SABC and DSTV distribution to multiple TV"S

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Tiscanny

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HI

i would like to set-up a tv system for a lodge
i would like to have 6 channels available to watch: SABC1, SABC2, SABC3, ETV and then 2 x DSTV channel

hardware that i already have: 4 x TV
2x DSTV decoders with each on there own accounts
1x DSTV Dish

purposed set up:

distribution system with more than 3 inputs and more than 5 outputs( for the 4 tv's and possible expansion later)
the input from a Arial (for the sabc signal) and the two decoders connected to the distribution box and the out puts are connected to the tvs via Lnb line

the tv are each tuned in to have a selection of 6 channels: SABC1, SABC2, SABC3, ETV and the what ever channel decoder A is set to and like wise for decoder B

now the question is:
is there a distribution device/unit the would be capable to accomplish this?
how will the switch from analog to digital signal affect this set up if it does work?

Thank you
 
Run the RF Out from the 2 decoders to a t-piece, then t-piece into a splitter that has enough outputs for each TV.
If you have an aerial then connect that to the RF In on one of the decoders. Make sure the RF Out frequencies on the decoders don't clash with your local terrestrial frequencies. When DTT launches you will need a DTT decoder for each TV if you want each TV to be able to choose it's own terrestrial channel. You won't have to change anything in the setup, just insert the decoder between the RF input on each TV. You don't need to worry about a UHF modulator unless you want to distribute the output from a DVD player etc.
 
Captain Beer said:
Run the RF Out from the 2 decoders to a t-piece, then t-piece into a splitter that has enough outputs for each TV.
If you have an aerial then connect that to the RF In on one of the decoders. Make sure the RF Out frequencies on the decoders don't clash with your local terrestrial frequencies. When DTT launches you will need a DTT decoder for each TV if you want each TV to be able to choose it's own terrestrial channel. You won't have to change anything in the setup, just insert the decoder between the RF input on each TV. You don't need to worry about a UHF modulator unless you want to distribute the output from a DVD player etc.
Click to expand...

How does a guest change channels from Movie Magic to Supersport?
 
Speedster said:
How does a guest change channels from Movie Magic to Supersport?
Click to expand...

Tiscanny already mentioned that each DSTV decoder will be set to a SPECIFIC channel - i.e one on Movie Magic 1 and one on SuperSport 1 in his original posting:

"the tv are each tuned in to have a selection of 6 channels: SABC1, SABC2, SABC3, ETV and the what ever channel decoder A is set to and like wise for decoder B"

So the guests won't have that capability to change the DSTV channels on the decoders, as they are simply receiving the RF outputs of the DSTV decoders which are tuned to the relevant tuner presets on the TV sets in each room, as well as the other FTA terrestrial channels, and just select the appropriate channel to be viewed with the TV remote.
 
Last edited:
Do you have a commercial subscription? I don't believe you can use "standard" subs for business use. If you do, Multichoice can probably give you advice.
 
The guests will each need separate sat receivers in each room. Multichoice will give you a (small) discount, but its best to get the "Retirement Complex" package as this gives you the most channels for your money. You will also need a distribution amplfier
 
stevenv said:
Do you have a commercial subscription? I don't believe you can use "standard" subs for business use. If you do, Multichoice can probably give you advice.
Click to expand...

How does the set up work? someone told me that you need at least 5 decoders for the commercial package and then pay 554.90 per tv?

but you will only get that 5 channels?
 
Captain Beer said:
Run the RF Out from the 2 decoders to a t-piece, then t-piece into a splitter that has enough outputs for each TV.
If you have an aerial then connect that to the RF In on one of the decoders. Make sure the RF Out frequencies on the decoders don't clash with your local terrestrial frequencies. When DTT launches you will need a DTT decoder for each TV if you want each TV to be able to choose it's own terrestrial channel. You won't have to change anything in the setup, just insert the decoder between the RF input on each TV. You don't need to worry about a UHF modulator unless you want to distribute the output from a DVD player etc.
Click to expand...

thanks for the advice, i am going do the set up the way you advised, but i have a question regarding "booster/amps" is it better to "boost" the signal closer to the input? of to the output?

closer to the input would mean more cable?
closer to the output would require less cable but is there a chance that noise pick-up from signal loss would be amped up as well?
 
Tiscanny said:
thanks for the advice, i am going do the set up the way you advised, but i have a question regarding "booster/amps" is it better to "boost" the signal closer to the input? of to the output?

closer to the input would mean more cable?
closer to the output would require less cable but is there a chance that noise pick-up from signal loss would be amped up as well?
Click to expand...

No use amplifying noise
 
Tiscanny said:
"booster/amps" is it better to "boost" the signal closer to the input? of to the output?
Click to expand...

The only booster or amp you should be using is the power supply to the mast head amp on the aerial. Use good quality coax and you wont need to use a setback amp to "boost" the output from the decoders. Try split the signal as close to the TVs as possible.
 
Captain Beer said:
The only booster or amp you should be using is the power supply to the mast head amp on the aerial.
Click to expand...

So, the power supply is a booster? I thought it was only a power supply for the booster at the antenna.

Captain Beer said:
Use good quality coax and you wont need to use a setback amp to "boost" the output from the decoders.
Click to expand...

Really? You can say this without knowing the distances he is running to the TV's? I would think that the normal terrestrial, now amplified higher than the decoder outputs, would cause interference on the decoder channels. If the off air signal is reasonably good, I would rather have no masthead and use a 24dB setback to launch. Otherwise get an adjustable masthead and set so there is just enough signal to equal the decoder outputs, then use a setback to launch.

Captain Beer said:
Try split the signal as close to the TVs as possible.
Click to expand...

Why? The splitting loss is the same, wherever you split...
 
Quantum Theory said:
So, the power supply is a booster? I thought it was only a power supply for the booster at the antenna.



Really? You can say this without knowing the distances he is running to the TV's? I would think that the normal terrestrial, now amplified higher than the decoder outputs, would cause interference on the decoder channels. If the off air signal is reasonably good, I would rather have no masthead and use a 24dB setback to launch. Otherwise get an adjustable masthead and set so there is just enough signal to equal the decoder outputs, then use a setback to launch.



Why? The splitting loss is the same, wherever you split...
Click to expand...

A lot of people call the power supply the booster for some reason, should have put it in inverted commas.
I was wrong about the setback, what I meant to say was try it with out the setback first and see how it works.
With regards to the splitting, I just thought it would be better to have that loss further up the cable.
Oh well, I stand corrected, always willing to learn ;)
 
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