Quad Diplexer vs. Multiswitch - difference?

[SouthernSky]

I'm trying to figure out what the difference is between a 5:4 multiswitch and a 5:4 quad diplexer. Both are setup for 3-lnb phase III triple dishes.

On some quad diplexers, the off-air port is DC blocked (in case cable internet sends back voltage?)

Situation: Customer has a 3-lnb dish going to a quad diplexer. Cox cable is brought in through the off-air port (DC blocked). All four ports are powering four receivers. Now the customer wants to add TIVO which means a second wire to his current one-wire location. But he has to do it without an electrical outlet anywhere near the dish to power the multi-switch (which is needed when going to 5 ports -- the magic number, I guess).

Any ideas?

Any one ever heard of a six-port, non-powered multiswitch or diplexer?

[oljim]

Cable Co should run cable to where it is needed, NOT use Sat cable. Same for OTA forget diplexers.

[SouthernSky]

Cable Co should run cable to where it is needed, NOT use Sat cable. Same for OTA forget diplexers.

Unfortunately, they were there before we were.

[oljim]

My daughter has an 8 way non powered, no diplexers, 2 TIVO,2 standerd rec. OTA for HD and all done without diplexers and problems.
Do your job run cables, not add junk

[waydwolf]

Cable Co should run cable to where it is needed, NOT use Sat cable. Same for OTA forget diplexers.
And you say this exactly WHY?

I've never seen as much hostility to diplexors anywhere as I do among satellite people. Try being the homeowner who you're expecting to go with yet another penetration in the house. With diplexors, cable services can share the same cabling just fine with DBS. I've hooked up dozens and dozens of DBS people who had cable modem without having to butcher their house with extra lines.

AND had to repair dozens and dozens of cable modem lines that were taken by ignorant DBS installers for the dish service leaving the cable modem dead. Most often heard arrogant response to the customer: "get DSL instead."

That's NOT the DBS installer's place to judge, say, or choose for the customer. Just to do the best job by them.

Diplexors are a broadband technologist's friend, not enemy. And a big plus for customers who don't want yet another line.

BTW, same goes for backfeeds on 322 and 522 receivers. Two lines trumps three lines every time.

[Mike500]

I am one of those, who never use dixpexors. Then, again, I do almost all in wall fish systems of high end home theater, satellite and custom electrical systems. When I'm finish, everything looks as if it was installed, before the walls were closed.

There are way of running as many extra cable feeds as necessary inside walls. It takes lots of experience, but it can be done.

[SouthernSky]

I've never seen as much hostility to diplexors anywhere as I do among satellite people. Try being the homeowner who you're expecting to go with yet another penetration in the house. With diplexors, cable services can share the same cabling just fine with DBS. I've hooked up dozens and dozens of DBS people who had cable modem without having to butcher their house with extra lines... Diplexors are a broadband technologist's friend, not enemy. And a big plus for customers who don't want yet another line.

Agreed. Customers are pre-wiring well these days as electricians are learning that TIVO requires 2 wires and a phone jack but we still have a ways to go.

We already have 3 additional wires to run in this house but still need to connect it to an 8-port multiswitch. However, the customer has no electrical outlet for a multiswitch anywhere nearby.

So back to the original question -- does anyone know of a way to do 8 ports (diplexor or multiswitch) without power and a DC blocker on the cable entry?

[larrystotler]

IF they are using a Phase III dish, you can take 2 of the lines from that and run it into a standard 3x4 miltiswitch which has the diplexor built in. I do this all the time, since the HD box is really the only one that needs the 3 sat setup(unless you are doing spanish anyway). You HAVE to make sure that you set the boxes hookup up to the simple switch as 1 sat, or when 1 sends the 22khz tone, the others will lose signal..........No powered switch required.

[SouthernSky]

Interesting idea. I can try that. But since we already have a 5:4 port quad diplexer with cable attached to the OTA port, if I did what you suggest, would the cox cable going to the OTA port still go to the original diplexer since OTA is desired on all sets or should I split the cox cable input to both switches?

[larrystotler]

Since the oTA is already passing on the cable it should. If it doesn't work, split it back out with a diplexor, and then run it into the 3x4. That will take care of the problem.

[SouthernSky]

Since the oTA is already passing on the cable it should. If it doesn't work, split it back out with a diplexor, and then run it into the 3x4. That will take care of the problem.

I'll give that a whirl. My backup is I bought some DC blockers today in case I have to go to a powered multiswitch without DC blocking on the OTA port.