How to wire an antenna for 2 TVs. Connecting one digital set-top box to two TVs. Connect via an open connector

Almost everyone knows for sure that television replaces us, or rather provides one of the opportunities to have fun. Let's say moreover, it is still quite competitive in relation to the Internet, which has become our everything. The only thing is that even if you have several TVs in the house, you can only fully watch one program on each of them. If someone wants to watch something else or in another place, then there is a need to connect two or more televisions to one receiver. It is this option, when you need to connect two or more TVs to the receiver, that we will talk about in our article.

Options for connecting 2 TVs to the receiver(s)

If we talk about connection options, there are essentially two of them. No, of course, you can come up with a great many variations, but so that they are fundamentally different from each other, there are only two.
The first is when two TVs are connected to one receiver. If I can say so, they are connected in parallel, that is, the TVs show virtually the same thing.
The second option is when we have one antenna, two receivers and two TVs. That is, the signal goes to receivers, is divided to the antenna, and then decrypted by each receiver, for each TV. As a result, each TV shows its own programs, independently of the other.
So, now let’s start looking at both options in order, with their own connection features.

Connecting 2 TVs to one receiver (one signal source)

The first option, as we would say, is simpler. It is for those cases when you need to watch the same thing. That is, one video signal will be broadcast to two TVs. These are options when you can watch the same thing in different rooms. For example, when in one room the TV has already been turned off, and in the second they are still watching TV. The only problem is that you still have to switch programs where the receiver is directly installed. This is of course inconvenient.
So, the connection diagram in this case will be quite simple. The signal from the satellite dish (antenna) goes to the receiver, where it is decrypted and then sent to the TV. In this case, it can come through RF OUT or through tulip (RCA) plugs. Just if the receiver supports the ability to output video and audio signals in different ways, you can use this. For one TV, take the signal from RF OUT, and for the second from “tulips” or Scart. In order for you to better understand what and how, we will provide several connection diagrams and provide explanations for them.
The first connection option is when one of the TVs is connected via an RF socket, that is, actually via an RF cable. We talked about installing plugs on such an antenna cable in one of our articles. But the second signal is taken from Scart.

The next option is when we want to divide the signal into 2 TVs only using an RF modulator. In this case, the modulator is the same as a tee for a power outlet. Here you can connect at least two, at least 4 TVs. Or rather, as many connections as the modulator allows.

Well, the third option, which is quite relevant for modern receivers, is when Scart or RCA and HDMI output are used. In this case, you will not even need to purchase any modulators or splitters. Possibility to connect the receiver via different ways, already actually realizes the receiver’s ability to work with 2 different TVs at once. All you need here are the appropriate wires.

I would like to say the following again about all these connection methods. Firstly, the signal to each of the TVs will be the same, which is not suitable for some.
Secondly, the cable from the receiver to the distant TV should not exceed a length of 15 meters. Otherwise, there will be so much interference that you won’t be able to watch the video comfortably.

Connecting 2 TVs to two receivers (two signal sources)

The second option involves connecting two receivers to two TVs. This option, in our opinion, deserves more attention, since, so to speak, it is complete. Here, each of the receivers receives a signal from the dish, and then decrypts and sends the signal for processing by the TV. The advantages here are obvious. You can watch different programs on different TVs at the same time. Program switching is carried out directly from the receiver installed next to the TV. There is no need to run around and switch programs somewhere and by someone. Well, the cables for switching between the receiver and the TV here will require a much shorter length than in the option above.
The only negative is that this option is more expensive. Let's analyze the connection diagrams according to this case.
There are two options here when the receivers are equivalent, that is, if it is fashionable to say so, self-sufficient. Each of them can work without the other and there is a case when one receiver receives an RF signal, and then processes it and, through the transmission of a digital signal, transmits it to 2 receivers.
First, about the first option.
Here the RF signal must be divided before arriving at each of the receivers...

...or do this. The signal arrives at one receiver and goes on to the next...

The point here is simple. Each of the receivers receives similar signal and already works with it separately. In principle, it turns out like one receiver, one TV, the connection diagram is the same. Unless there is one antenna for two.
Another option for connecting two TVs and two receivers was implemented by the Tricolor company. In this case, the GS e501 and GS c591 receivers work as follows.

The main receiver receives the signal, receives it on the receiver, or rather even two, and decrypts it. Further already digital signal transmitted to the second receiver. In this case, the second receiver is deprived of a receiver, which allows the manufacturer to save somewhat on the cost of such a connection, and therefore slightly reduce the price for the user.

To summarize...

So, if we summarize the topic of connecting two TVs to one and two receivers, then we can say that each of the options is possible. The only thing here is to decide what suits you. After all, it is this condition that will become the starting point for the implementation of connection diagrams. It should be noted that in addition to the connection diagram, receivers need configuration. Here it is necessary that the signal from the antenna arrives at the proper level, that is, the circuit is not a panacea for solving the problem. It does not relieve you of the need to configure receivers and this must be understood.

Modern satellite television offers hundreds of channels in excellent quality. The problem is that the system works on a simple receiver-decoder-TV principle. And this means that only one TV can be connected to one antenna in the basic configuration. But in a modern home this is no longer relevant. The user wants to watch channels on multiple screens. Such a connection can be made using both switching and decoding equipment.

Satellite broadcasting is an analogue radio signal that many people are not familiar with. The TV program, video and sound are transmitted in the form of code sequences in digital format. This means that older TVs that are not equipped with a special decoder cannot receive satellite channels. This requires separate equipment. In modern TV models this is DVB-S, DVB-S2 tuner.

Today, satellite TV providers offer set-top boxes for decoding the signal into a format understandable to a regular TV receiver. In the standard antenna operation scheme, a receiving dish and a TV are connected to one such device. If you use two imaging devices, they will display the same picture and nothing else.

Simple connection option

For the simplest connection option, the user must have at least one tuner that has a so-called radio signal bypass.

• That is, the same data that the device receives from a satellite dish is transmitted to its high-frequency radio channel output. In this case, you can build a line of at least a couple of set-top boxes for watching channels on several TVs. This is done like this:
• the antenna cable is inserted into the input of the set-top box with radio output;
• the output of the first receiver is connected to the corresponding input of the second;

Some difficulties may arise when implementing this method. In particular, most receivers do not have a completely end-to-end bypass. If the device is configured to work with channels in vertical polarization, its output will be a signal of the same format. That is, on the second set-top box you cannot watch programs broadcast in horizontal polarization.

The second difficulty is related to the peculiarity of how providers work with subscriber identification using smart cards or other means. If the service provider does not support viewing premium channels on two screens, the user will be forced to limit himself. On one TV he will have access to all subscriptions and TV programs, and on the second - only free ones.

Antenna modification

The number of outputs that a satellite dish has is dictated by the design of its converter. By replacing this unit with a more advanced one, you can get several cable lines for different TVs at once. On sale today converters with 2, 3, 4 and up to 8 outputs. This method is most convenient for those users who have enough free channels.

To implement such a connection scheme, in addition to replacing the converter, you will have to install new wires throughout the house. However, the subscriber is offered maximum freedom. You can connect a receiver-TV pair to each cable, use the services of one provider with the option of viewing on multiple screens, or take advantage of offers from two or three operators at once.

There will be no problems with choosing polarization; this task is solved by separate set-top boxes. But there are also some disadvantages. The most important thing is that you may have to pay a subscription fee for each receiver or group of tuners.

Signal dividers

The signal divider is a very simple device. It has one entrance and several exits. There are two types of divider splitters. Some devices generate the same signal level at all outputs. They are used in cases where the lengths of cable lines to each TV are approximately equal.

The second type is called nonlinear divider. One of its outputs has 60-70% of the level of the original signal. The furthest TV on the network is connected to it.

As can be seen from the operating principle of the divider, TV receivers or receivers receive a much smaller signal than the antenna generates. Therefore in home network rational use amplifiers. They are connected in front of the consumer, set-top box or TV to get high-quality picture and sound from satellite broadcasts.

Multiswitches

Multiswitch is an expensive and complex device. It already has an output signal amplifier. In addition, such devices are capable of working with a group satellite dishes simultaneously. The multiswitch has several inputs and outputs.

This is the optimal solution if you want to get an excellent picture on each TV without installing any intermediate signal amplifiers.

Services of satellite providers

Dividers, multiswitches, cascade connection of receivers - all this does not eliminate the main problem of distributing a satellite signal to several TVs. If the provider uses subscriber identification, you will have to pay a separate subscription fee for each set-top box or TV. Fortunately for users, modern providers understand that there can be at least two TVs in the house.

Service providers offer the option of watching channels on multiple devices. There are also hardware solutions - these are so-called connected receivers. One of them acts as the main server. It decodes channels. Data transfer to the second receiver-client is carried out via a local cable computer network or via a wireless router.

Clone mode

In cafes, summer recreation areas, even in private homes, clone mode can be useful. In this case, for two TVs the same picture is received. You can make such a connection to one receiver. Each of the TVs is switched to a separate port. At the same time, RCA and HDMI lines can be very long, from 5 to 30 meters.

Necessary equipment

To successfully implement his plan and connect two TVs to one receiver, a home master will need:

• a simple set of cable stripping tools;
• parabolic antenna or just a dish;
• TV tuner;
• splitter or splitter for two outputs;
• two TVs;
• a set of necessary cables.

When all the components have been purchased, you can begin installing the entire system, but before that, a few words about the devices.

Setting up system components

Before connecting the tuner, you need to configure it:

• connect the receiver to the home electrical network;
• connect the product to the computer via a USB port;
• install the satellite dish and connect it to a special connector on the tuner;
• install software , which is attached to the product;
• launch the program and configure operating parameters.

Only after careful configuration do we begin to connect the connected tuner to the TVs. To do this, it is better to use digital inputs to maintain the much-needed image quality.

Let's say that one TV is installed in the living room, and the other connected object, for example, is in the son's room: then we connect the nearby TV to the receiver with an HDMI cable. We turn on the TV in the hall and begin tuning it:

• go to the menu;
• select the signal source;
• indicate the connector to which you connected from the tuner;
• We configure according to the product instructions, as a rule, choose automatic scanning, which modern models perform independently;
• After the list of channels appears, we filter out low-quality and duplicates, leaving only those necessary for further viewing.

Connecting a second receiver

Now it's time to tell you how to connect a second TV to the receiver. We measure the shortest distance; a good option is to drill into the adjacent wall, but this is not always possible. The cable must be routed along the baseboard so as not to touch it when moving around the apartment.

There are special skirting boards on sale with a cutout for cables; they are closed with a lid on top, which is very convenient - the wires are hidden and do not disturb the interior.

Setting up the second TV is carried out in the same way as with the required indicating the connected cables, in the case where more than one is used.

We connect the satellite tuner using RCA cable, which can be used when simultaneously connecting two TVs to one receiver along with HDMI. You will need a special SCART-RCA adapter, and when setting up a TV connected using this cable, you need to change the input signal settings. The scheme of such a connection is simple, it is carried out economically - there is no need to purchase additional expensive equipment.

A cable splitter cannot be used if the satellite operator uses different polarization for different channels (for example, Tricolor). In this case, connect a converter with two outputs.

How to choose a cable splitter

When choosing a cable splitter, consider the following parameters:

1. Bandwidth
   Different types of television signals (terrestrial, cable, satellite) have different frequencies; accordingly, the splitter must have the appropriate frequency bandwidth. For example, for terrestrial television support for frequencies of 5 - 1000 mHz is sufficient, and for satellite, a band of 5 - 2400 mHz is needed. That is, a divider for satellite TV can be used for terrestrial TV, but not vice versa.
2. Number of outputs
   It is easy to understand that you need as many outputs as there are TVs you plan to connect. There are television splitters with 2, 3, 4, 6 or 8 outputs. In order not to “wastely” weaken the signal, it is recommended to purchase a divider with the number of outputs needed right now. These devices are not that expensive, and when you buy another TV, you can replace the splitter with another one with the required number of outputs. If you still buy a device “for growth,” install a resistor on unused outputs that will absorb excess voltage in the circuit (up to 75 Ohms).
3. Cable connection method
   — screw clamp: suitable for cables of any diameter and does not require soldering
   - thread: only for thin cable, does not require soldering
   — coaxial sockets: cable diameter is not important, connection via plugs
   — splitters that require soldering: the most reliable connection, but special skills are required
4. Signal attenuation rate
   Information about this can be found on the case or in the instructions for the television splitter. The lower the signal attenuation, the better.
5. Manufacturer
   Recommended manufacturers of cable splitters: Lans, Rexant, Premier, Alda, Hama, Sat

The general concept of antenna splitter (crab) means three types of devices:

• splitters (dividers);
• diplexers (adders);
• couplers (tap).

Each of them serves to solve specific problems.

Purpose and main differences

Splitters allow you to evenly divide a television signal between several outputs. For example, if the input signal level was 12 dB, then at the outputs of a double divider it will be 6 dB, a triple divider - 4 dB, and a quad divider - 3 dB.

The figure shows a schematic representation of a double splitter, where:

A – signal input;

B and C are the exit.

Antenna splitters of this type are used in cases where it is necessary to send a signal to 2 or 3 TVs, or more if the device has an amplifier (active splitter). An example is the model of the Polish manufacturer ARA-01A.

Diplexers allow you to combine two signals into one. Most adder models are universal; they can work in two directions, that is, act as an adder or a divider.

The figure shows a schematic representation of a double diplexer, where:

A and B – input signals;

C – output signal.

A diplexer is used in cases where it is necessary to run a signal from a satellite and a conventional antenna over one cable or combine signals from different ranges. The figure shows an example of using an adder and a divider together, where:

• A – television antenna;
• B – satellite dish;
• C – adder;
• D – socket with a built-in divider for connecting two television cables.

Tappers are used to organize a backbone television network, for example, to divert a signal to apartments in a multi-storey building.

The figure shows an example of organizing a highway using several taps, where:

• A – incoming signal;
• B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J – signal output (tap), for example, to each floor of a nine-story building.

As can be seen from the connection diagram, such devices have one pass-through output, from which the signal is supplied to the input connector of the next coupler.

Video: TV antenna splitter.

Antenna splitters can also include a range blocker (stub), which is widely used by cable television operators to separate social and paid connection packages.

In everyday life, splitters are most often used; they are used to connect several televisions to the antenna cable entering the apartment; the quality of the television signal directly depends on these devices.

How to choose

First of all, it should be taken into account that the operating frequency of antenna splitters for digital television and satellite antennas are different. For the former it is limited to 1 GHz, for the latter it is 2.5 GHz. In addition, the satellite splitter may have a “Powerpass” function (allows you to supply power to the satellite dish head).

Note that a satellite splitter can also be used to split a digital or analog signal.

The second parameter that you should pay attention to is signal attenuation; as a rule, its value is indicated on the device body; the lower it is, the lower the losses.

It is also important who the manufacturer of the device is. Products from such well-known manufacturers as: Lans, Rexant, Premier, TAH, Luxmann, Alda, Hama, Sat, etc. will give an output signal an order of magnitude better than Chinese or homemade splitters.

How to connect

The instructions for connecting the splitter are quite simple:

• select a location and attach the divider to it;
• Next, you need to remove the plug from the antenna splitter (do this operation for each connector);
• use a coaxial cable (adapter) to connect the input to the TV and the jack;
• connect the television cable entering the apartment.

Do it yourself

It’s not difficult to make a splitter for analog television with your own hands; here are a few simple circuits such a device.

Passive splitter with resistors.

The figure shows two diagrams:

• a – for connecting two TVs (R1, R2, R3 = 25 Ohm);
• b – for connecting three TVs (R1, R2, R3, R4 = 36 Ohm).

Below is an example of wiring printed circuit board for scheme "b".

The assembled device must be placed in a special case (any metal box will do for this), which should preferably be grounded. If the grounding is incorrect, interference in the form of snow may occur. Actually, it is better not to ground at all than to do it incorrectly.

If the image on the TV screen is double, you should put a ferrite ring on the coaxial cable between the splitter and the TV.

Active splitter circuit.

In cases where you have a low level of the incoming television signal, you can correct the situation using a divider that has a broadband frequency amplifier. The diagram of such a device is shown in the figure below.

Parameters of the elements indicated in the diagram:

• R1-10 Ohm;
• R2, R4, R5 – 430 Ohm;
• R3 – 30 kOhm;
• R6 – 150 Ohm;
• R7 – 470 Ohm;
• R8-R10 – 43 Ohm;
• C1, C2, C4 – 150 pF;
• C3 – 0.01 µF;
• VT1 – VT2 – KT399A;

Choke L1 is a frameless coil wound with PEV-2 wire with a cross-section of 0.4 mm, the diameter of the coil is five millimeters, there are 4 or 5 turns.

You can use batteries to power the circuit, but it is better to take a power supply for this. In the latter case, the transformer may create interference, so it is advisable to place the power supply in a separate housing. That is why it is advisable to install the splitter in a wireless zone, that is, where there is no electrical wiring.

Note that the above antenna splitter circuits have proven themselves to be effective in dividing analog signals; as for satellite and digital television, it is better for them to buy a ready-made device than to make it yourself.

Price overview

As an example, we chose the Luxmann SP-202 splitter, which allows you to connect two TVs to one antenna cable.

City	Cost (USD)	City	Cost (USD)
Ekaterinburg	4	Penza	4,2
Krasnoyarsk	4,1	Minsk	4,1
Moscow	3,8	SPb (Petersburg)	3,85

As can be seen from the table, the price of an antenna splitter in Moscow, Krasnoyarsk, Minsk and other cities does not vary much. How economically profitable it is to make it yourself or buy it is up to you to decide.

Very often, a second TV appears in one family. In this case, there is only one antenna. The question arises: how to connect two TVs to one antenna? There are ways to use one antenna on two or more TVs.

What you need

To connect, you will need several parts:

• two-output splitter (splitter). This is a device that allows you to divide the signal from the antenna into two or more streams. It has an input on one side and two or more outputs on the other - for connecting television receivers.

• 5 connectors corresponding to the splitter;
• 2 adapter plugs;

• antenna cable.

Important: When purchasing a splitter, do not confuse the number of outputs! A three-way (three-output) splitter is used to connect three receivers, but not two! If you still have a three-output one at hand, you can solve the problem by connecting a ballast resistor (resistance 75 Ohms) to the free output. And if there is a plan in the future to install and connect several TVs to this antenna, then it is better to immediately buy a splitter with several outputs and temporarily drown out the empty outputs with the same resistance.

Work progress

We will try to talk about the connection in such a way that even someone who does not understand radio engineering at all can cope with the task. This is done step by step like this:

• Selecting details. The first thing you need to do is buy a splitter. They come in a variety of varieties, including those that require soldering and those that do not. If you know how to solder, then it is better to take those that involve soldering. This connection is always more reliable than any other, it produces less signal loss and preserves its quality.

If you do not have soldering skills, then you need to choose an appropriate splitter, as well as one suitable for a specific type of cable. A win-win option would be a splitter with built-in sockets for coaxial cables.

Having chosen a splitter, select the appropriate connectors. F-connectors are now very popular due to the fact that they are reliable and easy to install.

• Choosing a location for the splitter. It is optimal to position the device so that the antenna cable can easily reach it and, if possible, have the shortest distance to both TVs.
• Cutting the existing antenna cable. It is necessary to cut so that the cable can freely reach the splitter. The old plug is cut off along with a piece of cable.
• Cable stripping and installationF– connector.

For those who know how to solder, there is no point in telling them how to cut a cable and solder it to a splitter - they know it themselves. What follows is written for the average user who is not familiar with the radio business.

So, we cut the cut end of the wire, as shown in the figure: we strip the edge, wrap the braid. The middle core insulator should protrude slightly, and the middle core itself should protrude by at least 5 mm. The tool for removing insulation from a coaxial cable at home is an ordinary kitchen knife.

Important: The cable must be standard; DG 113 or SAT 703B are more often used. Under no circumstances should the cable braid be connected to the central core, otherwise the signal will not pass through at all.

Install the F-connector. It is also called wrap-on because the connector is wound onto a soft wire. The connector for connecting the cable and splitter is ready.

• Cut two pieces of wire with the expectation that the length would be enough for each TV.
• We mountF- connectors similarly for connecting TV cables and splitter outputs. We do the same at the other ends of the cables.

As a result, we use all five connectors, including:

1. one from the antenna, to enter the splitter;
2. two televisions, for exiting from it;
3. two televisions free.

• We connect the connectors to the splitter.

• We connect two free connectors with adapters. An adapter is a device with an F-connector attached at one end and a coaxial plug at the other for connecting to television receivers. Typically this device is generally referred to as a plug.
• We turn on the television receivers. Let's check how both receivers work. If everything is done correctly, the image should be normal. Now you can easily enjoy an excellent picture on two receivers at once, without interfering with each other.

Using the diagram below you can see the path along which you need to connect 2 TVs to one antenna:

How to install an antenna with an amplifier

But what if after connecting the splitter the image quality deteriorates? This may mean that the antenna on two TVs does not provide the required signal, while the separating device also takes over some of its share. The solution can be an antenna with an amplifier, it is also called a Polish one. Such an antenna for two TV receivers connected to the device will improve the signal quality in both TVs. To do this you need:

1. In an existing circuit with a splitter put awayF- connector from the entrance to it.
2. In his place connect the plug to the power supply from the antenna kit with amplifier.
3. At the entrance install an adapter with an antenna socket(the so-called “mother”) and insert the plug from the antenna with an amplifier there.

This should improve the signal quality.

Splitter with amplifier

There is a second option - look for a splitter with a built-in signal amplifier. This method is good when the TV initially showed well and a new antenna is not required. However, before purchasing a new device, discuss your specific case with a specialist.

Amplifiers, including those on the antenna, have different gains, and too much signal is just as bad as a weak one, and can also cause distortion. The telemaster will measure the signal level and give advice on purchasing an amplifier.

By the way, the problem with signal attenuation can even arise if you connect several TVs to one antenna. The more receivers there are, the more the signal attenuates. Therefore, when planning to connect several television receivers, weigh all the pros and cons.

Below are video instructions for connecting an antenna to two television receivers:

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