How many cables do I need?

[mrnadir]

Hi,
I am planning to get Dish Network at my new home. I have 2 coax running from the outside to a central OnQ box in the closet inside. From that OnQ box, I have coax going to every room (A,B,C) in the house. What is the max number of TV's I can have connected with this coax setup? Is it possible for me to get the following setup:
1. HD signal in Room A
2. HD signal in Room B
3. SD signal in Room C
I want to have DVR access in at least one of the rooms.

If the above is not possible, How many more cables to I have to run from the outside to inside OnQ box? Please help! I cannot find this info anywhere and I dont want to call DN because .... well, they are not the smartest folks as you all probably know!

 

[TheKrell]

Yes, you can do that with two cables as long as one of the HD receivers is a duo, and room C is hooked up to the TV2 output of the duo HD receiver.

If you really want to plan for the future, run 3 cables: one for each satellite orbital location. Then you could put a switch inside and drive 4 receivers (or 8, or 12 with more switches).

 

[boba]

I would advise 4 cables coming into the OnQ box. That would allow 4 satellite inputs or adding an OTA input. Always easier to do before the walls are closed in,

 

[Nebugeater]

Probably stating the obvious but make sure they are RG6 and not RG59

 

[TimberWolf]

For the setup you want now, 2 lines will work for 2 HD tvs and up to 4 tvs total

If you ever want to add a 3rd HD tv, or more than 4 tvs total, you will need at least one more line to the OnQ in order to add more recs or switches

and the RG-6 should be rated to 3 ghz

 

[mrnadir]

thanks you all for the replies. I will be wiring the 2 coax myself. Other than the 3Ghz RG6 requirement, are there any other specs that I should be looking for? Any links would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Andrewwski]

If the cables aren't run yet, run 4!

 

[tech3018]

Exactly right about the four lines! especially if you have or are going to get internet. BTW 2 extra solid copper cables for Hughes or Wild Blue would be nice in case that is your only option.:up

 

[TheKrell]

Or at least 3.

 

[Andrewwski]

4 lets you do D* without a problem if you ever switch, gives you an extra for OTA without diplexing, or allows for a wing if you need one.

 

[mrnadir]

I have this 1" duct routed:
http://www.midsouthcable.com/EC_DIG1.jpg
Will 4 coax slide through this easily?
Also, about how much $$ should I spend on 1000 feet of the RG6 cable?
thanks!