[CF Kaekel]

Hi,
Direct just installed my system. I have

The new 5 LNB dish,
An R15
An H20
An HR20

I really want to be able to watch one program while recording another on the HR20. BUT...

I only have one Coax into the location with the HR20. It was my understanding that it was possible to multiplex two LNBs on one coax using an FTM. (see p8 of the user's guide for example.) and demultiplex at the HR20 so you could drive both satelite inputs.

In any event the installer did'nt know anything about an FTM and said I'd have to run two coaxes from the dish to my receiver. It would be very difficult to do this in my home so I really want to multiplex if at all possible. The HR20 came with two BBCs but no FTM. I'm not sure what the BBCs are for. I'm not using a BBC on the H20 for example

I spent 1.5 hours yesterday talking to 6 - 8 people at Direct Techs, installers, and customer support types, none of which had any idea of what I was talking about.
Most had never heard of the FTM. I gave up when I was disconnected for the 2nd time.

I realise I could be wrong but I really remember reading something somewhere that said you coud multiplex two LNBs on one coax and demultiplex at the HR20 so you could drive both satelite inputs.

Could anyone refer me to the proper reference material or explain what it is I need to do? If you have advice for what to say to the bozos at Direct (like part numbers or Direct reference materials) that would be very useful as well.

Thanks in advance.

C____

 

[Jeremy W]

FTM is not available yet. It'll probably be out sometime next year.

 

[Slyster]

What actually IS FTM? I hear that term here now and then.

 

[Jeremy W]

Frequency Translation Module, basically an "agile stacking" system that allows you to use one cable from the multiswitch to the DVR, but the DVR can still record two things at once.

 

[CF Kaekel]

FTM is not available yet. It'll probably be out sometime next year.

So are you saying I'm out of luck until next year as far as multiplexing on one coax, or is there another way to do it?

Thanks

C____

 

[RunnerFL]

So are you saying I'm out of luck until next year as far as multiplexing on one coax, or is there another way to do it?

Thanks

C____

Yes, you are out of luck until the FTM in the HR20's is turned on.

 

[RAD]

Yes, you are out of luck until the FTM in the HR20's is turned on.

And the new hardware switch that supports FTM comes out.

 

[matto]

Are there any public dates for when this will happen? It would be nice if I didn't have to run a third line into my living room for OTA.

 

[Jeremy W]

Are there any public dates for when this will happen?

This is DirecTV we're talking about here...

 

[matto]

This is DirecTV we're talking about here...

exactly- so if there was an announced date, i'd simply have to add six months to it, and then start paying attention

 

[Jeremy W]

exactly- so if there was an announced date, i'd simply have to add six months to it, and then start paying attention

Pretty much.

 

[jerkieman]

Ok I'm lost, I have an HR20 but could only run one coax since my landlord is nuts. So there is going to be a way to use one coax and I'll be able to watch one show while recording another ? Will i need any other special hardware or the ability to do this is already available on the HR20 and just isn't turned on yet ?

 

[Jeremy W]

You'll need a special multiswitch.

 

[Cyrus]

I thought there was a way to cascade multiswitches. One multiswitch is hooked up to the satellite and then another one can be used inside the house as a splitter.

 

[matto]

all we need to do is refer to the plethora of useful technical information directv publishes on their website, to assist interested enthusiast consumers like ourselves in making purchasing decisions about high-end equipment.

i crack myself up.

 

[litzdog911]

Ok I'm lost, I have an HR20 but could only run one coax since my landlord is nuts. So there is going to be a way to use one coax and I'll be able to watch one show while recording another ? Will i need any other special hardware or the ability to do this is already available on the HR20 and just isn't turned on yet ?

There are expensive stacker/destacker systems that can be used with the single LNB or 3-LNB dishes, but not the 5-LNB dish. More information here ....

http://solidsignal.commerce.atomz.com/?q=stacker&site=com&new_search=1