HD PVR - Single LNB - What will happen?

[badtrev]

Hey guys

I live in a large complex with a DSTV feed to each unit - and I think that there is only a single LNB. Now I might be getting a PVR with my wife's new cell contract - Is it worth it? That is will any of the dualview/PVR features be available without a second LNB?

Thanks in advance.

 

[unskinnybob]

1 LNB = 1 channel at a time.

 

[Smurfatefrog]

If you have a proper setup in your complex then simply splitting that cable into 2 will give you full functionality. You will just need a 1x2 splitter
You will need to enter network settings to get all channels though

Also refer to Quantum Theory's posts in here http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/showthr...-PVR-2P-or-network-settings-please-help/page2

 

[drukkie]

The dude told me i might only get half the channels?
But you can like smurf said just get the splitter...

 

[Quantum Theory]

Where is this block and what is it called? I might be able to help...

 

[badtrev]

Thanks guys - QT: The block is in Milnerton - Ascot Grove in Royal Ascot. I have also e-mailed the managing agent to check whether the functionality is there.

 

[Quantum Theory]

I'm not 100% sure, but I think there might be a single cable system in there, which should give you full functionality. Your best bet would be to speak to Daniel from Horizon Satellite in Table View @ 021 557 6493. He should know whats going on there.

 

[FrancTheTank]

The dude told me i might only get half the channels?
But you can like smurf said just get the splitter...

bwa hahaha (half channels :erm: )

Its just so that one does not suffer from splitting an already weak signal into two when arriving at the decoder. When you simply divide the cable in two, the signal strength arriving at the decoder will much less (usual tranmission-line theory)
The problem escalates if the load on either terminals is different. One decoder plugged-in, one not.

In a splitter (a good one anyway) the loads on each split are matched and usually amplified to correct levels. A wide band amp in the few Mhz range.

 

[Quantum Theory]

bwa hahaha (half channels :erm: )

Its just so that one does not suffer from splitting an already weak signal into two when arriving at the decoder. When you simply divide the cable in two, the signal strength arriving at the decoder will much less (usual tranmission-line theory)
The problem escalates if the load on either terminals is different. One decoder plugged-in, one not.

In a splitter (a good one anyway) the loads on each split are matched and usually amplified to correct levels. A wide band amp in the few Mhz range.

If you split a single line from a normal multiswitch system, you will be losing half your channels in some conditions with PVR decoders. This is because your decoder switches between 2 frequency polarities (vertical and horizontal low), used by Multichoice, by sending different voltages up the line. Therefor, you need at least 2 cables between the dish (or multiswitch) and the decoder if it has more than 1 LNB input. In certain communal installations, frequency shifting is used to put all channels through one cable, giving you full functionality on one cable.

So your explanation is for a completely different problem. Low signal normally causes break-up, because your signal level drops closer to the noise floor (causing BER to increase).

 

[curiouswanderer]

I actually tried this last weekend as I moved and had to wait for the installed to sort me out. I pulled the 1 cable into LNB one and it picks up the majority of the channels. Then it gives me an error and multichoice could not resolve. I waited for the proper install to complete and it worked fine after that.