Many owners of satellite receivers and IPTV SetTopBox set-top boxes are wondering how to connect a second TV. The fact is that technologically this equipment (well, with very rare exceptions) does not provide for connecting more than one TV. For the second, you need to purchase an additional receiver or set-top box. In the case of digital television from Rostelecom, Beeline and HD TV from Dom.ru. The correct connection diagram for a second TV looks like this:
To connect a second satellite receiver (for Tricolor, for example), you will also need a special divider, from which each of the receivers is connected with a separate cable.
But the financial issue, unfortunately, often turns out to be decisive and people try to save in every possible way. Therefore, after looking at the presence of several connectors on the back panel of the digital receiver, they come to the conclusion that it is still possible to use one set for two TVs. Yes, in fact it is possible, but with some restrictions that will be unacceptable for many.
1 - The same channel will be shown on both TVs. 2 - The remote control will be used alone. Changing the channel will require going to the next room to the receiver. 3 - You will have to buy long interface cables, and this can be quite expensive. An HDMi cable for 15 meters costs about 2,500 rubles. Tulips will be cheaper, but there is a limitation: at a length of more than 15 meters, interference begins. If all this doesn’t bother you at all, then let’s get started. You can connect a second TV to a satellite receiver or IPTV set-top box using one of the following methods.
Necessary equipment
To complete the task and set up connecting several TVs to one digital set-top box, you need to prepare the following:
- a standard set of tools designed for cable stripping;
- UHF digital TV antenna;
- receiver that supports the DVB-T2 standard;
- splitter or splitter with several connectors;
- set of wires: HDMI, RCA, etc.
If all components of the connection diagram are prepared, you can proceed directly to installing the system. However, you must first ensure that the user has selected the correct equipment. Let us dwell in more detail on the features of choosing a digital set-top box and splitter.
A signal splitter is a small device that allows you to divide the signal received by the antenna into equal parts. In the future, it provides signal redirection to 2 TVs. Therefore, when purchasing a splitter, you should study the device specifications in detail.
All splitters have one drawback - dividing the signal into several TVs, which causes a significant decrease in broadcast quality.
Manufacturers always label splitters. Pay attention to the signal attenuation indicator indicated on the device body. The lower the attenuation, the better the splitter will work.
The modern market offers a wide range of digital set-top boxes. This is relatively inexpensive equipment. For example, a budget model can be purchased by spending less than a thousand rubles. Of course, such a set-top box will have a limited set of functionality, but if you plan to watch digital TV, then this is enough.
Another fundamentally important point is the number of available interfaces. It is desirable that the tuner be equipped with all popular connectors: HDMI, S-Video, VGA, DVI, RCA. When choosing a receiver, you must also take into account the interfaces that the TVs are equipped with. Without a doubt, the optimal way to set up the connection is HDMI. This connector transmits audio and video through one cable.
There are other criteria for choosing a console:
- maximum supported screen resolution;
- the presence of an intuitive and simple interface;
- efficient cooling system;
- during operation, a minimum noise level is produced;
- there are buttons on the front panel in case the remote control is faulty;
- number of supported video and audio formats.
The set of required cables is determined in accordance with the interface through which the TVs will be connected to the set-top box.
Options for connecting two TVs
Before you start connecting multiple TVs to one receiver, you need to familiarize yourself with one very important point. The problem is that you won’t be able to watch different channels on several TVs.
Please note that the tuner's specifications are limited. A digital set-top box is capable of transmitting only one channel to two TVs.
There are a lot of real options that allow you to broadcast a signal from one antenna to two TVs. Of course, the easiest option is to buy several DVB-T2 receivers. However, this is an extremely expensive solution to the problem. Therefore, it is more expedient to connect several TVs to one set-top box using different interfaces: HDMI, RCA, Skart, etc. It must be remembered that a low-frequency signal fades fairly quickly. For example, at a distance of more than 10-15 meters it will completely disappear.
Connection to HDMI connector
You can connect a couple of TVs to a digital television set-top box via an HDMI connector. The peculiarity of this interface is that it is capable of simultaneously transmitting audio and video, has excellent throughput, and also guarantees minimal loss of quality. Users will be able to watch channels in excellent quality. Analog connectors are noticeably inferior to HDMI.
Budget tuners are equipped with only one HDMI port. Therefore, in order to connect several TVs, you will need to use a splitter with the appropriate number of ports. Of course, all TVs must also be equipped with this interface. The length of the connecting cable should not exceed 10 meters. Otherwise, the signal will attenuate.
Connection to RF output
This interface allows you to connect 2 TVs to a digital set-top box, which are installed at an impressive distance. Analog RCA and Scart connectors provide a good signal only if the TV is nearby. Therefore, RF output is considered a more flexible option.
Owners of set-top boxes equipped with an RF interface must purchase a signal splitter. The number of outputs must correspond to the TVs that are connected to the device. The equipment is connected using the most common 75 ohm RF cable. To improve picture quality, install a signal amplifier between the set-top box and the splitter.
Connection via RF modulator
Not every digital receiver is equipped with a high-frequency connector. Therefore, it becomes necessary to use a special modulator to connect TVs located in different rooms to the decoder. The RF modulator connects to any low-frequency RCA and Skart interface.
It is necessary to additionally install a signal splitter with the appropriate number of connectors on the high-frequency modulator. Connect the equipment to TVs using a very common cable. Select one of the available TV channels on the modulator, and then tune in all TVs.
In situations where the image quality is not subject to any criticism, you need to install an additional high-frequency amplifier between the splitter and the TV.
Purchase of a second Rostelecom set-top box
If you want to get two independent TVs with your own digital package of channels, then you will need to enter into another contract with the operator for an additional TV receiver and buy another set-top box. You don't have to change your router; you just need a device with several network ports. One RTK set-top box will be connected to one LAN connector, and a tuner for a second TV will be connected to the other.
You cannot simply connect a second set-top box to the TV, since it needs to provide an Internet connection. On the rear panel of the receiver there is a special connector for the RJ-45 interface, so we will install the Ethernet cable into it.
Measure the distance from the router to the second TV and buy the required length of Ethernet cable. The connection will be similar to the standard method: we connect the router to the Rostelecom receiver, connect the latter to the TV via HDMI or RCA cables and configure the equipment. Now each TV will have its own set-top box, which means television will be independent. This way you can connect the third and fourth points in the house.
Experts warn that you should not rush to connect the set-top box on the day of signing the contract, as this may simply not give any result. Processing of all data and related documents after signing the contract takes up to 24 hours, so digital TV will not work during this period.
Options for connecting more than two TVs
The vast majority of instructions presented on the Internet describe in detail the connection of only two TVs to one DVB-T2 tuner. What is driving this trend is not entirely clear. A completely logical question arises: how to connect more TVs to one receiver, for example, 3 or 4?
There is no special secret. The process of connecting a TV to a set-top box follows a similar principle. The problem is that budget receivers are equipped with one HDMI interface and one analog connector. They can be used to connect only two TVs. To set up digital viewing on three or four TVs, you will need to acquire adapters. Please note that you cannot connect your TV via USB.
Maximum possible number of connections
There is no specific limitation on the maximum number of TVs connected to a digital set-top box. It all depends on what kind of signal splitter is used. For example, you can purchase a device through which you can connect a cable from 6-7 TVs. Of course, splitters with a large number of connectors are quite expensive.
Experts remind that the possibilities of signal splitters are also not unlimited. If TVs are connected to absolutely all connectors, this will affect the quality of the broadcast. Of course, you can try to correct the situation with the help of an amplifier, but a more competent solution would be to buy a splitter with a supply of inputs. For example, if there are 8 connectors, only 4 TVs are connected.
Via a free connector
Typically the receiver has several outputs. One is busy and the other is free. Let's try connecting a second TV to it. We return the device to ourselves and check which port is not occupied.
We buy a cable for the required port and connect the TV to it (such a connector itself must also be present and should not be taken).
Note: Some models of satellite receivers (usually older ones) have a different connector - RF OUT. If the connected TV is old and does not have an HDMI port, and the tulips are already occupied, connect it.
Setting up channels
Terrestrial digital television channels are received by one antenna. Therefore, they are simultaneously broadcast on all TVs connected to the receiver. To set up free TV channels of the first and second multiplex, follow the following algorithm:
- Turn on the TV and receiver using the remote control.
- Go to the main menu, and then select the signal source “Antenna”.
- Go to the channel settings section; its name may differ depending on the model and manufacturer of the TV.
- Use manual or auto search for TV channels. The entire procedure takes from 3 minutes to half an hour, depending on the selected mode.
- Agree to automatically save the programs found, and then sort them as you wish.
The process of searching for TV channels is absolutely no different from when only one TV is connected to the receiver. Automatic search allows you to set up channels much faster. To do this manually, you will have to enter the broadcast frequency and other indicators.
