wideband multiswitch

[byrd]

So, with the talk of the potential inclusion of MRV and DLB into the DTV DVRs in the next few months, I've started thinking about what it would take to get my current system set up for HD DVRs (I currently have 2 elderly SD series 2 Directivos). From what I've read so far, I'll need a new wideband 6x8 multiswitch, an 5LNB dish, and obviously the new DTV DVRs.

I had a couple questions with regards my potential upgrade.

1) I currently have a Terk 4x8 multi-switch located in a box mounted on the side of my house. Because of the way the multi-switch is mounted, I'd prefer if an installer not mess with it. I've seen the Zinwell Wide Band 6x8 Multiswitch at Amazon for about $24 (after shipping), and figured it's cheap enough that I can make the swap before I upgrade and be ready in advance. Will the Zinwell WB68 still work with my current 3 LNB elliptical dish and SD service in the interim?

2) My old 3LNB elliptical dish is about 150+ feet from the multi-switch box on the outside of my house. In addition, there's about another 30 to 50 feet of cable from the output of the multi-switch to the tivos. 2 of the 4 coax cables in the 150ft run are RG6, and 2 are RG11. My signal strength on the RG6 lines is okay, but has always been a bit lower then I'd like. Prior to the upgrading to HD, I'm planning on replacing the other 2 RG6 cables with RG11 (the cable is routed in 4 inch pvc tubing under my yard, so it's pretty simple). My question is about the new 5LNB dishes for HD TV. How many cables are required? If they require more cables, I'll just run the new cables when I'm replacing the old ones.

3) If the 5LNB dishes still use 4 cables, then what's the difference between the new 6x8 multi-switch and my old 4x8 multi-switch? What are the other 2 inputs for?

Thanks in advance!!

[stevel]

The basic input is four lines from the dish's built-in multiswitch, same as for your current 4x8.

The other two inputs are for separate dishes, for example, for international programming, and I think one is an OTA diplex, but I'm not sure about that. I believe that the WB68 will work fine with a 3LNB dish.

[cramer]

There's no OTA possible in the WB setup (Ka-low takes that range) The 2 flex ports are for 72.5 and 95? (it's in the docs for the WB68.)

You'll only need the 4 you already have.

[JimSpence]

There's no OTA possible in the WB setup (Ka-low takes that range) The 2 flex ports are for 72.5 and 95? (it's in the docs for the WB68.)

You'll only need the 4 you already have.Not quite true, as some have been able to diplex OTA with the KaKu setup. You just have to diplex in the right place.
However, it is best to just run a separate line for the antenna.