How can I set up a splitter for my Direct TV DVR so it thinks there are two tuners?
Nice asked:
I am renting a house and cannot drill holes for another cable from the satellite dish. I can only record or watch one program (cannot record one and watch something else at the same time). How can I set up the spiltter so that the Direct TV receiver thinks that there are two available tuners? Thanks.
I am renting a house and cannot drill holes for another cable from the satellite dish. I can only record or watch one program (cannot record one and watch something else at the same time). How can I set up the spiltter so that the Direct TV receiver thinks that there are two available tuners? Thanks.
Your question needs some clarification.
First, there is nothing you can do you a single receiver to make it function as two receivers. However, if you really have a DVR now as you say in your question, then you already have two tuners. My question would then become did Directv set this system up or did you (or some other non technical person?).
A normal DVR needs two RG6 coax cables run to it for each tuner. If you try to put a splitter on a normal Directv setup, you will just ***** up what you now have running. However, there is something called a SWM (single wire multiswitch) that will do just as you need. You need only run one cable to the Sat 1 input on a DVR and you can record 1 show while watching another, which you should be able to do on your system if Directv set it up. If Directv did not do the install, then it is hard to tell just what you have.
I guess I will assume that you have just one coax to the back of your DVR. Now, let me ask you if there is a b band converter in the coax line at the back of the receiver? Did you move your DVR into this rental home and connect it to a already existing antenna?
If the answer is yes, I have to assume this is just a standard non SWM Directv installation. You just need to locate a Directv installer who can update this system with a SWM LNB plus a power inserter and you will be good to go. Directv will usually not do this for you as a regular install so be prepared to pay for it yourself.
If Directv did this install and there is no b band converter there, then I have to assume that you do have a SWM installation. All you need to do is open the little access door on the front of your receiver and press the red button to force a system restart. For some reason, it is not uncommon that these receivers loose track of their setup and this forces a reread of the system and so after a restart, the receiver will know it is connected to a SWM and will work as it should.