SWM-8 w/ Off Air Antenna Question

[charlie4x4]

I currently have a swm-8 setup with 3 HR-21s and one HR-20. I am trying to use the swm-8 with my off air antenna and would like the channels to show up on my directv guide. I know the HR20 has the antenna port but do I even need that? I've read a lot of different things on the net and would like to know from someone who has done it. Can I just put the antenna into the swm and it will work on my receiver? If I do have to diplex it right behind the receiver is the HR20 the only HD DVR SWM compatible receiver? I don't want to put it in my tv so that is not an option. Thanks for the help!

[wildbill129]

You can connect an off-air antenna directly into the SWM-8, in the "off-air" port. You will need a diplexer at each receiver location to separate the satellite and off-air signals. Any of the HR series HD-DVR's (minus the old Tivo HR10-250) will work with SWM so you are OK there..The HR20 models have an OTA input but the others, HR21/22/23 require an additional AM-21 receiver to receive the OTA signals. The AM-21 is $50.00 and you can get it directly from DirecTV or many other places. It connects to the HR receiver via a USB cable. Everything will integrate into your guide then.

[jtwex]

You can connect an off-air antenna directly into the SWM-8, in the "off-air" port. You will need a diplexer at each receiver location to separate the satellite and off-air signals. Any of the HR series HD-DVR's (minus the old Tivo HR10-250) will work with SWM so you are OK there..The HR20 models have an OTA input but the others, HR21/22/23 require an additional AM-21 receiver to receive the OTA signals. The AM-21 is $50.00 and you can get it directly from DirecTV or many other places. It connects to the HR receiver via a USB cable. Everything will integrate into your guide then.

Some people have reported using any old diplexer for the OTA splice but if you go to any of our sponsors sites you will see special SWM diplexers for sale. These cover 5-806 Mhz on the TV side & 960-2150 Mhz on the Sat side. I personally tried using a normal Radio Shack diplexer just for kicks & the OTA's never showed up. Just some food for thought, everything else above is correct.

[charlie4x4]

Thanks so much guys. I appreciate it. Called Dtv and got them to send me an AM21. Does this mean that all my local channels will come in from the antenna? I know I will get the .1 .2 .3 .4 channels but if the .1 channel goes out due to my antenna that would be worse than what I get right now with the locals being provided by Directv. Thanks again!

[jtwex]

Thanks so much guys. I appreciate it. Called Dtv and got them to send me an AM21. Does this mean that all my local channels will come in from the antenna? I know I will get the .1 .2 .3 .4 channels but if the .1 channel goes out due to my antenna that would be worse than what I get right now with the locals being provided by Directv. Thanks again!

Yes, The AM-21 will pick up all the - extensions of each channel provided they are being received in your area & are in the stupid DTV database.

[wildbill129]

Some people have reported using any old diplexer for the OTA splice but if you go to any of our sponsors sites you will see special SWM diplexers for sale. These cover 5-806 Mhz on the TV side & 960-2150 Mhz on the Sat side. I personally tried using a normal Radio Shack diplexer just for kicks & the OTA's never showed up. Just some food for thought, everything else above is correct.

Good point, I should have mentioned the need for a SWM compatible diplexer....good catch...