Thread: Change SlimLine to SWM - off-air question

I have four HR20s but existing SlimLine 5LNB is too limited for all the dual tuners. I seem to recall in my dim memory from past forum traffic that there is an issue with off-air guide info if I only have the 99, 101 and 103 satellites (SWM3.) Does the regular D* guide still contain the off-air program info from the 99/101/103 satellites or is there some requirement to pull it from the 110 or 119 satellites? I have verified that all my HR20s have the FTM capability on SAT 1 input so think I'm good to go for SWM.

I'm pretty technical and assume I only need to change the LNB, add an appropriate splitter and power supply, and reconfigure each receiver to the SWM mode. Would appreciate any help as the off-air capabillity and channel guide info is important when weather interrupts satellite service.

Originally Posted by bgcarl

I have four HR20s but existing SlimLine 5LNB is too limited for all the dual tuners. I seem to recall in my dim memory from past forum traffic that there is an issue with off-air guide info if I only have the 99, 101 and 103 satellites (SWM3.) Does the regular D* guide still contain the off-air program info from the 99/101/103 satellites or is there some requirement to pull it from the 110 or 119 satellites? I have verified that all my HR20s have the FTM capability on SAT 1 input so think I'm good to go for SWM.

I'm pretty technical and assume I only need to change the LNB, add an appropriate splitter and power supply, and reconfigure each receiver to the SWM mode. Would appreciate any help as the off-air capabillity and channel guide info is important when weather interrupts satellite service.

IIRC, the issue is when you try to use a 5 lnb with a 3 lnb menu setup. The guide data still tries to come in from 119, which won't work that way. With the 3 lnb SWM, you should be fine. If this info needs correcting, please someone jump in and correct me.

Thanks, Chip. I'll be sure to configure the dish as a SWM 3LMB.

if the receiver sees the lnb as swm, it will not let you select any other option...

I guess it knows whether its a SWM lnb-3 vs. a SWM lnb-5 connected?

Originally Posted by bgcarl

I have four HR20s but existing SlimLine 5LNB is too limited for all the dual tuners. I seem to recall in my dim memory from past forum traffic that there is an issue with off-air guide info if I only have the 99, 101 and 103 satellites (SWM3.) Does the regular D* guide still contain the off-air program info from the 99/101/103 satellites or is there some requirement to pull it from the 110 or 119 satellites? I have verified that all my HR20s have the FTM capability on SAT 1 input so think I'm good to go for SWM.

I'm pretty technical and assume I only need to change the LNB, add an appropriate splitter and power supply, and reconfigure each receiver to the SWM mode. Would appreciate any help as the off-air capabillity and channel guide info is important when weather interrupts satellite service.

I am assuming you know that with your four DVR's your are maxed out on tuners with the SWM LNB? It only supports 8. Did you consider getting a SWM 8/16/32 multiswitch so you have room for expansion? I know it's a little off your topic, just wanted to make sure you knew it for down the road....

Thanks for the comment. Yes, I'm aware that the capacity is at its limit with four dual tuners but can't see that I would want any more. Also, not sure if its a valid premise, but I assume that the splitter for eight would sacrifice a few more dBs and wanted to be sure I was getting all the signal strength the system can provide. If there is a future requirement to expand, another splitter is relatively inexpensive to swap out.

Originally Posted by bgcarl

Thanks for the comment. Yes, I'm aware that the capacity is at its limit with four dual tuners but can't see that I would want any more. Also, not sure if its a valid premise, but I assume that the splitter for eight would sacrifice a few more dBs and wanted to be sure I was getting all the signal strength the system can provide. If there is a future requirement to expand, another splitter is relatively inexpensive to swap out.

I am really unsure why you are doing this, IMHO it's a complet waste of time and money. Going to an SWM LNB gains you nothing other than the ability to drive DVRs with a single cable, but since you already have them connected with two cables that's no gain at all. Right now your dish is at capacity but by using conventional multiswitches (WB68s) or even multiple SWM8 stand-alone multiswitches, or the SWM16/32 when they are released, you can connect as many receivers and DVRs as you like. I think you are misunderstanding how the SWM system works. Using an SWM LNB at your dish limits you to eight tuners FOR EVER, you can't expand the system by using a larger splitter.

Originally Posted by texasbrit

I am really unsure why you are doing this, IMHO it's a complet waste of time and money. Going to an SWM LNB gains you nothing other than the ability to drive DVRs with a single cable, but since you already have them connected with two cables that's no gain at all. Right now your dish is at capacity but by using conventional multiswitches (WB68s) or even multiple SWM8 stand-alone multiswitches, or the SWM16/32 when they are released, you can connect as many receivers and DVRs as you like. I think you are misunderstanding how the SWM system works. Using an SWM LNB at your dish limits you to eight tuners FOR EVER, you can't expand the system by using a larger splitter.

You must have missed the very first sentence of the thread -
I have four HR20s but existing SlimLine 5LNB is too limited for all the dual tuners.