DirecTV SWM Technology: Single Wire LNBs, MultiSwitches, Splitters, Power Supplies, Dishes, and Receivers

Converting the Standard 4-Port SlimLine Legacy LNB to Single-Wire Technology
OPTION #1: If you're currently using a standard SlimLine dish (AU9) utilizing legacy technology, you can convert the dish to single-wire technology by simply exchanging the 4-Port Legacy LNB (SL5) for either a 3-Head LNB (SL3S) or a 5-Head LNB (SL5S). Choosing the correct replacement LNB is determined by your DMA (Designated Marketing Area for local broadcast channels) and also any channels you may be subscribing to that's beamed from either the 110° or 119° satellites. The SL3S receives signals from 3 DirecTV satellites (99°, 101° and 103°). The SL5S receives signals from 5 DirecTV satellites (99°, 101°, 103°, 110° and 119°). If you're not sure what's required for your particular DMA or the hi-def channels you receive, go with the 5-Head LNB (SL5S). OPTION #2: You can also convert the Standard 4-Port SlimLine LNB to Single-Wire Technology by inserting an SWM-8 MultiSwitch. If you're utilizing multiple satellite dishes to receive signals from other DirecTV satellites (95° or 72.5°) - you must use the SWM-8 Multi-Switch to incorporate those signals.

Converting the AT9 (KaKu) Legacy LNB to Single-Wire Technology
It's possible to convert the older DirecTV AT9 satellite dishes with multiple LNBFs to SWM technology by using the SWM-8 Multi-Switch. We do NOT recommend exchanging LNBs on this particular satellite dish antenna. If you're not into multi-switches and would prefer an SWM LNB - you'd be well advised to change out your KaKu (AT9) dish to a SlimLine (AU9) dish. Be Warned: if you remove the LNBs and attempt to realign the AT9 dish, you're going to need experience, a high-dollar satellite meter and nerves of steel to get your dish realigned. We highly recommend you insert an SWM-8 Multi-Switch (offered for sale below) and leave the dish where it is - don't adjust the direction, elevation or skew unless you are a trained professional installer!

SWM Compatible Satellite Receivers
At this time (11-20-2008), these satellite receivers are compatible with SWM LNB Technology.
HR20 ~ D12 ~ HR21~ HR22 ~ H23 ~ R22 ~ H20 with .2042 Firmware Update ~ H21 ~ HR21 Pro ~ HR23 ~ R16

The SWM-8 Multi-Switch will support the above DirecTV receivers and also up to 3 older DIRECTV tuners using the Legacy ports on the Multi-Switch. Legacy DVRs count as two tuners and occupy two ports on the Multi-Switch. If you have Legacy equipment (receivers not listed above) - go with the SWM-8 Mulit-Switch. Or, if you plan to install more than 8 tuners, you must go with the SWM-8 Multi-Switch.

SWM Splitters
In practically every installation, a splitter is required whether you're using an SWM LNB or an SWM Multi-Switch. The only time we've gotten away without using a splitter is a one-receiver DVR installation - running straight from the SWM LNB to the SWM Power Supply to the receiver. ALL multi-receiver installs will require a splitter. The number of receivers to be installed will determine the type SWM Splitter needed (2-way, 4-way or 8-way). SWM Splitters are unique - you cannot use ordinary splitters in your installation!

SWM Power Supply
All SWM installations will require the use of a power supply. Satellite Receivers will not power the SWM LNB or SWM Multi-Switch. Power supplies are NOT interchangeable. The PI-21 Power Inserter must be used for the DirecTV SWM LNB and the PI-28 Power Inserter must be used for the SWM-8 Multi-Switch. ALWAYS read the instructions thoroughly and follow the directions step-by-step when inserting the power supply. Failure to do so may damage the receiver! Sending SWM power from the Power Supply to the IRD (receiver) can damage or destroy the receivers. Power supplies have two ports: Port #1 marked SWM supplies power to the SWM LNB or MultiSwitch; Port #2 marked IRD (Integrated Receiver Decoder) is the receiver side - do NOT REVERSE these connections and send power toward the IRD (receiver) - double-check your connections before you plug the power supply into an AC power receptacle.

SWM MultiSwitches

DIRECTV^® SWM8 Single-Wire Multi-Switch with PI-28 Power Supply $199.99
For use with a 5LNB (AT9 or AU9) DIRECTV dish. Allows two-signals to travel down a single coaxial cable to feed the DirecTV DVR. Necessary equipment in homes where running a second coaxial drop is not an option. Specially designed splitters can be used in conjunction with the SWM8 to feed up to 8 satellite tuners (a DVR has two tuners in a single housing). Click here or on the picture for more information.

SWM LNBs, Power Supplies and Splitters

DIRECTV^® SL3S (3-HEAD) SWM LNB $79.99
For use with the AT9/KaKu or AU9/SlimLine DIRECTV dishes. Receives satellite signals from three DirecTV positions: 99°, 101° and 103°. Allows two-signals to travel down a single coaxial cable to feed the DirecTV DVR. Necessary equipment in homes where running a second coaxial drop is not an option. The PI-21 Power Supply is required for this LNB. Specially designed splitters can be used in conjunction with this SL3S (3-HEAD) LNB to feed multiple satellite tuners (a DVR has two tuners in a single housing). If you're not sure which LNB is required for your particular DMA or the hi-def channels you receive, go with the 5-Head LNB (SL5S) below.

DIRECTV^® SL5S (5-HEAD) SWM LNB $89.99
For use with the AT9/KaKu or AU9/SlimLine DIRECTV dishes. Receives satellite signals from five DirecTV positions: 99°, 101°, 103°, 110° and 119°. Allows two-signals to travel down a single coaxial cable to feed the DirecTV DVR. Necessary equipment in homes where running a second coaxial drop is not an option. The PI-21 Power Supply is required for this LNB. Specially designed splitters can be used in conjunction with this SL5S (5-HEAD) LNB to feed multiple satellite tuners (a DVR has two tuners in a single housing). If you're not sure which LNB is required for your particular DMA or the hi-def channels you receive - be safe - go with this 5-Head LNB.

DIRECTV^® PI-21 POWER INSERTER for SL3S and SL5S SWM LNBs $21.99
The PI-21 Power Inserter is specifically designed to work with either of SWM LNBs featured above (SL3S and SL5S). Receivers will NOT power the SWM LNB - you must use a power inserter. ALWAYS read the instructions thoroughly and follow the directions step-by-step when inserting the power supply. Failure to do so may damage the receiver! Sending SWM power into the IRD (receiver) can damage or destroy the receivers. STOP!, and double check to make certain your connections are accurate prior to plugging the power supply into an AC outlet.

DIRECTV^® SWS-STR2 2-WAY SWM SPLITTER $7.99
for use with the DIRECTV^® SWM8 Single-Wire Multi-Switch and DIRECTV^®SL3S (3-HEAD) LNB or SL5S (5-HEAD) LNB. This splitter is designed for use with the DirecTV Single Wire Technology. It is not a stand-alone product.

Splits single output port on the SWM switch or LNB - creates two output signals for select receivers.
DirecTV OEM - not an aftermarket product!

DIRECTV^® SWS-STR4 4-WAY SWM SPLITTER $14.99
for use with the DIRECTV^® SWM8 Single-Wire Multi-Switch and DIRECTV^®SL3S (3-HEAD) LNB or SL5S (5-HEAD) LNB. This splitter is designed for use with the DirecTV Single Wire Technology. It is not a stand-alone product.

Splits single output port on the SWM switch or LNB - creates four output signals for select receivers.
DirecTV OEM - not an aftermarket product!

DIRECTV^® SWS-8 8-WAY SWM SPLITTER $19.99
for use with the DIRECTV^® SWM8 Single-Wire Multi-Switch and DIRECTV^®SL3S (3-HEAD) LNB or SL5S (5-HEAD) LNB. This splitter is designed for use with the DirecTV Single Wire Technology. It is not a stand-alone product.

Splits single output port on the SWM switch or LNB - creates eight output signals for select receivers.
DirecTV OEM - not an aftermarket product!

SWM Satellite Dish Antennas

DIRECTV^® DTV Slim Line Satellite Dish Antenna without LNB $79.99
Satellite dish assembly (NO LNB). Includes house mount, back assembly, reflector plate, LNB mounting bracket and monopole support. Compatible with both the SL3S (3-HEAD) SWM LNB and SL5S (5-HEAD) SWM LNB (sold separately).

SWM Tools and Meters

DIRECTV^® SIM01 SWM INSTALLATION METER $79.99
The SWM Installation Meter checks cable drops to determine if the cable drops will support SWM Technology. This is an extremely important process especially in pre-wired homes where splitters, in-line amplifiers, poor quality barrel connectors and other devices may be hidden in the walls, attic or crawl space. Instruction Sheet for this meter.

BirDOG Satellite Meter (NEW v4.0 USB PLUS SWM Technology Ready) ~ $499.99
EASY, FAST OPERATION: Select satellite from menu, move dish until BirDOG says "FOUND". BirDOG indicates raw signal level and digital data error rates at same time for optimal dish alignment and fast cross-polarization adjustment. 64 satellite locations can be stored in the BirDOG (downloaded from the Internet). Comes complete with carry-case, AC cord, auto charger and computer cable. Click the picture to open a new page for MORE Information!

SWM Enabled Satellite Receivers

DIRECTV^® HR21-P (Professional Series MPEG 4 Hi-Definition DVR Satellite Receiver)
Hi-definition receiver with Digital Video Recorder and 500 GB internal hard drive. Record up to 400 hours of Standard Definition, or up to 100 hours of Hi-Definition programming. Click here to download the 108 page owner's guide for this satellite receiver in Adobe .pdf format.

DIRECTV^® HR22 (MPEG 4 Hi-Definition DVR Satellite Receiver)
Hi-definition receiver with Digital Video Recorder. Record up to 400 hours of Standard Definition, or up to 100 hours of Hi-Definition programming. Owner's guide for this satellite receiver is not available at this time.

DIRECTV^® H21 (MPEG 4 Hi-Definition Satellite Receiver)
Hi-definition receiver. Single Tuner / No DVR. Click here to download the 97 page owner's guide for this satellite receiver in Adobe .pdf format.

DIRECTV^® R22 (Standard Definition Satellite with DVR)
Standard-definition (digital quality picture) satellite receiver with DVR. Dual Tuner / DVR. Owner's guide for this satellite receiver is not available at this time.

SWM Expanders

DIRECTV^® SWM-E4 QUAD EXPANDER for MDU (Multiple Dwelling Units)
SWM Quad Expanders are ideal for multiple dwelling units (apartment buildings and motels). A properly installed Quad Expander will allow you to feed up to 32 SWM-Enabled tuners and up to 12 Legacy tuners using a single dish. Also ideal for those customers you encounter residing in 30 bedroom mansions.