Installation question

[04Taco]

I currently have a system that starts with a KA/KU five LNB dish with a Zinwell 6x8 multi switch. I have a HR20-700, two H20-100's, a H21-100, and a D10-100. I want to replace the D10-100 and possibly a H20-100 both with DVRs. Instead of running two additional runs of coax to these locations, can I put another type of multi switch at the end of the current coax runs to split the signal just before it enters the new DVRs? I can run the additional coax, if necessary, but I would rather not.

[Mertzen]

No you can't. With a legacy system like your the satellite feeds can not be split.

You can however upgrade your system to a SWM system [ Single Wire Multiswitch].

You would replace the Zinwell with a SWM8 switch, then insert an approved 8 way splitter and then use single runs of coax to all IRDs.
Two caveats; the D10 will have to be upgraded no matter what since it is not SWM compatible. And one SWM8 can only serve 8 tuners total but I you won't hit that with 3 DVRs and and 3 HDs plus you can always run two SWM8s in parallel.

[veryoldschool]

There is a single wire multi-switch [SWM] setup that works for up to eight tuners [each DVR has two tuners]
The D10 won't work off it, but all the H2x & HR2x do.

[Mertzen]

Some wiring Diagrams:

http://www.swm8.com/swm-wiring-examples.php

[04Taco]

This makes sense. I would have to rewire half of my house, which would take some work. So with the SWM8, I only need one coax to a DVR. With this setup, I assume it still has two tuner capability for recording?

Oh, and thanks for all of your quick replies.

[Mertzen]

So with the SWM8, I only need one coax to a DVR. With this setup, I assume it still has two tuner capability for recording?

Yes and yes. :grin: