Another Sky+ single feed question... which switch/splitter - Sky+

rgiven · 18-12-2007, 09:27

Ok, eventually got a signal after fixing dodgy wiring in my new flat.

I've read through most of the posts on this but am still a little unclear about what it is I need.

I'm well aware that I won't get the full Sky+ functionailty and my landlord has made very clear that he won't be installing a second feed.

Basicially most of my recording is unattended, often 3 or four recordings when I'm away with work, which of these two solutions (both from this forum) is most suitable:

1. I believe you can get a smart priority switch (Globalcom SPS1) which will channel the lnb feed to input 2 when the box is switched off - meaning you don't have to leave the box on the channel you want to record whilst unattended. Still doesn't mean you can watch and record different channels at the same time but at least you can record a program unattended.

2. Just get a cheapish gadget called '2-way satellite splitter with ONE(!)powerpass' from any electronic store (look near TV aerial splitters). Then connect POWERPASS channell to 1st sky+ input and NON-POWERPASS to 2nd. Presto. You can record from planner but you'll have to figure out banding of different channells. i.e. you'll be able to record uktvg2 or mtv while watching uktvgold but not discovery.

I know this subject has been done to death....but very grateful for any views.

pcbbc · 18-12-2007, 19:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by rgiven

1. I believe you can get a smart priority switch (Globalcom SPS1) which will channel the LNB feed to input 2 when the box is switched off - meaning you don't have to leave the box on the channel you want to record whilst unattended. Still doesn't mean you can watch and record different channels at the same time but at least you can record a program unattended.

2. Just get a cheapish gadget called '2-way satellite splitter with ONE(!)powerpass' from any electronic store (look near TV aerial splitters). Then connect POWERPASS channel to 1st sky+ input and NON-POWERPASS to 2nd. Presto. You can record from planner but you'll have to figure out banding of different channels. i.e. you'll be able to record UKTVG2 or MTV while watching UKTVGold but not Discovery.

Suppose it depends on personal taste.

Personally I'd find method 2 a pain in the proverbial for day to day use in the way you describe it. So, in the definite absence of any possibility of a second feed, I'd go for option 1 (absolutely no bias form the fact that I suggested this solution in the first place

).

There is always the third workaround option of a manual recording designed to fail and set to repeat ever 24 hours. But I'd prefer not see all those failed entries in the planner though.

Luckily I've never been in this position, but if I was I'd be straight off the get the SPS1.

davemurgatroyd · 18-12-2007, 21:26

Be aware that the SPS1 will not work merely by plugging it into the Sky+ you will need to make up some way of connecting a lead from it to your TV scart socket (on the Sky+) to pin 8.

Sam Radford. · 19-12-2007, 18:16

I guess you could use a Scart plug with just pin 8 fitted:
http://www.satcure.co.uk/accs/page4.htm#wallscart

With the SPS1 switch:
http://www.satcure.co.uk/accs/page1b.htm#sps1

Any form of switch or splitter will lose at least 4dB of signal. This could be significant in poor weather if your signal is marginal. More notes:
http://www.satcure.co.uk/tech/split_feed.htm

18-12-2007, 09:27	#1
rgiven Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 4	Another Sky+ single feed question... which switch/splitter Ok, eventually got a signal after fixing dodgy wiring in my new flat. I've read through most of the posts on this but am still a little unclear about what it is I need. I'm well aware that I won't get the full Sky+ functionailty and my landlord has made very clear that he won't be installing a second feed. Basicially most of my recording is unattended, often 3 or four recordings when I'm away with work, which of these two solutions (both from this forum) is most suitable: 1. I believe you can get a smart priority switch (Globalcom SPS1) which will channel the lnb feed to input 2 when the box is switched off - meaning you don't have to leave the box on the channel you want to record whilst unattended. Still doesn't mean you can watch and record different channels at the same time but at least you can record a program unattended. 2. Just get a cheapish gadget called '2-way satellite splitter with ONE(!)powerpass' from any electronic store (look near TV aerial splitters). Then connect POWERPASS channell to 1st sky+ input and NON-POWERPASS to 2nd. Presto. You can record from planner but you'll have to figure out banding of different channells. i.e. you'll be able to record uktvg2 or mtv while watching uktvgold but not discovery. I know this subject has been done to death....but very grateful for any views.

18-12-2007, 21:26	#3
davemurgatroyd Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Gender: Male Location: Oxford Services: SkyHD, Sky+,TM9100,Fortec 5100 CI Diamond,Targa TSR5200 PVR. Topfield 5810 Posts: 8,778	Be aware that the SPS1 will not work merely by plugging it into the Sky+ you will need to make up some way of connecting a lead from it to your TV scart socket (on the Sky+) to pin 8.

19-12-2007, 18:16	#4
Sam Radford. Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: N Yorks Services: Apple Mac, wheelchair & pacemaker. Thanked 354,768 times Posts: 13,713	I guess you could use a Scart plug with just pin 8 fitted: http://www.satcure.co.uk/accs/page4.htm#wallscart With the SPS1 switch: http://www.satcure.co.uk/accs/page1b.htm#sps1 Any form of switch or splitter will lose at least 4dB of signal. This could be significant in poor weather if your signal is marginal. More notes: http://www.satcure.co.uk/tech/split_feed.htm