Multiswitch question

[tazman01]

I have DirecTV, dual LNB satellite round. I am expanding and need more than 4 outputs for my receivers. Can I buy a 5x8 multiswitch even though I only need two of the satelite inputs or do I need to purchase a 3x8. I have 3 receivers with 2 of them being dvr's so I need 5 outputs and need to replace my 3x4 multiswitch.

The reason I would buy a 5x8 is for future expansion of the satellite that would need more inputs for HD. I figured I would buy the larger 5 input multiswitch now rather than later.

So the real question is can I use the 5x8 multiswitch with only 2 of the inputs from the dish to the switch being used?
Thanks

[JimSpence]

Yes, just connect the two lines from your dish to the Sat A inputs on the 5x8.

[dishrich]

The reason I would buy a 5x8 is for future expansion of the satellite that would need more inputs for HD.

Understand that 5x8 switch will NOT work on the new MPEG4 HD dish anyway, so if you can get a 3x8 switch cheap, you might just as well go that route for now. ;) ;)

[tazman01]

Understand that 5x8 switch will NOT work on the new MPEG4 HD dish anyway, so if you can get a 3x8 switch cheap, you might just as well go that route for now. ;) ;)

Did not know that - why wouldn't it support HD dish?
I already bought a 5x8 for 90, the 3x8 is 27, so even with shipping the old one back I should still save $60.

Here I was thinking I would save buying a new multiswitch when I eventually go HD.

Thanks.

[mr.unnatural]

Understand that 5x8 switch will NOT work on the new MPEG4 HD dish anyway, so if you can get a 3x8 switch cheap, you might just as well go that route for now.
Not true. It will work just fine with the AT9 dish and his existing hardware. It just won't work if you switch to mpeg4 receivers. You'll need a wideband switch to be able to receive signals friom the mpeg4 sats.

[vman]

tazman01 - do you mind if I ask where you've found a 3x8 multiswitch for $27? I need one for expansion in our house (just basic non-HD receivers) and that sounds like a good price.

[dishrich]

Not true. It will work just fine with the AT9 dish and his existing hardware. It just won't work if you switch to mpeg4 receivers. You'll need a wideband switch to be able to receive signals friom the mpeg4 sats.

Uh, WHY would one get an AT9 dish if they were NOT also going to get MPEG4 hardware to go with it? What is the point of doing that? :confused: :confused:

Did not know that - why wouldn't it support HD dish?

See answer above - yes as mu stated it WOULD work with the dish, but NOT the new MPEG4 receivers to receive the MPEG4 signals from that same dish. Again, what IS the point of doing this?

Here I was thinking I would save buying a new multiswitch when I eventually go HD.

If you bought the WB68 switch, then THAT would be fine - otherwise, what's the point of buying an old 5x8, which will NOT work with MPEG4 signals. And again, if you are NOT planning on getting HD, what other reason would you get the MPEG4 dish &/or receiver(s)? :confused: ;)

[tazman01]

tazman01 - do you mind if I ask where you've found a 3x8 multiswitch for $27? I need one for expansion in our house (just basic non-HD receivers) and that sounds like a good price.

Main Site www.hometech.com go to full index if you don't have DirecTV
DirecTV Multiswitch link http://www.hometech.com/video/dssmulti.html


The Eagle Aspen 3x8 $27, The Steren was $50.

Ground Shipping took about 5 days.