What too make sure happens during Install?

[IPictureU]

I am having Directv out on Friday to install (2) HD DVRs in my home.

I've been a long time lurker here and I appreciate all the experiences that all of you have had and your expertise.

So what should I be looking for?

Right now I have (1) - D10 receiver in the house and a single coax cable in each of my rooms. I really don't want to have to run a second line in those rooms to take advantage of the dual tuners on the HD DVRs.

I am intending to move the D10 receiver to a spare bedroom and then adding the HD DVRs in the Master Bedroom and Living Room.

Will the installer offer to run second lines only to the rooms that he is installing receivers in or all the rooms that I ask for?

If it is almost impossible to have the second lines run...is a switch the only other solution and will the installer bring one with him or do I need to purchase one in advance?

As far as cords are concerned I will admit I am not "educated" on the latest and greatest HDMI Standards and I'm sure the ones that come with the receivers will not be as nice as I can get at monoprice.com.

Can someone recommend what HDMI Cable I should get from Monoprice.com ?

My HD DVR will not be more than 6-10 feet from the HDTV....

Is there anything else that I should be concerned about and make sure to ask the installer about?

Thanks for your input it is truly appreciated...

~ Jeff

[JosephB]

as an existing customer you will not get a single wire install, and your D10 isn't compatible with that anyway. This means to get dual tuners on your DVRs you MUST run a second line. The only other alternative is a SWM-8 multiswitch. DirecTV does not provide these to consumers so you'll have to buy it yourself. You may or may not be able to get the installer to set it up for you. You'll need the SWM switch instead of a SWM dish/LNB because the switch will let you connect your D10 to the legacy port, which the LNB does not have.

DirecTV will supply you with an HDMI cable, though I don't know if theirs is 10 feet (I think the one I got was 6 feet). HDMI is digital, so no matter what you read from Monster Cable or people who like to throw their money down the drain, any cable that meets HDMI standards will work. Digital means you either have a signal or you don't. You won't pick up hum bars or snow or anything else, the sound will be the same regardless.

[IPictureU]

I was afraid that my H10 receiver wouldn't be compatible anymore...darnit.

If I decided to go the switch route is their a specific brand/model that you would suggest? Where is the bets place to get one on such short notice?

Will the Installer still run dual lines to the room that will only need a single line?

~ Jeff

[WestDC]

I was afraid that my H10 receiver wouldn't be compatible anymore...darnit.

If I decided to go the switch route is their a specific brand/model that you would suggest? Where is the bets place to get one on such short notice?

Will the Installer still run dual lines to the room that will only need a single line?
~ Jeff

When he arrives he will look the job over and if it can be eaisly done (basic) he will do it for free, However if you have to fish a wall or go from one floor to the next, he will discuss a Charge based on time and material.

[BattleZone]

DirecTV HDMI cables are indeed 6', as are all of the other cables they might provide (component or composite), so if you need anything longer, you're on your own. Monoprice is your friend!

It would be cheaper to upgrade your D10 to a SWM-compatible receiver than to buy a SWM8, and then you can be reasonably sure of getting the install all done at once.

SWM8s can be had from SolidSignal.com or eBay. You'd need the associated power inserter and a 4-way splitter.

[JosephB]

I was afraid that my H10 receiver wouldn't be compatible anymore...darnit.

If I decided to go the switch route is their a specific brand/model that you would suggest? Where is the bets place to get one on such short notice?

Will the Installer still run dual lines to the room that will only need a single line?

~ Jeff

If you get a SWM switch there's only one--the DirecTV SWM-8 available at Weaknees or Solid Signal. You'll need the switch and the power inserter plus enough splitters for each of your receivers.

Also, if you get a SWM then you do not need a dual run of cable to any room, even if you have a DVR. That's the whole point. You won't need them to future-proof either as all future receivers will be SWM compatible.

You can get out cheaper and an easier setup by buying the SWM LNB, but you'll have to upgrade your D/H10s which will negate the cost savings. However, the installer may balk at setting up the SWM for you.

DirecTV HDMI cables are indeed 6', as are all of the other cables they might provide (component or composite), so if you need anything longer, you're on your own. Monoprice is your friend!

It would be cheaper to upgrade your D10 to a SWM-compatible receiver than to buy a SWM8, and then you can be reasonably sure of getting the install all done at once.

SWM8s can be had from SolidSignal.com or eBay. You'd need the associated power inserter and a 4-way splitter.

If he doesn't get a SWM switch there's no need in upgrading to a SWM receiver.

[IPictureU]

It sounds like I should just try and install dual lines in the rooms that I want the DVRs in and buy a new Standard Receiver for the spare bedroom that is compatible with my new Dish they will install with the HD DVRs....yes?

[JosephB]

It sounds like I should just try and install dual lines in the rooms that I want the DVRs in and buy a new Standard Receiver for the spare bedroom that is compatible with my new Dish they will install with the HD DVRs....yes?

Your existing receivers will be compatible with the dish they install. You only need to replace your existing receivers if you buy a SWM switch yourself. The SWM switch would allow you to run DVRs with one cable instead of two at each TV, so you either need a dual run of cable to the DVRs and you can keep your existing receiver(s) or you can get a SWM and avoid the dual cable runs to the DVRs, but you will have to replace your existing receivers since they are not SWM compatible.

[Simmerman]

We have just been given the option of allowing the customers to purhase the SWM dish for $120. One option is buying the SWM dish from the HSP when you are getting your 2 HDDVR's and keep running the D-10 off your old dish if you can live with two dishes. This may take some doing and you will need to pay the HSP up front at the time of the install unless you make other arrangements with DTV.

[Crimson]

I was an existing customer who moved and was able to talk the installer into a SWM setup. I tipped him well.