Whole house video solution

[pcbelize]

I am trying to step up a whole house video distribution network and would like some advise. I have 2 dual receivers (622 & 942) and 4 TVs. I would like to be able to access programs that are recorded on either DVR from any TV. Attached are two possible wiring diagrams that I came up with after reading some other posting. My questions are...

1. Are there any major/minor flaws in either design?

2. Which design would provide better picture quality (I'm assuming using the Sony-MRD)?

3. Any other advise to improve or simply the design?

Thanks...

 

[Pepper]

Well I'm not real sure what the second one does so I won't comment on that one.

The 622 lets you specify the channel for both TV1 and TV2 so you can send TV1 and TV2 from both receivers to all TVs on four separate channels with your first idea.

 

[bhelms]

Your systems look reasonable. The only difference is the MDR in the second one, which you might need with all the diplexers and splitter/combiners in the OTA circuit. If you have strong OTA signals maybe you won't need it and the first system will work fine. I'd try it that way first. Simpler is always better. Only add the distribution amp if it's needed.

How many of your TVs are or will be HD? You might want to consider distributing the 622's HD signals via HDMI or component to additional locations. Of course that would be redundant TV1 in those locations but you can't beat the PQ that way!

 

[dodge]

home dist.

I like the sony mdr setup looks cleaner and neater, I just hope the mdr does not degrade pq. I ran a 50' rca from 622 to tv2 because the rg6 coax run looked like sh#t on channel 58 or any other uhf channel.

 

[bhawley]

Don't use the Sony, I have 2 in the shed. The channel tuning and stability leaves
a lot to desire. Use a digital modulator, Channel Plus has a good line, but more money than the Sony.

 

[pcbelize]

Your systems look reasonable. The only difference is the MDR in the second one, which you might need with all the diplexers and splitter/combiners in the OTA circuit. If you have strong OTA signals maybe you won't need it and the first system will work fine. I'd try it that way first. Simpler is always better. Only add the distribution amp if it's needed.

Thanks for the input...

I'm not to worried about the OTA signal (but maybe I should be), I've got pretty good numbers now with a very long cable run. I was more worried about degrading the pq from the tv 2 outputs of the dvrs by going through the splitter and combiners or Sony. Is there any consensus as to which would provide a better quality picture?

How many of your TVs are or will be HD? You might want to consider distributing the 622's HD signals via HDMI or component to additional locations. Of course that would be redundant TV1 in those locations but you can't beat the PQ that way!

Three of the TVs are HD. One with each of the tuners and one of the others. I was planning to split the component output of one of the DVRs and send to the other HD TV. I didn't include that in the original diagram for fear of complicating things too much.

 

[pcbelize]

Don't use the Sony, I have 2 in the shed. The channel tuning and stability leaves
a lot to desire. Use a digital modulator, Channel Plus has a good line, but more money than the Sony.

In that case I might have another one for your collection. I already purchased the sony off ebay. I've only done limited testing with it but so far the pq doesn't look great, but it might be something else in the setup. I'm assuming you think the Channel Plus would provide better pq than the combiner/splitter route???

 

[bhawley]

In that case I might have another one for your collection. I already purchased the sony off ebay. I've only done limited testing with it but so far the pq doesn't look great, but it might be something else in the setup. I'm assuming you think the Channel Plus would provide better pq than the combiner/splitter route???

I found the Sony difficult to tune due to the little adjustment wheels. It also would
drift off channel over a period of time. I don't think it will output in the channel 110-
120 range which I needed due to basic and digital cable present on my system.
The Channel Plus and others are digital tuning. The pq seems better on my CP but remember you
are rf modulating a composite signal, garbage in-garbage out applies.

 

[pcbelize]

I forgot to include the power insert for the DPP44 in my diagram. Should it go before or after the diplexer?