Wiring for both MySky and FreeViewHD

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hamish_t

7 posts

Wannabe Geek

#43572 21-Oct-2009 09:12

Hi all,

Im in the process of renovations at home and have some questions on how I should wire the new part of the house for Sky and Freeview signals.

The existing house is already pre-wired for RG6 into all bedrooms, kitchen with a distribution point in a hallway cupboard.

The new extension will include an AV cupboard and I plan to run three seperate feeds from the roof (one for sky, one for FreeViewHD via UHF and one for any future use).

I then plan to send the FreeViewHD signal and the decoded Sky signal back to the hallway cupboard to feed the existing rooms. (essentially giving me the choice of SD Sky and HD Freeview in all rooms)

My first question is do I need to use a 2-way mixer (Y mixer) to merge the decoded Sky signal (after the Sky box) and FreeviewHD signals, or can I feed the FreeViewHD signal through the Sky decoder? I want to limit the number of splitters, mixers as possible.

I realise the sky decoder will not decode the FreeViewHD signal and I will need a freeview decoders (which is in the other TV's in the house) to make this work properly

My second question is around splitting the HDMI signal for SkyHD, have others experienced this and how successful is it? I can run 3 HDMI cables, 15, 10 and 5 metres to the main TV, Lounge and patio. I realise the audio will be 2 Channel but in these areas im more interested in a better signal

Any suggestions, or advice welcome

Thanks in advance

sbiddle

30853 posts

Uber Geek

Retired Mod

Trusted

Biddle Corp

Lifetime subscriber

#265767 21-Oct-2009 19:36

The new HDi firmware no gives 5.1 audio over HDMI.

The easiest way to distribute HDMI signals around a house is via Cat5/6 cable and the use of baluns. The downside is that it isn't the cheapest option. You can buy a HDMI splitter and use either HDMI cables or Cat5/6 cable to distribute this signal around the house.

Just remember any new Sky HDi installs are dual RG6 runs so running 2 extra cables might be a good idea so you do have one spare.

The choice of splitters and combiners is something you really have to decide for yourself. RF based video distribution is getting pretty tired these days since it's the lowest possible option when it comes to picture quality.

hamish_t

7 posts

Wannabe Geek

#265782 21-Oct-2009 20:24

Thanks for the reply,

I have been looking into the Cat5e/6 option with Balun's - I guess it comes down to two factors right?
- cost
- ease of installation routing through walls

I've been leaning towards straight HDMI runs as its only up a wall, through ceiling and then down or up the other wall... the installation should be ok as i will have full access to open walls and ceiling. I guess to me I know what to expect from HDMI cables, I havent tried the Cat5e/6 method before and want to try and keep anything that requires power to a minimum.

Are there any guidelines as to when you need powered baluns? is it just on length? My maximum is a 15 metre cable run, could i get away with something like this?
http://www.rapalloav.co.nz/product/1477/HDMI---DVI/HDMI-over-Cat5/6/

Would it also be safe to say that the Cat6 STP is the best Cat cable to be running (and more expensive)

Thanks again