What you see above you is DIRECTV’s SWM-16 multiswitch. It’s been around a long time. Back when I was affiliated with another site, I helped produce this PDF review, which I have hosted here since it’s no longer hosted there. That was 14 years ago.
The SWM-16 multiswitch was a real step forward for DIRECTV, allowing up to 16 receivers or a mix of DVRs and receivers that added up to 16 tuners. All devices could talk to each other, enabling sharing programs between 2-tuner DVRs. As an upgrade to the SWM-8 multiswitch, it added capability while being an easy inline swap.
Of course all that was years ago and technology moves on. If you still have this multiswitch, it’s time to think about a change. Here’s why.
All SWM-16s ever made are now over 12 years old
The last production run of SWM-16s that I am aware of was in 2012. If you’re still using one, keep in mind that it was made back then even if you put it in more recently. We still sell them at Solid Signal (as I write this in 2024) but all our stock dates back to the early 2010s. There are older and refurbished ones in the pipeline because that’s all that we can get at this point.
I’ll say that DIRECTV’s equipment from the 2000s and 2010s has proven to be extremely durable. A lot of it is still out there far longer than anyone expected. But there has to come a point where you just don’t feel comfortable depending on it anymore.
All current receivers and DVRs now support the SWM-30 multiswitch.
Unless you’re running old standard-definition equipment, your DIRECTV gear is going to support the SWM-30 multiswitch. This device, which has been around for several years now, is the easy way to add up to 26 tuner capacity to your home satellite system. When used in a commercial environment, it will support 30 H26K receivers.
The SWM-30, unlike the SWM-16, does not allow the connected home signal to cross from port to port, so that you can only support 13 tuners for sharing content. However, most folks will not see this as an issue now that the typical install now includes a Genie DVR rather than multiple 2-tuner DVRs.
Upgrading to the reverse band LNB will allow you to skip the SWM altogether
DIRECTV’s current Reverse Band 3 LNB supports 13 tuners in a mixed Genie/non-Genie setup and that is enough for most people. It’s fully SWM-capable. With this LNB in place, you can remove your external SWM altogether and that’s one less potential point of failure.
For commercial customers, we recommend staying with the external multiswitch so that you can expand your installation more easily.
Get futureproof with Solid Signal
One of the great things about working with so many Solid Signal customers is that they’ve been using DIRECTV hardware for over 20 years. They’ve grown along with us and many of them have been buying from us for decades.
Whether you’re a longtime satellite fan or just someone who’s getting into it now, you’ll find everything you need to upgrade your satellite TV system when you shop at SolidSignal.com. Even better, you can get the free technical support you need when you call us at 888-233-7563. If it’s after hours, fill out the form below and we’ll get back to you, usually within one business day.
