Welcome to the DIRECTV Community Forums

New to the Community? Visit the Community How-To and Guidelines to get started.

Contributor

 • 

1 Message

Monday, April 5th, 2010 5:49 PM

multi-room powerline connection?

I was told by Directv that if I purchased powerline adapters for my standard HD receivers (H-20 i think) I could participate in the beta phase of multi-room viewing. I just got the powerline adapters in the mail and found that I do not have an ethernet connection on the receivers therefore cannot connect them. I am also not in the 4 current cities testing them, therefore I am not sure if I can connect even with the right cable. (That would have been nice to know prior to purchasing-but what's done is done).

Anyone know what's going on? The Directv rep told me I would be all set with the receivers I have. But, if they didn't realize it might not even be available in my area... maybe they didn't have a clue about what they were talking about.

Thanks!
🙂

Professor

 • 

4.2K Messages

15 years ago

As you've discovered, the H20 is the only current HD receiver without networking capability. Because of that, they aren't capable of supporting MRV at all.

While it's true that powerline adapters might work for the MRV beta (if you had compatible receivers) DirecTV is recommending, and the rep should have told you, that if you don't have you receivers networked now, to wait for the beta to end and for the new DECA network hardware to become available everywhere. At that time, DirecTV would update your H20s to MRV compatible receivers and install the DECA system and SWiM if necessary... all for $150 or less.

Expert

 • 

20.7K Messages

15 years ago

Directv actually pulled the powerline converters from their online store several days ago.

Mentor

 • 

63 Messages

15 years ago

Hi,

I have HR20 & HR23 both are connected using SMC powerline ehternet adapters.

I can use them for DOD however, I entered the BETA MRV today and they both connected just fine and everything shows up on each receiver.

However while trying to watch a program, the programs has a delay every few seconds, I think its because the power line adapters are too slow?

Maybe I should either try running a ethernet cable through the attic and hard wiring it to each receiver or getting a wireless router, don't know if a wireless router will fix that issue.

Professor

 • 

4.2K Messages

15 years ago

Powerline, wireless and even hardwired connections can have issues. You're best bet is to follow DirecTVs advice and wait for DECA.

Mentor

 • 

63 Messages

15 years ago

Hi, Sungam

It looks like I may do this. Just thought I would try it out with the powerline adapters and see if I get lucky, I didn't

Do you think I will need any thing else, besides the DECA? I am not familiar with how the DECA will be set up or anything. I am located in Denver one of the pilot sites.

I have both an HR21 & HR23 HD DVR.

They are wired using a SWM set up and have a Slimline dish.

Thanks.

Professor

 • 

4.2K Messages

15 years ago

The DECA upgrade would include pretty much anything you needed, but in your case it would likely be just a couple of DECA modules for your DVRs and one to bridge the DECA network to your home network/internet. You already have compatible receivers and SWiM; which is necessary for DECA and would also be included in the upgrade if you didn't have it already.

Expert

 • 

20.7K Messages

15 years ago

They could/would use one (just one, you don't want any more than one) of the powerline adapters to connect all of the DVRs and receivers to your network and the Internet. The MRV signals would run through the DECA system via the coax.

Mentor

 • 

63 Messages

15 years ago

Hi, dcd.

I am kind of confused now. I thought I understood all of ot.

Here is what I have;

HR21 (connected to my Vonage Route (Motorola VT-2442VD, using SMC Powerline ethernet adapter)
HR23 (connected to my Vonage Route (Motorola VT-2442VD, using SMC Powerline ethernet adapter)

I have a swm located on the outside of my home which is connected to my slimline Dish.

Will DTV hookup a DECA to my main receiver?

I thought they would have a DECA @ ea receiver and that they would take the place of my power line adapters.

Right now I just use the powerline adapters for DOD and Apps.

I was considering calling DTV to see what they would do, since I am in the Denver pilot area. If there is a start up price, a new contract, etc.


Guru

 • 

646 Messages

15 years ago

As sungam and dcd have said, the most likely installation would be to install a DECA on each DVR plus another which would connect to your router (which could use powerline adapters if it isn't possible to run a cable from the SWM splitter to your router location). The price I have seen quoted is $99 for equipment and $50 for installation plus $3/month for MRV. I don't think it would extend your contract.

Expert

 • 

20.7K Messages

15 years ago

bogo14, Bob is spot on. The basic DECA system connects each of your receivers to each other to facilitate MRV, the MRV signal never travels through your router. Then, there is one additional DECA adapter that will connect the basic DECA network to your router. When that is done, all of the receivers will connect to the router. A cat 5 cable would be best for this connection, but a powerline or even wireless could be used.

NEED HELP?