[JoeF]

I’m getting ready to rejoin the ranks of D* and I’m looking at a set up that’s somewhat non-standard and I’d like some constructive criticism on ways to accomplish my goals. I have RG6 “home runs” from each TV location and 4 RG6 cables coming into the house from the Dish location.

My desire is to have all the receivers (3) mounted in the location where the cable runs terminate and switch them via Rf remote. I want 2 HD receivers and 1 SD receiver all with split outputs going to 2 TV’s each (I know that the program will be the same on both).

Some questions I have off the top of my head: Are SD receivers Rf remote capable? Can a split output from an HD receiver go to 1 HD TV and one SD TV? Not exactly sure what a multiswitch does, but is this a correct application, or should I use regular splitters? Is there a better way to do all this? I have Cat5 runs to all the locations, would IR over Cat5 be better than Rf remotes?

In case anyone is asking why… I have 3 primary viewing locations, living room, family room, bed room. I also have 3 occasional viewing locations that I don’t want extra receivers for, garage, bar area, guest room.

Thanks all.

 

[eakes]

Locating all receivers at a central location and controlling them via RF (or IR remote) is doable. Also each receiver can provide output to more than one TV simultaneously. The problem you will have is getting the HD video signal from the HD receivers to their respective TV sets. At present there is no readily available method to get that signal down a single coax. The HD output is either HDMI or component video (you can use either or both) which cannot be carried on a single coax. If such a thing as an ATSC modulator existed for home use, then you would be good to go. But, to the best of my knowledge, that animal does not exist.

To do what you desire, you will need HDMI or component video cables from your central location to your HD TV sets. The SD sets can be serviced via conventional RF modulators.

 

[Mertzen]

Are SD receivers Rf remote capable?

Nope not with D* RF remotes. You'd have to use some sort of IR>RF extenders.

Can a split output from an HD receiver go to 1 HD TV and one SD TV?

All outputs are active at the time. But if you want to send this signal over a coax you'd have to get an RF modulator [ $25 at BB ]. I did this setup last week and works fine

Is there a better way to do all this?

I'd use the composite [ yellow/red/white] for the primary TVs then run a coax to the secondary. But I guess if the composite runs are to long you can indeed use regular splitters.

 

[carl6]

You want to locate the HD receivers/dvr's at the HD television location, then extend the non-HD output to the remote location. The HD units do permit rf remote control.

Given that you only pay the HD fee once per account (as opposed to per receiver), you might consider getting all HD equipment (which does support rf remote). That way, the SD televisions will also have access to the HD only channels (although only in SD of course).

Carl

 

[JoeF]

Thanks for the quick replies. Looks like I need to rethink this a little.

What if I put the 2 HD receivers with their respective TV's. I'll centrally locate the 3rd receiver and split the output. If I read correctly, SD receivers are not Rf remote capable so if I get a third HD receiver, I can set it up for Rf switching with as many remoptes as I care to buy.

Any idea on how much D* would hit me up for 3 HD receivers on an initial install? Will they make me buy Rf remotes seperately or will they upgrade me for minimal or no cost?

 

[Mertzen]

SD receivers are not Rf remote capable so if I get a third HD receiver, I can set it up for Rf switching with as many remoptes as I care to buy.

Yes. You can all program them for that one IRD [ you program them by receiver ID ]

Will they make me buy Rf remotes seperately or will they upgrade me for minimal or no cost?

.$25 a pop. :grin: