Whole house distribution problem

[hokie94]

I want to be able to watch any video signal in my house from any TV. I will soon have 3 E* receivers, and a camera in the baby's room. My setup is similar to the one found here http://www.hometech.com/learn/dss2.gif with 2 receivers and the camera modulated.

My problem is the following:
I have two runs of cable going to 2 of the 3 locations where there is a dish receiver. One cable is used for the satellite signal/combined modulated signal, while the other is used to send the modulated signal back to the combiner. I'm trying to figure out, and understand how I can make this work for the third location that only has one run of cable. I don't have the option to put in a second run. Based on the above wiring diagram, I should be able to send the modulated signal through the diplexers. The question is what happens on the other end. In my mind the signal needs to go through the combiner, to combine other modulated signals, then the splitter to split that signal out to all locations. I'm having a hard time figuring out how to do this with just the one run of cable. Would I need a third diplexer in this run? Is this even feasible?

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

[Chris Blount]

Good question. I don't see how you will be able to do anything with the 3rd location with only one cable. You might want to consider getting a wireless transmitter to get the signal back to the splitter.

The Terk Leapfrog system works well for this application:

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?id=1051806327058&skuId=5433587&type=product

[AllieVi]

I think you should be able to do it, but it's a bit complicated. I assume your diplexers will pass VHF and UHF channels and that they can pass signals in both directions simultaneously.

Modulate the output of the third receiver to a channel that's currently unused anywhere in your system and insert it into cable between the diplexer and receiver (using a splitter/combiner).

At the companion diplexer, insert a splitter between the diplexer and the existing splitter (the "input" side goes to the existing splitter and one output goes to the diplexer). Connect the remaining output of the new splitter to, let's say, a VCR that you don't need..

Tune the VCR to the channel used at the modulator you used with the third receiver. Modulate the A/V outputs of the VCR using an additional modulator tuned to another unused channel and insert its output as another source.

It's not a simplistic solution and would be a bit expensive due to the number of items involved. The insertion of splitters/combiners may also mean that you have to do some amplification, but this approach may give you what you want if you can find no other solution. If you try it, use modulated channels that are separated by as many channels from existing ones as you can.

[hokie94]

Thanks for the responses. I think I might try a combination of those...wireless transmitter to the splitter/combiner; modulate it there, and then distribute it through the house. I just hope it won't interfere with the cameras and my wireless network.

Thanks again for the ideas.

[Chris Blount]

Thanks for the responses. I think I might try a combination of those...wireless transmitter to the splitter/combiner; modulate it there, and then distribute it through the house. I just hope it won't interfere with the cameras and my wireless network.

Thanks again for the ideas.The only problem you might have with the wireless transmitter is the microwave oven. It tends to scramble the picture a bit. Sometimes if the signal is strong enough, the interference is minimal.

[Floyd]

You can do what you want with a single cable.
You will need a splitter and a diplexer at each end of the single cable.
The diplexers will be set up in the normal mode, with the single-port ends towards each other on the single-cable run.

Using short jumpers connect the splitters to the diplexors OTA ports, with the single-port ends towards each other.

The splitters will each have dual splitter/combiner duty.

On the end towards the dish, use one port of the splitter to feed into your combiner that combines the other receivers signals, and use the other port to collect the OTA signal.

On the end towards the 3rd receiver, use one port of the splitter to feed the OTA signal to the VCR or TV, and use the other port to collect the output of a modulator and pass it back towards the distribution combiner along your single cable.

I've got to learn how to do those neat drawings, since they are worth a thousand words.

A note of caution: when selecting a modulator channel make sure that you select a channel that is not being used for a digital transmission in your area. A regular TV will not pick them up, but the digital signal will cause snow on a modulated channel of the same #.

[Geronimo]

My wireless network wreaks havoc with the wirelss transmitters if they are too close to the router.