multiple pvr's

D3x!

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Hi All,

Quick question:

my setup is as follows:

1 x HD PVR - feeding house (this is the bigger unit that can record 2 watch 1 with 4 inputs)
1 x SD decoder on extraview - standalone
1 x 2x6 multi-switch

so dual lnb goes to multi-switch, then 4 cables to PVR and one cable from multi-switch and one from PVR to the extraview decoder

now if i were to replace the SD decoder with an HD PVR to be able to record etc there what extra costs would i be looking at?
and what costs from dstv?

Obviously the cost of the new PVR, but what in terms of equipment, i.e what would i need, extra cable, etc


Regards,
D3x!
 
Well it all depends on the type of HDPVR you get..

If you get the 2P, then its simply a case of swapping the unit out with the SDPVR and running an extra cable from the multiswitch to populate both tuners.

If you're getting a 4 tuner, then you'll either need a bigger multiswitch, or another one closer to the new HDPVR.
 
Nothing extra.

If you get the 2P PVR then you would just remove the SD Decoder and plug 2 cables from the multiswitch in the new PVR.

DStv costs will stay the same.

Setup should look like this:
Multiswitch - 4 to older HD PVR
- 2 to new HD PVR

And a cable between (heart beat).
 
Well it all depends on the type of HDPVR you get..

If you get the 2P, then its simply a case of swapping the unit out with the SDPVR and running an extra cable from the multiswitch to populate both tuners.

If you're getting a 4 tuner, then you'll either need a bigger multiswitch, or another one closer to the new HDPVR.

Nothing extra.

If you get the 2P PVR then you would just remove the SD Decoder and plug 2 cables from the multiswitch in the new PVR.

DStv costs will stay the same.

Setup should look like this:
Multiswitch - 4 to older HD PVR
- 2 to new HD PVR

And a cable between (heart beat).

yes will be the 2p

so i will need 2 cables for the tuners and one for the heart beat? so three in total?

and there will be no extra dstv costs? but i will still have all the functionality
 
I apologize in advance for this thread hi-jacking!

I am going to attempt installing DSTV myself over the weekend and have what is probably a stupid question and am also wondering if I am on the right track.

I am putting a HD PVR in the main house as well as a granny flat. Is the below setup correct?

2 cables from dual LNB on satellite dish going to 6 way splitter in main house
4 cables from 6 way splitter feeding the HD PVR Decoder in main house
2 cables from 6 way splitter going to a 4 way splitter in granny flat (unless I get the 2P PVR in which case I wont need a splitter in the granny flat)
4 cables (or 2 depending on decoder) from 4 way splitter feeding the HD PVR Decoder in granny flat

Am I on the right track with this? Was also wondering what this heart beat cable is? It sounds like this would this be separate from the 2 cables running between the house and granny flat, so will have a total of 3 cables, though what type of cable does this need to be?

Last question (and the stupid question)... What is the correct name for the cable I need to use? The place I called referred to it as "DSTV cable" and quoted me R2.50 per meter. Does this sound right?

As always any advice greatly appreciated!!!
 
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Digital Crap Shoveler, the setup should work.

Heartbeat cable is a cable from the primary decoder (most probably the one in the main house) to the secondary decoder (granny flat).

All you need to do is plug cable in at primary decoder (normally rf out) and plug in on secondary decoder (normally rf out). Set your settings according in the Extra View menu and your set.
 
Cheers for the quick replies!

Not sure what decoder it is yet as my friend moving into the house is still going to buy the decoder during the week. I will be getting his old decoder while I save up for a new HD PVR decoder. Basically I just want to get all the cabling done and ready for when I get the HD PVR decoder in a few months so I just have to swap the decoders to get it working.

It sounds like the type of decoder he gets, and I plan on getting, will decide on which splitters I get. If it is the 2p decoder I would need a 4 way splitter (feed 2 cables to the decoder and 2 to the flat) otherwise would need a 6 way splitter (feed 4 cables to the decoder and 2 to the flat), plus of course the heartbeat cable. Once I find out what decoder he bought I will worry about the splitter.

Basically I am just trying to wrap my head around the idea that no matter what decoders we have I will need 3 cables running between the flat and house. Is this correct? Also would they all need to be the same type of cable? And what is the name of this cable? RF cable, coaxial cable, dstv cable??? does R2.50 per meter sound right?
 
it is coaxial cable yes and R2.50 per meter sounds about right, I recall buying it at builders for i think R2,99 p/m

if i was unsure i would just get the 6 way splitter to be safe, not a huge price difference, checkout hdcabling for prices
 
it is coaxial cable yes and R2.50 per meter sounds about right, I recall buying it at builders for i think R2,99 p/m

if i was unsure i would just get the 6 way splitter to be safe, not a huge price difference, checkout hdcabling for prices

Awesome! Thanks! I am actually kicking myself at how simple this is starting to seem... Though guess I should wait and see if I ever get it working...

One last stupid question... How do the splitters work? I cant seem to find a 6 way splitter on that site, though I did see a 4 way splitter and a 3 way splitter. Both of them only had one input, so would each cable coming from the dual lnb get its own splitter? or do you get splitters that take two inputs?
 
Yes you would. You can only phone them. The installation should be finished before you call them eg. The decoders need to be link and all.

ok great :) i beleive i can also do it online?

as when i buy the new decoder i will get a new smart card, do i use the old one and link it to the new decoder or do i use the new one and link it to that decoder. sorry for all the questions.

Awesome! Thanks! I am actually kicking myself at how simple this is starting to seem... Though guess I should wait and see if I ever get it working...

One last stupid question... How do the splitters work? I cant seem to find a 6 way splitter on that site, though I did see a 4 way splitter and a 3 way splitter. Both of them only had one input, so would each cable coming from the dual lnb get its own splitter? or do you get splitters that take two inputs?

you need this: http://www.hdcabling.co.za/2x6-2-in...ultiswitch-optional-external-power-p-274.html
 
ok great :) i beleive i can also do it online?

I could not do mine online.

as when i buy the new decoder i will get a new smart card, do i use the old one and link it to the new decoder or do i use the new one and link it to that decoder. sorry for all the questions.

You use the new smartcard. It will be link to your new decoder.
 
yes, RG6U is the white standard coaxial cable

Awesome! I know I could have found all this info through google if I had looked a little harder - so I appreciate this!

I finally think I am ready now!
 
Can I also just thread-jack a bit here please? I usually pay my account at DSTV in Goodwood so I don't have it on debit order. If I get the HD-PVR set up later when I get home do I just call them and ask them to activate extraview or will they first require me to pay the 60 bucks for the feature?
 
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