How to Connect Two DirecTV DVRs

by Stacy Zogheib
Connecting two DVRs lets you watch recorded shows in multiple rooms.

Connecting two DVRs lets you watch recorded shows in multiple rooms.

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Digital video recorders are convenient devices through which to watch shows on your own schedule. Some users want to be able to watch recorded shows in either a family room or a bedroom without moving the DVR or connecting their televisions to a wireless network. Using a multi-switch that is compatible with common DirectTV dishes, you can connect multiple DVRs to a single dish.

Step 1

Connect your satellite dish to your multi-switch. The dish outputs will connect to the inputs on the switch.

Step 2

Connect the multi-switch to the power supply using a coaxial cable. You should use the coaxial line labeled "SWM."

Step 3

Insert the 1 by 2 SWM splitter into the IRD line on the power supply.

Step 4

Connect 1 output of the 1 by 2 splitter to one DVR receiver.

Step 5

Repeat Step 4, connecting the other output to the other receiver.

Tips

  • SWM stands for single-wire multi-switch. SWM8 means there will be eight outputs that can connect to four DVRs while SWM16 can connect to eight and has 16 outputs.

Warnings

  • Avoid PI-21 power supplies with an SWM8 multi-switch. These are made for dishes that have SWM switches built in. They are not reliable enough for your external multi-switches.
  • Never use B-Band converters for your multi-switch. Only use products that are approved for your SWM unit and satellite dish.

About the Author

Stacy Zogheib's writing has been published in various online publications. She is a teacher and educator with experience teaching first grade, special education and working with children ages 0 to 3. She has a Bachelor of Arts in elementary and special education from Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio.

Photo Credits

  • Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images