How many cables needed for DirecTV install?

[RonH]

I currently have TWC but am preparing for the switch to DirecTV.  I thought I would fish whatever wires are needed prior to the installer showing up and add the needed outlet plates, etc.

I have a TV upstairs in a bedroom and one in the family room.  The family room will have an HR21 (HD DVR) and some method for OTA (hopefully AM21).  Upstairs will be a non DVR HD Box, I assume this means H21.

Both locations currently have a single coax running to them from the basement.  From what I've read, it appears I'll have to run two coax PLUS a third for OTA to my DVR box downstairs and two upstairs (one for OTA and one for SAT).  Am I correct on this?  That's a lot of coax to run!

I read about the new switch modules (SWM), and it appears perhaps with one of the SWM-8 units, I could run the antenna into the SWM-8, along with the satellite outputs, and then send a single wire to each of my boxes (which already exist today).  This sounds like the ultimate solution to me.  Is it available already?  Does this circumvent the need to have an AM21 in the future because the SWM takes care of it? (http://www.weaknees.com/swm-directv.php).

If no one here knows the answers, are these questions a directv customer service rep would have a chance at answering?

[Bebop]

You'll only need to run 2 lines, if your receiver have 2 tuners. But, if they are going to install extra lines for free then run 2 or 3 to each receiver.

You don't need the extra line to get OTA. A diplexer will work. So, with a diplexer all you need is one line for a single receiver and two for the DVR. I have been using part of my set up with old TW cables. You might just need to put one more line to your DVR. If your TW cables are dual coaxial like mine, you don't need to run any.

[RonH]

If I can just use a diplexer to send my OTA to the box, then why is the AM21 needed?  Because even though I can send it through a single cable, the HR21 has no ATSC tuner to handle it?

[kevbeck122]

You use two diplexers; one combines the signal onto one cable and the other separates it at the receiver so you can plug one cable into the HR21 and the other cable into the AM21.

[aaron31182]

I just installed an SWM8 this past weekend in my house. I'll send you a private message to see if I can answer any questions for you.

[Bebop]

It will be much easier with SWM. How much did the switch costed?