Broadband adaptor? (Reference to BBC) [Archive]

Kentstater

06-08-07, 07:58 AM

tekie99

06-08-07, 08:00 AM

I just got a call from Directech and a automated recording told me that to be able to continue receiving HD starting this fall I would need to attach a broadband adapter.

There was no mention of VOD.

They told me to call 866-528-5011 to get my adapter.

Whats up?

it was a automated message referring to the b-band converters, and telling you to make sure they are connected... you would have received 2 in your box with your HR20, or 1 with your H20.

Michael D'Angelo

06-08-07, 08:02 AM

I just got a call from Directech and a automated recording told me that to be able to continue receiving HD starting this fall I would need to attach a broadband adapter.

There was no mention of VOD.

They told me to call 866-528-5011 to get my adapter.

Whats up?

They are talking about the B Band Converters. They are the little gray boxes that go in between the SAT line and the HR20. If you don't have them on there or if you don't have them in the box the unit came with call Directv and they will send them to you.

Kentstater

06-08-07, 09:05 AM

Michael D'Angelo

06-08-07, 09:10 AM

Thanks for the info, but I am still a little confused.

Who is Directech?

I have my dsl hooked up to my HR20 and it tells me that I am connect3ed to the internet and it is networked. Does this mean I do not need the gray box?

I also have a 10-250 will that allow me to get ant mpeg2 in the future?

Directech is your local Directv contract installer. Yes you do need the BBC's. They have nothing to do with your unit being network. They will allow you to receive the new MPEG4 HD channels when they launch. On your HR10-250 you will still be able to get OTA HD locals.

Just J

06-08-07, 09:12 AM

Thanks for the info, but I am still a little confused.

Who is Directech?

I have my dsl hooked up to my HR20 and it tells me that I am connect3ed to the internet and it is networked. Does this mean I do not need the gray box?

I also have a 10-250 will that allow me to get ant mpeg2 in the future?

The b-band convertors have nothing to do with the Internet, networking, DSL, or anything like that.

They are small gray boxes that connect to the satellite coax inputs on the back of your DirecTV receiver. The cable from the dish plugs into the other side of the b-band convertor. This enables your DirecTV receiver to access another set of frequencies that are not used now but will soon be pressed into service to carry content. No b-band convertor, no content from those frequencies.

say-what

06-08-07, 09:12 AM

DirecTech is probably the local contractor that installed your system.

To get any of the new mpeg-4 HD programming (all future HD additions will be mpeg-4) on your HR20, you need the BBC's connected, doesn't matter if you have the HR20 networked.

The HR10-250 will never get the new mpeg-4 HD programming and does not need the BBC's.

Kentstater

06-08-07, 09:17 AM

Thanks again.

Do most people already have this already?

Michael D'Angelo

06-08-07, 09:19 AM

Thanks again.

Do most people already have this already?

Some have had them installed by the installer or some have put them on them selves. A lot of people don't have them on yet but everyone should have received them with their units.

Kentstater

06-08-07, 09:51 AM

Called Directech and they are on their way.

A HR20 needs two, one for each Sat line.

cavihitts

06-08-07, 09:56 AM

For anyone that might find themselves in need of a b-band converter. you can order online at http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/global/contentPage.jsp?assetId=P4200018 or call D*

Michael D'Angelo

06-08-07, 10:41 AM

Called Directech and they are on their way.

A HR20 needs two, one for each Sat line.

Yes

cb7214

06-08-07, 10:44 AM

For anyone that might find themselves in need of a b-band converter. you can order online at http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/global/contentPage.jsp?assetId=P4200018 or call D*

also for those of you lucky enough to get SWM you don't need to have the BBC's connected as the SWM takes care of it for you

irlspotter

06-08-07, 11:09 AM

How do I get the SWM to work???

I currently have two cables, but want to use one for OTA.

Michael D'Angelo

06-08-07, 11:17 AM

How do I get the SWM to work???

I currently have two cables, but want to use one for OTA.

A SWM is a single wire multi-switch. It is not out yet. A few members have it for testing for Directv but that is it.

gmilleok1

06-08-07, 01:39 PM

If I don't want or need HD local programing will I still need the larger Satdish and bbconverter for other HD programming?

GM

Michael D'Angelo

06-08-07, 01:42 PM

If I don't want or need HD local programing will I still need the larger Satdish and bbconverter for other HD programming?

GM

You will when the HD channels launch this fall.

RobertE

06-08-07, 03:37 PM

If I don't want or need HD local programing will I still need the larger Satdish and bbconverter for other HD programming?

GM

If you are happy with the limited HD channels you have now, then no, you are fine and do not need the new dish. However, it is widely speculated that at some point in the future, that the existing HD will be moved to the new sats. You will also not get any of the new channels without the new dish as well.

Earl Bonovich

06-08-07, 03:41 PM

If you are happy with the limited HD channels you have now, then no, you are fine and do not need the new dish. However, it is widely speculated that at some point in the future, that the existing HD will be moved to the new sats. You will also not get any of the new channels without the new dish as well.

The speculation is on the time frame that it is going to happen.
DirecTV has announced that they ARE going to convert all HD to MPEG-4, just not a definitive timeline on doing so.

sack9

06-08-07, 08:25 PM

the BBC's upconvert the low 250mhz -750 mhz Ka band to 2.25 ghz

Mojo_Ryzen

06-09-07, 06:53 AM

I'm new to HD, but recently watched D*'s installation training videos online. I' in the midst of a botched installation. The two hooples that came Monday, while my wife was home, only installed two lines from the 5LNB Slimline. They hooked them up to the HR20 and left my multiswitch dangling, with the input wires cut. I noticed the two BBC boxes, with the D* logo on them. I was astonished, when I opened the box, to find *two* 90 degree bends in the cable attached to the BBC. The bends allowed the cable to be smushed into the tiny box. These bends are not good for running high frequency signals. This is well known to people who deal with microwave signals and it's emphasized in D*'s training videos. The people who package the BBCs ought to be trained for this. In the future, if you have trouble with the BBCs, it might be from a crimp in the cable due to the bending when stuffing it into a little box.

Coffey77

06-09-07, 08:31 AM

bret4

06-09-07, 08:47 AM

I just got a call form a guy about installing the B band converters because they are making changes in September to the frequency of the Sat signal. This guy was not a recording. He sounded like he may have been calling from India. He also gave me a number to call for questions. 877-646-4347

Mojo_Ryzen

06-09-07, 09:25 AM

A bend like that won't necessarily degrade the signal in a coax wire. Also, being so close to the power source, which they recommend, will help. A crimped or stretched wire is bad, a bent wire should have no issues.

I bet if you saw these cables you wouldn't buy 'em. I'm just providing an advanced warning here. I'll photo the BBC later and let viewers decide.

veryoldschool

06-09-07, 09:35 AM

I bet if you saw these cables you wouldn't buy 'em. I'm just providing an advanced warning here. I'll photo the BBC later and let viewers decide.
There actually has been changes made to the packaging because of this.
I haven't cut open the cable to see its makeup, but the center conductor doesn't like the bend put in it, especially near the connector.

Mojo_Ryzen

06-09-07, 01:51 PM

Would you feel comfortable using the BBCs shown in the attachments to pass signals running at 2150MHz? Not I.

veryoldschool

06-09-07, 02:01 PM

Would you feel comfortable using the BBCs shown in the attachments to pass signals running at 2150MHz? Not I.
After testing that they do work & having straightened the cable out first: yes, & I do use them.

RobertE

06-09-07, 02:03 PM

Would you feel comfortable using the BBCs shown in the attachments to pass signals running at 2150MHz? Not I.

Once straightened out they work just fine.

The packaging has been redesigned to not have to bend the cable portion.

You can also replace that piece of cable as well. Just pop open the plastic case. Standard F connector.

Mojo_Ryzen

06-09-07, 03:01 PM

After testing that they do work & having straightened the cable out first: yes, & I do use them.

You mean it's working to 1450MHz. You haven't exercised it at the higher frequencies yet. Good luck. Glad to hear they're repackaging. There's hope ;-)

veryoldschool

06-09-07, 04:07 PM

You mean it's working to 1450MHz. You haven't exercised it at the higher frequencies yet. Good luck. Glad to hear they're repackaging. There's hope ;-)
Since I have Ka-Hi band, I'm testing them in the 1650-2150 MHz range.
When it comes time for them to do something it will be for the Ka-lo band.
Please get for facts straight before you tell me what I'm doing. :)

Mojo_Ryzen

06-09-07, 05:27 PM

Since I have Ka-Hi band, I'm testing them in the 1650-2150 MHz range.
When it comes time for them to do something it will be for the Ka-lo band.
Please get for facts straight before you tell me what I'm doing. :)
You're right, VOS. I forgot. The BBC is a down converter. It still has a brand new overstressed cable. Keep the faith ;-)

veryoldschool

06-09-07, 05:34 PM

You're right, VOS. I forgot. The BBC is a down converter. It still has a brand new overstressed cable. Keep the faith ;-)
and it's [beside the over stressed cable] an UP converter, since it input is 250-750 MHz [Ka-Lo]. :)