[cheridave]

Read the fine print from the spec sheet in the link below and it states:


"For full functionality this DVR requires connection of (2) two Satellite inputs from a dual LNB DirecTV System Dish Antenna, and a land based phone line"

HD-DirecTV Tivo Spec


So just what exactly does this mean and what additional set-up is required?


I have a triple LNB Dish with the integrated Multi-switch, so how do I get the second Sat feed in to the receiver.


Do I have to have the phone line connected all the time?


Dave

 

[Steven Drexler]

Basically, it has two built in SAT receivers.That way you can watch one channel and record a different one.


Since your dish has a built in multiswitch, you just run 2 coax cables to the receiver. That leaves 2 left over for either another Dtivo or 2 non-tivo receivers. If you need more receivers than that, you need to put in a cascadable multi-switch.

 

[cheridave]

Thank you for your quick response.


So just run another RG-6 from the Sat to the Receiver. Wow, I wasn't expecting that. I already have two cables running, one for DirecTV and one for OTA-HD. Any thing available to take advantage of my current set-up?


Dave

 

[Ken H]

Quote:

Originally posted by cheridave Thank you for your quick response. So just run another RG-6 from the Sat to the Receiver. Wow, I wasn't expecting that. I already have two cables running, one for DirecTV and one for OTA-HD. Any thing available to take advantage of my current set-up?

You could try diplexers, but it can affect your OTA reception.


A diplexer will combine one antenna feed and one sat feed, on one coax, and a second diplexer will separate the two feeds at the desired point.

 

[aviators99]

Same as the Non-HD DirecTiVo, by the way.

 

[videoholic]

I was goign to say. This is nothing new.

 

[cheridave]

Thanks again for responding.


I guess i should have prefaced my post with:


I am a TIVO Newbie and I just pre-ordered the HD-Tivo, then I found the Spec Link in the TIVO Forum and saw the fine print and thus my questions.


If I must run another cable then I guess I will, but if the diplexers are cheap I suppose it won't hurt to try that first.


Oh well, we live and learn don't we.


Thanks.


Dave

 

[bpdp379]

Sorry to piggyback here, but for a new install will I need two or three runs? Two for the sats and one for OTA?

 

[rogo]

bpdp: You are asking the same question, effectively.


You can use two runs, one with a diplexer on each end to carry the OTA while both are carrying satellite from the multiswitch.


Dave: You could also have just one satellite tuner if you wanted via one run, although that is >>not

 

[turt]

Now that I'm going to go through the hassle to run a second coax for the SAT, I'm going to get rid of the diplexor and run all 3 separate. My OTA reception cuts out too often.

 

[cerulean]

Quote:

Originally posted by cheridave Do I have to have the phone line connected all the time?

The phone line is only required so that the box can call in and tell them how many pay-per-view movies that you've watched. (If you leave the phone line disconnected, I think that they disable your box's ability to watch pay-per-view movies.) I've never had the phone line plugged into my DST-3000 since I don't watch pay-per-view movies.


Bob

 

[BrettStah]

Just order PPV via the DirecTV website.

 

[BillJulyan]

Quote:

Originally posted by cheridave Do I have to have the phone line connected all the time?

Besides the PPV issue, you'll eventually get a nag message with a DirecTivo unit. I accidentally left my (standard definition) DirecTivo unit disconnected from the phone line for several weeks and received a message that implied that I would lose my Tivo functionality if the unit couldn't call home. Whether or not it would really lose it's functionality, I don't know.

 

[KornerKlub]

A diplexor is a POOR substitute for run of RG6. Well technically, TWO diplexors. They are more trouble than what they are worth.

 

[cheridave]

Ok, Good info, thanks.


Now by any chance has anybody made a single RG-6 Cable that has (2) two Cables in it? Then we could make a single run, cut and add the connectors. Well its a thought, maybe somebody out there has thought of this since the (2) two Sats in for TIVO is a common feature.


Dave

 

[KornerKlub]

I am sure a dual RG6 could be found. Back in the C-band days, I had a cable that was 4 runs together.

 

[BrettStah]

Quote:

Originally posted by cheridave Ok, Good info, thanks. Now by any chance has anybody made a single RG-6 Cable that has (2) two Cables in it?

http://www.hometech.com/techwire/coax.html#BE-9077

 

[cheridave]

I appreciate the link. Now I have something to think about. Good thing that we have some time available to make modifications to our existing systems.


Dave

 

[rogo]

Sorry, but the losses from a decent diplexer are minimal, like 0.5 dB.... Now a crappy one might be a bit worse, but this assailment of diplexers is a bit misplaced.

 

[usabrian]

rogo, its a perfect example of the herd mentality that develops around here. Someone posts something that may have been true for them and next thing you know everyone is saying you cant use diplexers. I notice virtually no difference with my system diplexed or run on separate rg6.


Brian