Multi switch for new build

rodge123

Hi guys

Hoping to move into our new build in next 6 weeks.
We have all coax cables returning to one central location (Satellite will be on wall outside this room also)

Any advice on what switch to use?

Have also returned all cat5e cables to this room. Need to look into what patch panel to get for this too.

Thanks

The Cush

rodge123 wrote: »

Hoping to move into our new build in next 6 weeks.
We have all coax cables returning to one central location (Satellite will be on wall outside this room also)

Any advice on what switch to use?

How many outputs/feeds do you require and what type of LNB do you plan to fit to the dish, quad or Quattro?

rodge123

The Cush wrote: »

How many outputs/feeds do you require and what type of LNB do you plan to fit to the dish, quad or Quattro?

16 outputs in 8 rooms.
I suppose I'll need a Quattro LNB for this amount of feeds?

The Cush

rodge123 wrote: »

16 outputs in 8 rooms.
I suppose I'll need a Quattro LNB for this amount of feeds?

Some multiswitches will work with both quad and Quattro type LNBs, suggest you buy your switch first then go with the LNB required. A 5x16 (or 16+) switch will be required, can't recommend a specific one but google should throw lots of results.

domel

If you're looking for something good then Triax, Fraccaro, Televez are always good choice

Zilog

I've had an EMP Centauri Profiline 5 x 24 running for about 7 years, never given a problem.
It's compatible with both quad and quattro LNB's. If anything, quad is easier to set up as you don't need to worry about the order of cable connections!

paulhardman

I've had this multiswitch running for 2 yrs, a quattro LNB and a Triax dish...

http://www.freetv.ie/5x16-satellite-multiswitch.html

winston_1

rodge123 wrote: »

Hi guys

(Satellite will be on wall outside this room also)
Thanks

No way. The satellite is 23,000 miles above the equator.

All multiswitches are compatible with quatro LNBs so it makes sense to go for that. Bear in mind quatro LNBs are not made to match a sky type dish so make sure you get a conventional dish.

icdg

enough with the pedantry, winston_1

rodge123

winston_1 wrote: »

No way. The satellite is 23,000 miles above the equator.

All multiswitches are compatible with quatro LNBs so it makes sense to go for that. Bear in mind quatro LNBs are not made to match a sky type dish so make sure you get a conventional dish.

Currently have a sky supplied dish that I was going to bring with me.
If I get a conventional dish and quatro LNB, will I be able to still use sky subscription if I wanted to?

Also, would that setup work with the new Sky Q service? I think I read somewhere that they are using a different LNB.

The Cush

rodge123 wrote: »

Currently have a sky supplied dish that I was going to bring with me.
If I get a conventional dish and quatro LNB, will I be able to still use sky subscription if I wanted to?

Yes, via the multiswitch.

rodge123 wrote: »

Also, would that setup work with the new Sky Q service? I think I read somewhere that they are using a different LNB.

Different LNB for the SkyQ receiver but in a setup like yours a SkyQ compatible dSCR multiswitch, in conjunction with a Quattro LNB might be a better option. Designed to work with SkyQ and legacy receivers like the standard Sky/freesat/FTA boxes. This has been used by a poster here in recent months, will post a link when I locate the post.

Edit: This poster had a problem with an installer who wouldn't setup SkyQ in his home with the new dSCR multiswitch but eventually got sorted

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=99640997
http://www.boards.ie/ttfthread/2057594864/1#post99645479
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=99909448

examples of dSCR multiswitches
http://www.unitrongroup.com/en/products/CAT/MUL/DSCR.html
http://www.triax.uk/FindProduct/ProductDetails.aspx?product={C3F7CAD4-F5AA-47E2-8984-4479ECC5486F}
http://www.triax.uk/FindProduct/ProductDetails.aspx?product={4DDC65D6-0460-4938-B172-A5A46C73EF00}

slicedpanman

Zilog wrote: »

I've had an EMP Centauri Profiline 5 x 24 running for about 7 years, never given a problem.
It's compatible with both quad and quattro LNB's. If anything, quad is easier to set up as you don't need to worry about the order of cable connections!

I use the same one myself (but the 5 x 16 version) running about 5 years - and also give it a big thumbs up. Already had a quad lnb and very easy to setup

drunkmonkey

Would anyone know would this multi switch work for what I want without changing any cabling? http://www.freetv.ie/5-x-8-satellite-and-terrestrial-multiswitch.html

Currently have 6 rooms fed with a saoirview aerial via (white cable not sure what it is the technical name is)
Quad lnb installed but only feeding one sky + box (sat cable) and another room with magic eye off it. I've 2 spare cables wired coming off the lnb.

Without changing the white wiring can I put that multi switch in and feed sat & terristerial to the 6 rooms and keep the 2 cables for the sky box basically using all 8 feeds.

I'd change the faceplates to give me the sat and terrestrial off the one cable.

Currently saoirview signal is going into distribution box and rooms are tapped off that, I presume that's redundant with the multi switch.

The Cush

drunkmonkey wrote: »

Would anyone know would this multi switch work for what I want without changing any cabling? http://www.freetv.ie/5-x-8-satellite-and-terrestrial-multiswitch.html

Currently have 6 rooms fed with a saoirview aerial via (white cable not sure what it is the technical name is)
Quad lnb installed but only feeding one sky + box (sat cable) and another room with magic eye off it. I've 2 spare cables wired coming off the lnb.

Without changing the white wiring can I put that multi switch in and feed sat & terristerial to the 6 rooms and keep the 2 cables for the sky box basically using all 8 feeds.

I'd change the faceplates to give me the sat and terrestrial off the one cable.

Currently saoirview signal is going into distribution box and rooms are tapped off that, I presume that's redundant with the multi switch.

Any identifying markings on the white cable? It might be OK, you won't know for sure until you set it up. The terrestrial distribution box will no longer be required as the multiswitch does that job.

That multiswitch will do what you want, 8 outputs (incl. 2 for the Sky box), combined with the terrestrial aerial feed. The only thing is you will have to change your LNB on the dish to a Quattro LNB from the current quad, about €20.

Another option is to keep the current quad LNB and buy a quad compatible multiswitch, they're not as common as the Quattro only variety.

winston_1

The Cush wrote: »

The only thing is you will have to change your LNB on the dish to a Quattro LNB from the current quad, about €20.

NO. From my earlier post:

Bear in mind quatro LNBs are not made to match a sky type dish so make sure you get a conventional dish.

The Cush

winston_1 wrote: »

Bear in mind quatro LNBs are not made to match a sky type dish so make sure you get a conventional dish.

Good point, he doesn't say what type of dish he has.

@drunkmonkey: If you have a Sky oval dish then it will have to be replaced as well as there are no Quattro LNBs available for this type of dish as Winston points out above. A non-Sky dish will can be fitted with a Quattro LNB.

rodge123

The Cush wrote: »

Yes, via the multiswitch.



Different LNB for the SkyQ receiver but in a setup like yours a SkyQ compatible dSCR multiswitch, in conjunction with a Quattro LNB might be a better option. Designed to work with SkyQ and legacy receivers like the standard Sky/freesat/FTA boxes. This has been used by a poster here in recent months, will post a link when I locate the post.

Edit: This poster had a problem with an installer who wouldn't setup SkyQ in his home with the new dSCR multiswitch but eventually got sorted

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=99640997
http://www.boards.ie/ttfthread/2057594864/1#post99645479
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=99909448

examples of dSCR multiswitches
http://www.unitrongroup.com/en/products/CAT/MUL/DSCR.html
http://www.triax.uk/FindProduct/ProductDetails.aspx?product={C3F7CAD4-F5AA-47E2-8984-4479ECC5486F}
http://www.triax.uk/FindProduct/ProductDetails.aspx?product={4DDC65D6-0460-4938-B172-A5A46C73EF00}

Looking to move into house in next few weeks, so need to buy this gear soon.
Could you recommend a dSCR multiswitch, dish and Quattro LNB for my setup Cush?
Any ideas on best place to buy?

I'm a little unsure of what exact model is appropriate for my needs (16 points in house), and therefore total cost of all gear.

The Cush

rodge123 wrote: »

Could you recommend a dSCR multiswitch, dish and Quattro LNB for my setup Cush?
Any ideas on best place to buy?

I'm a little unsure of what exact model is appropriate for my needs (16 points in house), and therefore total cost of all gear.

Lots of options for dish and quattro LNB, try freetv.ie, satworld.ie, satellite.ie, etc.

Regarding the dSCR multiswitch they're quiet expensive for a domestic setup, doing a quick google search a 4 output switch will set you back maybe €300, an 8 output more than €500 and over €1,200 for a 16 output unit.

Do you require a dSCR multiswitch?

rodge123

The Cush wrote: »

Lots of options for dish and quattro LNB, try freetv.ie, satworld.ie, satellite.ie, etc.

Regarding the dSCR multiswitch they're quiet expensive for a domestic setup, doing a quick google search a 4 output switch will set you back maybe €300, an 8 output more than €500 and over €1,200 for a 16 output unit.

Do you require a dSCR multiswitch?

Well I do plan to get Sky Q so thought it was necessary?
A 4 output one would only allow me feed four of our 16 points in house?

The Cush

rodge123 wrote: »

Well I do plan to get Sky Q so thought it was necessary?
A 4 output one would only allow me feed four of our 16 points in house?

Yes, that's correct, but with a dSCR multiswitch only 1 cable is required to the SkyQ box, the other cable could be used for Saorview. Do you require a sat feed down each of the other 14 cables (7 TV points)?

Another option would be to get Sky to install a hybrid LNB on Sky dish, run 2 cables to the main TV point for SkyQ from the LNB (extra cable would be required if Saorview signal is required at the main TV point). The 4 other outputs on the hybrid LNB could be used with a quad compatible multiswitch to feed all other TV points for satellite and Saorview if required.

The SkyQ mini multiroom boxes won't require a direct connection to the dish/multiswitch.

Gerry Wicklow

rodge123 wrote: »

Well I do plan to get Sky Q so thought it was necessary?
A 4 output one would only allow me feed four of our 16 points in house?

I thought the whole idea of Q is that you only need a feed to the main box not each individual point.

The Cush

Gerry Wicklow wrote: »

I thought the whole idea of Q is that you only need a feed to the main box not each individual point.

You're limited to 2 SkyQ mini boxes, he has 8 TV points.

rodge123

The Cush wrote: »

Yes, that's correct, but with a dSCR multiswitch only 1 cable is required to the SkyQ box, the other cable could be used for Saorview. Do you require a sat feed down each of the other 14 cables (7 TV points)?

Another option would be to get Sky to install a hybrid LNB on Sky dish, run 2 cables to the main TV point for SkyQ from the LNB (extra cable would be required if Saorview signal is required at the main TV point). The 4 other outputs on the hybrid LNB could be used with a quad compatible multiswitch to feed all other TV points for satellite and Saorview if required.

The SkyQ mini multiroom boxes won't require a direct connection to the dish/multiswitch.

Realistically, we would have Sky Q box in sitting room and have 2 mini boxes in other rooms.
For other points we would be ok with free to air feeds. (4 rooms).
What kit would get us by for this setup?

The Cush

rodge123 wrote: »

Realistically, we would have Sky Q box in sitting room and have 2 mini boxes in other rooms.
For other points we would be ok with free to air feeds. (4 rooms).
What kit would get us by for this setup?

If you don't want to fork out big bucks for a dSCR multiswitch then you could be SkyQ ready by installing a Sky dish with a hybrid LNB. Directly connect 2 outputs from the LNB to the living room with the other 4 to a quad compatible multiswitch matching the number of outputs you require to the other rooms.

Examples of quad compatible multiswitches
http://www.emp-centauri.cz/index.php?lang=en&page=prodlist&id_kateg=&id_pkateg=
http://www.satellitesuperstore.com/emp-centauri_multiswitches.htm#5in

Just to point out again, if you go this route you won't be able to feed Saorview signal down the same same cables as the SkyQ feed to the living room.

rodge123

The Cush wrote: »

If you don't want to fork out big bucks for a dSCR multiswitch then you could be SkyQ ready by installing a Sky dish with a hybrid LNB. Directly connect 2 outputs from the LNB to the living room with the other 4 to a quad compatible multiswitch matching the number of outputs you require to the other rooms.

Examples of quad compatible multiswitches
http://www.emp-centauri.cz/index.php?lang=en&page=prodlist&id_kateg=&id_pkateg=
http://www.satellitesuperstore.com/emp-centauri_multiswitches.htm#5in

Just to point out again, if you go this route you won't be able to feed Saorview signal down the same same cables as the SkyQ feed to the living room.

Unfortunately, it's not practical to directly connect 2 outputs from LNB to living room.

All our Coax and Cat5e points from each room all go back to one location - we plan to mount the satellite dish on wall outside this room.
It's a massive bundle of free hanging wires currently!
The living room is way off at other side of house and suspended ceilings are plastered and painted.

I'm assuming the quad compatible multiswitches are considerably cheaper than dSCR ones?

rodge123

rodge123 wrote: »

Unfortunately, it's not practical to directly connect 2 outputs from LNB to living room.

All our Coax and Cat5e points from each room all go back to one location - we plan to mount the satellite dish on wall outside this room.
It's a massive bundle of free hanging wires currently!
The living room is way off at other side of house and suspended ceilings are plastered and painted.

I'm assuming the quad compatible multiswitches are considerably cheaper than dSCR ones?

Oh I see...About 180 for a 16 output quad vs 1200 for a dSCR? :eek:

The Cush

rodge123 wrote: »

Unfortunately, it's not practical to directly connect 2 outputs from LNB to living room.

All our Coax and Cat5e points from each room all go back to one location - we plan to mount the satellite dish on wall outside this room.
It's a massive bundle of free hanging wires currently!

Wasn't suggesting you run cables directly from the dish to the living room. As the cables are already run from the living room to the central location I'd simply connect these 2 cables to 2 cables coming from the dish to the central location, 4 F-connectors and 2 F joiners required.

Have the cables from the dish to the central location already been run? If you were to go with my suggestion above 6 cables from the hybrid LNB to the central location will be required, 2 for the living room and 4 for the quad compatible multiswitch.

rodge123

The Cush wrote: »

Wasn't suggesting you run cables directly from the dish to the living room. As the cables are already run from the living room to the central location I'd simply connect these 2 cables to 2 cables coming from the dish to the central location, 4 F-connectors and 2 F joiners required.

Have the cables from the dish to the central location already been run? If you were to go with my suggestion above 6 cables from the hybrid LNB to the central location will be required, 2 for the living room and 4 for the quad compatible multiswitch.

Makes sense and should work for me.
4 cables have been run from dish to central room...I'll add another two.

So final question!
If it was you - what dish, quattro LNB and quad multiswitch would you buy? Mid range prices and decent makes (Dont want to buy rubbish that wont last).

The Cush

rodge123 wrote: »

So final question!
If it was you - what dish, quattro LNB and quad multiswitch would you buy? Mid range prices and decent makes (Dont want to buy rubbish that wont last).

If you were to go with my suggestion above you will require a Sky dish with the hybrid LNB I linked to on ebay as this LNB will only install on a Sky dish. Any of the Sky dishes on the sites I linked to will do the job. A Quattro LNB won't work in that setup.

If you like let Sky install the dish and hybrid LNB and let them connect it to the preinstalled 6 cables and multiswitch. They are reluctant in some cases to fit the hybrid LNB but tell them you require it in your multiswitch setup when ordering and when the installer calls.

Carlosthejakal

I have this 8 way switch and its great
http://www.triax.com/FindProduct/ProductDetails.aspx?product={8FA70484-6D87-4D6E-BD49-CD64FF14697A}
One box feeds the whole house

The Cush

Carlosthejakal wrote: »

I have this 8 way switch and its great
http://www.triax.com/FindProduct/ProductDetails.aspx?product={8FA70484-6D87-4D6E-BD49-CD64FF14697A}
One box feeds the whole house

Link incomplete above, http://www.triax.com/FindProduct/ProductDetails.aspx?product={8FA70484-6D87-4D6E-BD49-CD64FF14697A}.

rodge123 has 8 TV points (16 outputs), so a larger switch may be required depending on the number of outputs he wants.

rodge123

The Cush wrote: »

If you were to go with my suggestion above you will require a Sky dish with the hybrid LNB I linked to on ebay as this LNB will only install on a Sky dish. Any of the Sky dishes on the sites I linked to will do the job. A Quattro LNB won't work in that setup.

If you like let Sky install the dish and hybrid LNB and let them connect it to the preinstalled 6 cables and multiswitch. They are reluctant in some cases to fit the hybrid LNB but tell them you require it in your multiswitch setup when ordering and when the installer calls.

So I'm going to purchase this multi-switch.
Should be fine to work with your solution of linking 2 of 6 cables directly to sky q and connecting other 4 to this switch?
That would then give me 12 outputs to whatever rooms I like?
I could have another box in these rooms to receive signal?

The Cush

That switch should be OK to feed 12 points with satellite and Saorview. Will you purchase the dish and hybrid LNB yourself or ask Sky to install them?

rodge123

The Cush wrote: »

That switch should be OK to feed 12 points with satellite and Saorview. Will you purchase the dish and hybrid LNB yourself or ask Sky to install them?

I'll try Sky first and see what they say (I'll tell them I'm cancelling if they refuse and hopefully they dont call my bluff!).
I'll install it myself if I have to.

The Cush

The installer in this case fitted a hybrid LNB without any issue it appears, let the installer know you require one when confirming the appointment so he has one in the van, the sales people appear not to have a clue what a hybrid LNB is.

galvo_clare

The Cush wrote: »

The installer in this case fitted a hybrid LNB without any issue it appears, let the installer know you require one when confirming the appointment so he has one in the van, the sales people appear not to have a clue what a hybrid LNB is.

Just had Sky in to replace a broken dish. I was going to go for a quattro lnb but discovered that the multiswitch I had already purchased was also compatible with a quad, so I got the installer to put in a standard dish/lnb.

Worked first time with an Optima multiswitch.

The Cush

galvo_clare wrote: »

Just had Sky in to replace a broken dish. I was going to go for a quattro lnb but discovered that the multiswitch I had already purchased was also compatible with a quad, so I got the installer to put in a standard dish/lnb.

Worked first time with an Optima multiswitch.

rodge's setup will be a little different as he wants SkyQ in conjunction with FTA sat at the other TV points from the same dish, so it'll either be a dSCR multiswitch with Quattro LNB or my suggestion of hybrid LNB with quad compatible multiswitch.

galvo_clare

The Cush wrote: »

rodge's setup will be a little different as he wants SkyQ in conjunction with FTA sat at the other TV points from the same dish, so it'll either be a dSCR multiswitch with Quattro LNB or my suggestion of hybrid LNB with quad compatible multiswitch.

I debated going with Sky Q but I'm using RF to feed the signal around the house so I'll leave it for now. We're building and I have HDMI distribution set up in the new house. May not even need Sky if I get a decent satellite receiver.
The hybrid LNB seems to be the most sensible way to go alright.

tsue921i8wljb3

galvo_clare wrote: »

I debated going with Sky Q but I'm using RF to feed the signal around the house so I'll leave it for now. We're building and I have HDMI distribution set up in the new house. May not even need Sky if I get a decent satellite receiver.
The hybrid LNB seems to be the most sensible way to go alright.

What method are you using for distributing HDMI?

galvo_clare

Zahra Echoing Stork wrote: »

What method are you using for distributing HDMI?

A Bluestream HDMI matrix switch, connected to a home automation system. Not cheap but the cheapest I came across was around £2k and a very unknown brand. This is 4k capable and guaranteed to work.

tsue921i8wljb3

galvo_clare wrote: »

A Bluestream HDMI matrix switch, connected to a home automation system. Not cheap but the cheapest I came across was around £2k and a very unknown brand. This is 4k capable and guaranteed to work.

Just looked it up there. It looks great. Best of luck with the new house.