HELP with DVR & multiswitch

[syphix]

I've got a (hopefully) quick question about a setup, but let me give a brief description:

My sister previously had two regular receivers plugged directly into a Phase I dual LNB dish (at least, I believe it's dual LNB...it's only able to see sat. 101, but had two lines coming out, one to each receiver).

My father & I installed a TiVo and put a multiswitch inline, feeding both lines from the dish into the switch, then one line to the regular receiver, and two lines to the TiVo. The TiVo changes channels just fine on both tuners. The regular receiver can not see certain channels unless one of the tuners (I don't know which) on the TiVo is tuned to it as well. Example: She's unable to see channel 231, 232, & 501 upstairs (regular receiver). She changes the TiVo to channel 501, it comes in nicely. Still unable to see any of 231, 232 & 501 upstairs. She starts recording the channel and changes to the second TiVo tuner, and tunes it to 231. Suddenly, the receiver upstairs can see the aforementioned channels.

Is the multiswitch faulty? The lines crossed on the multiswitch input (they matter which, right?)? Is the dish not up to snuff?? PLEASE help me out!!

[Earl Bonovich]

You are most likely using a PASSIVE multiswitch... correct?

What sounds like is happening, is that you probably have a pretty good distance between the regular receiver and the multiswitch...

And not enough power is getting to the multiswitch, to power IT and sending enough to the DISH to lock onto the proper transponder.

Swap out that Multiswitch for a powered version, and all should be fine.

[syphix]

Yes, it's a passive switch (quick on the reply! THANKS!).

The distance between the multiswitch and the regular receiver is less than fifty feet. The multiswitch is installed in an outside, weather sturdy box on the roof, so a powered one is not very likely (as both lines coming into the house previously entered at different points). What distance is considered "pretty good" (i.e., too long)?

EDIT: it might be closer to 70-75 feet...

[HDTVsportsfan]

Earl may of course have a different in number in mind, but I believe up to 125' if your cable is in good shape is a safe number.

If you had to add any cables runs and connectors, maybe re-check thosas well.

[syphix]

UPDATE (sorry...I was on vacation!): we went back and switched one of the cables to a different port on the multiswitch, and everything's working fine. Looks like a (slightly) defective switch.