Let's Try this again

[Rocko62580]

I was brought back to Direct TV with the current deals they have going. Since it has been a couple years for me I have some questions.

1.) What DVR is the best to order these days?
2.) I have single coax wires connected to each of my TV's. Do I still need to run two coax lines to each TV, or has Direct TV changed this. Can I run two wires to my splitter (I know I will probably have the replace the splitter with a multi-switch) and then run the single lines to each TV?
3.) Do I still need a phone line for service.


Thanks!

[Mertzen]

1] There is only one SD DVR. It is either the R15 or R16 but they are functionally identical.

2] Unless you get you get your hands on a SWM switch each DVR does still need 2 wires.

3] Recommended but not required.

[Rocko62580]

1] There is only one SD DVR. It is either the R15 or R16 but they are functionally identical.

2] Unless you get you get your hands on a SWM switch each DVR does still need 2 wires.

3] Recommended but not required.

I would actually be getting an HD DVR, any suggestions for that?

What does the phone line do that is special?

How does the SWM work?

[carl6]

I was brought back to Direct TV with the current deals they have going. Since it has been a couple years for me I have some questions.

1.) What DVR is the best to order these days?

Standard Def models include the R15, R16, and R22. The R15 and R16 were both developed by NDS. The R22 evolved from the newer HD DVRs, is very new, and is very limited in it's availability right now.

High Definition models include the HR20 and HR21. They are functionally identical, except the HR20 includes OTA tuners and the HR21 requires an external device (the AM21) if you want OTA tuners. Both are both SWM capable.


2.) I have single coax wires connected to each of my TV's. Do I still need to run two coax lines to each TV, or has Direct TV changed this. Can I run two wires to my splitter (I know I will probably have the replace the splitter with a multi-switch) and then run the single lines to each TV?

The R15 requires two coax from the dish (one for each tuner). The R16 and R22 can work with two coax, but are also compatible with a new single wire multiswitch (SWM) that let's you feed both tuners from a single coax. The SWM is available for purchase (around $300) but is not included standard in most installs yet.

3.) Do I still need a phone line for service.

No, you can work fine without a phone line. You will not be able to order pay per view shows using the remote.

Carl

[OverThereTooMuch]

http://www.dbstalk.com/showpost.php?p=1615390&postcount=104

Looks like it might be possible for you to get an integrated SWM w/ the dish, assuming you meet the other criteria listed. That would most likely mean you wouldn't need another cable run. I think it depends on the quality of the existing cable.

Doesn't really matter what DVR is the best, since you're not able to specify one when you order from DTV. Well, you can specify, there's just no guarantee you'll actually get it :D. If you really do find a reason to pick which DVR you get, you'll most likely need to pick it up at a local retailer. And for the most part, that means you're no longer eligible for the really good new subscriber deals (only one I know of that would work would require you to purchase the system @ best buy).

[Rocko62580]

Standard Def models include the R15, R16, and R22. The R15 and R16 were both developed by NDS. The R22 evolved from the newer HD DVRs, is very new, and is very limited in it's availability right now.

High Definition models include the HR20 and HR21. They are functionally identical, except the HR20 includes OTA tuners and the HR21 requires an external device (the AM21) if you want OTA tuners. Both are both SWM capable.


The R15 requires two coax from the dish (one for each tuner). The R16 and R22 can work with two coax, but are also compatible with a new single wire multiswitch (SWM) that let's you feed both tuners from a single coax. The SWM is available for purchase (around $300) but is not included standard in most installs yet.

No, you can work fine without a phone line. You will not be able to order pay per view shows using the remote.

Carl

So I run 4 wires from my satellite to the multisitch, then one wire to each tv? I have RG-6 Cable installed already.

[carl6]

So I run 4 wires from my satellite to the multisitch, then one wire to each tv? I have RG-6 Cable installed already.

Yes, 4 coax (RG6) from dish to multiswitch inputs (SWM or conventional multiswitch).

From SWM you run a single coax to a power inserter (PI) which must be indoors.

You then have the option of (a) running one coax from the output of the PI to one or more receivers. You can use splitters on this line if going to multiple receivers. (b) running one coax directly from the SWM to one or more receivers, (c) run a coax from the PI and a coax from the SWM, each to one or more receivers.

From a conventional multiswitch (Zinwell WB68 specifically), you need one coax per tuner (2 for a DVR).

Carl