Can I use diplexed OTA signal into HR20?

[cynical2]

I have a 5 LNB dish, with 2 cables running directly to my HR20, and the remaining dish outputs to a multiswitch in the basement. That multiswitch powers 4 more receivers in the house (2 of which are D* Tivo units).

Is it OK to run my OTA cable into that multiswitch, use a diplexer to seperate the OTA signal out on the receiver end, and then run that OTA cable into the back of the HR20? I've read in the forums that you can't use diplexers any longer with the HR20, but I'm assuming that means with the cables carrying the high-def signal. In this case, I would be using the diplexer on the line coming from the multiswitch (on the std def subset), and then running that OTA signal into the HR20.

The bottom line is that I'm not sure what causes the "no diplexer" limitation...the cables carrying hi-def, the 5 LNB dish type, etc.

BTW, my HR20 is in the same room as one of the D* Tivo units, which is why I have it wired this way. I never used the OTA antenna pre-HR20, so I don't know if my lousy results are from the antenna feed or from my wiring scheme...hence the question.

Thanks in advance for any help.

[veryoldschool]

I have a 5 LNB dish, with 2 cables running directly to my HR20, and the remaining dish outputs to a multiswitch in the basement. That multiswitch powers 4 more receivers in the house (2 of which are D* Tivo units).
Is it OK to run my OTA cable into that multiswitch, use a diplexer to seperate the OTA signal out on the receiver end, and then run that OTA cable into the back of the HR20? I've read in the forums that you can't use diplexers any longer with the HR20, but I'm assuming that means with the cables carrying the high-def signal. In this case, I would be using the diplexer on the line coming from the multiswitch (on the std def subset), and then running that OTA signal into the HR20.
The bottom line is that I'm not sure what causes the "no diplexer" limitation...the cables carrying hi-def, the 5 LNB dish type, etc.
BTW, my HR20 is in the same room as one of the D* Tivo units, which is why I have it wired this way. I never used the OTA antenna pre-HR20, so I don't know if my lousy results are from the antenna feed or from my wiring scheme...hence the question.
Thanks in advance for any help.
So the problem will be: when the Ka low band will be used [the new SATS] the OTA signal will mix with the Ka lo and you won't have anything usable. This is the "short answer".

[4DThinker]

I am diplexing OTA signals into two feeds AFTER the 5x8 multiswitch. The 5x8 doesn't let you diplex into it. This is the only way I can get both a SAT and OTA signal to two one-cable rooms. Like veryoldschool says, though, the theory is that it'll stop working when the new sats are running. By that time I hope I'll have another strategy to get the OTA signal down to those rooms. Perhaps they'll come up with an "active" diplexor set: One that will sense what frequency range is "open" in the cable, and move the OTA signals into that range. The same device at the other end of the cable will move OTA back into it's normal range.

[cynical2]

So the problem will be: when the Ka low band will be used [the new SATS] the OTA signal will mix with the Ka lo and you won't have anything usable. This is the "short answer".
Thanks!

So this means that, in theory, it should work fine now (but when the additional satellites are launched then I will have a problem)?

Am I interpreting correctly?

[drogot]

I believe you can put the bbc module after the multiswitch but before the diplexor. This will take the ka frequency back above the ota freq.

[texasbrit]

I believe you can put the bbc module after the multiswitch but before the diplexor. This will take the ka frequency back above the ota freq.

It should work in theory but no-one will know until we get signals from DirecTV 10 or 11 later this year. It's been suggested that there may be a significant limitation on how far away from the receiver you can put the BBC.

The new SWM system will allow you to diplex OTA onto the same cable as the sat signals, but will only work with new receivers (the HR20 is SWM-enabled, the H20 will be at some time in the future). SWM will be available sometime later this year (it's in beta test right now).

[veryoldschool]

Thanks!
So this means that, in theory, it should work fine now (but when the additional satellites are launched then I will have a problem)?
Am I interpreting correctly?
Yes you are interpreting correctly.
As you can see, other's have add to my short answer [it was late for me].
Coax is just so cheap, & is "known" to work for the long term, that unless there are other "real issues", it's the way to go. :)

[packfan909]

It should work in theory but no-one will know until we get signals from DirecTV 10 or 11 later this year. It's been suggested that there may be a significant limitation on how far away from the receiver you can put the BBC.

The new SWM system will allow you to diplex OTA onto the same cable as the sat signals, but will only work with new receivers (the HR20 is SWM-enabled, the H20 will be at some time in the future). SWM will be available sometime later this year (it's in beta test right now).

I will take it a step further, with SWM option, you do not need the BBC's anymore. As the technology changes for delivering the signal. The other good news is that you either can leverage the second, third, or fourth cable that is no longer needed when using SWM and run OTA directly into the house and to your receiver.

If that is not an option, meaning you only have one cable going into the house and SWM is a part of a new install, there is a way to diplex. There are two flex ports on the SWM unit which can either be used for the international dish locations or for OTA. You would then diplex out the signal using a diplexer at the receiver side. Have not tested this (neighbor is a SWM beta tester) but in theory should work.

Hope that clarifies. Remember, this is still in beta with no details on release to the general public.

[cruise350]

I have a 5 LNB dish, with 2 cables running directly to my HR20, and the remaining dish outputs to a multiswitch in the basement. That multiswitch powers 4 more receivers in the house (2 of which are D* Tivo units).

Is it OK to run my OTA cable into that multiswitch, use a diplexer to seperate the OTA signal out on the receiver end, and then run that OTA cable into the back of the HR20? I've read in the forums that you can't use diplexers any longer with the HR20, but I'm assuming that means with the cables carrying the high-def signal. In this case, I would be using the diplexer on the line coming from the multiswitch (on the std def subset), and then running that OTA signal into the HR20.

The bottom line is that I'm not sure what causes the "no diplexer" limitation...the cables carrying hi-def, the 5 LNB dish type, etc.

BTW, my HR20 is in the same room as one of the D* Tivo units, which is why I have it wired this way. I never used the OTA antenna pre-HR20, so I don't know if my lousy results are from the antenna feed or from my wiring scheme...hence the question.

Thanks in advance for any help.

Your ota setup should work even when the Ka signals are sent since your hr 20 cables appear to run directly from the dish to your hr20, and then your remaining 2 lines are run to a multiswitch and then to your remaining receivers. You say a 5X8 multiswitch?? I'm assuming this means the installer did not put in a 6X8 zinwell switch?? If this is the case, the older multiswitch won't pass the Ka signals through it anyway so you should get no interference from them with your ota diplexed in. Also, if it is truly a 5X8 multiswitch, you should be able to connect the antenna line directly to the 5th input on the multiswitch and then just diplex out the signal before you connect to the Directivo and run that seperated line to the HR20's OTA input. If you are having problems with the OTA reception, than your diplexer might be bad. I would try running the OTA antenna into the 5X8 multiswitch first, instead of combining the signal after the switch.

[carl6]

You mention of a 5x8 multiswitch confuses this discussion. Depending on how it is used in your system determines both the answer to your question and whether your HR20 will properly work in the future.

The 5x8 does not support the frequencies that will be used when the new satellites (and new HD channels) come on line later this year. If you are in fact using a 5x8, and your HR20 is being fed from the 5x8, you need to replace it with a 6x8 (specifically Zinewll WB68).

However, there are possible configurations where you can use a 5x8, and diplex. For example, I have a Zinwell WB68 first in line. 4 Coax from the dish to the inputs of the WB68.

Then I have four outputs of the WB68 connected to my HR20's (2 each). I have the other four outputs of the WB68 connected to the inputs of a Terk BMS58 5x8 multiswitch, and I also have an OTA feed connected to the 5x8. From the 5x8 outputs I have all of my non MPEG4 receivers including diplexed OTA. One of those diplexed OTA lines is going to the OTA tuner on each of my HR20's, even though the satellite inputs from the HR20 are fed from the WB68.

This "should" continue to work after the new satellites are up, because the BMS58 is not expected to pass the new frequencies through the satellite ports, which means the mpeg2 and ota signals should all remain intact. However I won't know that for sure until after the new signals are on the line.

Carl

[RobertE]

There are two flex ports on the SWM unit which can either be used for the international dish locations or for OTA. You would then diplex out the signal using a diplexer at the receiver side. Have not tested this (neighbor is a SWM beta tester) but in theory should work.


The flexports are NOT for OTA.

[cynical2]

Thanks for the help all...very insightful.

To clarify...the only thing running from the multiswitch to the HR20 is to the OTA input (which is separated using a diplexer on coax that runs from the multiswitch to a D* Tivo unit).

The SAT inputs on the HR20 are straight runs directly from the dish.

And, yes, it's not the new Zinwell multiswitch...it's the same one I've had for years.

I'm thinking of adding an H20 (or maybe even another HR20), and I assume if I do either of those then I'll need the new multiswitch, correct? I say that because I have 5 receivers total...the remaining receivers are std def boxes.

Thanks again!

[veryoldschool]

Thanks for the help all...very insightful.
To clarify...the only thing running from the multiswitch to the HR20 is to the OTA input (which is separated using a diplexer on coax that runs from the multiswitch to a D* Tivo unit).
The SAT inputs on the HR20 are straight runs directly from the dish.
And, yes, it's not the new Zinwell multiswitch...it's the same one I've had for years.
I'm thinking of adding an H20 (or maybe even another HR20), and I assume if I do either of those then I'll need the new multiswitch, correct? I say that because I have 5 receivers total...the remaining receivers are std def boxes.
Thanks again!
Depending on your "when" for the new equipment, would make it "either" a new multi-switch, or the SWM Module.

[cynical2]

Depending on your "when" for the new equipment, would make it "either" a new multi-switch, or the SWM Module.

Thanks VOS. Looking at the SWM thread, it appears that it's anyone's guess as to when SWM will be rolled out...anyone care to venture a guess? I'd be interested in any insight...