One of the best ways to upgrade the features and capabilities of an existing DirecTV satellite TV installation is to purchase a new DirecTV LNB increasing the number of satellites that the dish can pick-up (i.e. to receive HD channels) and or increase the number of receivers the dish setup can support.
LNB’s – short for low-noise block downconverter – attach to an existing satellite dish and receive signals from DirecTV’s satellites. It then converts them for transmission over RG6 coax cables to the home. Most units produce enough signal for more than one set top box (receiver), however upgrading the DirecTV LNB is a key way to enable supporting more receivers or channels without committing to a big purchase or changing service providers.
DirecTV LNB
[easyazon-image align=”right” asin=”B00009W3DU” locale=”us” height=”110″ src=”http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31Ir8geoymL._SL110_.jpg” width=”110″ alt=”DirecTV LNB – RCA DLNB2BOX LNB Dual”]Beginning at the lower price range for DirecTV LNB products is the popular [easyazon-link asin=”B00009W3DU” locale=”us”]RCA DLNB2BOX LNB (Dual)[/easyazon-link] which can support two set top boxes. For homes with only two televisions, or those subscribers who simply don’t need a set top box in every room of the home, this is an ultra-affordable option that can replace a damaged LNB and restore home entertainment services. [easyazon-link asin=”B00009W3DU” locale=”us”]See Product Features…[/easyazon-link] [easyazon-image align=”left” asin=”B007TXVD7K” locale=”us” height=”86″ src=”http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31zxL9hQgKL._SL110_.jpg” width=”110″ alt=”DirecTV LNB – SL3 Slimline Four Out Ka/ku Slimline LNB”]Increasing receiver support with a mid-range DirecTV LNB – more than two – is the [easyazon-link asin=”B007TXVD7K” locale=”us”]DirecTV SL3 Slimline Four Out Ka/ku Slimline LNB[/easyazon-link]. This “quad” model; is from by DirecTV itself and is a “four out” model. It costs a bit more than the dual option but is worth the money for the extra capacity. [easyazon-link asin=”B007TXVD7K” locale=”us”]See Product Features…[/easyazon-link] [easyazon-image align=”right” asin=”B003ZT28GC” locale=”us” height=”105″ src=”http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/416rG9yWNEL._SL110_.jpg” width=”110″ alt=”DirecTV LNB – SWM 3 LNB for Slimline Dish”]Next is the [easyazon-link asin=”B003ZT28GC” locale=”us”]DirecTV SWM 3 LNB for Slimline Dish[/easyazon-link] which is heading for the higher-end of the price range but uses DirecTV’s proprietary SWM: Single-Wire technology in order to power up to eight receivers with just a single coax. That’s largely unheard of in lower-priced products, and gives the capability to watch separate programming in virtually every room with an additional DirecTV reveiver. [easyazon-link asin=”B003ZT28GC” locale=”us”]See Product Features…[/easyazon-link]The DirecTV SWM 3 LNB is one of the leading models in this category. There are a number of innovative LNBs for existing satellite dish installations. This product features three distinct LNB’s, allowing it to get a much better signal than some lower-priced options.
[easyazon-image align=”left” asin=”B003A47G1O” locale=”us” height=”83″ src=”http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/11R9TNpPjXL._SL160_.jpg” width=”125″ alt=”DirecTV LNB – 5 LNB With 1 SWM Output”]Other high-end options are the [easyazon-link asin=”B003A47G1O” locale=”us”]DirecTV 5 LNB + SWM Output[/easyazon-link] which covers all satellite bases, receiving signals from all of DirecTV’s satellites. The LNB convert HD MPEG-4 video. This highly efficient video technology allows access to far more high definition channels than most cable and fiber optic companies permit and, since DirecTV broadcasts most of its HD channels using MPEG-4 technology, this LNB would be a requirement for homes with large, high definition television sets. [easyazon-link asin=”B003A47G1O” locale=”us”]See Product Features…[/easyazon-link]Most DirecTV LNB products are exceedingly affordable, especially for those that supply a signal to only two or four set top boxes within the home. Consumers who find themselves in need of a new LNB need to weigh up current and future needs with regard to upgrading to HD or expanding the number of receivers in their home vs spending more money for higher-priced models with support for MPEG-4 HD channels or multiple set top boxes.
The lower-priced products are perfect for smaller families and tighter budgets. Thanks to low price tags that for a current-generation, dual LNB, this upgrade or replacement is one that can be quick, easy, and affordable, at any level. Be sure to read compatibility guidelines, and product features, before purchasing. With proper attention to detail, a new LNB can change the DirecTV experience in great ways.
(N.B. Depending on your existing Satellite Dish and DirecTV Receiver you may find you also need to upgrade these items in order to support some of the more advanced LNB’s)