New Technology: DirecTV Ethernet Coaxial Adapter

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jcrandall

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The DirecTV Ethernet Coaxial Adapter (DECA) is a upcoming technology DirecTV is developing to aid in networking receivers. The DECA networking operates at similiar speeds to a traditional wired network and provides better speeds than commonly used wireless or powerline networking.

This enables another method of networking DirecTV receivers to enable key features including On Demand, DirecTV2PC, MediaShare, and Multi-Room Viewing (future feature in development). The DECA connects to H21, H23, and all HR2x receivers (no word on R22 yet).

The DECA requires a SWM environment. It will not work with traditional LNBs / switches. It will work with the SWM LNB or external switch. If using an external SWM switch, all DECA adapters must be fed off the same port.

DECA operates using bandwith from the SWM setup, and therefore prevents the ability to diplex OTA signals into the configuration. DECA uses the same bandwith a diplexer would use for OTA, the 500-600mhz range.

HR20-100 receivers have a special need of connecting to both satellite inputs on the receiver for additional power, despite using an SWM configuration. Only one connection to the SWM is required though. The HR20-100 simply doesn't put enough power out of one receiver connection to power DECA properly (although that could change in the future).


This is a networking setup that requires some additional parts. There is a DECA Coax adapter (picture attached) that is essentially the network interface adapter.

There is a SWM filter that blocks the 500-600mhz range to prepare for DECA signals. This filter is placed at the output of the SWM before any splitters.

There is a power inserter required that operates at 21 volts, and is very similiar to the existing 29 volt SWM power inserter. In a setup with SWM and DECA, a user would need two power inserters.

Lastly, there is a splitter used at a receiver to integrate the internet connection.

Here is a basic diagram of how DECA would work:


SWM LNB on dish outside --------> SWM Power Inserter ---------->DECA Filter---------->SWM Splitter (2, 4, or 8 port splitter up to 2300mhz)

From the SWM Splitter ----------> DECA Adapaters --------------> Receivers

except the room with an internet connection:

From the SWM Splitter ---------> Supplied DECA Splitter -----------> DECA Adapter ------> Receiver
From the SWM Splitter ---------> Supplied DECA Splitter -----------> DECA Adapter ------> Internet Connection



Networking two receivers would require three DECA Adapters.
Networking three receivers would require four DECA Adapters.

All configurations require one DECA filter, one DECA 21v power supply, and one DECA splitter. All configurations require SWM.

Tests have indicated sppeds comparable with traditional wired networks and the ability to playback HD content (including 1080p) without video breakups and flawless audio.


No word on price, availability, or timeline, as this product is still in development.

Remember - you hear it first at Satelliteguys!
 

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oh man, this is what I need! Too bad about the diplexing, but one additional coax drop in one location is way better than an ethernet drop in 3.

One question...do the DECA adapters have ethernet outputs on them, or do they handle that through the SWM port? I've got more than just my DVR that needs to be networked at the TV. I see an ethernet port on the adapter pictured, but it's not clear if that is for the internet connection or if it's for all of them.

And if they are looking for testers SIGN ME UP!
 
I imagine it would work fine hooked to a hub/switch. It is just networking at that point, the SWM / DECA should have no concern over what data is transmitted.
 
Jason, Any word on when directv might be in the need for beta testers on this? I have the perfect setup for this, and I would seriously be intrested in beta testing this. Currently I have 2 of my HD DVR's are not hooked up because they are no where near an internet connection. I specifically would like to play around to see If I can hook this up to a switch and get other devices working off of it, like lets say a Firetv IPTV box.
 
I figured that they had to have something like this in the works..

Powerline and Wireless are far too unreliable for transferring HD content.. I am currently using powerline, which is working OK at best.. this is something I would definitely be interested in getting set up in my house
 
Right, so in a standard setup you have an ethernet cable from the DECA to the receiver..at each location, not just the room with the internet connection, right? And if so, then DirecTV is genius for putting the extra ethernet port on the back of the receiver.

Does each DECA require a receiver be connected? I could see a situation where you need to patch into your internet connection where there is no TV.
 
Jospeh - Any receiver you want to be part of the network requires a DECA box.


Goaliebob - the product is already in testing, I wouldn't expect any more testing to be available.
 
Jospeh - Any receiver you want to be part of the network requires a DECA box.

Do you have the option of having a mixed setup of some receivers connected to the DECA boxes and some connected with standard networking, as long as they are part of the same network?
 
ok, the 'other site' has apparently been able to test them (shame on Directv) and has some more info. These look like simple MoCA bridges, meaning a) you should be able to mix DECA and non-DECA connected receivers, granted that they are all on the same IP network (IE: the DECA network has a connection to the non-DECA ethernet network through a bridge/router) b) you don't have to have a receiver where the DECA network interfaces with your ethernet network, but it does require a power inserter in lieu of the receiver
 
To me the first post here looks exactly like the FIrst loook at the other site.... even down to the typos. What does it mean to say "You heard it here first" if it's copied from somewhere else? I'm getting very disappointed in how we're always falling behind over here and then we resort to petty copy and paste reporting ...
 
I am hearing you can do the same thing with non direcTV Moca Ethernet to Coax units.

I know Netgear makes one. Its not cheap though its $189.

I wonder how much the DirecTV version is going to cost.
 
I am hearing you can do the same thing with non direcTV Moca Ethernet to Coax units.

I know Netgear makes one. Its not cheap though its $189.

I wonder how much the DirecTV version is going to cost.

There is one important difference. The other MoCA units operate over 100 MHz bands between 875 and 1500 MHz (probably chosen to be compatible with cable). This is not compatible with SWM usage so the Directv units work at 500-600 MHz.

Assuming the cost is not prohibitive (although $189/unit would be), I plan to sign up as soon as they become available.
 
This is why I insisted on my installer putting SWM in my house. I was spoiled at my old house with wired ethernet and tons of coax but I am using wireless and powerline at the new one so I also agree that is not a reliable method of playing HD programming. I am ready to test!
 
Interesting news... I guess if D* isn't up for releasing new HD channels the LEAST they can do is work on improving their equipment.
 
Now I have a question does this unit go outside or is it inside?

Reason asking is I have used ethernet cable outside before, and it seems squirls (sp?) and birds love to eat it.

MnSatelliteGuy if you would like more information on the technology check out DBSTalk.com they have a good write up about it. Honestly we did not find out about it until this morning from DirecTV.
 
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