Adding Whole Home DVR service to existing setup

The WHDVR system requires a SWiM setup so in any case the old multiswitch would need to go. The only time they would keep the existing dish and replace the multiswitch with a SWiM version is when you have more than 8 tuners and you have only 7 now. With 7 tuners they would replace the dish/LNB with the SWiM version and replace the multiswitch with a 1x8 splitter.

There is no advantage to either method as far as signal strength goes, that's primarily a matter of how well the dish is aimed.

I had a tech come out today, and told me he would not replace the LNB, it is not on the work order.  I asked him if he would run the 4 wires off the dish into the house, he said no.  He also said that leaving the four wires would give me a better signal.

I was hoping to clean up the cabling outside my house with the WH-DVR setup.

Is the single wire install with my 7 tuners the correct install?

Thanks again

If you currently have a conventional dish/LNB with four cables, they have to do one of two things in order to install WHDVR... either replace the LNB with a SWiM version which only needs one cable (although they would probably leave the other 3 in place) or replace your current multiswitch with a SWM8. Either ethod would also require an 8-way splitter and POwer Inserter for the SWiM system. WHDVR will not work with the conventional 4-cable dish and multiswitch.

In addition to those changes, as part of a WHDVR upgrade they should add DECA modules to the HR22(23?) and the two H23s, replace the H20 with a SWiM compatible receiver (H21/22/23/24) and install a broadband DECA and power supply to connect the DECA network to your home network/router.

Does the SWM8 need the 4 cables from the current LNB, or does it drop down to the 1 cable?

Do I have a say in how this is setup?  I really want the cables outside the house cleaned up, so one cable off the Dish on the roof, into the house would be great.  All of the cables going to the recievers are right where the single cable would come into the house, in addition to a power outlet right there.

For the installation fee, I would think they could set it up the way I want.

Do I have a choice?

Thanks!!

You really have no choice in what equipment they install, that's determined by their order system and what they have available in your area.  In your case under normal circumstances they will put in a SWiM LNB so only one cable would be needed from the dish. However, the installer isn't likely to take the time to remove the other three cables, especially since they would be needed in the future if you go beyond 8 tuners. If you want them removed you'll probably have to do it yourself or cut a deal with the installer to do it for you. In the unlikely event that the install a SWM8, there's probably nothing you can do to change that...

The installer today wanted to do the SWM8.

The installer that installed my new box (which is an old box that I paid $100 for) told me he would do the SWM LNB install if it was him doing the install.

I don't mind cleaning the wires up myself.  The installer, flat out would not change the LNB to the SWM LNB.

I figure, if I am paying $200 for this, they can do it my way.

I will call into customer service and let them know what I would like, and see if they do it next time.

Thanks for all your information, very helpful!!!

Kevin

I can't imagine why they would use a SWM8 unless SWM LNBs are in short supply in your area and they're saving them for new installs. Let us know how you make out.

Just got off the phone setting up the appointment to install the way I want.

She stated on the work order that I only want one cable coming off the dish and into the house.

She told me to explain to the tech want I want before he starts to be sure they get it the way I want.

Due to my "complex install"???  The soonest they can do this is Dec. 3rd.

Send me the parts and I can have the hardware done in 30 minutes!!

I will let you know on Dec 3 what happens.

Thanks again for you help.

Update.

The installer came out on Monday, and of course, they had to call in to see if they could install the SWM LNB.

They told the tech to go ahead and install it.

The tech removed the old LNB, installed the SWM LNB, removed the existing 4 wires coming off the dish, put a new single cable off the dish and into the house.

Just the way I wanted it.

Thanks for you help on this!