Multiswitch vs DiSEqC switch

[wombatch]

Hello, I had a scour through the existing forums but couldn't really find an answer to my questions that was in a format for a beginner like me to be sure of the answer.
Basically I live in Switzerland where most TV is delivered to customers by cable. I don't have cable and live outside a cable area. Most terrestrial TV has gone. So at the moment I have a small dish with single LNB picking up freesat from Astra 28.2. I want to expand this a bit! So I have run some new pipes down the house for cables and bought a new bigger dish, 1.1m which as I understand it should be ok to get astra 28.2, hotbird 13 and astra 19.2. I am fairly confident about that bit, there seems to be lots of information on it.
Next I come to the wiring, for every TV/recorder in the house I expect to need at least one satellite decoder to avoid grandma, the kids and I arguing about what we can watch (I know decoders combine with recorders these days but I am trying to understand the total picture)
So my real question is how to connect it up, it seems if I go as high as 4 decoders I can somehow cascade DiSEqC switches, but it appears that if I want to higher I will need a multiswitch.
So
1st question, is that statement true?
2nd question, if I use DiSEqC chaining I was told I would need commited/uncommited switches, can anybody point me at some information and potentially a simple wiring chart?
I found a web site _http://www.galaxy-marketing.com/switch-installation-diagrams-for-multiple-fta-receivers.htm which shows how you might do this for the US market where the LNBs are different but I can't find anything similar for Europe.
3rd Question, currently I get HDTV from 28.2 but I also saw somewhere that some DiSEqC switches or multiplexers might not support that, is that true?

Thanks so much for any help and apologies if this is already answered but if so I didn't understand the answer :-cry1

 

[satelliteman]

You need 3 x quattro LNb's feeding a 17 input switch (this switch will allow upto 4 satellite feeds). DiSEqC 1.0 commands from the receiver will switch between satellites. For PVR functionality you'll need to run two sub feeds to each point/room.

 

[Robbo]

You can run up to 8 receivers using Octo LNBs. One 4 way Diseqc switch is needed for each receiver.

 

[PaulR]

You can run up to 8 receivers using Octo LNBs.

If you are gong to use any PVRs with twin LNB inputs (so you can watch one channel while recording another) then each one of those will use up two of the downleads.

 

[wombatch]

Thanks, but since I want to make sure I understand everything (sorry) before I go and shell out my cash. This gives me a couple more questions.
Robbo, I assume what you are suggesting looks something like the diagram in _http://www.satlex.de/en/8participants-type_conf_8p_2s_octo.html (only with 4 way switches because I will have 3 LNBs)?

If I go the multiplexer route then from what I see, I can buy a 17 way multiplexer ( I think this is the sort of product you are suggesting satelliteman?) with up to about 8 or 16 outputs? What happens after that, supposing I want to expand, am I back into the passive multi way switches to double up the multiplexers or is there something else that can be done? I can't imagine exceeding 16, just trying to understand how it works.

Last question, did anyone here every hear of any issues with HD and these switches?

Thanks very much for all your help (i owe you a :-beer)

 

[PaulR]

Robbo, I assume what you are suggesting looks something like the diagram in _http://www.satlex.de/en/8participants-type_conf_8p_2s_octo.html (only with 4 way switches because I will have 3 LNBs)?

That's correct. 4 way Diseqc switches, instead of 2 way.

If I go the multiplexer route then from what I see, I can buy a 17 way multiplexer ( I think this is the sort of product you are suggesting satelliteman?) with up to about 8 or 16 outputs? What happens after that, supposing I want to expand, am I back into the passive multi way switches to double up the multiplexers or is there something else that can be done? I can't imagine exceeding 16, just trying to understand how it works.

You could look at buying a 17 in 24 out at that time to see if they exist!

Alternatively you can buy signal amplifier/splitters which will take the outputs from your quatro LNB and give 2 sets of "Quatro" feeds for your original multiswitch plus another one. You'll need three of them, of course, for the three LNBs. Then you need another 17in/whatever out multiswitch.

 

[Robbo]

Robbo, I assume what you are suggesting looks something like the diagram in _http://www.satlex.de/en/8participants-type_conf_8p_2s_octo.html (only with 4 way switches because I will have 3 LNBs)?

Yes, Precisely what I meant, but this option although possibly cheaper does not leave much opportunity for expansion, unless you can find a multiswitch with Q2 technology.

Not really sure of the relevance of your HD question, as long as the signal level and quality are sufficient, it should work fine.

 

[satelliteman]

Yes a 17 input switch would allow expansion from your original design (if needed) later maybe, and all DiSEqC switching is done in the one unit.

 

[bostephen]

........ DiSEqC switching is done in the one unit.

Sorry guyzs if this is in the wrong area, but what exactly is "DiSEqC switching"?

I have combined my C and ku lnbs on my prime focus , and fixed a DiSEqC switch on my reciever. But i can only get the lnb hooked on input number 1 at any time. I have to go to the switch to change if i want signals from the second lnb. How can I get both right on my remote?

 

[bigtee]

bostephen

Maybe I did't observe very well but looking at the pictures in your other thread, I didn't see the cable from a second LNB going into the disecq switch. In other words each LNB should use one port (total 2) of the diseqc switch. Then you must configure the receiver to correctly identify which port is being used by which LNB. Another thing to remember is that while frequency setting for C LNB will be something like 5150, that for Ku LNB will be 9750-10600. Good luck.

 

[bostephen]

Sorry guyzs if this is in the wrong area, but what exactly is "DiSEqC switching"?

I have combined my C and ku lnbs on my prime focus , and fixed a DiSEqC switch on my reciever. But i can only get the lnb hooked on input number 1 at any time. I have to go to the switch to change if i want signals from the second lnb. How can I get both right on my remote?

My "Dishsetup" menu has a DiSEqC seting where u set the each lnb. They are listed as A, B, C, and D instead of 1 to 4 as they are on the switch. Now I can flip thru all the C and ku band channels. Thanks.