Need satellite Directv answers

Decolliber · 07-13-2004, 05:53 PM

I have a Directv satellite dish (older round one) with two outputs (= dual LNB??) feeding two receivers in different rooms. I want to add a third DVR (Tivo) receiver in another third room. Can I simply buy the DVR receiver and put a splitter on one of the original two lines to feed a signal to the new third receiver? Or do I need to either replace the old dish with a new triple LNB dish or add a second dish to feed a signal to the new 3rd DVR receiver?
I cannot find the answer to this question at the DirecTV web site. Sent them an email but no reply. I went to my local Best Buy and two very young salesmen each gave me different answers: one said yes you can use a splitter to get a signal to the 3rd receiver and one said no you can't. They sell the stuff and don't even know how it works. I just did a Google search on how sateliite TV works but could not find an answer.
Any Directv/satellite TV experts in Pelicanland?

Moses · 07-13-2004, 06:06 PM

www.tivocommunity.com

There's even a separate BBS for DirecTivo!
Register, post your question, and you'll have a solid answer.

Decolliber · 07-13-2004, 06:22 PM

Thanks Moses!! I found the answer immediately:

6. Can I use a splitter to add more receivers or add dual Tuners to my DirectTiVo? NO....this is where multiswitches come into play. You cannot use regular splitters. From the explaination of LNBs above, you should understand that if I split an LNB with a regular splitter, then I will have two receivers using the same LNB and fighting over looking at odd or even transponders. One or both receivers will only be able to see half of the channels.

7. What is a multiswitch? A multiswitch takes the input from both of the LNB's (both cables from a dual LNB dish HAVE to be connected to the multiswitch)...it then locks one of the LNB's to always look at the even transponders and the other LNB to always look at the odd transponders. This is why a multiswitch only works with Dual LNBs and not single LNB's. The switch then has multiple outputs to receivers (4,8,etc). When you connect the receiver to the multiswitch, the switch determines which of the two LNB's the receiver needs to look at depending if it needs to view odd or even transponders. When you change the channel, the switch then swaps your connection to the other LNB when needed. With a multiswitch, the LNB's never change which side they are looking at.

campbellcj · 07-13-2004, 07:10 PM

Just to confirm John's post above, I have a dual-LNB setup and run 4 boxes off it (well actually 2 regular receivers and 1 dual-input Tivo box). I acquired the multiswitch from the installer who mounted the dish waaaay up on the chimney. The setup works great!

Neilk · 07-13-2004, 09:43 PM

Follow the path of Almighty Moses....

go to Tivocommunity. I went there before ordering my Tivo and saved a bundle. When Directv comes to install your Tivo, they will bring a proper multiswitch and new dish if you need one for the price of the Tivo upgrade. No need to buy anything.

Enjoy Tivo. I can't imagine watching TV without Tivo.

cowtown · 07-14-2004, 07:13 AM

We just got DirectTV with Tivo two days ago - and it's STILL blowing my mind.

It's going to take some time for me to stop caring when a show is broadcast. I no longer have to watch Meet the Press at 4pm Sunday. Whoa.

12own911 · 07-14-2004, 09:59 AM

How sad John.

Guys who want DTV/TIVO may be able to get deals thru me... email me if you are interested. I work for DIRECTV and we have a pretty good Friends and Family package going on right now. Something like $79 Tivo and up to 2 additional rooms installed for free.

Moses · 07-14-2004, 10:14 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by 12own911
How sad John.

Guys who want DTV/TIVO may be able to get deals thru me... email me if you are interested. I work for DIRECTV and we have a pretty good Friends and Family package going on right now. Something like $79 Tivo and up to 2 additional rooms installed for free.

DirecTivo is king. The ultimate pairing. (I'm hopelessly addicted)

12own911 · 07-14-2004, 10:18 AM

me too... I need another Tivo for the bedroom. Woo Hoo

Moneyguy1 · 07-14-2004, 10:25 AM

WIth Direct TV..Can one purchase the boxes and aviod the monthly "rental" charge? And, we currently have (Phitooey) COX cable. In January COX "improved" its service with a Scientific Atlanta Explorer 3250 set top box. Now that we have a HDTV, we discover that COX wants even more $$$ to "upgrade" us to an HDTV box, since the 3250 is "digital, but not HDTV".

Beginning to realize that willing cable subscribers out here are
COX suckers, and I want OUT!!

Would Direct TV be HDTV?

12own911 · 07-14-2004, 10:31 AM

DIRECTV does offer an HDTV package. I believe there is a fee to be paid monthly if you want it. As for Tivo, I believe there is a Fee for that as well if you want certain services or free if you have the Total Choice Premier package. I am told that we are cheaper then Cable....

Decolliber · 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Moneyguy1
Would Direct TV be HDTV?

They have HDTV packages, but you need an HD TV to go with it.
www.directv.com
When I moved from the town to the country I had to drop Mediacom digiatl cable and switch to Directv. The cost for a comparable package is about the same. Only problem with satellite TV is that the signal breaks up when there is heavy snow or rain.

Moneyguy1 · 07-14-2004, 06:15 PM

Heavy snow and rain are not likely in Tucson, and there are very few trees that would need trimming!!!!!

Why can't satellite TV develop a system that could mimic cable in the respect that "basic" cable requires just co-ax to the receiver? We have multiple TV sets and the need for a box for each and every one is what has been keeping me away from a non-cable system.

And, my main question has still to be answered. Can one own his own boxes? I HATE renting any kind of equipment. Remember, at one time, even telephones were rented from the phone company. Now, of course, you can own your own.

Decolliber · 07-14-2004, 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Moneyguy1
And, my main question has still to be answered. Can one own his own boxes? I HATE renting any kind of equipment. Remember, at one time, even telephones were rented from the phone company. Now, of course, you can own your own.

Yes, with Directv you buy everything and own it - dish, cable, receiver, ...

Moneyguy1 · 07-14-2004, 11:27 PM

Thanks.

Appreciate the answer