I have an odd question that I'm wondering if anyone around here has any insight on...

Is it possible to run both a DirecTv signal and a cable internet connection on the same coax line? eg. you can attach multiple D* tuners to a single coax line w/a stacker, so does a similar device exist that allows cable tv/internet to exist on same coax run w/o stepping on each other?

You can combine cable internet with DirecTV's Ku satellite signals (called sats A, B and C) but you can't comnine it with the signals from the new, Ku/Ka DISHES (AT9, AU9), because they shift some of those transponders down to 250 to 750 Mhz.

DirecTV is presently testing new technology, called SWM (formerly FTM) which allows the stacking of any eight receiver-tuned transponders with cable TV internet. The release date is not known, but the general feeling of those involved in the testing is that it should be available sometime this summer.

I wasn't sure if this was possible at all, so this is good news then. Not sure what dish it is. This is a multi-dwelling installation w/a single dish supplying D* to 452 individual units. Unfortunately, there's only one coax going from the communication closet to each unit.

I have 2 TiVo's so will be using a stacker to get 4 separate D* streams sharing this single RG-6 line. Does this still leave enough bandwidth for 10mbit cable internet connection to also share the same coax? What components do I need to share D* and cable internet on the same coax?

You won't be using or furnishing a stacker. What you want done can't be done until your system operator upgrades the headend and distribution syystem. Once they do, you will need electronicaly compatible receivers (H20, HR20, D12, R-XX). There are no plans to make available any interface modules for connecting incompatible receivers to this system.

Satellite signals and cable signals, including internet, are combined using an inexpensive coupler called a diplexer, which costs just a few dollars. One port of the diplexer passes all signals above 950 Mhz, whih is what the satellite signals are.

The other passes all the signals that are between 5 Mhz and 860 Mhz, which includes the cable TV programs, downstream internet, and upstream PPV requests and internet.

I see. So sharing D* and cable on the same coax is simple and easy w/just a cheap diplexer.

But I think I do need the stacker b/c, otherwise, how do I connect all 4 of the D* inputs on my 2 DTivo's to the single coax line that b/t my unit and the dish on the roof?

Well, the DirecTv guy was just here and there apparently is a problem due to the equipment they have on premises that goes all the way up to 3500mhz (or something like that). There are 3 systems on site, including one that delivers basic their own basic cable service on this same coax in same freq range as TW cable internet.

His conclusion was that I need a special filter that AFAHK does not yet exist b/c it needs to filter out everything on their signal below 950mhz (to allow TW cable internet) but it has to also not interfere w/the HD signal that's in the 3500mhz range of the coax. He said he wasn't aware that such a device existed but he'd ask around...