DSTV on 3 or 4 different viewing environments

[Quantum Theory]

So do I wait a month or two (very inconvenient as we rely on at least 2 viewing environments daily) or do I buy the Explora tomorrow on the basis that the 3-view extra view solution will be compatible with my Explora/HD PVR 4P setup?

I guess what I'm asking is, will this be based on a new soon to be released decoder, or is it purely a config change based on existing equipment?

Thanks.

There is no new decoder coming soon... You might need to replace the 4P too, to get the 3 viewing environments, but that was mentioned to me in casual conversation and has not been confirmed.

 

[B@rrels]

There is no new decoder coming soon... You might need to replace the 4P too, to get the 3 viewing environments, but that was mentioned to me in casual conversation and has not been confirmed.

Do you think an Explora would be a necessity for 3 way viewing?

 

[Segg]

There is no new decoder coming soon... You might need to replace the 4P too, to get the 3 viewing environments, but that was mentioned to me in casual conversation and has not been confirmed.

I've been hearing this talk for years now, so what would make you think that DSTV are actually going to implement it? To me it seems more like the usual stalling tactics whereby people will eventually stop asking.

 

[Quantum Theory]

Do you think an Explora would be a necessity for 3 way viewing?

Heard through the right people, but not officially, that it will only work with the Explora and HD single view. Officially, there has been no indication of launch dates or installation specs.

 

[Quantum Theory]

I've been hearing this talk for years now, so what would make you think that DSTV are actually going to implement it? To me it seems more like the usual stalling tactics whereby people will eventually stop asking.

Before year end... There has been no real talk of it before in the industry, so I'm not sure where you heard it before.

 

[Segg]

Before year end... There has been no real talk of it before in the industry, so I'm not sure where you heard it before.

It was from a comment in the DSTV forum, and also just through general chatter amongst friends

 

[B@rrels]

I saw on DSTV self service that you can "Add an additional viewing environment"on Xtraview.On inquiring, the consultant said that you can but with a new setup of 2 more decoders on their own "circuit" independent of your existing setup at a normal R779/month subscription...so you can't add to your existing setup yet...

 

[greatcreebo]

I phone them and they said 3rd view is now available.

 

[cobusv]

has anyone actually got this working? can you please tell me how it's all connected and what about the heartbeat cable? how does that connect to create a 3-viewing environment?

 

[Nick333]

has anyone actually got this working? can you please tell me how it's all connected and what about the heartbeat cable? how does that connect to create a 3-viewing environment?

You can do it with any combination of Explora and new HD decoders. All 3 need to be connected to each other via a splitter to their rf in or out ports.

 

[Geoff.D]

has anyone actually got this working? can you please tell me how it's all connected and what about the heartbeat cable? how does that connect to create a 3-viewing environment?

It depends on what decoders you have and what you want to do.

The 3-decoder solution only works with the New Explora decoders ( there are two of them Explora 1 and the Explora 2) and the single view HD decoders (4136 4U and 4S, and now from 1 November the 4137 5U and 5S) -- No older decoders are allowed in the mix.

Limited options for choice of LNB. For total future reception, you have only 2 options:

(1) The new Smart LNB (SLNB) model LMX501 - 2 flavours of this available from different manufacturers.
(2) A Quad or Quattro LNB plus a 24-1Z Multiswitch

--- ALL other LNBS no longer work very well. Neither do the SATCR LNBs because of changes to the software on the decoders, although if you have patience, you can get them to work -- sort of.

Then you need to decide on the infamous HB cable. Again 2 options.

IF each decoder in the mix is going to operate as a stand-alone decoder, with no or limited access to the recordings off another decoder, THEN you can feed the HB signal from the Primary decoder to the other two via the LNB cabling. there are a few tricks depending on which decoders you plan to couple under XV. The Explora 1 requires a diplexer behind it, the Explora 2 is supposed to work without a diplexer BUT it depends on circumstances. The 4136 decoders require diplexers. The new 4137 decoders are supposed to not need diplexers.

IF you want access to recorded material from any decoder anywhere then an analogue RF cable distribution is the better way and that cable handles the HB as well, but it is getting complicated and no HD content.

If you want send me a PM with what you want to do an I will send you a few suggestions.

The alternative is to place all the decoders in a single location and distribute signal everywhere via RF or using some or other fancy HDMI switch.

 

[Geoff.D]

You can do it with any combination of Explora and new HD decoders. All 3 need to be connected to each other via a splitter to their rf in or out ports.

Not a splitter but a diplexer with specific properties.

 

[Nick333]

Not a splitter but a diplexer with specific properties.

No. A splitter.

 

[Geoff.D]

No. A splitter.

A splitter used as a combiner is NOT the same as a diplexer with specific capabilities on each port. What you are doing is Combining the HB signal at the Primary decoder and splitting it off at the secondary decoders.

A wideband splitter with Power pass on only one leg will work, BUT then you need to make damn sure you connect it the right way around.
Three diplexers are available, from Aerial King, Ellies and Space TV.

 

[Nick333]

A splitter used as a combiner is NOT the same as a diplexer with specific capabilities on each port. What you are doing is Combining the HB signal at the Primary decoder and splitting it off at the secondary decoders.

A wideband splitter with Power pass on only one leg will work, BUT then you need to make damn sure you connect it the right way around.
Three diplexers are available, from Aerial King, Ellies and Space TV.

Dude you are confusing two different types of installation. If you are running the heartbeat through the smart LNB you need something that can be described as a diplexer (but since there is no signal - just a voltage- travelling to the LNB from the IF input of the decoder...) on the the decoder side to split the dish cable to the LNB input and the rf input. That sort of installation introduces another layer of potential complications imo. If you are running the heartbeat directly between the rf ports you can and should just use any sort of splitter with dc bypass on three or more legs. I've done plenty such installations they all work 100%.

 

[Geoff.D]

Dude you are confusing two different types of installation. If you are running the heartbeat through the smart LNB you need something that can be described as a diplexer (but since there is no signal - just a voltage- travelling to the LNB from the IF input of the decoder...) on the the decoder side to split the dish cable to the LNB input and the rf input. That sort of installation introduces another layer of potential complications imo. If you are running the heartbeat directly between the rf ports you can and should just use any sort of splitter with dc bypass on three or more legs. I've done plenty such installations they all work 100%.

No read my post again.

The diplexer IS required on the LNB side IF you want to use the LNB cabling for transmitting the HB signal between the decoders.

IF you choose the older way of transmitting HB ( option 2), THEN splitters will work PROVIDED you take into account what you want to do with remote control.

 

[Nick333]

No read my post again.

The diplexer IS required on the LNB side IF you want to use the LNB cabling for transmitting the HB signal between the decoders.

No it's not. Wtf would you be diplexing at the lnb? You actually shouldn't be commenting here because you have no idea what you are talking about. Unless you're just trolling?

IF you choose the older way of transmitting HB ( option 2), THEN splitters will work PROVIDED you take into account what you want to do with remote control.

Which was clearly the way I was talking about. The older way is far from an outdated way incidentally and doesn't present any more complications re remotes since the hb has to run via an rf port regardless.

 

[Geoff.D]

No it's not. Wtf would you be diplexing at the lnb? You actually shouldn't be commenting here because you have no idea what you are talking about. Unless you're just trolling?



Which was clearly the way I was talking about. The older way is far from an outdated way incidentally and doesn't present any more complications re remotes since the hb has to run via an rf point regardless.

Just READ my post again. And I don't care how many installations you have done, I can probably match you one for one and then some.

There are TWO ways to distribute HB between the decoders.

The OLD way Option2 in my post which required the distribution via a RF cable running between the RF ports on the decoders. That way IS getting complicated depending on what the customer wants to do with tvLINK eyes for remote control. Or do you just install and the tell the customer this is what he can do?

THEN there is the NEW way which MC has been pushing for a while.
THAT requires the COMBINATION of the LNB INPUT with either the RF IN port or the RF OUT port on SOME of the decoders, specifically the Explora 1 AND the 4136 decoder, because those decoders WERE NOT released with an in-built diplexer INSIDE the decoders.

The Explora 2 is equipped with an internal diplexer, BUT in some instances and some installations it did not work well enough ESPECIALLY IF the cabling to the LNB was more than about 20m. THEN even with this decoder an external diplexer is required.

The new 4137 decoders ( have you heard about them yet?) also now have internal diplexers.

I presume you have done none of these installations yet? Is this because you believe like plenty of installers out there that "it does not work"?

And watch with this trolling business .....

 

[Nick333]

Just READ my post again. And I don't care how many installations you have done, I can probably match you one for one and then some.

There are TWO way to distribute HB between the decoders.

The OLD way Option2 in my post which required the distribution via a RF cable running between the RF ports on the decoders. That way IS getting complicated depending on what the customer wants to do with tvLINK eyes for remote control. Or do you jst install and the tell the customer this is what he can do?

THEN there is the NEW way which MC has been pushing for a while.
THAT requires the COMBINATION of the LNB INPUT with either the RF IN port on SOME of the decoders, specifically the Explora 1 AND the 4136 decoder, because those decoders WERE NOT released with an in-built diplexer INSAIDE the decoders.
The Explora 2 is equipped with an internal diplexer, BUT in some instances and some installations it did not work well enough ESPECIALLY IF the cabling to the LNB was more then about 20m. THEN even with this decoder an external diplexer is required.

The new 4137 decoders ( have you heard about them yet?) also now have internal diplexers.

I presume you have done none of these installations yet? Is this because you believe like plenty of installers out there that "it does not work"?

And watch with this trolling business .....

You are full of shyt. Categorically.

 

[Nick333]

In fact talking this much shyt should warrant an infraction. You're obsfucating the issue for people looking for advice.