[thestaton]

I'm FINALLY *YEAH* getting DTV installed on Wed morning *hopefully*. We got two receivers the HD-DVR and just a HD Receiver.

Is it possible for the installer to combine the cable that is already connected to the cable box to the DTV for that run? This will be the run that will only be connected to the HD-Receiver NOT the DVR. The reason I ask, we may or may not keep the hd receiver. I'd hate for the installer to have to run a extra line if we end up sending it back.

So basically can they combine the cable signal w/ the DTV signal for just a HD receiver?

Thanks for the help,

 

[fluffybear]

If I understand what you want to do correctly, Yes! You can combine the Cable TV signal and DirecTV signal on a single run using diplexers.

The sad part is you may end up having to do the work yourself. I do not believe this is part of the standard install and most techs I have spoken with don't either understand diplexers or refuse to use them.

My suggestion is if you want to do this, swing by Lowes or Home Depot and pick up a couple of diplexers just in case you need to do it yourself.

You will need to diplex the cable with the DirecTV signal and that can either be done at the multi-switch or by using a diplexer on the downward run to that room.
When you get to the room, you diplex the cable out which separates the signals back out.

The benefit to doing this at the multi-switch is you only need a single diplexer in each room you want both cable and DirecTV.

 

[evan_s]

in general you can't diplex with the HD signal.

 

[fluffybear]

in general you can't diplex with the HD signal.

You can't? I'm doing it and have not had any issues to speak of.

 

[2dogz]

Careful here. You can gerryrig OTA signals with diplexors, but most cable systems use too much bandwidth that conflicts with D* signals.

 

[harsh]

It should also be noted that DIRECTV recommends against diplexing of any kind.

Most modern CATV systems put out a pretty broad spectrum of content and as such, they will interfere with just about everything. Even if you have just basic analog service, there's a pretty good chance that CATV will clobber something.

 

[harsh]

You can't? I'm doing it and have not had any issues to speak of.

The part that you left out is that you're diplexing OTA which is an entirely different bird from CATV.

 

[2dogz]

Don't worry about the installer's feelings. Just get him to run the extra cable. What the heck, it's included with the install. You don't want to reuse old CATV cable anyway without knowing exactly what it is.

 

[fluffybear]

Careful here. You can gerryrig OTA signals with diplexors, but most cable systems use too much bandwidth that conflicts with D* signals.

This is one I will have to defer to the experts. We only had basic cable (HD was not available) when we were living in Northern Minnesota and I had no issues with diplexing the signal in

 

[evan_s]

At the very least diplexing with an HD signal requires moving the BBC before the intial diplexer and that wasn't mentioned.

 

[BattleZone]

Also, the "hack" of putting the BBC at the switch to allow diplexing only works with receivers that have the BBC separate. Most new installs are geting H23s, which have integrated BBCs.

But, as several have pointed out, most cable systems use a larger band of frequencies than OTA and will bleed over the sat signals, so cable is generally a no-go anyway.

 

[fluffybear]

The part that you left out is that you're diplexing OTA which is an entirely different bird from CATV.

Yes and No!

Yes, I am diplexing OTA today

No, I had been diplexing cable previously (though not HD)

Again, I will defer to the experts on this one.

 

[houskamp]

Diplexing CATV is hit and miss.. depends on the exact system that your CATV uses..

 

[Grentz]

in general you can't diplex with the HD signal.

Careful here. You can gerryrig OTA signals with diplexors, but most cable systems use too much bandwidth that conflicts with D* signals.

The issue with diplexing with the Directv HD signal is the BBCs. You need to put the BBCs on between the dish/multiswitch and the first diplexer instead of right at the receiver. This is because the BBCs upconvert a signal that is in the spectrum of OTA (that diplexers remove from the SAT line) to the SAT signals on command.

It should also be noted that DIRECTV recommends against diplexing of any kind.

Most modern CATV systems put out a pretty broad spectrum of content and as such, they will interfere with just about everything. Even if you have just basic analog service, there's a pretty good chance that CATV will clobber something.

The part that you left out is that you're diplexing OTA which is an entirely different bird from CATV.

If you use a decent diplexer the CATV might not work as it should since the signal could be cut in the upper range, but there should not really be too much interference to the Directv signal as the diplexers will lock the signal into a range that it can use, thus keeping the two separate.

 

[fluffybear]

The OP could be getting a SWM MS and then BBC's would be a mute point.

 

[Grentz]

The OP could be getting a SWM MS and then BBC's would be a mute point.

Agreed, that would make diplexing easier overall. Probably would be of the SWMLine variety if he does get it though as the SWM-8 is supposedly only for commercial installs.

 

[harsh]

No, I had been diplexing cable previously (though not HD)

And that is the key to why it worked then and won't work now. You also have to know something about where the local CATV operator places their modem channels as those can potentially whack a DIRECTV signal also.

 

[thestaton]

I've got my fingers crossed for a SWM. I talked to my installer today, and he's down with the pole mount and has everything for that in stock. I'll call him tomorrow and see if he can bring out a SWM.

 

[RobertE]

:new_popco !pepsi!

:lol:

 

[harsh]

The SWM answers the BBC issue (if it even exists), but it doesn't do much to address the overlap between CATV and the DIRECTV HD stack plan.