Before I Upgrade, Product/Installation Advice Requested

[berknip]

Ok, here is my current setup (if I'm missing something or anyone needs more detail let me know - I'm not an expert DirecTV/Satellite guy).

2 HR10-100's
2 HR20's
Slimline 5 (as reported by the DVR)
Zinwell WB68 located in a patch panel

HR10-100's are connected to a home network via wireless bridges.

I'd like to upgrade to whole home DVR and am considering just buying 2 HR24s, but don't know what additional equipment will be required - if any. I'd also like to keep them attached to the network as well (unfamiliar with DECA requirements).

Questions? Thoughts?

TIA.

 

[raoul5788]

Ok, here is my current setup (if I'm missing something or anyone needs more detail let me know - I'm not an expert DirecTV/Satellite guy).

2 HR10-100's
2 HR20's
Slimline 5 (as reported by the DVR)
Zinwell WB68 located in a patch panel

HR10-100's are connected to a home network via wireless bridges.

I'd like to upgrade to whole home DVR and am considering just buying 2 HR24s, but don't know what additional equipment will be required - if any. I'd also like to keep them attached to the network as well (unfamiliar with DECA requirements).

Questions? Thoughts?

TIA.

I'm no expert, but I think you already have the hardware you need. Just call Directv and have them enable the mrv function. You probably already know it's $3/month.

 

[berknip]

I called DirecTV to see if I could just add the service, and the representative said that they would still have to send someone out to replace my multiswitch with a SWM model, and also attach the DECA equipment to my 2 HR20-100s. Based on the cost for the visit + equipment, it didn't sound particularly cheap.

When I inquired about getting an HR24 from them, I was told they couldn't guarantee what I'd get and it was likely I'd get an HR21. Furthermore, when I asked if I purchased an HR24 from an external retailer, I was told that I'd still need to upgrade my switch and add the DECA equipment to my HR20-100's if I decided to keep them (since the HR20's I have are not multi-room capable).

Sounds like an expensive proposition.

 

[Jimbo]

I called DirecTV to see if I could just add the service, and the representative said that they would still have to send someone out to replace my multiswitch with a SWM model, and also attach the DECA equipment to my 2 HR20-100s. Based on the cost for the visit + equipment, it didn't sound particularly cheap.

When I inquired about getting an HR24 from them, I was told they couldn't guarantee what I'd get and it was likely I'd get an HR21. Furthermore, when I asked if I purchased an HR24 from an external retailer, I was told that I'd still need to upgrade my switch and add the DECA equipment to my HR20-100's if I decided to keep them (since the HR20's I have are not multi-room capable).

Sounds like an expensive proposition.

What they told you sounds right, the HR24's you buy won't need anything, but the HR20's will need DECA equipment if you want them on MRV.

I don't know how many recvrs you eventually want in your system, but if your already paying for the DVR and HD fee's it would make sense to eventually make all the recvrs DVR's as it doesn't cost you any more monthly than a non DVR.

 

[berknip]

What they told you sounds right, the HR24's you buy won't need anything, but the HR20's will need DECA equipment if you want them on MRV.

I don't know how many recvrs you eventually want in your system, but if your already paying for the DVR and HD fee's it would make sense to eventually make all the recvrs DVR's as it doesn't cost you any more monthly than a non DVR.

Can you make a recommendation as to what all equipment I should get (what switch, DECA equipment, etc.) along with a couple of HR24's, since I'd rather not go the DirecTV ordering route? I'm pretty sure I can replace the equipment rather easily myself since it doesn't require me to get on the top of my 2 story roof (I'm not afraid to admit I'm deathly afraid of heights).

Also something to note, it's possible that I'll add two more HD receivers at some point in the future so I don't know if that affects the switch selection or not.

 

[Jimbo]

Can you make a recommendation as to what all equipment I should get (what switch, DECA equipment, etc.) along with a couple of HR24's, since I'd rather not go the DirecTV ordering route? I'm pretty sure I can replace the equipment rather easily myself since it doesn't require me to get on the top of my 2 story roof (I'm not afraid to admit I'm deathly afraid of heights).

Also something to note, it's possible that I'll add two more HD receivers at some point in the future so I don't know if that affects the switch selection or not.

Well, if your going to do this and end up with the Deca equipment, you need a SWiM set up which would require a change of your LNB (on the roof ?).
I'm pretty sure they want the SWIM to do it, but could be wrong.

Btw, whats wrong with D* coming out to set the stuff up, it's thier equipment ...

 

[berknip]

Well, if your going to do this and end up with the Deca equipment, you need a SWiM set up which would require a change of your LNB (on the roof ?).
I'm pretty sure they want the SWIM to do it, but could be wrong.

Btw, whats wrong with D* coming out to set the stuff up, it's thier equipment ...

If I order the equipment through them, there's no guarantee I'd receive an H24, much less two - I was told (as mentioned earlier) that I should expect to receive an H21. Second I was told that the service call would be 150-250$. I'd rather spend that on equipment than a service call. I believe I can keep the LNB I have and just add a SWiM switch to replace the Zinwell. No?

 

[JAG72]

I believe I can keep the LNB I have and just add a SWiM switch to replace the Zinwell. No?

That is correct. The only problem is the cost of the switch if you do it yourself.

http://www.solidsignal.com/pview.as...upply-(8-Channel)-(SWM8)&c=Multiswitches&sku=

 

[JAG72]

Second I was told that the service call would be 150-250$.

This price sounds more like the installation for the MRV with receiver upgrades. Normally MRV is $150 total and that includes upgrading all receivers that don't support SWiM as well as providing the SWiM LNB or switch.

 

[berknip]

That is correct. The only problem is the cost of the switch if you do it yourself.

http://www.solidsignal.com/pview.asp?mc=02&p=SWM-8&d=DIRECTV-SWM8-Single-Wire-MultiSwitch-With-Power-Supply-(8-Channel)-(SWM8)&c=Multiswitches&sku=

Very true - and I think that since I will have 4 DVRs along with 2 HD receivers, I'm going to need the 16 instead of the 8 yes? If DirecTV comes out to perform the service, aren't they still going to charge me for that switch as well?

Thanks again for all of the advice!

 

[JAG72]

Very true - and I think that since I will have 4 DVRs along with 2 HD receivers, I'm going to need the 16 instead of the 8 yes? If DirecTV comes out to perform the service, aren't they still going to charge me for that switch as well?

Thanks again for all of the advice!

Yes you will need the SWiM 16. I ordered the MRV with Directv and the SWiM16 was included for the MRV installation fee. I got the SWiM16, HR24, and 5 Deca adapters for $99. I asked them to waive the $50 installation fee and they did without any issues.

Here is the pricing for just the SWiM 16 without the power inserter that you also need.

http://www.solidsignal.com/pview.as...tch-(16-Channel)-(SWM16)&c=Multiswitches&sku=

 

[berknip]

I'd do that in a heartbeat if I had any guarantee I'd get HR24's. I'm not sure what made the CSR certain that I would get an HR21 instead, but even when I mentioned that I only wanted the HR24, she was confident I'd get an HR21.

 

[JAG72]

I'd do that in a heartbeat if I had any guarantee I'd get HR24's. I'm not sure what made the CSR certain that I would get an HR21 instead, but even when I mentioned that I only wanted the HR24, she was confident I'd get an HR21.

Try it. When the installer gets there, tell him you will only take the HR24. If he doesn't have one or can't get one just cancel the order. You are not on the hook for anything until the install is completed. Heck even if they give you the HR21 you are still making out with getting the SWiM installation. You would then be able to replace the HR21's yourself with the HR24 that you were looking for. No matter what you will be on the hook for another 24 months so why not get the most you can for the $99 installation fee.

 

[berknip]

Fair enough. I suppose the only downside of that approach is that if they don't send out the right equipment, I'm back to doing it on my own so I really have nothing to lose. If they get it right, I'll also be able to have them take these HR20's off my hands.

 

[JAG72]

Fair enough. I suppose the only downside of that approach is that if they don't send out the right equipment, I'm back to doing it on my own so I really have nothing to lose. If they get it right, I'll also be able to have them take these H20's off my hands.

I added to my post while you were making yours. Don't forget that even if they install the HR21 you are getting a great deal with the SWiM16 and the Deca modules. Then upgrade the HR21's yourself with the HR24. You will be in a 24 month commitment so not a big deal to upgrade again right away.

 

[Jimbo]

If I order the equipment through them, there's no guarantee I'd receive an H24, much less two - I was told (as mentioned earlier) that I should expect to receive an H21. Second I was told that the service call would be 150-250$. I'd rather spend that on equipment than a service call. I believe I can keep the LNB I have and just add a SWiM switch to replace the Zinwell. No?

That is correct. The only problem is the cost of the switch if you do it yourself.

DIRECTV SWM-8 Single Wire Multi-Switch With Power Supply (8 Channel) (SWM-8) - DIRECTV - SWM-8 -

Thats NOT the way I understand it....

He currently has a Slimline LNB, he cannot just add the SWIM splitter and call it good, he needs to have a SWiM LNB from what I understand.

 

[Jimbo]

Yes you will need the SWiM 16. I ordered the MRV with Directv and the SWiM16 was included for the MRV installation fee. I got the SWiM16, HR24, and 5 Deca adapters for $99. I asked them to waive the $50 installation fee and they did without any issues.

Here is the pricing for just the SWiM 16 without the power inserter that you also need.

DIRECTV SWM16 Single Wire Multi-Switch (16 Channel) (SWM-16) - DIRECTV - SWM-16 -

Now I was told that the Deca adaptors were $ 39 each, x the 5 you mentioned would be alot more than $ 99.

 

[Jimbo]

Fair enough. I suppose the only downside of that approach is that if they don't send out the right equipment, I'm back to doing it on my own so I really have nothing to lose. If they get it right, I'll also be able to have them take these HR20's off my hands.

I also was under the understanding that if you were going DECA and you mentioned that when you ordered that they would send you the HR24's.

 

[JAG72]

Now I was told that the Deca adaptors were $ 39 each, x the 5 you mentioned would be alot more than $ 99.

The MRV upgrade fee should include the Deca's. Mine and many others here did not have to pay $39 per deca.

 

[berknip]

I'd also want to connect it to the home network - that would be another DECA and a power supply as well correct? Would they include that as part of the installation? Plus as I understand it, they also have to install MRV compatible splitters and band stop filters for the HR20's, so this could really add up.