Power Conditioners/Surge Protectors

[Dominic26]

I had D* out here yesterday due to a bad LNB. Lightning strikes came up in conversation while he was in the testing phase. I told him the lines to my HR21 were run through a power conditioner (Panamax MAX 5300-EX). He stated that D* does not recommend lines be run through power conditioners/surge portectors. He said it had something to do with the HD signal. Can anyone confirm??

Dominic

[veryoldschool]

I had D* out here yesterday due to a bad LNB. Lightning strikes came up in conversation while he was in the testing phase. I told him the lines to my HR21 were run through a power conditioner (Panamax MAX 5300-EX). He stated that D* does not recommend lines be run through power conditioners/surge portectors. He said it had something to do with the HD signal. Can anyone confirm??

Dominic
AC power run through is a good thing, but RF run through can have an adverse effect.

[BattleZone]

Most power conditioners that have cable/sat line protectors aren't rated from 2-2,250 MHz, which is the range of frequencies that have to be passed for DirecTV HD signals to work. Thus, folks who do this anyway often have signal problems, especially on higher-frequency transponders.

If it's working for you, you're fine. Panamax has a few hi-freq models.

[Dominic26]

Thanks,

I did bypass the Panamax tonight with no noticable difference. However, I will research the model with the manufacturer. If the specs are ok, I will put it back inline,

My wife puts a lot of movies on the DVR for the kids. You should have seen how upset she was when the reciever had to be swapped for a new on back in Sept.

[ThomasM]

The best surge protector is the plug.....you pull it out during severe thunderstorms!!! :D

[armophob]

Coax surge protection is important for CATV runs that extend far beyond your home. If your short runs inside get hit by lightning, your Directv box is the least of your worries.

[joe diamond]

I am seeing more UPS (uninterruptable power source) gear. It protects the stuff connected to it from surges and the real spike you get if power goes down and a generator kicks in.

Much lightning damage is caused by hits that follow the phone line into the receiver. Unplug that sucker if you live in a lightning area. Hmmmm..MI? You get a little lightning AND twisters + muchas snow.

As mentioned there is an issue with HD signal in surge protectors...don't think so with UPS gear.

Joe