[Skywalker]

I recently had a DirecTV tech come out to my house for a "relocation" install. Before they came out, my setup consisted of a 5-LNB dish running two cables from the dish into the house. These cables then connected directly to the cables feeding my lone HD-DVR HR20.

I wanted to add two additional TVs, so I knew that two additional cables would have to be run from the LNB into the house.

When the DirecTV techs arrived (it was two guys), they proceeded to run the additional two cables from the LNB into the house. Once in the basement, I asked if I needed a 6x8 multi-switch. The "main" tech told me I didn't because since I was adding two non-dvr boxes, he would connect the cables directly to the cables feeding the new boxes (which I already ran).

I said I wanted a 6x8 multi-switch because I plan on adding a second HD-DVR in my basement rec room. He agreed that I would need one, but he told me "those are expensive man... like $60 bucks"

I thought DirecTV provided those for free? Also, DirecTV charged me a $50 fee for the "relocation".

FYI: I've had DirecTV at various apartments/houses since 1998. I've also had Sunday Ticket since then as well. I was recently given a free year of Starz as an anniversary gift.

 

[say-what]

If you only have 2 tuners, the techs aren't supposed to install a switch. Just run the lines to each tuner from the dish. Since your install didn't require a switch, that would come out of the Tech's pocket.

 

[Skywalker]

If you only have 2 tuners, the techs aren't supposed to install a switch. Just run the lines to each tuner from the dish. Since your install didn't require a switch, that would come out of the Tech's pocket.

I have two lines going to my HR20 (HD-DVR), then a single line each going to a bedroom tv and an office tv (both are SD non-DVR boxes). Obviously I don't need a multi-switch, but I wanted one for a future setup so I wouldn't have to deal with installers again.

I see plenty of Zinwell 6x8 Multi-Switches on eBay for as little as $12.00

 

[Mertzen]

I said I wanted a 6x8 multi-switch

I thought DirecTV provided those for free? Also, DirecTV charged me a $50 fee for the "relocation".

If you want one but you don't need one D* won't give you one. And hence the HSP wouldn't be compensated. Enough of them on fleabay if you want to add one yourself.

 

[Supervolcano]

When you buy the next DVR, and need those 5th and 6th lines, call directv again for installation of it, AND THEN they'll give you the multiswitch for free.

 

[say-what]

I see plenty of Zinwell 6x8 Multi-Switches on eBay for as little as $12.00

Well, there you go, buy your own and save some bucks, or....

When you buy the next DVR, and need those 5th and 6th lines, call directv again for installation of it, AND THEN they'll give you the multiswitch for free.

...wait until you add a receiver that requires you to have more than 4 lines.

 

[BattleZone]

I see plenty of Zinwell 6x8 Multi-Switches on eBay for as little as $12.00

Most HSPs are pretty draconian when it comes to inventory, but there is plenty of theft and the occasional contractor who inexplicably stops getting paid by the HSP who decides to recover some of their money by selling off inventory. That's where a lot of those cheap eBay switches come from.

In the real world, most techs get charged for those switches unless they are specifically listed on the work order, so if you want one and it isn't necessary for the equipment on your account, you have to pay.

DirecTV is in the business of connecting the receivers you pay for, NOT setting up your house for "future expansion" that may or may not ever happen.

 

[joe diamond]

Yup,

Had a NLOS and the cx noted that each box came with 125 ft of cable. He said that since it was free how about leaving a 500ft roll in the garage. He would cut down the trees and reorder. In the mean time he could run some cable.

Right!

Joe

 

[RobertE]

Yup,

Had a NLOS and the cx noted that each box came with 125 ft of cable. He said that since it was free how about leaving a 500ft roll in the garage. He would cut down the trees and reorder. In the mean time he could run some cable.

Right!

Joe

Just leave him 500 1 foot pieces. Nowhere does it say 125 continuous feet. :lol: :lol: :lol: