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Will a SWM-8 solve my problem ?

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  • #1

    Will a SWM-8 solve my problem ?

    BACKGROUND: I currently have a Phase I dual LNB antenna (ground mounted) with 2 coax running from it to a Holland HMS-4APE multiswitch.

    The multiswitch feeds a DirecTivo DVR40 with an extra Hard drive, & a DirecTV R15-500.

    these both feed a Channel Plus 2 channel modulator with IR repeater which feeds the house via coax.

    all this is at a central location in the basement.

    there's also a S-video cable from the DirecTivo to a PC to capture programs for editing and then writing to DVD.

    Running additional coax from the antenna location to the location of the current equipment is not impossible, but pretty difficult.

    What I WANT to do: replace the DirecTV R15-500 with an HD model to feed my large screen TV and continue to feed SD to the Channel Plus modulator for distribution to the other 2 TVs, and keep the DirecTivo

    What I THINK I have to do:
    1 - Get a DirecTV SWM antenna, and switch BOTH receivers to newer SWM capable models.
    OR
    2 - get a DirecTV 3LNB antenna, fish 2 additional coax, upgrade the multiswitch, and upgrade the DirecTV R15-500 to an HD model.
    OR
    3 - get a DirecTV 3LNB antenna, get a SWM-8 & use it in some as yet undetermined fashion and the DirecTV R15-500 to an HD model.
    OR
    4 - some combination of 1, 2, & 3

    One thing I'm unsure of is if the other video & audio ( composite, S-video, etc ) output in SD while something is plugged into the HDMI port. From the manuals it appears that all the ports are active all the time, but it doesn't come right out & say that.

    Another question I have is just how difficult is installing the newer Ku/Ka antenas ? I looked at the installation videos & there was a LOT more equipment involved than when I originally installed the current antenna.

    I would appreciate someone that's more knowledgeable looking at this & letting me know if I'm understanding this and my solution(s) are workable AND if there's another easier way to get one DVR upgraded to HD than what I've come up with.

    Thanks In Advance

    roy
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  • #2
    I'd go with number 3. It takes less work to get that rolling, albeit more money.

    Yes, the HD DVR will output to all of those outputs at once.

    Installing the 3LNB isn't too bad - it's definitely easier than the 5LNB. But both are tougher than the older 3LNB dishes that were the original HD models.
    Been here a long time . . .

    Comment

    • #3
      Originally posted by WK-Michael View Post
      I'd go with number 3. It takes less work to get that rolling, albeit more money.

      Yes, the HD DVR will output to all of those outputs at once.

      Installing the 3LNB isn't too bad - it's definitely easier than the 5LNB. But both are tougher than the older 3LNB dishes that were the original HD models.
      Thanks for the response Michael.

      "3 - get a DirecTV 3LNB antenna, get a SWM-8 & use it in some as yet undetermined fashion and the DirecTV R15-500 to an HD model"

      Here's what I don't quite understand about option 3 -- it seems that to avoid having to fish the 2 additional coax, which is something I want to do, I have to mount the SWM-8 outside. BUT, to use the "legacy" ports, which I think I'd need to do for the DirecTivo that I want to retain for now, with the SWM-8 outside, I'd have to fish additional coax. Or am I just not visualizing it correctly ?

      thanks again

      roy

      Comment

      • #4
        Got it - I assumed your current multiswitch was outside with four lines running inside, so this wouldn't require fishing.

        But if you only have two coming in, you could do one for SWM and one for legacy and just only record one show at a time on the R15 . . .
        Been here a long time . . .

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