Moving....Can I use existing coax in house?

[cinday]

Hi-
Newbie here. I am moving to a new house that was using cable/dishnetwork. There is coax to just about every room in the house, and it's a 1930's house with plaster walls, so that wasn't easy to do. The problem is, I want DirecTV. Assuming the dish has clear line of sight, can I plug my new Directv dish into the existing coax, or do I need to run a different type of coax?

I am sure this has been answered before, but I tried to search several ways and I couldn't find, so if there was a prior thread- please route me there.

Thanks in advance,
Cindi

 

[harshness]

Assuming the dish has clear line of sight, can I plug my new Directv dish into the existing coax, or do I need to run a different type of coax?

Without knowing the specific type of coaxial cable as well as what method was used to "split" the cable to all the rooms, it is difficult to say. You need to see if you can find enough cable sticking out somewhere to find out what its ratings are. What you're looking for is RG6 that has been swept to 2.3GHz.

On the splitter part, you need splitters that are rated to 2+GHz. It may have been done with splitters scattered all over the house (typical) or each cable may have been home run to a single location (ideal).

In the grand scheme you'll end up having to try it and see if it works. Sometimes cabling and devices that aren't rated will actually work. Other times, devices that are rated might not work and would need to be replaced. If it works, you're golden. If it doesn't, you should consider saving up your loose change now to pay your Early Termination Fee.

 

[jdspencer]

If the cable and splitters are okay, he'll still need the SWM installation.

 

[Joe Diamond]

If the place had DISH converting to DTV is no problem. You just have to find the splitters and the PI that DISH uses. DISH uses (needs) solid copper coax RG6. DTV will run on wet noodles.

Joe

 

[C64C64!!]

Well, directv Standard will work with RG5.9, But 6 is much better!, High Def needs RG6. If it had dish, the directv installer will love this, most of his work is already done, amusing everything is good.