Splitting DirecTV Signal

[VaJim]

I was talking to a DTV CSR today and he mentioned that Radio Shack sells a powered satelite signal splitter which can be used on a TIVO machine or their new DVR+. Anyone have any knowledge of this?

Thanks!

[MetalWorker]

My guess would be just a multi-switch

[litzdog911]

VaJim:
What are you trying to do? You cannot simply "split" one satellite cable to feed both inputs on a dual tuner DirecTV DVR. You need a "multiswitch" or, if your dish has unused outputs, simply run another cable back to the dish.

[VaJim]

Thanks for the responses.

What I'm really doing is getting DTV to send me some upgraded (active channel) receivers. While on the phone, the CSR mentioned the 'splitter' from Radio Shack. He said it was made for the Dishnet, but could be used with DTV. According to the CSR, it's a powered splitter and is 'mainly' designed to help those who can't run a 2nd line to the Tivo or DTV+.

It sounded fishy to me, so I'd thought I'd ask the group here.

Thanks!

[ebonovic]

There is a very specific combination of "criteria" for the R15 (the DTV+ reciever), where you can use a splitter....

But there is some other semi-expensive hardware involved (Stackers) that need to be part of that equation for it to work.

The technique is really only popular in MDU's and "extreme" situations in homes where you simply can't run another line.

[JimSpence]

Specifically, the only time a DirecTV signal can be split is if the two polarities (odd, even) have been stacked first. Then you use a destacker to separate the two polarities. What Radio Shack is selling for Dish is most likely the destacker since some of their dishes stack the signal at the dish.

[Jonathan_S]

Specifically, the only time a DirecTV signal can be split is if the two polarities (odd, even) have been stacked first. Then you use a destacker to separate the two polarities. What Radio Shack is selling for Dish is most likely the destacker since some of their dishes stack the signal at the dish.
I though I recalled that the R15 actually had a built in destacker. (Well technically a wideband tuner) In which case you could feed it stacked output directly.


However, I don't see anything in the online manual that confirms that...

[tryptoneCRG]

[QUOTE=Jonathan_S]I though I recalled that the R15 actually had a built in destacker. (Well technically a wideband tuner) In which case you could feed it stacked output directly.


This is true but the stackers are what most people are missing in that equation. If I IIRC they are pretty expensive (i think a couple hunderd dollars, someone correct me if i'm wrong) but it is good solution for folks that cant run two lines.

[JimSpence]

Won't the R15 still require two lines even if it does have a destacker? This would require the use of a splitter. And if TiVos (R10 or similar) are used then you need to use destackers and/or a multiswitch combination to feed those.

[classicsat]

If the receiver has a wideband tuner( as the R15 apparently does), it can use a single line if a stacker is used. DirecTV TiVos don't have wideband tuners, so need destackers.

[SeattleCarl]

You still need to connect a line to each of the tuner inputs on the R15, so "two" lines are required in that sense. IF you have a stacked signal (which requires a separate piece of equipment called a stacker), then you can use a wide frequency splitter to feed the two inputs.

However, as everyone else has noted, your standard DirecTV signal from the dish is not stacked, and without costly additional equipment, you can't simply use a splitter to feed two tuners or two receivers.

Carl

[grecorj]

OT: Has anyone tried the new BK double/triple stackers? Yummy.