I would stay with TV RVU client for simplicity, less cable, no DECA boxes; less parts e.g. more reliable. Not telling using same remote for TV and RVU client.
Cleaner/Simpler install - CR-31 or Samsung RVU
Finally moved and just getting ready to set up my D* install. At the moment torn between which approach to take, so thought I'd quit lurking here and post the question.
This will be a fresh install, since the space has never had any D* before. So, I'm expecting a SWM dish with a single cable into my media closet. And will be getting the HR-34 (Genie) which will connect directly to my main TV.
Where I'm torn is how to connect my additional 6 TVs to access the HR-34.
While my TVs are all Samsung (RVU capable), my initial assumption (based on performance commentary in various threads here) was to use CR-31s at each TV. So I expected simple wiring with the coax line from the dish going to a splitter, with one out from the splitter going to the HR-34 and the other outs connecting to the 6 coax feeds to my other TVs (w/ 1 out plugged, assuming an 8 way splitter). Then I'd plug an ethernet cable from my router into the back of the HR-34 and presumeably I'd be all set.
First question... does that actually do the trick?
But when I checked, I found out that D* would only give me 5 CR-31s initially (two free and 3 @ $99 each). Not suprising, but pricey.
So started to try to sort out what a DECA install would look like instead, since my understanding is that I'd need DECA to get the TVs onto the network (since I'm not cabled to connect them to my lan directly). But I couldn't quite come to any conclusions. Would everything be the same except that instead of the CR-31s, I'd put a DECA at each TV with an ethernet cable from that to the TV? That seems simple enough as well, but I'm sure I'm missing something.
BTW, D* indicated that to 'install' my RVU TVs would be $49 each (1st 2 still free). I'm assuming that is the going rate for the DECA adapter?
This will be a fresh install, since the space has never had any D* before. So, I'm expecting a SWM dish with a single cable into my media closet. And will be getting the HR-34 (Genie) which will connect directly to my main TV.
Where I'm torn is how to connect my additional 6 TVs to access the HR-34.
While my TVs are all Samsung (RVU capable), my initial assumption (based on performance commentary in various threads here) was to use CR-31s at each TV. So I expected simple wiring with the coax line from the dish going to a splitter, with one out from the splitter going to the HR-34 and the other outs connecting to the 6 coax feeds to my other TVs (w/ 1 out plugged, assuming an 8 way splitter). Then I'd plug an ethernet cable from my router into the back of the HR-34 and presumeably I'd be all set.
First question... does that actually do the trick?
But when I checked, I found out that D* would only give me 5 CR-31s initially (two free and 3 @ $99 each). Not suprising, but pricey.
So started to try to sort out what a DECA install would look like instead, since my understanding is that I'd need DECA to get the TVs onto the network (since I'm not cabled to connect them to my lan directly). But I couldn't quite come to any conclusions. Would everything be the same except that instead of the CR-31s, I'd put a DECA at each TV with an ethernet cable from that to the TV? That seems simple enough as well, but I'm sure I'm missing something.
BTW, D* indicated that to 'install' my RVU TVs would be $49 each (1st 2 still free). I'm assuming that is the going rate for the DECA adapter?
1 - 20 of 30 Posts
I guess that is part of my question... does going with the Samsung RVU clients actually mean less wiring, or does it just change the components involved?
To use the Samsung client with the HR-34, I know the TV has to have a wired connection to the network where the HR-34 is connected. I don't have ethernet drops at each TV, just coax drops. So at a minimum I would guess I need to have the DECA adapters (DCA2SR0) at each TV to convert the coax drop to an ethernet feed. These are even smaller and likely use even less power than the CR-31s, so that's a slight plus.
Connection-wise, is everything else otherwise the same between the two options?
To use the Samsung client with the HR-34, I know the TV has to have a wired connection to the network where the HR-34 is connected. I don't have ethernet drops at each TV, just coax drops. So at a minimum I would guess I need to have the DECA adapters (DCA2SR0) at each TV to convert the coax drop to an ethernet feed. These are even smaller and likely use even less power than the CR-31s, so that's a slight plus.
Connection-wise, is everything else otherwise the same between the two options?
Before you decide I recommend that you read thru the posts from people that have used both the RVU capable Samsung sets and the C31. Consensus currently seems to be that the Samsung RVU implementation leave much to be desired and that the C31 currently performs much better. Also, be aware that RVU currently does not support 3D even if the TV does, in case you care about that capability.
Yup, had read all thost posts already which is why my initial plan was to use the C31s.
However, that was a choice made without regard to cost. Once I start looking at the money part, the C31s add up fast. Assuming I get 2 free from D*, I'd have to spend $400 to put C31s on my other 4 TVs. If I go the Samsung RVU route instead, I could buy 4 DECA adapters online for $15 a pop and save myself $340.
At the moment, I think I'm leaning toward taking the 2 free C31s from D* and getting just 1 DECA adapter for now. That way I can play with both options and pick from there.
I think this works wiring wise as I can put either the C31 or the DECA adapter on the TV and everything else in the system is the same.
However, that was a choice made without regard to cost. Once I start looking at the money part, the C31s add up fast. Assuming I get 2 free from D*, I'd have to spend $400 to put C31s on my other 4 TVs. If I go the Samsung RVU route instead, I could buy 4 DECA adapters online for $15 a pop and save myself $340.
At the moment, I think I'm leaning toward taking the 2 free C31s from D* and getting just 1 DECA adapter for now. That way I can play with both options and pick from there.
I think this works wiring wise as I can put either the C31 or the DECA adapter on the TV and everything else in the system is the same.
One other thing to note is that you can only drive 3 C31's at any one time from one HR34.
This is incorrect. The recommended install for an RVU client is a coaxial cable to a powered DECA or Cinema Connection Kit, and then ethernet to the TV.P Smith said:I would stay with TV RVU client for simplicity, less cable, no DECA boxes; less parts e.g. more reliable. Not telling using same remote for TV and RVU client.
Yeah, I'm aware of this. I'm in the camp of finding it annoying to pay $6 a month for each of 6 TVs ($36 total) vs paying a max fee of say $18 per month based on the fact that I can only watch any 3 TVs at one time.mjwagner said:One other thing to note is that you can only drive 3 C31's at any one time from one HR34.
Isn't 'unsupported' variant with pure Ethernet connection would works OK ?Stuart Sweet said:This is incorrect. The recommended install for an RVU client is a coaxial cable to a powered DECA or Cinema Connection Kit, and then ethernet to the TV.
Not necessarily. It depends on the quality of your home networking equipment and the number of devices, and how chatty those devices are. Coax networking is strongly recommended.
Cat5 and 1 Gb switches, so no worry about "chatty" devices (perhaps h/j some evening) excluding dozen of servers what usually idling while not debugging servlets/applets ...
OK. Just scheduled my D* install for Friday. I took the two free C31s they offered, and then ordered a DECA adapter from Amazon. Once the installed is done setting up my H34 and the two C31s onto two of the TVs, I'll put in the DECA adapter on to a 3rd TV and see if I can get that activated so I can try out the Samsung RVU client as well.
I'm assuming eventually that I'll want C31s on all the TVs (if for no other reason than to preserve the 3D option) so plan to call in to D*'s retention group later to see if they can help me out some. The movers group could only give me the 2 free C31s, but hoping the retention team can at least help me offset a bt of the cost of buying 4 more.
I'm assuming eventually that I'll want C31s on all the TVs (if for no other reason than to preserve the 3D option) so plan to call in to D*'s retention group later to see if they can help me out some. The movers group could only give me the 2 free C31s, but hoping the retention team can at least help me offset a bt of the cost of buying 4 more.
Three quick comments:haddock said:OK. Just scheduled my D* install for Friday. I took the two free C31s they offered, and then ordered a DECA adapter from Amazon. Once the installed is done setting up my H34 and the two C31s onto two of the TVs, I'll put in the DECA adapter on to a 3rd TV and see if I can get that activated so I can try out the Samsung RVU client as well.
I'm assuming eventually that I'll want C31s on all the TVs (if for no other reason than to preserve the 3D option) so plan to call in to D*'s retention group later to see if they can help me out some. The movers group could only give me the 2 free C31s, but hoping the retention team can at least help me offset a bt of the cost of buying 4 more.
1) Used the Samsung RVU connection (on a 2011 "D" Series model) for about 11 months. Problems: Very "slow" in changing channels, displaying Guide, etc.; No 3D; TV remote was VERY difficult to use since key mapping was not very obvious & some DirecTV functions simply were not supported by TV remote; DirecTV RC-70X remote is virtually impossible to find.
2) Installed C31 (via DECA connection) about 2 weeks ago. It's much faster, uses a regular DirecTV remote, supports 3D and is MUCH more likely to receive periodic software updates from DirecTV compared to Samsung TV support (i.e., once your TV's "model year" is over, the frequency of Samsung software updates diminishes VERY rapidly!).
3) Your post indicates you'd like to ultimately acquire 6 C31s. With current HR34 hardware/software, it's my understanding that only THREE C31s are supported by a single HR34. I don't know if multiple HR34s could be configured to support more than 3 C31s BUT, since each HR34 requires 5 SWM channels, you would need to make sure your installation includes a SWM 16 configuration if you install two HR34s.
There is "taboo" for mulri-HR34 installs.
So, initially I was thinking eventually I'd want 2 HR34s eventually anyway, but that doesn't seem doable just now and I don't really need two anyway.
From what I understand, I can register as many 'potential' clients against the single HR34 as I want. I just can't watch more than 3 of those clients at a time. I'm fine with that. While we do plan to eventually have 7 TVs total, I don't forsee ever needing to watch more than 3 of them at a time. I just want the flexibility to decide which 3 TVs it is we're watching w/out having to rewire/reconnect anything.
My only gripe is that D* is charging me $6 each for the clients that I can't actually use. As many have said here, the pricing really should be structured based on the max simultaneous clients of 3, versus the number of 'potential' clients which could be higher.
From what I understand, I can register as many 'potential' clients against the single HR34 as I want. I just can't watch more than 3 of those clients at a time. I'm fine with that. While we do plan to eventually have 7 TVs total, I don't forsee ever needing to watch more than 3 of them at a time. I just want the flexibility to decide which 3 TVs it is we're watching w/out having to rewire/reconnect anything.
My only gripe is that D* is charging me $6 each for the clients that I can't actually use. As many have said here, the pricing really should be structured based on the max simultaneous clients of 3, versus the number of 'potential' clients which could be higher.
When I used the "replace" process to change my HR34 client from a Samsung RVU to a C31, I didn't call DirecTV or incur any additional charge (The only glitch that required a call to them after installation was the fact that my "Equipment List" didn't update automatically and had to be manually changed). My impression is that you're charged $6, 12 or 18/month to "activate" 1, 2 or 3 "client slots" in a particular HR34. While you may need to actually have 1, 2 or 3 clients when you initially activate, my experience suggests you can "replace" one client with another. However, I haven't yet tried to "Add" or "Delete" "client slots" to see if the HR34 automatically communicates with the DirecTV database to add/delete one or more $6/month additional charges.haddock said:My only gripe is that D* is charging me $6 each for the clients that I can't actually use. As many have said here, the pricing really should be structured based on the max simultaneous clients of 3, versus the number of 'potential' clients which could be higher.
As far as what P Smith offered, it was not incorrect. That it differed with DIRECTV recommendations is true, but that doesn't mean it won't work as well (or better) in the application.Stuart Sweet said:This is incorrect. The recommended install for an RVU client is a coaxial cable to a powered DECA or Cinema Connection Kit, and then ethernet to the TV.
mjwagner said:Also, be aware that RVU currently does not support 3D even if the TV does, in case you care about that capability.
Is there any indication that 3D will eventually be supported by the C31? I can't imagine that the RVU standard is at the bottom of this.haddock said:I'm assuming eventually that I'll want C31s on all the TVs (if for no other reason than to preserve the 3D option) so plan to call in to D*'s retention group later to see if they can help me out some.
Given Samsung's failure to launch RVU on their current models now that servers are relatively accessible, you have to wonder where they're going with RVU support down the road.
The C31 DOES support 3D just fine thank you, it's the Samsung RVU client that it doesn't work with.harsh said:Is there any indication that 3D will eventually be supported by the C31? I can't imagine that the RVU standard is at the bottom of this.
Wasn't there, a long, long time ago, in a land not so far away, an ad series with the tag line,RAD said:The C31 DOES support 3D just fine thank you, it's the Samsung RVU client that it doesn't work with.
"Ask the man who owns one"?
Extra credit for recalling the full ad.
1 - 20 of 30 Posts
- This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
DBSTalk Forum
A forum community dedicated to digital bit streaming enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about programming, content, and reception, home theaters, displays, models, styles, satellites, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Recommended Communities
