In homes and apartments, we increasingly use several TV sets at the same time. More and more people decide to buy a second or third TV set. Attractive prices and comfort allow us to equip not only a living room , but also a kitchen and a bedroom with additional devices. Therefore, it is worth knowing how to split the signal between two televisions.
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How to connect two televisions to one terrestrial antenna
If you create an antenna installation from scratch, the matter is not complicated. You can immediately predict how many receivers you want to receive the signal on. Then you customize specific network elements to meet your needs. In the case of existing installations, it is worth considering how to connect two or three televisions to the antenna so that the signal does not lose quality.
In order to properly perform this procedure, you must have the appropriate knowledge. He may apply several solutions, but they depend on several aspects. The key issue is the signal strength that comes directly from the antenna. It is worth equipping yourself with measuring devices, such as DVB-T / T2, SAT, CATV signal meters. Using them, you can check the signal strength level. In this case, the signal level indicators that are visible on the TV screen during tuning will also work.
Check on what frequency the MUX is received in your location. When you set up manual tuning of the receiver, you specify the frequency on which you want to receive. Then you are looking for an antenna position where the received signal is of the highest quality. In the last step, it is necessary to calculate whether, after dividing it, it will supply several receivers with the appropriate level.
Splitters – how to connect several TVs to one antenna?
If the signal strength is high enough, passive splitters should be used to divide it. However, it is worth remembering that they introduce attenuation, which reduces the signal level. For this reason, it is recommended to use low-loss splitters, such as: PCT-1000-xW or RM2 / 3 / 4F. The attenuation will be greater if the distributor has more branches.
The splitters that are available on the market are distinguished by minimal attenuation at each branch at the following levels:
- 4 dB (two-way splitter)
- 8 dB (three times)
- 11 dB (fourfold)
It is worth remembering not to use splitters with more outputs than TV sets that will be connected to the antenna. Unfortunately, this would unnecessarily reduce the quality of the signal. Therefore, before starting the procedure, make sure how many additional TVs will be connected to the network. Then you will choose the equipment with the appropriate number of outputs.
In order to connect one additional TV set, you need to split the signal into two. In this case, a two-output splitter is used. If you’re wondering how to connect three TVs to one terrestrial antenna, this solution is simple – you need a three-output splitter.
Signal strength – how to split the signal between two TV sets?
Signal strength is measured in mils or millivolts. The higher the number, the better the reception will be. The range of this value is 0.001 to 0.005 V. With a result of 0.001 or less, the receiver may not function properly. Then the picture is distorted and there is no sound.
How to split the signal into two TV sets with such values? Unfortunately, then it will be very weak and you will not get a picture. However, there are a couple of solutions to help out with this problem.
Low signal strength – how to connect two TVs to a satellite dish?
When, after splitting the signal, the power is too low, it is necessary to use active splitters, i.e. RTA-120, RTA-140. They have been equipped with a built-in amplifier that reduces the losses caused by signal division. In addition, it balances the attenuation of the cable that leads the signal to the TV. It is for this reason that it is worth using coaxial cables that are characterized by high quality. It is also important to choose the right antenna.
If there are longer distances between the splitter and the receiver, which exceed 10-15 meters, the loss can be very large. Therefore, it is worth paying attention to it when choosing a splitter.
There are also situations when the signal from the antenna is so weak that the use of active splitters is not enough. What should you do then? The solution to this problem will be to strengthen the earlier section of the entire installation. Then, in front of the splitter, a preamplifier should be installed, which must be connected to the power supply. When a splitter is placed on it, it should pass voltage.
It is similar when the entire installation is based on an antenna with a built-in preamplifier. In order for the entire system to function properly, it will be necessary to use a splitter that will pass the voltage to the antenna.
Digital technology – how to split the signal between two TV sets?
You can also split the signal to two TVs by changing the frequency. If you have an old TV model without a digital tuner and it only broadcasts in standard definition, you can connect your computer or phone to it. The USB input allows you to watch TV without a cable.
The new televisions have internal software that allows you to switch between different channels while broadcasting. If your TV supports digital channels, you can watch them without an antenna, cable or satellite.