit as you would in the residential market. Its dependent on the system installed, dish in place, and wiring.

Best recommendation is to talk to your neighbors and see who else has HD and what they have had to do. At best you will pick up the 119 HD's and HD locals.