New technology = one line for multiple tuners/receivers?

[DustB]

I haven't been on here much the last year or so - my box works 99.9% of the time and I have gotten used to it after only having Tivo for so long.

I remember at one point someone mentioning something about a new type of cable or wire being developed that would enable you to utilize both tuners but only have to run one cable into the box. Possibly even split the line....?
I don't remember the exact details... that's why I'm here. I couldn't remember the name of the product so I didn't know how to seach for it.

My question is has anything ever come of this technology? Am I remembering correctly or is my memory playing tricks on me? Anything like this in the works or are we always going to need one direct line cable for each tuner?

We may be finishing our basement soon so I need to know what I'm looking at in terms or running more cables, etc.

Thanks for any info

[veryoldschool]

Yes it's here and called SWM
here is where you can get it:
http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=114457

[glennb]

I'd run 2 cables(run 3 cables if you want to connect an OTA antenna) to the basement area you are finishing.

SWM will be readily available and affordable some day, but it isn't right now without paying $300 for it.

[DustB]

Thanks for the quick response. This place rocks.
I'll have to read up on it later, but on first glance is appears that it won't work w/ my Tivo's, only the new D*Tv boxes.
I still have enough open ports on my multiswitch to be ok for the basement - it's just that we only have one line running to the master bedroom right now. We didn't have a DVR up there when we moved so they only ran one line - and it's a major PIA to run one up there. Now I've got an DirecTivo in there but can only use one tuner - it would be nice to have the 2nd tuner but not worth the hassle of running a new line.
The SWM could solve that but I guess only if I get a newer DVR?

Anyway, thanks again for the info - I'll keep an eye on the SWM and research it further.
For those who are already wired up fine w/ extra capactiy & running well, I guess there's no reason to run out and get it unless you are planning on a major overhaul and want to save yourself the effort of running double cables everywhere.

[Alebob911]

the SWM8 has 3 legacy ports for all older receivers. Plus the 4 on the 8 port switch if you have one of those because 4 lines go to the SWM and then that leaves you another 4. Someone correct me if I am wrong.:)

Thanks for the quick response. This place rocks.
Looks SWM is out and running strong - I'll have to read up on it later, but on first glance is appears that it won't work w/ my Tivo's, only the new D*Tv boxes.

[DustB]

I saw about the legacy ports for older receivers - does this mean I still would have to run 2 lines for the 2 tuners?
Do the legacy ports act as a SWM for older boxes or simply just give you the option of running lines the same way as in the past so you can use the SWM for both new and older receivers?

[houskamp]

I saw about the legacy ports for older receivers - does this mean I still would have to run 2 lines for the 2 tuners?
Do the legacy ports act as a SWM for older boxes or simply just give you the option of running lines the same way as in the past so you can use the SWM for both new and older receivers?
Leagacy ports are the same as the old switches.. you have to run separate lines.. and no 103 on them..

[Hansen]

You are correct; the SWM works only on SWM capable receivers (D12, R16, H20/21, and HR20/21) and does not work in single wire mode on legacy receivers such as the HR10-250 (tivo). For the legacy receivers you will still need two RG6 feeds to run both tuners but you can use it with the SWM8 by putting those two runs into the legacy ports on the SWM8. You might consider going to the HR20/21 since there are so many HD channels you are missing out on right now by having the HR10-250. Pick up a SWM8 from Dave29 for $280 shipped. It works nicely for those installs where you can't easily or cost effectively get a 2nd line in. Plus, then you have the SWM capability for any other HR20/21's you get and no need to spend money for running a 2nd line for those locations. BTW, once you get one HR20/21, you'll get another. I reluctantly started out with 1 and now have 3.:)

[DustB]

Thanks fellas.
We only have the one HD tv right now - in the family room.
The other 2 boxes are just the old SD Tivo's - one for the workout room and one in the bedroom. Of course, any new TV purchases will be HD and that would require a new HD box - and that may happen sooner now that I know I won't have to run a separate line or live w/ one tuner on the bedroom TV

[veryoldschool]

A stepping stone could be to upgrade the DVRs and then the TVs, as you can run HD DVRs with a SD TV.

[glennb]

A stepping stone could be to upgrade the DVRs and then the TVs, as you can run HD DVRs with a SD TV.

It could also be - Don't upgrade the DVR or receiver to an HD receiver or HD DVR until you have the HDTV.

[veryoldschool]

It could also be - Don't upgrade the DVR or receiver to an HD receiver or HD DVR until you have the HDTV.
Well that shouldn't be "cast in stone" as SWM might make it worthwhile before you get the HDTV(s).

[cartrivision]

Leagacy ports are the same as the old switches.. you have to run separate lines.. and no 103 on them..

Is that a problem for any receivers? I thought that any receiver that need to see 103 is SWM capable.

[houskamp]

Is that a problem for any receivers? I thought that any receiver that need to see 103 is SWM capable.
I forget the list of SWM capable recievers... but even if you hook one of the "SWM capable recievers" to the legacy ports on a SWM8 it won't get 103.. only the SWM output carries 103 signals..

[veryoldschool]

I forget the list of SWM capable recievers... but even if you hook one of the "SWM capable recievers" to the legacy ports on a SWM8 it won't get 103.. only the SWM output carries 103 signals..
Actually, it's the 103 Ka-Lo signals that don't pass through the legacy ports. The 103 Ka-Hi do as does the current 99 [Ka-Hi].