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MultiSwitch config for new DirecTV Install ?'s
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Posted by: donsullivan

I'm mapping out the details of a new DirecTV installation in a house I'm moving into in the next few weeks and have come across something with relation to the MultiSwitch requirements that has me a little confused.

My current configuration is a blend of 4 DirecTiVo (dual tuner active on all) and one standalone receiver. I have a multi-Sat dish with the built in MultiSwitch. Due to the layout and wiring of my apartment I had to do some creative things with the configuration where I've got a cascade of multiswitches hanging off of 2 ports on the dish and the other 2 ports are directly connected to one of my receivers. It's a little funky but everything has been working fine for 2 years. Only the DTiVo directly connected to the dish is able to see the 2nd satellite which I totall understand since my switches are all 2x models.

Anyway here is my question. I'll be upgrading to HDTV service at the new house and have a HDTiVo ordered to be received maybe in April (but that's a different discussion). I'd like to get all the wiring done right now, so that when it does come in I can just swap out the DTiVo and drop in the HDTiVo.

My final configuration is likely to end up being 4-DTiVo and 1-HDTiVo. I understand that I'll need a different type of MultiSwitch than I have now in order to get the HD signal to work properly; and that I'll need to connect all 4 ports from the dish into that switch. The question is whether I can cascade one of my many normal 2x8 switches off the newer switch and then connect the remainder of my DTiVo's to that switch. Since they only need to access one satellite I'm thinking that this should work fine but just wondered if anyone who currently has HD service active has tried something like this.

The bottom line is I'm trying to save the extra $250.00 to jump up to the 5x12 version of the switch.

Posted by: JimSpence

As long as you don't need the 110/119 satellites then you can connect a 2x? switch. Your multisat dish has a 4 output switch built in. You need to get a 4x8 or 5x8 cascadable multiswitch connected to all four outputs of the dish. Now since you need more than 8 outputs, you could connect your 2x8 to two outputs and then get 8 outputs that will only see the 101 satellite.

I suggest that you have all four lines from the dish go to a central location where you would install your extra multiswitches and distribute to the various receivers.

Posted by: feldon23

The HDTiVo needs to see all 3 satellites.

So the 5x4 switch you have now on the dish, plus a 2x8 multiswitch for the DTiVos should be all you need.

Posted by: donsullivan

Thanks for confirming that what I'm looking at will make sense. I've spent entirely too much on this system so far and I'm trying to stop the flow of funds where I can.

My plan is to put a 5x8 (Spaun DMK5582F) in the attic with all 4 ports connected to the dish outside. This will give me the option for additional HD receivers should I choose without a significant rewiring effort. With the 2x8 connected to 2 ports on the 5x8 switch, I should able to connect all 4 DTiVo's to that switch and still have 4 ports available for future HD receivers. This way I only need to swap the cables from the 2x8 for a particular room and connect them to available ports on the 5x8 and I'm ready to roll for HD in that room.

Posted by: feldon23

Just make sure that multiswitch is cascadable.

Posted by: donsullivan

It is indeed cascadable. (http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_dis...?PROD=SDMK5582F)

That's why I selected this one vs. many of the others on the market.

Posted by: Want1394

I really don't think you want that switch at all. It's for use in apartment buildings, etc. where lots of switches are run off an amplifier (which I think that switch also requires.) Just purchase a 5x8 Terk BMS-58 or the equivalent from Eagle Aspen or such. Cost about $100 or slightly less.

If you want a Spaun, get a model 5803

Posted by: donsullivan

Thanks for the check on the switch. I thought it seemed like a little bit of overkill but I wanted to be absolutely sure. I've done this at least a dozen times with the older architectures (Single Sat) but this is my first foray into the HDTV space and the 3-Sat architecture had me a bit confused.

I thing I've now found what I'm looking for (http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_dis...p?PROD=SP58DC22) and it appears I will have saved another $80 on top of the $150.00 I already thought I was going to save.

A final question for those more familiar with this than I. I'm also having HDTV cable service installed in the house since it's the only way I can get my local channels in HD. Will this sort of equipment pass a Digital Cable signal such as would be required for that config through port 5 and a diplexer, or would the bandwidth requirement for that likely be to high to pass through. This only goes to how many cables I need to drop into the family room where the whole system will be set up.

Thanks to all for the advice.

Posted by: Fletch

quote:
Originally posted by donsullivan
I thing I've now found what I'm looking for (http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_dis...p?PROD=SP58DC22) and it appears I will have saved another $80 on top of the $150.00 I already thought I was going to save.

FYI, I tried to order this MS about two weeks ago. It turns out that it's backordered and they have no idea when it will be available. I bought the Terk instead which is another $90 cheaper.

Posted by: dswallow

quote:
Originally posted by Fletch
FYI, I tried to order this MS about two weeks ago. It turns out that it's backordered and they have no idea when it will be available. I bought the Terk instead which is another $90 cheaper.

Or even $98 cheaper... www.buy.com :)

Posted by: JimSpence

Diplexing the signal is not a problem. I would suggest that you diplex it onto the sat line going to the room with the HD receiver and then another diplexer to separate it. You could also diplex the HD cable onto all outputs of the multiswitch if it is a 5x8. But, this may introduce some noise and reduce the strength a bit.

Posted by: Fletch

quote:
Originally posted by donsullivan
I'm also having HDTV cable service installed in the house since it's the only way I can get my local channels in HD.

Why is that? Aren't you close to Miami? Just curious because it seems to really dilute the usefulness of the HDTiVo if you don't have OTA HD...

Posted by: donsullivan

I'm actually moving in April to the far south side of Orlando and I don't have any idea whether I'll be able to get a good solid HD signal OTA. I may indeed find after I've been there that it will be okay, and if so I'll have the cable removed and switch over to OTA. However it's in an area where I can't install an outdoor antenna. I totally understand that I'll not be able to connect this to the HDTiVo and that is certainly a minor concern for me right now as I am functionally unable to watch television without TiVo (is there a 12 step program for that??). It's all about having just purchased a 60" Sony Grand Wega and wanting to be absolutely sure that I get the best possible experience I can off of that investment.

I looked at that Terk switch and everything I read gave no positive statement that it would support a Phase III dish so that I could see all three birds which is why I discounted that one. Are you saying that you have it and are able to use it with HDTV service from DTV? If so, it sounds like it's time to place my order.

Posted by: dswallow

quote:
Originally posted by donsullivan
I looked at that Terk switch and everything I read gave no positive statement that it would support a Phase III dish so that I could see all three birds which is why I discounted that one. Are you saying that you have it and are able to use it with HDTV service from DTV? If so, it sounds like it's time to place my order.

The Terk BMS-58 is a cascadable multiswitch and will work with the Phase III dish's built-in multiswitch.

What's important and meant by "cascadable" is that the multiswitch needs to generate a 22kHz tone on the input connections for the 110°'/119° LNB inputs. This 22kHz tone is what the internal multiswitch on the Phase III dish detects in order to connect the 110°/119°/ LNB outputs appropriately.

So you might find a multiswitch that talks about generating a 22kHz tone; that's what "cascadable" is implying, too.

Posted by: Fletch

quote:
Originally posted by donsullivan
I looked at that Terk switch and everything I read gave no positive statement that it would support a Phase III dish so that I could see all three birds which is why I discounted that one. Are you saying that you have it and are able to use it with HDTV service from DTV? If so, it sounds like it's time to place my order.

Yes, the Terk BMS-58 is a cascadable multiswitch. I am currently using it with a Phase III dish and an HD-200 HD receiver. I can see all three satellites.

Posted by: JimSpence

quote:
Originally posted by donsullivan
However it's in an area where I can't install an outdoor antenna.

And, why is it you can't install an antenna? There a Federal rules that prohibit HOAs, etc from preventing you to install antennas and sat dishes.

Posted by: donsullivan

I'm well aware of the FCC guidelines preventing HOA's from constraining such installations, however this is a rental house and the owner has agreed to the satellite installation with constraints (which were reasonable) but nothing else on the outside. There is certainly a possibility that I might be able to put something in the attic space but won't know for sure until I move in a few weeks from now.

Posted by: dswallow

quote:
Originally posted by donsullivan
I'm well aware of the FCC guidelines preventing HOA's from constraining such installations, however this is a rental house and the owner has agreed to the satellite installation with constraints (which were reasonable) but nothing else on the outside.

The rules actually still permit you to do this, though it's probably in your best interest to be cooperative with the owner if you want your lease renewed. :)

An attic antenna could very well be sufficient anyway. I don't know if you've actually tried this, but I'd give it a go before letting cable into my house!

Posted by: donsullivan

Thanks all,

I just place my order for the Terk BMS-58 for $79.99. Certainly a lot less than the over $400 I thought I was going to have to spend when I started this exercise. Talk about a great example of the value of this board...

dswallow, not antagonizing a new landlord was sort of my idea in not pushing anything on the outdoor antenna. They were open to the satellite and I just didn't want to push anything any further. I too wanted to be able to say that I haven't had cable for 8 years but I'm trying to do whatever I can to minimize the efforts necessary during that actual move-in and while a little more expensive this approach will at least let me get up and running with minimal aggravation.

Once I get settled into the house, I'll certainly be looking to see if there is a way to get the OTA signal options in place with either an indoor or an attic antenna. If indeed I can get that to work I'll certainly get rid of the cable service.

Posted by: JimSpence

If you are close enough to the towers and they are all in the same general direction then one of those highly criticized clip on the dish OTA antennas may work for you.