Installation on my Direct TV DVR machine.

[reinnie]

I just had my satellite installed yesterday on a DVR machine from Direct TV. The problem is that it needs two coaxial cable connected in order for the DVR to record one channel and watch a different channel.

The installer put in a splitter and connected to the DVR machine, this caused a loss of signal to one satellite. He said the only way to by-pass this problem is to connect another coaxial cable from the dish and into the machine, but that would cost me a few hundreds for him to fish a new cable through.

I need both satelite signals to watch internationl channels

Two Scenarios:

1. Remove Splitter- Receives 2 Satellite Signals but looses 1 tuner input.

2. Add Splitter- Receives 2 tuner inputs but looses 1 Satellite Signals.

What I'm wondering is can I buy an in line amplifier then connect to the spliiter. Would this work?

Thanks for your time. Sorry for the long post

[PlainBill]

An amplifier will not help. A splitter should never be used on DirecTV cables. I suggest you call either DirecTV or the installation company and complain.

I assume you have an oval DirecTV dish. These come in several styles, all of which have 4 outputs. It is common practice for installers to run only the cables actually required for an installation. And the installer was correct - the only solution is to run a cable from the dish to the receiver. DirecTV doesn't pay the installers much for a 'standard installation', so they try to make up for it by overcharging for 'non-standard' installations. Even so, charging even a hundred dollars seems excessive unless you have a very unusual setup.

If you are reasonably competent with hand tools, can learn to install connectors, and are not afraid of heights, running the cable is easy, particularly if you have a helper (it's even easier if you have the helper do the climbing, crawling through attics, etc.). Alternatively, check with your friends, neighbors, maintenance people at work to find someone who is capable of running the cable. Make sure they are familiar with satellite hookups.

PlainBill

[bobkat]

What the installer likely didn't want to do was fish cable; I don't blame him. I never fish cables and that's just the way it is. Its time consuming and you can wreck other things by fishing. Chances are if you fish the cable and then call the installer back he will connect it up for less than $50.

kat