5 LNB w/ a Multi-Switch

[jodyguercio]

Was told by an installer with DirecTv that the 5 LNB dish wont allow for the use of a multi-switch. Does this seem right?

[Michael D'Angelo]

Was told by an installer with DirecTv that the 5 LNB dish wont allow for the use of a multi-switch. Does this seem right?

Yes you can use a multi-switch. But you need a Zinwell WB68 6x8 which is a free upgrade by DIRECTV or you would have to buy a Zinwell WB616 6x16.

[jodyguercio]

Yes you can use a multi-switch. But you need a Zinwell WB68 6x8 which is a free upgrade by DIRECTV or you would have to buy a Zinwell WB616 6x16.

Sorry if this next question seems like a stupid one(Im a new DIYer), how do I hook it up. Run two coaxs out of the dish to the switch and then from there to any D* boxes I have?

[Michael D'Angelo]

Sorry if this next question seems like a stupid one(Im a new DIYer), how do I hook it up. Run two coaxs out of the dish to the switch and then from there to any D* boxes I have?

If you don't know something it is not a stupid question.

You need 4 lines from the dish to the multi-switch and then you will have 8 outputs to go to receiver's from the WB68 and 16 outputs on the WB616.

[Canis Lupus]

jody,
go ahead and list your desired setup, ie number of receivers, what kinds, and where you're putting them. This will help us help you further.

This info helps in determining whether, for example, you even need a multi-switch, i.e. the dish itself already has a multiswitch. The multi-switch would be for extending your setup if you need it.



Sorry if this next question seems like a stupid one(Im a new DIYer), how do I hook it up. Run two coaxs out of the dish to the switch and then from there to any D* boxes I have?

[jodyguercio]

Right now I dont have the need for one because I have an HR10-250 hooked up to my 58" Pany HD plasma and whatever the model of the SD Dricetivio hooked up to a 37" Sharp LCD....

But I know with the new MPEG-4 stuff I need to get the HR20 (cant decide between the 100 or 700 series though, help with that would be good) for the Pany, moving the HR10 to the LCD and then put the other one in the GR with the little TV. Whe the installer from D* said a multi-switch wouldnt work I said no big deal but then I knew to come here and ask before I took him at his word.

[Canis Lupus]

OK jody so with that setup you do need the multi-switch, and you want to make sure as above that it is the ZinwellWB68 as this is the one approved by D*.

So 4 outputs would go from the dish to the 4 inputs at the switch.
Then 2 outputs each (2 for each box assuming you want to use 2 tuners on all boxes) would go out from the switch to each of the 3 boxes for a total of 6 outputs.


Right now I dont have the need for one because I have an HR10-250 hooked up to my 58" Pany HD plasma and whatever the model of the SD Dricetivio hooked up to a 37" Sharp LCD....

But I know with the new MPEG-4 stuff I need to get the HR20 (cant decide between the 100 or 700 series though, help with that would be good) for the Pany, moving the HR10 to the LCD and then put the other one in the GR with the little TV. Whe the installer from D* said a multi-switch wouldnt work I said no big deal but then I knew to come here and ask before I took him at his word.

[jodyguercio]

OK jody so with that setup you do need the multi-switch, and you want to make sure as above that it is the ZinwellWB68 as this is the one approved by D*.

So 4 outputs would go from the dish to the 4 inputs at the switch.
Then 2 outputs each (2 for each box assuming you want to use 2 tuners on all boxes) would go out from the switch to each of the 3 boxes for a total of 6 outputs.

Ok thats what I thought, since the MS is D* approved I can assume that when I call and order the HR20 upgrade I can ask for the switch as well correct? Also, in your opinion which HR20 is better the series 100 or series 700?

[markrubi]

Ok thats what I thought, since the MS is D* approved I can assume that when I call and order the HR20 upgrade I can ask for the switch as well correct? Also, in your opinion which HR20 is better the series 100 or series 700?

The 100-700 DVR's are the same in the way they function and HD space. The only difference is the manufacturers and the color of the unit. The 700 is silver and the 100 is black.

[jodyguercio]

The 100-700 DVR's are the same in the way they function and HD space. The only difference is the manufacturers and the color of the unit. The 700 is silver and the 100 is black.

Doesnt one of them have both a digital opitcal and digital coax out and the other only the digital optical.

[Michael D'Angelo]

Doesnt one of them have both a digital opitcal and digital coax out and the other only the digital optical.

The -100 has both and the -700 only has optical.

The -700 has a internal RF antenna and the -100 is external.

The -100 has a 2nd ethernet port.

That is about it.

[Canis Lupus]

Don't have an opinion on 700 vs. 100, but yes you want to tell D* that you require a multiswitch for your setup and that you're expecting to receive the Zinwell WB68 and you're good to go. This also assumes you're going to the 5LNB dish if you haven't done already.
Best of luck.

Ok thats what I thought, since the MS is D* approved I can assume that when I call and order the HR20 upgrade I can ask for the switch as well correct? Also, in your opinion which HR20 is better the series 100 or series 700?

[hombresoto]

The -100 has both and the -700 only has optical.

The -700 has a internal RF antenna and the -100 is external.

The -100 has a 2nd ethernet port.

That is about it.

My -100 is silver.

[dpfaunts]

The 100-700 DVR's are the same in the way they function and HD space. The only difference is the manufacturers and the color of the unit. The 700 is silver and the 100 is black.

There both silver now... D* has stopped the production of the black HR20s... and you don't get to choose your model 100 vs 700 unless you pick one up at Best Buy, Circuit City, etc

Good Luck:)