Question about installing DirecTV over an existing cable wires

[miscsyl]

I just moved into the new house and the house is prewired for the cable. Initially, I wanted to have DirecTV; however, when the technicians came out I was told that the existing cables are only good for the cable, not for the satellite. They told me that they need to install the new jack and install wires through the house. The price of each satellite jack output was $60.

I didn't want to pay an extra $60 for the jack; so I told them no and then I went with Time Warner. Currently I have Time Warner cable in my house.

Question:
Why can't a regular cable lines be used with the satellite TV? It really doesn't make sense to me that new wires need to be installed just for the satellite.

Thanks

[veryoldschool]

I just moved into the new house and the house is prewired for the cable. Initially, I wanted to have DirecTV; however, when the technicians came out I was told that the existing cables are only good for the cable, not for the satellite. They told me that they need to install the new jack and install wires through the house. The price of each satellite jack output was $60.

I didn't want to pay an extra $60 for the jack; so I told them no and then I went with Time Warner. Currently I have Time Warner cable in my house.

Question:
Why can't a regular cable lines be used with the satellite TV? It really doesn't make sense to me that new wires need to be installed just for the satellite.

Thanks
:welcome_sto the forum.
The only "sense" [or reason] I could see is CATV can be split to the many outlets in the house & SAT TV needs to have direct lines to the dish from each outlet. Not knowing how your house is wired, I'm not sure...

[jaywdetroit]

I just moved into the new house and the house is prewired for the cable. Initially, I wanted to have DirecTV; however, when the technicians came out I was told that the existing cables are only good for the cable, not for the satellite. They told me that they need to install the new jack and install wires through the house. The price of each satellite jack output was $60.

I didn't want to pay an extra $60 for the jack; so I told them no and then I went with Time Warner. Currently I have Time Warner cable in my house.

Question:
Why can't a regular cable lines be used with the satellite TV? It really doesn't make sense to me that new wires need to be installed just for the satellite.

Thanks

If the cables are rg6, they can carry the sat signal. However, if they are split anywhere, they can't. (you would need a multiswitch in place of the splitter).

[intheloopsatellite]

Satellite TV requires RG6 from the Satellite to the Receiver 99% of homes have RG6 installed already from the cable company. The only cable that cannot be used is RG59.

[miscsyl]

If the cables are rg6, they can carry the sat signal. However, if they are split anywhere, they can't. (you would need a multiswitch in place of the splitter).

I think you are right. We do have a small cable box in the closet which has a main cable line coming through and then splits into the house.

[veryoldschool]

I think you are right. We do have a small cable box in the closet which has a main cable line coming through and then splits into the house.
So this would be where to mount the multi-switch and use the house wiring from there. If you're wanting to install a HR-20 you will need two cables to that outlet though.

[JeffBowser]

My house was pre-wired with RG59, and I use it for my satellite install. The distances are relativley short, though, and I may or may not be able to continue to use it when the new birds go up, but there ya have it.


Satellite TV requires RG6 from the Satellite to the Receiver 99% of homes have RG6 installed already from the cable company. The only cable that cannot be used is RG59.

[JLucPicard]

So this would be where to mount the multi-switch and use the house wiring from there. If you're wanting to install a HR-20 you will need two cables to that outlet though.
If you would just have two tuners to feed, you would have two cables run from the dish to that point, then use "barrel" connectors to connect a cable from the dish to a cable to the receiver for each line. If you put a switch there (which would be a better option if they'll do it), you would need to run all four cables from the dish to the switch. You cannot run two cable from the dish to a multi-switch and have things work properly.

[veryoldschool]

If you would just have two tuners to feed, you would have two cables run from the dish to that point, then use "barrel" connectors to connect a cable from the dish to a cable to the receiver for each line. If you put a switch there (which would be a better option if they'll do it), you would need to run all four cables from the dish to the switch. You cannot run two cable from the dish to a multi-switch and have things work properly.
Thanks that's the other part I wanted to post, but something got hung & that's as far as i .....................crap.