Sky Multiroom into a 3rd room - DIY Options - U/D: How about an Aerial in the Loft?

[Rabbi of Caerbannog]

We have a cancelled Sky+ with multiroom in the main bedroom, but we are currently looking at adding a 3rd box into the spare bedroom.

If i get one of these (http://www.thedvdforums.com/affiliatelink.php?localaffiliateid=60&url=http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=1625) can I just split the cable in the bedroom where sky already is and then feed from this splitter a length of coax through the wall into the next room. Will this then enable the 3rd box to watch separate channels or will it have to be the same channel.

Or do I have to run a new length of coax from the lnb straight to the new box which will be a bit more tricky.

Looking at the dish there are 3 cables coming from the LNB and looks as though there is a space for a new connection.

Cheers
Rabbi

[Sinbad the Sailor]

As an aside, isn't Sky coming to the Xbox 360 to those with a multiroom sub. Also now available on pcs.

[DJBenson]

This could become quite complex depending upon how good a solution you want. To simply split the RF signal from the rear of the box would mean you could watch the same channel on the two TV's.

If the TV in the second room won't be utilised all the time, you could get a remote eye which will allow the above scenario but will give you remote control over the box in the second room.

The third, most complex but ultimately best solution is to run a length of coax from the LNB to a third box. This would depend entirely on how many boxes you want to drive (each standard box will use 1 LNB output, + and HD boxes require 2). This will determine what type of LNB you'd require, a quad LNB will give 4 outputs so would drive a single + or HD box and two standard boxes. EDIT: I see you mentioned the spare LNB output, so that could drive a third standard box with the appropriate cabling, simply use satellite-grade RF cable and it should be fairly easy to wire up, just follow the existing cable run).

As for the XBOX 360 thing, yes, Sky Player is coming in the autumn but cost has not been announced AFAIK and I doubt it will simply be free (their mobile offerings are additional despite subscriber status). The PC application (as well as their homepage) allows you to watch certain recorded and live streams for free - handy for watching footy at a mates I suppose.

[Rabbi of Caerbannog]

This could become quite complex depending upon how good a solution you want. To simply split the RF signal from the rear of the box would mean you could watch the same channel on the two TV's.

EDIT: I see you mentioned the spare LNB output, so that could drive a third standard box with the appropriate cabling, simply use satellite-grade RF cable and it should be fairly easy to wire up, just follow the existing cable run).


Cheers for that. Was not sure but was assuming splitting the cable would mean same channel on other tv which is what we are trying to avoid. Just need to get a ladder up to sky dish now and run some cable.

[DJBenson]

I think the cable connects to the LNB using a standard F-Connector (http://tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:dCa-aJJWFEFNWM:http://www.w-l-t.org/Pix/Coax%2520w-F%2520connector.jpg) so it should be relatively easy to run the cable to the new dish.

[wen]

If your not utilising the sky+ feed on your box (recording feed) can you not just get extention connectors from b&q and run that to feed the new box... can you understand what i'm saying?:doh:

[DJBenson]

I know what you mean, but running a Sky+ box off a single feed causes problems (there is a workaround whereby you set a permanent recording from the second feed) so it's not very reliable IMO.

[broadz]

I know what you mean, but running a Sky+ box off a single feed causes problems (there is a workaround whereby you set a permanent recording from the second feed) so it's not very reliable IMO.

The OP has already stated that his Sky+ box subscription is cancelled - therefore, he can't possibly record anything on it, and he couldn't watch anything that his Anytime downloads on it. So the second feed to that box is redundant.

[spearce8]

Don't want to hijack the thread, but I have a question, I think I already know the answer, but anyway.....

......Say I ran a spitter from the Sky RF cable (cable that runs from LNB to sky box) to another Sky box, would I then be able to view any channel (depending on the sub you have) without having to watch the same channel like you have to when running coax from the RF2 outlet, i.e watch SP1 from one box, and SP2 from the other.

[craig@rewind]

Don't want to hijack the thread, but I have a question, I think I already know the answer, but anyway.....

......Say I ran a spitter from the Sky RF cable (cable that runs from LNB to sky box) to another Sky box, would I then be able to view any channel (depending on the sub you have) without having to watch the same channel like you have to when running coax from the RF2 outlet, i.e watch SP1 from one box, and SP2 from the other.

No. To watch more than one channel either on the same box or on different boxes, you will need a Dual or Quad LNB with a cable coming from each. You can buy a Stacker/Destacker which allows dual viewing from one cable but it wouldn't work in this case.

[DJBenson]

The OP has already stated that his Sky+ box subscription is cancelled - therefore, he can't possibly record anything on it, and he couldn't watch anything that his Anytime downloads on it. So the second feed to that box is redundant.

He would therefor need to ensure Anytime is turned off or else it would tie up the single feed downloading content, regardless of subscription status.

[spearce8]

No. To watch more than one channel either on the same box or on different boxes, you will need a Dual or Quad LNB with a cable coming from each. You can buy a Stacker/Destacker which allows dual viewing from one cable but it wouldn't work in this case.

I guess I need to explain it slightly better, I actually have a Octo LNB, I've Sky HD+ in the living room, with Sky+ as a multi-room in the conser, with another standard multi-room in one of the bedrooms (which I only really took out so we could use at our Caravan from time to time)

I was just wondering if it's possible to run cable from one of the 3 spare LNB's to another box, in another bedroom and use as a "Freeview" but then add a spiltter linking the two bedroom boxes, thus enabling the "Freeview" to become, effetely the same with all the Premium channels which I already get as the bedroom box is a mutiroom.

[broadz]

I guess I need to explain it slightly better, I actually have a Octo LNB, I've Sky HD+ in the living room, with Sky+ as a multi-room in the conser, with another standard multi-room in one of the bedrooms (which I only really took out so we could use at our Caravan from time to time)

I was just wondering if it's possible to run cable from one of the 3 spare LNB's to another box, in another bedroom and use as a "Freeview" but then add a spiltter linking the two bedroom boxes, thus enabling the "Freeview" to become, effetely the same with all the Premium channels which I already get as the bedroom box is a mutiroom.

How would running a cable into a box without an activated card in it turn it from being a FTA receiver into a subscription-enabled receiver? The cabling doesn't decide what you can/can't watch. It is the card in the box.

[Rabbi of Caerbannog]

He would therefor need to ensure Anytime is turned off or else it would tie up the single feed downloading content, regardless of subscription status.

The OP has already stated that his Sky+ box subscription is cancelled - therefore, he can't possibly record anything on it, and he couldn't watch anything that his Anytime downloads on it. So the second feed to that box is redundant.

Yep, Sky+ is currently cancelled althougth it will likely be reactivated again.

Now thinking of another alternative to get tv in this extra room, rather than running a new length. (Dish at front of house & room at back in the middle) The only real option is to run up theout side of the house straight into the loft the across and down into the room. Only problem would be Mrs Rabbi saying it looks untidy, unless I could chase the cable behind the cladding.

So, we have a bog standard freeview box which Mrs Rabbi was given some time back so I'm now thinking stick an outdoor aerial in the loft and just drop the cable through the ceiling.

Checking on a reception site it suggests I need an Amplified extra hi-gain aerial so Will this do (http://www.thedvdforums.com/affiliatelink.php?localaffiliateid=60&url=http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=217681&C=39883&U=loft_aerial_a20gy)

Sounds a bit like a simpler if a tad more costly solution to me.

Thanks for all the replies so far which have been helpful :thumbs:

[DJBenson]

In theory yes, that is the correct aerial for a Freeview install but there are so many variables when it comes to Freeview reception due to it being run on reduced power until DSO (EDIT sorry that's digital switchover if anybody didn't know). Do you know what your local transmitter is (some IDTV's and Freeview boxes will display this in their settings), alternatively there should be info on the net how to find your local transmitter. Things like distance from transmitter, line of site and construction of your house/roof can all have an impact upon the reception.

Depending upon distance, that aerial should be fine in a roof as long as there are no massive hills between you and the transmitter.

Best thing to do is go outside and look at other properties in your area, look which way the aerial is pointed, where it is mounted and what the aerial actually looks like - if you see a couple like the one you linked to then it's a good indicator that it will work.

I used to live a stones throw from Winter Hill (Lancashire), you could actually see the mast in front of the house yet reception was patch even though it was less than 2 miles unobstructed (possibly down to the aerial but it was a wideband jobbie installed for the sole purpose of Freeview).

The only option is to "suck it and see". Should be an easy DIY job too.

[Rabbi of Caerbannog]

This site (http://www.wolfbane.com/cgi-bin/tvd.exe?) gives Hannington and Crystal Palace as the nearest DTT's (22 & 29miles respectively) Another site suggests my aerial is probably pointing to Crystal Palace evn though I do not ahve one. I guess that is the best option for my area.

Will have a wander around the area when I get in and have a look.

Thanks again.