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In order to diagnose problems, you need to
know which device is which. Everything that
connects in a network has a MAC Address.
This address is used to make sure that all the
network traffic gets to the right place. If you
know what all the MAC addresses are, it will
be easier to know where the problems are.
This is a DECA. DECAs and Cinema
Connection Kits have the MAC address
printed on them. Make a note of the address
of every DECA, and write it down next to the
receiver or device it’s connected to. Usually
all you have to do is write the last 6 or 7
numbers, that should be enough to identify
it. Your DECAs may look different -- they
may be black -- but they will still have a MAC
address label.
If your home theater consists only of older
receivers with DECAs installed, you can skip
the next step. Since HR24, H24, H25, and
Genie receivers have internal networking,
there’s a hidden menu that will allow you
to see the MAC address of every connected
device.
Go to the front panel of the receiver and press
{GUIDE} and the right arrow at the same
time. This will take some practice to get right.
When you do, you’ll see a hidden test menu
that looks like the image above. Arrow down
to “Coax Network” and press {SELECT}. You
can do this part from the remote.
This is a basic DIRECTV setup with 5 devices.
Remember, only 16 devices can be on the
same coax network. For now you are only interested in MAC addresses. If you see a Friendly Name
listed, you will know which MAC address is associated with that device. More often, you will see a
name starting with “NODE-.”
In the diagram, Node #3 has a Phy Levels of “N/A.” The device that shows “N/A” is the device you
are testing from, and that’s how you know its MAC address. You may need to run this test on every
HR24, HR34, H24, or H25 to find their MAC addresses.
Step 3: Determine which device is which