Installation questions..

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x3ro

SatelliteGuys Family
Original poster
Jan 4, 2006
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Hi guys,

My install is set for July 2nd.

I'm having (obviously) the slimline dish installed, along with two HD-DVRs and a single SD-DVR...

My question is, how many cables do they need to run to each box? I currently have two dish dual tuner DVRs, and only a single cable runs to each, then some box is attached to that cable then small cables from that small box to the two tuners on the DVR..

How does DirecTV install?
 
Currently, HD DVRs require two lines to each unit, unless the Single Wire Multiswitch (SWM) is used. The slimline dish has four outputs that need to be run to an SW68 multiswitch (which you need because you have a total of 6 tuners). The SWM is DirecTVs answer to the Dish method. It requires that the receivers be compatible with SWM.
 
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Currently, HD DVRs require two lines to each unit, unless the Single Wire Multiswitch (SWM) is used. The slimline dish has four outputs that need to be run to an SW68 multiswitch (which you need because you have a total of 5 tuners). The SWM is DirecTVs answer to the Dish method. It requires that the receivers be compatible with SWM.

Thank you JD... Will that SW68 cost me any extra money? The CSR didn't mention it when I placed the order.

Is the SWM in wide-use yet? I'm in the DFW, TX area if that makes any difference. Would the SWM cost any extra $?
 
You will need a total of 6 lines and they will use a WB68 Switch. The Single Wire is not in standard use as of yet so I would not expect to see it installed. 2 Lines are needed to each receiver HD or not, that is just the way DVR's work on the D* side atm.

If you definitely only want 1 line and potentially use your existing lines in the house then be prepared to self buy the switch from one of this sites sponsors. you will need a SWM8, SWM8 Power Inserter and a SW4 1x4 Splitter. This will run you just over $300, or the free install of running 4 lines from the dish to a 6x8 Multiswitch with 6 lines running to your receivers (2 each)

The Dallas-Forth Worth area is part of the Single Wire phase atm, but if you want clarity ask D* to get you in touch with the installation company/HSP that handles your area and ask them if they are using the "old" system, SWM8 or the Single Wire LNB (same as above just starts at the Dish vs the Multi-switch.
 
A couple more questions..

When the DTV installer comes, will he fish the new wire down the wall, or will he want to drill holes on the outside of the house?
 
A couple more questions..

When the DTV installer comes, will he fish the new wire down the wall, or will he want to drill holes on the outside of the house?

Wall fishes are extra. You will have to pay for them.
 
How likely is it that being in the fort worth area, that the installation company will use the SWM?

I need to call and verify my discounts, so I suppose I can get the number for the company coming out and ask them? Will they give that info?
 
It's still in test phase so only a few installers would be trained, least that is the way it is working in this area. Again if you get in touch with the install company slated to do your install they can shed more light for you. Do not rely on D* to "note the account"
 
For our area (Greater Cincinnati) wall fishes run $60 per wall. At the sole discretion of the installer to charge it or not. 2 story house, sounds like he'd be fishing some lines from the attic down, those he most likely would charge. Quick question: To fish the main floors (if you go that route) does the house have a basement/crawlspace underneath it? If it's a basement, is it finished or not? If it is finished, it will be extremely difficult to fish the main floor walls if not impossible.
 
For our area (Greater Cincinnati) wall fishes run $60 per wall. At the sole discretion of the installer to charge it or not. 2 story house, sounds like he'd be fishing some lines from the attic down, those he most likely would charge. Quick question: To fish the main floors (if you go that route) does the house have a basement/crawlspace underneath it? If it's a basement, is it finished or not? If it is finished, it will be extremely difficult to fish the main floor walls if not impossible.

I just have a single story with a concrete foundation.. There's one existing coax line to each room, so another will need to be added..
 
So it's on a slab then? Yeah fishing down from the attic if it's 2 story would be pretty challenging once you got to the point where you're trying to go between the upper and lower level. How new is the building? Lot of newer buildings have horizontal fire-breaks between the studs as well. SWM is the easiest option, or have it fished. Fishing would be difficult but an experience installer could probably do it if he has the right equipment.
 
So it's on a slab then? Yeah fishing down from the attic if it's 2 story would be pretty challenging once you got to the point where you're trying to go between the upper and lower level. How new is the building? Lot of newer buildings have horizontal fire-breaks between the studs as well. SWM is the easiest option, or have it fished. Fishing would be difficult but an experience installer could probably do it if he has the right equipment.

I think you confused me with the other guy.

My house is a simple 1 story ranch home with slab foundation. The walls where the boxes will be in my house already have large 1"+ holes in the studs where I previously ran some wires :)
 
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