Bought a new HD Tv and have asked my provider to install new DVR etc.. capable of providing HD channels.

They want to charge me $60 to install new wiring - my old wiring is basic coaxil (13yrs old when house was built) - and also stated that they need to DRILL:eek: through my celing to run the new cable as they cannot access the TV point - Am I wrong in thinking that you can run a new cable via an old one?

If anyone could help I would be more than grateful as I definatley do not want to see cables protruding from my living room ceiling!

The existing wiring, is most likely running through holes in the studs, maybe even stapled
If you are EXTREMELY lucky, you could tie on to the old cable, and pull a new one in
This usually only works, if there aren't any staples, tight holes, too many corners, etc....
I'm assuming the living room is on the 1st floor?
Is your basement finished?
Is the tv on an interior wall?
There are options, other than drilling a hole in the roof (Hopefully...)
If there were no other options available, I would have a private contractor (Alarm guys fish wires pretty good, or a Home Automation company, or any type of wiring contractor...)
Fishing will eliminate the hole in the ceiling, but it may leave one in your wallet, depending on how difficult it is

I think what the OP is asking is if the old RF-coax can be used for the new (digital) service. The answer to that is usually yes. Even though the older coax is often RG-59 instead of RG-6, which has a lower signal loss, it should be possible to use the existing wiring, unless there is significant loss for reasons like really long distance or splitters inside the walls, etc.

It's also often possible to install an amplifier (bidirectional, rated for 1000 MHz) at the demarcation point (where the cable comes into the house) to increase the signal strength. If you have broadband cable, that should be split off before the amp.

Who is your service provider, where are you located? What is the make/model of the DVR?

See: http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=57741

I doubt that the cable guy used a TDR on the line
But....maybe there is a 700mhz splitter in the wall?
Or bad connectors?
If the house is 13 years old, the builder SHOULD have run rg6, however, I have seen copper braided rg59 installed in new homes
I guess it depends if the rough in guy gets a deal on 59 cable

Basically... got normal Satelite TV in lounge and master bedroom... the tv arial outlet is on interior wall.... new cabling in bedroom.... however original cable in lounge area where NEWLY purchased HDTV is!!! Still unsure if can use original cabling .... provider stated something about a box needing to be placed in attic area!!!! p.s. no basement - house has only 1 level!!! Many thanks for all your help.

Are you looking at Satelitte HD.?

If so which provider and which receiver.?

Satellite service provider installers are often simply not allowed to use any existing cable, even if the customer says he can. This is due to several factors like possible interference, possible incorrect hookups, etc.

Is it Bell ExpressVu? With a 9200?
If so, then you can use different LNB's and switches, and use the existing cabling (If its good) and split it at the 9200

The box in the attic sounds strange???
Maybe ask for another appointment, after getting a few more suggestions, and maybe a different tech may find an alternative method for getting you up and running

Don't forget i hate tv that the DP ? DPP will NOT work with RG59.....That is just FYI.

It burns out....lol

Don't forget i hate tv that the DP ? DPP will NOT work with RG59.....That is just FYI.

It burns out....lol
Yes Dish Pro Plus (DPP) uses stacked frequency plans and there is no way that'll work through Rg59. You need Rg6 swept to 3 GHz for that to work right.

Since the OP has not advised us who the service provider is, what the equipment is (whether it/he's even in Canada), I suggest we wait for a response from him before any more speculation?