multiswitch questions 18x20 dish

[okaydave]

Recently I had an 18x20 dish installed. 2 of the outputs are run to my HD Tivo and the other two are connected to 2 standard Hughes receivers. I want to add another TV; therefore I will need to add a multi switch. I have a few questions regarding a multiswitch and the addition of another standard receiver.

1. I have seen many 5x8 multiswitches. Is there one that is better than others?
2. I know that the 4 coaxs that run from the satellite go to the multiswitch. Does it matter what input they get connected to on the multiswitch or is there a certain order they need to get connected?
3. Should I buy the additional standard receiver from Directv or can I buy one from Ebay? If I buy one from Ebay, is it better to buy one that is brand new and unopened with the access card included?

Thanks for your help!

 

[DIGITAL~DAN]

okaydave hopefully this answers your questions.
1.all of the switches are about the same in quality
2.it does not matter what order you hook up the 4 coax cables going to the LNB
3.if you call directv and ask they may give you a receiver free and it comes with a new access card(you may have to commit for a year or get lucky and not have to)
well i hope this has helped......................DIGITAL~DAN

 

[Neutron]

If you buy a receiver off of Ebay even if it's unopened Directv will force you to buy a new access card.

 

[okaydave]

If you buy a receiver off of Ebay even if it's unopened Directv will force you to buy a new access card.

Is it true if I buy this receiver:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=15071&item=5724977858&rd=1

 

[boba]

The card packed with that receiver should be valid for activation. That dealer must be desparate to unload those receivers. If I read that correctly that price is valid only for existing Directv customers & shipping is free.

 

[okaydave]

The card packed with that receiver should be valid for activation. That dealer must be desparate to unload those receivers. If I read that correctly that price is valid only for existing Directv customers & shipping is free.

How would I know if a card is valid for activation?

 

[Mr Tony]

it has to be "virgin"...never been in the stream. If it was activated, Direct would need to send you a new card (and charge you for it)

 

[Tonedeaf]

I got a Tivo upgrade this past weekend and they included a multi switch in the whole thing. All for Free(with exception of the $14.95 handling fee).

Retention department is your best bet. 800-600-8977, they answer right away without going thru the usual menu.

 

[okaydave]

I got a Tivo upgrade this past weekend and they included a multi switch in the whole thing. All for Free(with exception of the $14.95 handling fee).

Retention department is your best bet. 800-600-8977, they answer right away without going thru the usual menu.

I have only been a subscriber for a few weeks now. I am sure they wouldnt give me a free Tivo...would they? They said I can buy one for $99 which includes installation and a multiswitch. What kind of multiswitch was included?

 

[Neutron]

You can also do their 3 payments of $33 too if you didn't want to pay the $99 route.

I wouldn't bug customer retention for a free one too often.

 

[kevstok]

I have an additional question. I currently have a dual LNB with round dish with a 4X8 multi-switch, but recently upgraded to an HD Receiver. Once I decide to finish the upgrade and get the HD dish, will i need to change the multi-switch? I have 2 connections going to a SD Tivo and 1 connection going to HD receiver and 1 connection going to SD receiver.

 

[Mr Tony]

I have an additional question. I currently have a dual LNB with round dish with a 4X8 multi-switch, but recently upgraded to an HD Receiver. Once I decide to finish the upgrade and get the HD dish, will i need to change the multi-switch? I have 2 connections going to a SD Tivo and 1 connection going to HD receiver and 1 connection going to SD receiver.

Welcome!!

If the multisiwtch is cascadable, it will work. You would hook the 4 lines from the Phase III dish into the 4 lines on the multiswitch and hook receivers to that

 

[okaydave]

You can also do their 3 payments of $33 too if you didn't want to pay the $99 route.

I wouldn't bug customer retention for a free one too often.

I tried to purchase the Tivo unit online, but it didnt give me the option of 3 payments of $33. Do I have to call them for that?

 

[kevstok]

Thanks! I will have to check it out.

 

[Neutron]

I tried to purchase the Tivo unit online, but it didnt give me the option of 3 payments of $33. Do I have to call them for that?

Yes, you need to call them for this. Remember it's actually 3 payments of $33 plus the one time $14.95.

You need to talk to the Installation dept. The normal CSRs cant help with this.

 

[okaydave]

Yes, you need to call them for this. Remember it's actually 3 payments of $33 plus the one time $14.95.

You need to talk to the Installation dept. The normal CSRs cant help with this.

Thanks. I just called them and got the three payments. Install is set for Sat morning. Thanks for your help.

 

[Neutron]

I got in on this deal too. This makes 2 tivo's for me. This is replacing the last standard receiver so when it's installed I will have an HD receiver and two Tivos. I'm getting a 5X8 multiswitch free too. Since I can't use my OTA antenna outside because of our building in the way of the towers I'm going to rerun that cable to the second tuner of our current Directivo.

 

[fkostyn]

I've never had a problem with a previously activated card - I activated my work unit (Sony HD Box - customer return (activated on a dealer account) and a used box that I had purchased from someone, just called them up and said "I want to do this" and they've always told me "ok"