Sky Plus with a single LNB feed from the dish
With just one LNB feed, you'll have to set the box to record a programme starting slightly in advance of the one you want to record. It will result in a "failed" recording, since it will try to use LNB input 2, but it will also force the box to use LNB input 1 for the programme you want and it should record OK.
STS2 2-way splitter F-conn 2 DC pass*
*Note: we are no longer recommending this product for use with Sky+ Digiboxes because people really don't understand the following information. Please do NOT order it unless you really understand how the twin-tuner Sky+ Digibox works. We will no longer be sympathetic to those who complain "it doesn't work" or "there's no signal on output 2". Think about it logically: if one receiver input is putting out 13 volts (for vertical polarisation) and one is putting out 18v (for horizontal polarisation) then the 18 volts is going to win and the input expecting to see a vertically polarised channel will see nothing. This is normal. The system will work only when both inputs are looking at a channel with the same polarisation (vert or hor) and the same band (high or low).
"I am interested in this product to use with my Sky+ box as I only have one feed. What functionality will I lose as stated in the description of the product?"
The LNB selects horizontal polarisation when fed with 17 volts and vertical polarisation when fed with 13 volts.
The LNB selects high band when fed with 22kHz tone and low band otherwise.
If you connect two tuners to it, they will be fighting for control. Normally "high band" and "horizontal" will win.
You need a chart with four lists (download file below*):-
1. Channels with vertical polarisation and low band
2. Channels with vertical polarisation and high band
3. Channels with horizontal polarisation and low band
4. Channels with horizontal polarisation and high band
Sky Digital Frequencies (Frequency list)
*Right-click HERE to download a zipped Microsoft Excel file that contains channel lists.
skyfrequency.zip Kindly supplied by Steve Waddell. Note: last updated June 9, 2006
If you update it please let us know. Email Technical.
With a splitter fitted, you will be able to watch and record any two channels from any ONE of the four lists. You will not be able to watch and record simultaneously channels from two of the lists. You can order a splitter HERE. You can order suitable Low cost extension cable cut lengths with F connectors HERE.
NOTE: All splitters cut the available signal in half AND waste a little in the process. Think of cutting an apple in half with a blunt axe. So each splitter output provides only about 40% of the original signal strength. If your cable run is short and your dish size is adequate, this should not pose a problem as the signal will still be above the minimum threshold for your receiver. However, if your "rain margin" is already low, a splitter could have a very bad effect on reception.
In addition, this type of splitter contains two diodes, which prevent the LNB voltage from one tuner getting into the other. A diode can drop up to a volt when current is being fed to the LNB, and this can cause odd effects where the LNB may not switch to high-band where it ought to. If you observe this symptom, you could try a different LNB.
Basically, using a splitter is "pot luck". It might work for you but it might not. There are too many variables to allow us to predict the outcome for certain. Obviously we would appreciate your feedback. Please state the make/model of Digibox, make/type of LNB, cable length and your location.
It may also be possible to use our SPS1 LNB switch. If you search the Digitalspy forum you'll find lots of discussions about using SKY+ and Sky-HD with just one feed. Here's a few:
http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=598478
http://forum.digitalspy.co.uk/board/showthread.php?t=366867
http://forum.digitalspy.co.uk/board/showthread.php?t=367541
http://forum.digitalspy.co.uk/board/showthread.php?t=366656
http://forum.digitalspy.co.uk/board/showthread.php?t=368959
http://forum.digitalspy.co.uk/board/showthread.php?t=369252
You can find more by using the search facility to look for "apartment" and "communal" and all the various misspellings of those words.
©2004 SatCure
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