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View Full Version : Mixed results for HR20 install


OrlandoJoe
07-09-07, 04:02 PM
I finally broke down and ordered my HR20 and it was installed 2 weeks ago. My setup is now HR20, HR10-250, H20 and 3 SD Tivos. Original installer tried to cascade 2 Zinwell 6x8 multiswitches for 12 total outputs, which almost worked except he could only get HD on the four lines which were coming out of the first switch and not the 8 coming out of the cascaded switch. Said to call D* and request 6x16, which wasn't on his truck. Did that and D* set up a work order for service call and put "Install 6x16 multiswitch" in Comment box. Second installer arrived 7/1 with work order but no 6x16. Claims that Mastec only reads the "Equipment" box when pulling hardware to be dispatched, not the Comment area. He claimed there was nothing he could do and left. Called D* again, somewhat angrier, and was told that they would create the proper w/o and get another installer out there 7/8. Yesterday, third installer shows up, Zinwell 6x16 is still in Comment box and he has no 6x16 on his truck and almost no command of the English language. However, he is apparently more knowledgeble than either of the other two installers, because he pulls 4 splitters (probably not the correct term, but you get the idea) and installs the two existing 6x8s in parallel instead of cascading them. All 5 HD leads looked fine and I have 5 more outlets for future growth. Two questions:
1) Is there any benefit to hounding D* for the 6x16 when the current setup seems to be working fine? I understand that the 6x16 is powered. Can this be installed outside? Is the power supplied via coax or is it just a regular DC input plug?
2) How do you explain the first two techs not knowing how to install the switches so that I could have had this fixed sooner?

Bonus Questions:
1) How many times would D* have sent the identical w/o to Mastec knowing that it wasn't getting my signal fixed?
2) Whose fault was it? Mastec or D*?

Earl Bonovich
07-09-07, 04:08 PM
1) DirecTV normally doesn't install the 6x16... it is a premium after-market switch. That DireCTV will sometimes credit you your purchase amount.

I haven't heard of many cases where installers came with the 6x16.

It's main benefit is the fact that it is powered.
Powered via COAX from a power supply... so the switch can be installed outside, with the DC inside, and can be some distance away.

2) No real reason, other then they didn't know it...

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1) Probably until you talked to someone at Mastec to get thing aranged before their arrival
2) 60% DirecTV, 40% Mastec.... as after the 1st install, some note should have been made on your Mastec "account" with comments from the first installer.