View Full Version : Newbie question about Cables.
NYRDiehardfan
03-27-2006, 01:38 AM
I realize this might be the dumbest question anyone has asked on this site, but Im confused. When posters are talking about different types of cables to get (Ie Monster), are they referring to the specific cables that run from, say, the outside Sat Dish to the splitter inside the house? Or are they referring to the cables that just run from , say, the wall cable outlet to your STB or TV?
The reason Im asking is Im currently a Directv subscriber and am planning on upgrading to HDTV. I obviously need new cables to receive the picture right and was wondering if i have to have the installer change the entire cable that runs from the outside Dish on my roof into my house, or just the cable that runs from the splitter to the back of My new HDDirectv Reciever? Or Both? :headb: :wave:
mikehbkwm
03-27-2006, 01:55 AM
The physical coax cable itself will probably not need to be changed. Your DISH itself will probably get changed to the new oval DISH. The cables from the sat receiver to the tv will change also. Hope this answers your question. Please read the faqs section on different types of cables.
NYRDiehardfan
03-27-2006, 02:00 AM
I tried to check the FAQ about this, but there wasnt any.
So, what you are saying is that the actual cable that runs from the SAT into my house will stay the same, but I wil need to upgrade the cable that runs from the SAT receiver into the tv itself?
skiflyer
03-27-2006, 05:39 AM
Yes, same cable from sat to receiver (unless there's something wrong with yours)
Most likely on the upgrade internally depending on what you're running.
NYRDiehardfan
03-27-2006, 10:35 AM
Thanks, guys.
On a side question about this, why do I see some 25 foot cables being discussed on this site then? Do people need such a length?
mjones73
03-27-2006, 11:08 AM
Most of the time it's in reference to the cabling between the receiving equipment aka your satelite receiver and the TV itself. For example if you upgrade to the current Directv H20 receiver, you have to use HDMI/DVI or component to hook it to your TV where with your current SD receiver you are probably using RF, composite or s-video.
Give us the make and model numbers of the equipment you'd like to hook up and we can offer some suggestion on the best hook up options...
I tried to check the FAQ about this, but there wasnt any. You may wish to check out the HDTV FAQs:
Cables & Connections
Cables, Splitters.
The former talks about the cables that are used to connect up the home theatre equipment.
The latter talks about the types of cable used to get a signal to the primary receiver (specifically cable). RG-6 is the "standard" these days. Many houses were wired with RG-59, but most of the time, this will work, depending on length, etc.
For Sat, different splitters are required and others will need to comment on this once we know what you're trying to connect. I would think your installer would take care of all of this.
On a side question about this, why do I see some 25 foot cables being discussed on this site then? Do people need such a length?My equipment is on the other side of the room from the TV. See the setup link in my signature. This explains why some people need longer cables.
NYRDiehardfan
03-27-2006, 05:02 PM
Most of the time it's in reference to the cabling between the receiving equipment aka your satelite receiver and the TV itself. For example if you upgrade to the current Directv H20 receiver, you have to use HDMI/DVI or component to hook it to your TV where with your current SD receiver you are probably using RF, composite or s-video.
Give us the make and model numbers of the equipment you'd like to hook up and we can offer some suggestion on the best hook up options...
Wow. Thank u very much. I dont have the equipmet yet. Im currently finishing my basement, but will start upgrading the equipment in about 2 weeks to amonth. I will post the equipment info u requested as soon as I get it. Thanks for your advice. Can I also PM u then, too?
BTW, I have Directv and basic cable for some local channels that Directv doesnt offer (UPN57-philly, to be specific.) I plan on upgrading to the High-def package thru Directv, but also plan on just keeping the basic cable (No Set top Box, just a cable line from the street to the house). Id hope to be able to hook both up to my new TV (Its gonna be the sony 42 Inch 3lcd 42a10 I believe.)
Any pre-advice on equipment, set up options, etc? Im open to any ideas. :rockon:
If you're keeping your cable, you may be able to get some HD channels if the TV has a QAM tuner. See the HDTV FAQ "Can I get digital cable."
NYRDiehardfan
03-27-2006, 05:05 PM
If you're keeping your cable, you may be able to get some HD channels if the TV has a QAM tuner. See the HDTV FAQ "Can I get digital cable."
Does the 42 inch LCD Sony 42 a10 have this? Sorry, 57U, I realized i could just look it up on the CC site to see for myself. :)
It doesn't appear to have ATSC or QAM.
http://www.bestbuy.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?sku_id=0926HDS0010069083&catid=23250&logon=&langid=EN
mjones73
03-27-2006, 05:41 PM
Please don't PM the members with technical questions, post them as threads so that others can take advantage of the answers also.
