[Hatman]

Has anyone been able to get DirecTV to supply them with a free 6x16 multiswitch yet?

 

[litzdog911]

Doubtful. It's much more expensive than the Zinwell WB68 typically provided.

 

[BigBearf]

Zinwell 6x16 Multiswitch/DirecTV Question
Has anyone been able to get DirecTV to supply them with a free 6x16 multiswitch yet?

I had a custom install done about a year ago and paid about $250 for the WB616s that I used. I found that the WB68s were not cascadable. I expect that long cable runs may have contributed to this but the WB616s work like a charm.

Hope this helps,
BigBearf

 

[Willy]

Yes, did get a 6x16 free under the movers plan along with the new 5LNB dish. Had 2 existing HR10s. Got them to be replaced by HR20's and they added another $19.95 HR20 as well (Credited back though). But the local installer didn't care about taking back the HR10s, so I got to keep them. So total receivers = 2 old HR10s and 3 new HR20s. 10 feeds needed. At first they cascaded two 6x8s but I didn't like that so I got them to send a 6x16. It did take two calls and two trips for the local guys to find one though.

All for free through the movers package. Then I asked them "Any deals on programming?" A: 6 months HD package free and free HBO for 6 months. Wow.

We have been subscribing for 6 years. Only hockey package, no NFL, Superfan, etc. Got lucky I guess. Good luck.

 

[JimSpence]

I haven't checked prices lately, but I'd bet that two WB68s and 4 high freq splitters is less expensive than the WB616.

 

[Hatman]

I haven't checked prices lately, but I'd bet that two WB68s and 4 high freq splitters is less expensive than the WB616.

My setup uses all 6 inputs on my WB68 (including Flexports 1 & 2). Would I need to use 6 high freq splitters?

 

[JimSpence]

Yes, if you need those channels on all receivers. If not, just plan which receivers are connected to the multiswitches.

With the rollout of the MPEG4 sats, will you still need the 72.5 for your locals?

 

[Hatman]

Yes, if you need those channels on all receivers. If not, just plan which receivers are connected to the multiswitches.

With the rollout of the MPEG4 sats, will you still need the 72.5 for your locals?

I do not know. How do I find out?

 

[JimSpence]

To clarify a little. You are getting your SD locals from the 72.5 sat. The new sats will have your HD locals, which then means you can abandon the 72.5 dish.

What's your location?

 

[Hatman]

Central PA. I get the Johnstown-Altoona locals.

 

[JimSpence]

It seems that you are in the 99 DMA, so the HD locals will be available to you a bit sooner than me. (DMA of 156)

 

[Hatman]

Not sure what DMA means.

 

[JimSpence]

DMA = Designated Market Area
This is a ranking based on Nielson data. There are 210 DMAs in the US.

This forum may by of interest to you.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=453241
Find your area and see what others are having problems with.

 

[Hatman]

Thanks for your help. I called D* for the 3rd time in two days tonight. They are going to send out a technician to my house next week to "install a new multiswitch" at no cost. After I heard "at no cost" I did not ask whether they were installing a second 6x8 or a 6x16 to fix my problem.

 

[Willy]

Thanks for your help. I called D* for the 3rd time in two days tonight. They are going to send out a technician to my house next week to "install a new multiswitch" at no cost. After I heard "at no cost" I did not ask whether they were installing a second 6x8 or a 6x16 to fix my problem.

Call back and insist on 6x16. Call their installation hotline which is a different number. I can't remember it now but it's on the website. Now that you are in the system as a no cost install, they should put in the notes that everyone agrees on a 6x16. Then call the local installer and make sure they bring the 6x16 because it's not usually stocked on their trucks. Good luck