Switch from Sky+/Magic Eye to FreeSat

[EalingBoy]

From these forums, it would appear that many of you have a Sky+/Distributed RF network/Magic Eye setup.

This was my preferred option when renovating an old house, so set up the RF cabling to came back to the loft where I would install the Sky+ box etc. etc. However, I've now decided against this as the programming on Sky isn't worth it for me.

Now Freesat is here (in about 40 mins) I'd like to do something similar with this service. Namely, install a dish that can distribute the signal around the house.

Never having had Sky, I am a little confused with the whole LNB/cabling requirements.

I'd like to feed four rooms with a FreeSat signal. Does this mean I need an OctoLNB, with each room independantly fed with two signals (cables) (for future FS PVRs) - i.e. two cables? Or can the signals be split (I've read that this is discouraged). Got loads of CT100 ready to go - just need you wisdom

As a Sky/Sat virgin, I'm a bit backward on this stuff

 

[BrianMc]

I'd like to feed four rooms with a FreeSat signal. Does this mean I need an OctoLNB, with each room independantly fed with two signals (cables) (for future FS PVRs) - i.e. two cables? Or can the signals be split (I've read that this is discouraged). Got loads of CT100 ready to go - just need you wisdom

As a Sky/Sat virgin, I'm a bit backward on this stuff

You need one feed from the LNB per satellite receiver - PVRs have two independent receivers inside. So an octo-LNB can do up to 8 non-PVRs or 4 PVRs - or any combination.

 

[EalingBoy]

Thanks Brian,

All a bit of a pain in the ar$e. I set the system up with an SLx6 distribution amp in the loft, feeding a single RF Coax to each room.

Looks like the best I'll get (with no additional wiring) is to chuck out the SLx6 and connect each LNB output to each coax run. At least I can get Freesat in each room, but no option to have a twin tuner PVR (without an extra cable run) from the dish.

Just decorated, so SWMBO wouldn't be too pleased with some new channelling in the plaseterwork

That is assuming that the SLx6 won't distribute the satelite signal, as it does with UHF?

 

[BrianMc]

Looks like the best I'll get (with no additional wiring) is to chuck out the SLx6 and connect each LNB output to each coax run. At least I can get Freesat in each room, but no option to have a twin tuner PVR (without an extra cable run) from the dish.

That is assuming that the SLx6 won't distribute the satelite signal, as it does with UHF?

It won't!!! Satellite receivers need to power the LNB (by ~12V DC up the coax) and also switch it into one of 4 possible modes.

You could have a problem in that satellite-grade coax is higher spec than UHF - as the frequencies are higher. Normal UHF coax should work - but over short distances only.

For a PVR - which needs two LNB connections you have the option of using "shotgun" satellite cable. This is two thinner cables connected together - which are, in total, about the diameter of normal coax.