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Zeigh

Last reply Jul 23, 2013 · posted in DISH Network Support Forum

Unusual Dish Network Installation/Configuration...

Hello,

I am preparing for a Dish Network technician to install my system and being that my pocket protector is pretty big itself, want to make it as easy as possible for us both. My configuration will involve one Hopper and one Joey, both installed in a network closet and fed to the rest of the house via HDMI-over-Cat6 and an IR repeater. I will set up a table immediately outside of this area with two HDTV's and power sources for the ease of setup, testing, and sign-off of the installation (no HDMI-over-Cat6 connections will be done then). Once the technician is gone, then I will then reassemble everything on my network rack to my geek standards. Here are a few questions:

- I have two runs of RG6 quad cabling (rated at 3GHz) from my network closet to where a single satellite dish will be installed. The total length is about 40-50 feet. Is this within limitations to have the solo node installed in the network closet?

- What are the grounding considerations with this? It seems like I read that the solo node was to be no more than 20 feet from the dish if it is used for grounding, but didn't see another option.

- Is there anything that would contractually prevent the customer from distributing a Dish signal with private equipment to other HDTV's inside their own home? I have not seen such a detail in my contract, but then again, my eyes got all glassy trying to read it.

More Microchips Than Sense,
Dr. Z.

17 Replies · 5425 views

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StevenD

Jun 30, 2013

How are those Monoprice switches working out?

Zeigh

Jun 30, 2013

StevenD said:
How are those Monoprice switches working out?

I am using three of their HDMI-over-Cat6 distribution amps (model #8160)n and to be quite honest, it is just a crap shoot on how they work between certain sources and HDTV's. Test connections with a Sony Blu-ray player and AppleTV to HDTV's from Sharp, Vizio, and Westinghouse have worked well with a few oddities. However, trying to get a signal between a Mac Mini (with HDMI port) and any of the HDTV's via the Monoprice unit usually failed or was inconsistent for unknown reasons. The Sharp HDTV would only work without power to the HDMI-over-Cat6 receiver! I also discovered that Monoprice right-angle HDMI adapters botched such connections, even though I am using the Monoprice 24AWG high-speed HDMI cables.

As far as a Hopper/Joey are concerned, their HDMI signal should be similar to what the Sony Blu-ray output, so it is a good gamble that the configuration will work. I'll report back with what I found...

- Dr. Z. -

gpflepsen

Jun 30, 2013

How reliable are these HDMI splitters with HDCP? Could that be some of the problem?

Zeigh

Jun 30, 2013

The HDCP version is 1.2a on the Monoprice units, so that should be fine. The finicky issue here is EDID and basic handshaking. Problems can usually be corrected with turning all devices off and systematically restarting them, but what good does that do when you are settled in bed for the night and the network closet is in the basement? There are several web sites devoted to this very issue and it usually boils down money; you get what you pay for. Monoprice is the Harbor Freight of the electronic world. HA! Of course I could get a similar Gefen unit that costs over $2000, but then it would be cheaper to have several Joey's traditionally connected and pay Dish monthly...

Like I mentioned, I think that the Hopper/Joey will play nice with the Monoprice units.

- Dr. Z. -

Zeigh

Jul 23, 2013

Update on Monoprice HDMI-Over-Cat6 distribution Amps...

Because some of you asked, here is a copy of the review I posted at Monoprice.com concerning their HDMI-over-Cat6 distribution amp (model 8160)...

Pros:
?
- Works as advertised if HDCP, EDID, and a full moon don't blacken the screen first
- Much cheaper than a similar $2000 Gefen unit

Cons:

- Not very sturdily built
- No rack mountable hardware available, even though there are holes drilled in the unit for this

Review:

I initially purchase two of these units for a home communications wiring upgrade. They were not put into service until about two months after purchase and then, with only half the ports used as the project progressed. It was a simple plug and play with Cat6 cabling. I distributed the audio/video of two DishTV tuners throughout my home and all worked really well (max Cat6 length was 131 feet). A few months later and all eight ports on both units were connected. I was so impressed that I bought another unit to distribute security cameras. That's where I started loosing hair and having to bum Prozac from my neighbor.

This model does not like to play well with the HDMI signal of a Mac Mini. I tried three Macs in my testing and really found no constancy in the ability for a signal to reach a monitor. What worked one minute, fizzled the next, then would reappear the next day. I used all high-speed 24 AWG HDMI cables, cleaned the connections, tweaked the source video configuration, and more invasive troubleshooting to no avail. I eventually abandoned the idea until another Mac model becomes available. The unit was temporarily used to distribute the signal of a blu-ray player.

I also discovered that a low budget HDTV that I purchased from WalMart would only accept a signal from this product about 70% of the time. Once again, no constancy in the troubleshooting. This was most likely due to the sweatshop kid assembled HDTV and not the Monoprice unit, but buyer should be ware regardless.

Now, after 18 months, ALL THREE units have eventually began to come up with port failures. The only consistency I found with this is that port #8 on all models failed first, then only one unit had two other ports fail. I might say that there was some electrical spike issue that damaged them, but each unit was on a separate circuit and with it's own high quality surge protector. I might also be concerned about heat buildup running 24/7, but I had external fans attached specifically to keep things such components cool. No other device in the chain showed any problems. I have returned one of the units for store credit and purchased another two via my credit card extended warranty program.

Monoprice has cheap prices for a reason; they are the Harbor Freight of electronics. Some of their products work really well, while others just don't last the test of a true geek like me. The only reason that I purchased another two units is because it was basically free with my warranty extension and, well, I am a delusional optimist. Besides, I am not willing to gamble $4000 on two similar Gefen units and risk having the same thing happen. Monoprice has it's place sometimes in my arsenal of microchips.

"Technological change is like an axe in the hands of a pathological criminal." (Albert Einstein, 1941),
Dr. Z.

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TVHabit

Last reply 36 minutes ago · posted in Free To Air (FTA) Discussion

Hybrid Dish setup

Picked up a sweet directv dish, mount, twin lnbs and a short cable.
Has anyone converted one to FTA? A Frankenstein of sorts...

6 Replies · 287 views

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Brct203

Oct 13, 2026

would probably also work well for NHK on 101W and possibly for PBS on 99W. I used one for a while on 30W. Just keep in mind that because it's undersized for those satellites, it might work fine in clear weather but won't have much margin to account for signal degradation during rain/snow

Reactions: TVHabit

one_db_compression

Oct 13, 2026

If you can find one, the Shaw / Star Choice 75e ellipticals are great for use on 97, 99, and 101W. They are really just rebranded ChannelMaster 75 cm reflectors and use linear LNBFs by default out of the box.

Everyone else's mileage may vary.

Reactions: TVHabit

TVHabit

Sunday at 10:12 AM

I have read that some have converted this type dish but after giving it a good look, it's the lnb conversion that is the bottleneck. Does anyone have a picture of their attempt to configure the lnb? I watched a video on youtube from the save it for parts guy and he used duct tape! Guess it worked but I'm thinking something a bit more permanent!
Thanks to all for your interest and replies...

Titanium

Sunday at 3:38 PM

Many of us have used a universal LNBF mount (or get creative with L brackets and plumbers tape - perforated metal strapping). Use a few inches of aluminum tube (or a piece of 1x2" lumber) to extend the support arm (replacing the plastic mount used by DirecTV and Dish) to place the LNBF throat opening at the correct distance from the reflector, the correct height and at the correct angle. Nothing magical... simply place the new linear LNBF in the center at the same distance, height and angle as the current combo.
www.amazon.com/Universal-Single-Bracket-Holder-FTA-US/dp/B074L85WK2

Reactions: FTA4PA

k4otl

36 minutes ago

To add: 101W Ku seems to be (one of if not the) strongest for me, and if I only had Ku I definitely want 101W for the music mux, it's robust FEC and strong signal help a lot. I've thought about using a used Dish/DirectTV dish at my Dads to supplement his OTA (mainly for my benefit when I visit

)

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Scott Greczkowski

Staff member HERE TO HELP YOU! Cutting Edge

Last reply Today at 5:59 AM · posted in The Chit Chat Club

Song Name Game Part 3!

Sometimes a thread gets so many posts in it that is can cause issues for the server so that why today we introduce The Song Name Game Part 3!

So let the game continue!

The last song was added by Bobby who posted...

One Meat Ball - Andrews Sisters

CONTINUE ON AND HAVE FUN! WELCOME HOME TO SATELLITEGUYS.US!

Here are the original rules for the game as posted by WebbyDude back in 2006. http://www.satelliteguys.us/threads/68645-Song-Name-Game

Just name a song title and the band who performed it. The next person does the same thing, but needs to list a song title or band name which includes a word from the previous entry. Pick songs from any genre.

Example:

Long Live Rock and Roll -- Rainbow

Rainbow in the Dark -- Dio

Another example:

Ride the Lightning -- Metallica

Lightning Strikes -- Ozzy Osbourne

Get it?

An additional note: we all know that song titles, sometimes, use profane words. Because this is a family friendly website it is advised that you clean up that title up a bit. This is accomplished by using something like sh!t instead of the real word. Thanks....

68539 Replies · 2673746 views

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long_time_Dish

Yesterday at 8:29 PM

Give A Little Bit - Supertramp

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dishstaller

Yesterday at 10:11 PM

Little Wing - Jimi Hendrix

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long_time_Dish

Today at 12:54 AM

With A Little Luck - Wings

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hwkn

Today at 2:44 AM

LITTLE Willy-Sweet

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ClarkGable

Today at 5:59 AM

Little Deuce Coupe - The Beach Boys

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meStevo

Lifetime Supporter

Last reply Yesterday at 11:25 PM · posted in The Sports Section

NFL 2026-2027 Season

Schedule drops tomorrow. Mandatory mini camps in June. Hall of Fame game August 6th.

116 Replies · 1843 views

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meStevo

Yesterday at 11:40 AM

Hurts done for the season now

View: https://x.com/RapSheet/status/2112185275862417814

Reactions: Foxbat, osu1991 and Mike0616

Foxbat

Yesterday at 6:19 PM

I guess even the patience of us laid-back Hoosiers has its limits:

Colts relieve general manager Chris Ballard of his duties

Colts Owner & CEO Carlie Irsay-Gordon released a statement Monday announcing the news.

www.colts.com

Reactions: Mike0616 and rvvaquero

rvvaquero

Yesterday at 9:00 PM

Foxbat said:
I guess even the patience of us laid-back Hoosiers has its limits:

Colts relieve general manager Chris Ballard of his duties

Colts Owner & CEO Carlie Irsay-Gordon released a statement Monday announcing the news.

www.colts.com

Be nice to see a Cowboy headline like that.

Reactions: Mike0616 and osu1991

Mike0616

Yesterday at 9:35 PM

Foxbat said:
I guess even the patience of us laid-back Hoosiers has its limits:

Colts relieve general manager Chris Ballard of his duties

Colts Owner & CEO Carlie Irsay-Gordon released a statement Monday announcing the news.

www.colts.com

Can we expect to see a new coach if we say "pretty please?"

Reactions: Foxbat

Foxbat

Yesterday at 11:25 PM

Jeeez, Week 6, no lead is safe…

View all replies (116)

Peter Parker

Supporting Founder Lifetime Supporter

Last reply Yesterday at 10:34 PM · posted in DISH Network Support Forum

DISH Hopper 3 Software Version 713 Is Out

No idea what improvements might be involved.

24 Replies · 1100 views

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Reactions: LQQK and reubenray

naptime

Sunday at 1:05 AM

I'm getting fabulous picture on Ch. 148 4k, but zero audio with H713. This is with a recorded show (Notre Dame game). Anyone else have this? Audio is fine on every other channel.

Reactions: charlesrshell

jsmit86

Yesterday at 9:57 AM

naptime said:
I'm getting fabulous picture on Ch. 148 4k, but zero audio with H713. This is with a recorded show (Notre Dame game). Anyone else have this? Audio is fine on every other channel.

It's a known issue.
For a temporary fix, go into the menu, Audio, and turn Dolby Audio "OFF". You will have PCM stereo audio.

I was able to give the tech ops team some data logs so they could diagnose the problem, and they rolled me back to H708 temporarily. It fixed that issue.

They let me know that they understand what caused the issue, and it will be fixed within a few weeks in a new update.

Reactions: Foxbat, Almighty1, reubenray and 3 others

long_time_Dish

Yesterday at 3:57 PM

jsmit86 said:
They let me know that they understand what caused the issue, and it will be fixed within a few weeks in a new update.

Oh, you mean "soon"? :biggrin

Reactions: Foxbat and charlesrshell

Almighty1

Yesterday at 4:07 PM

jsmit86 said:
It's a known issue.
For a temporary fix, go into the menu, Audio, and turn Dolby Audio "OFF". You will have PCM stereo audio.

I was able to give the tech ops team some data logs so they could diagnose the problem, and they rolled me back to H708 temporarily. It fixed that issue.

They let me know that they understand what caused the issue, and it will be fixed within a few weeks in a new update.

I guess they will be busy when lots of people start asking for rollbacks to H708 now that you mention that downgrades of software does exist because it will likely fix the OTA Single Tuner and the IR Remote problems in H710-H713.

Reactions: long_time_Dish and charlesrshell

navychop

Yesterday at 5:53 PM

Almighty1 said:
it will likely fix the OTA Single Tuner

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dishstaller

Yesterday at 10:34 PM

Almighty1 said:
it will likely fix the OTA Single Tuner

Oh....you were serious

Reactions: charlesrshell

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iJustine

Yesterday at 10:22 PM · posted in iJustine

This is iPhone Duo!

Time for another AWESOME video from iJustine!

View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/P4_TzYKwcNY

Direct YouTube Link - This is iPhone Duo!
The official iJustine Website's Website
Buy her book!

0 Replies · 24 views

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TWiT Tech Podcast Network

Yesterday at 10:22 PM · posted in TWiT Tech Podcast Network

Generative AI: Revolutionizing Game NPC Dialogue & Behavior? #shorts

Time for another AWESOME video from the TWIT Network!

View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/-O2iLThF4z8

Direct YouTube Link - Generative AI: Revolutionizing Game NPC Dialogue & Behavior? #shorts
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed

0 Replies · 23 views

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teachsac

Staff member HERE TO HELP YOU!

Last reply Yesterday at 10:14 PM · posted in TV Shows

S.W.A.T. Exiles (Starz)

Hondo is back with a new squad 9/25 only on Starz.

View: https://m.youtube.com/shorts/b0gPzA8KHEQ

7 Replies · 118 views

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klang

Aug 1, 2026

Never watched the previous shows, so doubtful.

dfergie

Sep 2, 2026

View: https://youtu.be/wRbxI9muoIw?is=uM9d0DhDKRao_kA3

teachsac

Yesterday at 8:19 AM

Started watching yesterday. Not too bad.

Scott Greczkowski

Yesterday at 8:55 AM

Wife likes it.

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teachsac

Yesterday at 10:14 PM

I like Zyra from La Brea (one with the prosthetic).

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dfergie

Staff member HERE TO HELP YOU!

Last reply Yesterday at 8:36 PM · posted in TV Shows

Stargate SG-1 Discussion

Stargate SG-1 cancelled, Atlantis renewed

Monday - August 21, 2006 | by Darren Sumner

The future of Stargate is in question today, as SCI FI Channel has cancelled the long-running Stargate SG-1, Multichannel News reported today and a GateWorld source has confirmed. The news regrettably follows the airing of the show's milestone two-hundredth episode on Friday.

Stargate Atlantis, meanwhile, has been renewed for a fourth season, with the network hoping to see that the spin-off series can stand alone, according to a source.
Source Gateworld

2033 Replies · 184162 views

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reubenray

Yesterday at 1:30 PM

I have gotten back into watching SG-1 and I have recorded most of the episodes to binge watch. What episodes are about the Antarctic or was this a movie? Also where could I watch the SG-1 movies?

osu1991

Yesterday at 2:00 PM

Watch Stargate SG-1 for Free Online | Pluto TV

Stargate SG-1 picks up where the blockbuster film left off as the SG-1 team sets out to explore the mysteries of the Stargate and the worlds beyond it in the pulse-pounding series which became a worldwide phenomenon and a science fiction classic. Stream Stargate SG-1 for free on Pluto TV.

pluto.tv

long_time_Dish

Yesterday at 3:47 PM

reubenray said:
I have gotten back into watching SG-1 and I have recorded most of the episodes to binge watch. What episodes are about the Antarctic or was this a movie? Also where could I watch the SG-1 movies?

Well, there are a couple involving the Antarctic. "Solitudes", S1 E17 (one of my favorites), Then, "Lost City', S7 E21 and E22. Then, in the SGA pilot, "Rising", S1 E1 and E2, it starts out in the Antarctic for about the first 20 minutes or so.

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reubenray

Yesterday at 3:54 PM

long_time_Dish said:
Well, there are a couple involving the Antarctic. "Solitudes", S1 E17 (one of my favorites), Then, "Lost City', S7 E21 and E22. Then, in the SGA pilot, "Rising", S1 E1 and E2, it starts out in the Antarctic for about the first 20 minutes or so.

Which one has O'Neil being Ancients? I am at the end of Season 8 now.

long_time_Dish

Yesterday at 8:36 PM

reubenray said:
Which one has O'Neil being Ancients? I am at the end of Season 8 now.

If I understand your question, O'Neill had the Ancient's knowledge in the "Lost City" two-part episode. That was when Anubis attacked Earth and there was a big battle over Antarctica.

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View all replies (2033)

TWiT Tech Podcast Network

Yesterday at 7:22 PM · posted in TWiT Tech Podcast Network

Defender on Linux: Microsoft’s Big Security Move #shorts

Time for another AWESOME video from the TWIT Network!

View: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/wVdnjWsw2Uk

Direct YouTube Link - Defender on Linux: Microsoft's Big Security Move #shorts
TWIT's Website
TWIT Live Feed

0 Replies · 27 views

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Ramy

Supporting Founder

Last reply Yesterday at 6:22 PM · posted in The Sports Section

2026-27 NCAA College Football

Really excited for this season with Kentucky having a new coach and some really exciting recruits. Probably won't last long, but here's hoping this season is great.

152 Replies · 1948 views

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Foxbat

Sunday at 6:34 PM

Best fan sign I saw during the ND-BYU game: "Bear ate your Lucky Charms!" (Bear being the Cougars' QB). I was going to suggest, "Have you or your team been involved in a Carr crash?"

Reactions: Jimbo and Mike0616

osu1991

Yesterday at 10:03 AM

View: https://youtu.be/mUq0cZaflyc?si=odZ2TTCweQXCWNBR

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Mike0616

Yesterday at 11:08 AM

osu1991 said:
View: https://youtu.be/mUq0cZaflyc?si=odZ2TTCweQXCWNBR

They get cruel sometimes, very very cruel.

. Hated to see my dawgs go down but I still say being ranked #1 is a hex on you!

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Jimbo

Yesterday at 2:11 PM

Mike0616 said:
They get cruel sometimes, very very cruel.. Hated to see my dawgs go down but I still say being ranked #1 is a hex on you!

Yup, I agree, I'd rather be 2 or 3 till the last few weeks.

Reactions: Mike0616

osu1991

Yesterday at 6:22 PM

View: https://youtu.be/F6KonG-9Gz0?is=NqOTlbotkS--p4aj

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Unusual Dish Network Installation/Configuration...

Hybrid Dish setup

Song Name Game Part 3!

NFL 2026-2027 Season

Colts relieve general manager Chris Ballard of his duties

Colts relieve general manager Chris Ballard of his duties

Colts relieve general manager Chris Ballard of his duties

DISH Hopper 3 Software Version 713 Is Out

This is iPhone Duo!

Generative AI: Revolutionizing Game NPC Dialogue & Behavior? #shorts

S.W.A.T. Exiles (Starz)

Stargate SG-1 Discussion

Watch Stargate SG-1 for Free Online | Pluto TV

Defender on Linux: Microsoft’s Big Security Move #shorts

2026-27 NCAA College Football