HD PVR 2 P - single lnb installation

[oh1one]

Good thread. Thanks all. Will try out some of the solutions I've read on here. I also live in a complex with a single LNB coming in. I recently got the 2P HD PVR and the 2 way splitter. I realised last night that a few channels were not showing and that some of my recordings had issues. having read this thread, I now kinda know why. I'll have to get the complex's designated installer to come help otherwise.

 

[Psykro]

Can somebody explain to me what SatCR is as I think I may have it and want to know what it means.

Reason I think I have it, purchased a HD PVR 2P, connected it to my single line LNB, installed the 5-2400mhz splitter and got fully functional PVR recording. ie can record Animal Planet and watch MNET at the same time (one of the tests mentioned in an earlier post).

As far as I understand this is only possible if it's SatCR?

(P.S. this is stand alone house, not a complex)

 

[Quantum Theory]

You don't have SatCR. You would have had to set the decoder up for a SatCR LNB, which you haven't done. So, you must be mistaken regarding your test. I'm sure that you cannot view MNET and record Animal Planet or any of the BBC channels etc, at the same time. It is not possible.

 

[cartmanOne]

Thanks everyone for the comments and advice in this thread. It allowed me to go out and get a PVR 2P even though my complex only has single LNB connections (and no specific network settings). The only thing is, it doesn't work as I expected (I'm aware of the limitations), so I'm hoping I can post what I've done and hopefully someone can spot where I've gone wrong - if at all...

Components:
1 x Ellies 2 way splitter (up to 1000 MHz)
2 x coax cables into decoder (they only had 5m cables available, even though I only need about 1 foot)
1 x PVR decoder with PVR option enabled on account (+ R65)

Results:
All channels available including HD channels
EPG appears to show full details
No recording or pausing available at all (The pause functionality is enabled on my account)
- if I press Pause, the screen freezes and I can't get it to unfreeze unless I reboot the decoder. If I switch to any other channels, I get the "Signal Unavailable" message.
- If I press record, I can switch to other channels (as long as they're on the same polarity), but nothing shows up in the Playlist once I stop recording

I've tried switching the leads from the splitter and there was no difference.
I've tried changing the LNB setting from Controlled to Off, and this resulted in no signal at all.

I'm going to try replace the Ellies splitter with a Samsat one (5-2500MHz) and see if that make a difference. I'm also thinking that maybe the cables from the splitter are too long and I'm losing signal or power strength through them, so I'll cut them down to size.

Is there anything else anyone can think of that I can try, other than getting dual-LNB

 

[CPTBoy]

I would like to also thank Tim182!

I did the install today with the SamSat splitter and 2 500mm F Coax cables.
Bought the PVR and activated it and it works like a charm!

 

[cartmanOne]

Ok, so I bought the Samsat splitter (5-2500MHz) and all is good now. The difference (I'm told by the helpful guy at Samsat) is that the splitter allows DC to travel in both directions, not just on the one channel, or both channels, but only in one direction.

Not sure if this something specific to the setup in my complex, because no one else has mentioned the need for this. Then again, maybe I was duped into buying a slightly more expensive splitter that I don't really need

Anyway, it looks like I can record vertical channels and be able to watch any other channel (even horizontal), but when I record a horizontal channel, I can then only watch other horizontal channels).

Also, when checking signal status, I now see three signals - ECC, ECM and Tuner 2 (instead of the Tuner 1 and Tuner 2 like before)

And I don't recall anyone mentioning this, but Catchup and Box Office seem to work fine.

Thanks to everyone who posted their experiences, which helped me get this working!

 

[Quantum Theory]

The "Samsat splitter" is not the only 5-2500MHz splitter. Ellies also has one, as do Space TV, as do TVAE. You just have to specify that you want a satellite splitter and not a RF splitter. Everyone is assuming that Samsat has some magical splitters, because someone mentioned them before...

 

[CPTBoy]

Agreed, but I searched at Builders, Brights and Game. All of them only had the 900mhz splitters from Ellies ( And no other brand )

I was specifically searching for a 2500mhz one, and only found at HiFi Corporation which was the SamSat.

 

[laurel&hardy]

fully functional without 2nd lnb

Apologies if this info is already in a thread somewhere, I haven't gone through all - so credit to whoever came up with this!

Use a samsat (not the Ellies one!) 2 way splitter with dc power passthrough (5 - 2400mhz). Normally only one of the connectors can pass power. Satellite cable into "powered" out-connector on splitter, and into the Satcr connector on the pvr. The second cable into the other out-connector on the splitter, and into the other connector on the pvr.

Then you basically need to go MENU, ADVANCED OPTIONS, (code 9949), NETWORK SETUP.
Then press P+ to get to ADDITIONAL NETWORK 1 - Enable it, USE NIT = SMATV,
NETWORK FREQUENCY = 11210, SYMBOL RATE = 30000.

Press P+ again to get to ADDITIONAL NETWORK 2, do exactly the same, but use
NETWORK FREQUENCY = 11250. Do this for ADDITIONAL NETWORKS 3 - 5, each time
using NETWORK FREQUENCY = 11290, 11330, 11370.

So you should have the HOME NETWORK set up (unchanged) and 5 ADDITIONAL
NETWORKS. Then press the Yellow Button to rescan all networks...and hold
thumbs...FULL functionality! No limitation on vertical/vertical etc. Can watch and record any combination

 

[wily me]

Apologies if this info is already in a thread somewhere, I haven't gone through all - so credit to whoever came up with this!

Use a samsat (not the Ellies one!) 2 way splitter with dc power passthrough (5 - 2400mhz). Normally only one of the connectors can pass power. Satellite cable into "powered" out-connector on splitter, and into the Satcr connector on the pvr. The second cable into the other out-connector on the splitter, and into the other connector on the pvr.

Then you basically need to go MENU, ADVANCED OPTIONS, (code 9949), NETWORK SETUP.
Then press P+ to get to ADDITIONAL NETWORK 1 - Enable it, USE NIT = SMATV,
NETWORK FREQUENCY = 11210, SYMBOL RATE = 30000.

Press P+ again to get to ADDITIONAL NETWORK 2, do exactly the same, but use
NETWORK FREQUENCY = 11250. Do this for ADDITIONAL NETWORKS 3 - 5, each time
using NETWORK FREQUENCY = 11290, 11330, 11370.

So you should have the HOME NETWORK set up (unchanged) and 5 ADDITIONAL
NETWORKS. Then press the Yellow Button to rescan all networks...and hold
thumbs...FULL functionality! No limitation on vertical/vertical etc. Can watch and record any combination

I am a bit confused here. I had a twin LNB with dual view decoder for years then canceled my subscription. I now have a PVR 2 and the twin LNB is connected with two cables but I also need to connect the old dual view decoder with a yearly easyview subscription as DSTV want a full additional subscription for me to use the old Dualview decoder. They also want another R65.00/month to enable the second view channel on the dual view decoder. I told them to get stuffed. Now it seems that I will have to get another 1131 decoder and use extraview. What is the best options to get the best benefit of a multiview environment in an extended family? Would this solution you offered be any help or solution to me as otherwise I have to set up another dish and LNB to use on the old dual view decoder or extraview 1131?

 

[CPTBoy]

Apologies if this info is already in a thread somewhere, I haven't gone through all - so credit to whoever came up with this!

Use a samsat (not the Ellies one!) 2 way splitter with dc power passthrough (5 - 2400mhz). Normally only one of the connectors can pass power. Satellite cable into "powered" out-connector on splitter, and into the Satcr connector on the pvr. The second cable into the other out-connector on the splitter, and into the other connector on the pvr.

Then you basically need to go MENU, ADVANCED OPTIONS, (code 9949), NETWORK SETUP.
Then press P+ to get to ADDITIONAL NETWORK 1 - Enable it, USE NIT = SMATV,
NETWORK FREQUENCY = 11210, SYMBOL RATE = 30000.

Press P+ again to get to ADDITIONAL NETWORK 2, do exactly the same, but use
NETWORK FREQUENCY = 11250. Do this for ADDITIONAL NETWORKS 3 - 5, each time
using NETWORK FREQUENCY = 11290, 11330, 11370.

So you should have the HOME NETWORK set up (unchanged) and 5 ADDITIONAL
NETWORKS. Then press the Yellow Button to rescan all networks...and hold
thumbs...FULL functionality! No limitation on vertical/vertical etc. Can watch and record any combination

Awesomeness!

Did it just now and you right, everything working now. Recording irrespective of channel I'm on.

Thank you!

 

[Quantum Theory]

Apologies if this info is already in a thread somewhere, I haven't gone through all - so credit to whoever came up with this!

Use a samsat (not the Ellies one!) 2 way splitter with dc power passthrough (5 - 2400mhz). Normally only one of the connectors can pass power. Satellite cable into "powered" out-connector on splitter, and into the Satcr connector on the pvr. The second cable into the other out-connector on the splitter, and into the other connector on the pvr.

Then you basically need to go MENU, ADVANCED OPTIONS, (code 9949), NETWORK SETUP.
Then press P+ to get to ADDITIONAL NETWORK 1 - Enable it, USE NIT = SMATV,
NETWORK FREQUENCY = 11210, SYMBOL RATE = 30000.

Press P+ again to get to ADDITIONAL NETWORK 2, do exactly the same, but use
NETWORK FREQUENCY = 11250. Do this for ADDITIONAL NETWORKS 3 - 5, each time
using NETWORK FREQUENCY = 11290, 11330, 11370.

So you should have the HOME NETWORK set up (unchanged) and 5 ADDITIONAL
NETWORKS. Then press the Yellow Button to rescan all networks...and hold
thumbs...FULL functionality! No limitation on vertical/vertical etc. Can watch and record any combination

This only works in very special cases, where specialised equipment has been used inside the complex. Please don't assume that this will work for you.

 

[Schaff]

E143-4 & E102-29

My setup is the following:
Primary decoder HD PVR connected via HDMI cable to a 50” Samsung Plasma
Secondary decoder HD PVR 2P connected via HDMI cable to Sony Amp and from the Amp via HDMI cable to a Sinotec 47” FHD LCD.

The 2 decoders are separated by a wall between the main bedroom and lounge and connected together by the heartbeat cable (RF Out on Primary, RF In on secondary) as well as 2 other cables that run through a hole in the wall from the splitter in the lounge to Satellite 1 and 2 respectively on the back of the HD PVR 2P.

I’m having a number of issues with my HD PVR 2P and it started about 2 months ago. Prior to that I’ve had about 8 months of relatively trouble free viewing on the HD PVR 2P. I would be watching tv and unexpectedly it would lose the heartbeat. It appeared to be completely random and for the most part I suspect it is. I would get a “waiting for communication from primary decoder error message E143-4”.
The only way to resolve this issue is to phone the call centre and have the extra view connection reset/resent.

Then about 10 days ago it happened again but this time all the processes tried with the call centre did not resolve the waiting for communication from primary decoder error message.

I think it’s also pertinent at this stage to point out that the failures seem to occur when I am viewing recorded or recording a channel, IOW when the secondary decoder is running under a bit of stress. I tried to playback recorded footage off the devices internal hardrive and I get the following error message, Error smart card message E102-29....

This morning I took both HD PVR and HD PVR 2P through to MC Randburg for testing.
It took them a while but they got the decoders to work and I went home and re-connected everything up but alas “waiting for communication from primary decoder error message E143-04”.

So called the helpdesk and ran through a multitude of settings only for the problem to persist. The help desk suggested it may be installation related.

I went to the local hardware and bought some coaxial cable and f connectors, got home made a new heart beat cable, called the call centre, had the extra view connection resent/reset and it worked... for about 20 minutes... I tried recording footage and 1st I got the yellowed out box signifying a failed recording but after a reboot the decoder recorded. While playing back the recorded footage the “waiting for communication from primary decoder error message returned’ as did the E102-29 error message when trying to view the recorded footage.

Further to this under information central in the hardware status menu it’s displaying next to smart card: error.

Signal strength is 98% and 100% respectively on both Tuner 1 and Tuner 2.

Extra view settings as per primary decoder:
Primary smart card active
RF in
TV 1
on
on
Transmitting heartbeat

Extra view settings as per secondary decoder:
Ready but inactive
RF Out
TV 2
on
on
communication status remains blank

I’m seriously fed up with this rubbish!! My issues with the HD PVR are well documented on the DSTV forum.

Please advise

Hi Sand Man

I have the exact same problem - Did you ever come right?

Please help!!!

 

[sand_man]

Hi Sand Man

I have the exact same problem - Did you ever come right?

Please help!!!

Yeah, I got my PVR replaced.

Jumped through hoops prior to it trying to trouble shoot, 2nd doubting the installation, the older cables etc etc etc but at the end of the day don't waste your time. Take it back to MC and ask them for a replacement. If it still gives you issues you can start assessing your installation but start with that sub standard piece of junk they call a decoder.

 

[Schaff]

E143-4 & E102-29

Yeah, I got my PVR replaced.

Jumped through hoops prior to it trying to trouble shoot, 2nd doubting the installation, the older cables etc etc etc but at the end of the day don't waste your time. Take it back to MC and ask them for a replacement. If it still gives you issues you can start assessing your installation but start with that sub standard piece of junk they call a decoder.

Thanks a stack
Spend hours phoning, fiddling with setting, unplugging & plugging in cables!!!!
At least I know not to waste anymore time on it.

 

[tsala21]

I have done the necessary installation with the single LNB and everything works perfectly. I am now trying to connect a 2nd tv through Rf out (and using TV-eye), however the reception is poor. The distance to the other tv is less than 15m. Is there something I am missing?

 

[Noseworthy]

so, I followed the second installation, single LND, split. PVR P2, NO PVR, HD only.

The update happened, scheduling is there.

I can't pause though, is there something that Im missing?

 

[akescpt]

so, I followed the second installation, single LND, split. PVR P2, NO PVR, HD only.

The update happened, scheduling is there.

I can't pause though, is there something that Im missing?

isnt pause a pvr function?

 

[Noseworthy]

Not if I read the first post correctly, maybe I didn't? :wtf:

 

[Speedster]

Not if I read the first post correctly, maybe I didn't? :wtf:

Pause is a PVR function.