Connect two TVs from the antenna. How to connect two TVs. Connecting a TV cable
A family dinner while watching the evening news broadcast - such a picture can be seen in almost every kitchen window of an apartment building. It is no longer a luxury to have a TV in the kitchen. Watching your favorite TV series and talk shows can brighten up the routine kitchen chores of every housewife. Progress has confidently crossed the threshold of every home and apartment, and now instead of a black-and-white large-scale TV, in many houses you can see a flat TV panel on the wall in every room.
Every owner of a second, or even a third TV, naturally faced the question of how to connect two TVs to one antenna? If this circumstance puzzles you, then read this article. It contains the solution to this simple problem.
Some useful information
Firstly, this is the power of the television signal that comes from the antenna. Its level can be checked using a signal meter or assessed using the level indication in the menu on the TV screen (Fig. 1).
But here it would be nice to know at what frequency a given package (multiplex) can be received in your region. When tuning your TV manually, you must find the desired frequency (channel) and position the antenna in such a way as to receive the best signal. Make sure that the achieved signal level is high enough to obtain acceptable broadcast quality after dividing it into two TV receivers.
Cable length and number of cable connections
Perhaps not everyone knows, but the length of the cable wiring can affect the quality of the “picture” on your TV. If the signal path from the antenna to the television receiver is no more than 20 - 30 m, then you probably won’t notice anything. But each subsequent meter of cable causes a drop in signal power. This parameter is measured as attenuation per meter of length. So plan your cable runs wisely, even if you don't skimp on cables.
And those who were “greedy” and assembled a cable from fragments, and even more so saved on special sealed adapters, should understand that this will not have the best effect on the final result. Like water flowing through a leaky pipeline, the TV signal will be lost, attenuated with each twist, and noise may appear on the screen. Avoid unnecessary turns of cable in your home and take care of its integrity.
Signal dividers
In order not to install your own antenna for each TV, they come to the rescue (Fig. 2). They have other names, depending on their characteristics, which can also often be heard: . What are we dealing with? The hint in the name itself is a telecommunications element through which you can distribute a signal received by one antenna to several television receivers or, simply, divide it.
It is good because it does not require a power source. But, dividing into two streams in a passive mode, the TV signal in a certain way weakens by almost half, and if the divider has three outputs, then three times, etc. This circumstance is almost not noticeable in large cities with high TV broadcast power, but if your antenna is located at a considerable distance from the repeater or you use a long cable, then you should install an active type splitter.
Active divider
This electronic device works without signal loss and even amplifies it, thanks to the built-in transistor amplifier, which has a positive effect on its function:
- active divider output connectors provide undistorted voltage;
- it has a low noise level;
- there is no cross signal distortion;
- The device has a wide dynamic range.
The active type CRAB must be powered from a stabilized source of electricity. The current consumption of the splitter - about 60 mA - can be provided from a power outlet nearby or via a high-frequency cable.
How to connect two TVs to one antenna cable
It all starts with choosing the place where you want to split the signal in two. This is the place where you should cut the cable that ran from your antenna to your existing TV and where it is convenient to install the divider. This is especially true for an active splitter (remember that it needs to be powered by something).
Let's assume that you have already purchased an additional cable and all the necessary tools are already at hand (a divider, mounting brackets, a knife, a tape measure and two antenna connectors for the first and second TVs). You should install the antenna plug that you had on the end of the antenna cable that will go into the divider. This is done using a knife; you will use it to remove excess cable insulation. Make sure that the outer cable braid does not touch the central core anywhere. After the divider is connected to the antenna cable, you can begin to distribute the signal.
Using a tape measure, measure the distance from the divider to each TV and cut two pieces of cable to the appropriate length. Install antenna connectors at the ends of the cable. Connect the cable to the divider outputs. You should have a parallel connection. You will use the principle of parallel signal distribution if one day you want to connect several TVs in your home at once.
Carefully secure the cable using compact fasteners along the baseboard or lay it in a cable channel so that no one in the household trips over it and damages the wiring. Check what you got. The ideal result is equal, stable broadcast quality on the screens of both TVs.
Connecting three or more TVs
As already mentioned, the circuit for connecting TVs to the divider is parallel. It would be worth noting that each subsequent TV included in this circuit reduces the reception quality to a certain extent. If installing a separate antenna is still not part of your plans, but you want to connect three TVs (Fig. 6), then the same three-output divider will help you out. True, it will be much more effective to install an active splitter with three or more outputs, depending on the number of receivers.
Before purchasing a splitter, do not forget to check for which frequency range your splitter is suitable. The connection algorithm is identical to the scheme with two TVs, but there are also variations. For example, if you want to connect an analogue to digital signal converter (DVB-T2) in parallel, then connect two TVs according to the classical scheme, and insert another CRAB into the remaining third output of the divider. You can connect a third TV and decoder to it, or use the loop output on the set-top box (not all set-top boxes have a loop output).
Several TVs in one apartment are not at all surprising these days, but there is usually only one antenna for them.
In such a situation, a very appropriate idea appears, which is to connect televisions to one antenna.
But it will not be possible to make a high-quality connection without a signal divider or other device.
Cable splitter
This device matches TVs and antennas. The splitter allows you to send a high-quality signal that does not fade and does not receive extraneous interference.
In the standard version of splitters, you get only two outputs, but in more expensive models there may be more.
It is worth noting that when purchasing such a device, you need to pay attention to the signal range that this device can miss. More detailed information can be found in the instructions for the device.
The splitter, or as it was popularly called CRAB, is enclosed in a very durable and interference-resistant housing.
The body is not even susceptible to corrosion, and in comparison with strength, it is not much inferior to steel. On the outside you can see the antenna input and TV outputs.
The transformer-type circuit looks like an enamel-coated wire with a cross-section of 0.4 millimeters. It is threaded into ferrite-type rings or tubes. A lid is attached over the entire structure, which creates a tight seal.
Number of TVs
Before you start connecting, decide on the number of TVs. If you decide to connect three TVs at once, the operation scheme will be different than with one TV:
With each addition of a new TV device, the signal becomes less powerful for other TVs, but it is distributed evenly among all.
But this problem is easily solved by an amplifier. Nowadays, stores are full of these devices, and the quality of the signal received from them in the rarest cases is a little disappointing.
Splitter circuit
If you purchased a splitter in a store, then most likely all you have to do is insert the cords into the sockets and everything is ready, but it also happens that you need to do everything from scratch.
Installation instructions from scratch:
First of all, you will need a coaxial cable, the length of which will be approximately 10 - 15 meters, depending on the distance of your TVs from the antenna.
Insert all the plugs into the appropriate sockets. Next, you can connect the TV to the network and install channels. But if the signal quality on one of the TVs is low, you will need to crimp the cable again or look for ways to get interference.
Strengthening the signal
Satellite TV users often complain that when they add television equipment, the signal loses its stability and quality.
But this is a very justified dissatisfaction, because the splitter does not amplify the signal, but divides it into power into active sockets.
Once you install an amplifier, this problem will go away forever. But it’s best to do this near the TV.
In cases with interference, you can get by with ferrite rings, which can be easily purchased in a store or found on old microcircuits.
You can install the rings in any convenient place, the main thing is that they fulfill their purpose. These mini interference protectors are found even on the most modern cables.
Laptops, chargers, headphones, etc., they are all equipped with such rings. Some create protection from the cables themselves for equipment, and some are used as signal preservation.
Simply put, ferrite beads work both ways. You should not neglect them even in cases when your equipment is working properly. The fact is that even the smallest interference can become a real problem in the future, because it can cause some of the elements of the equipment to heat up.
After some time, the heated area may finally fail and the signal quality will be lost.
But if you install rings in all weakly protected or very high-voltage places, then long-term problems can be avoided.
You should not remove the rings from the cable, even if you think that this cable is completely harmless to your equipment.
Photos of examples of connecting several TVs to one antenna
Almost every average family has a second TV: in the kitchen, in the bedroom, and sometimes in the hallway. Therefore, for many, the question of how to connect two TVs to one antenna is quite acute. There are quite a few ways, but we will focus on the simplest and at the same time effective options.
So, let's figure out how to connect two TVs to one antenna, what tools are needed for this, and also outline the main stages of this process.
What you will need
During the connection process we will need several parts. The tools will be pliers, side cutters and a regular kitchen knife.
First of all, we need a TV splitter, or splitter. This device is capable of dividing the signal from the antenna into several streams (in our case, two). That is, on one side there is an input, and on the other there are several outputs for connecting to the receiver.
Next, we will need five connectors that match the diameter of the outputs on the splitter, as well as two adapter plugs. Choose the antenna cable at your own discretion, but it is better to go with more expensive, but proven options - RG-6 or domestic RK-75.
It is also worth considering that when purchasing a splitter, be sure to check the number of outputs. For example, three-way models are designed to connect exactly three TVs, but not two. If for some reason you have a splitter for three receivers at hand, then the unnecessary output can be plugged with a special ballistic resistor with a resistance of 75 Ohms. Be sure to pay special attention to this point before connecting two TVs to one antenna.
Work order
In principle, the connection process itself is simple, and any user can handle it, even those who have never heard of radio technology. For clarity, we will divide the entire process into separate stages.
Choosing a TV splitter
First you need to buy a splitter. On store shelves you can find a wide range of models from different manufacturers. A simple rule applies here - the more expensive, the better. But there is one more important point that is worth paying attention to before connecting two TVs to one antenna. We are talking about soldering. If you have skills in working with a soldering iron, then it is better to give preference to models with soldering. Such splitters, and this connection in particular, are always more reliable; they involve noticeably less signal loss while maintaining quality.
If a soldering iron is something incomprehensible for you, then you can take a regular splitter, but again taking into account the type of cable you have - or vice versa. The best option is a splitter with standard connectors for coaxial wires (antenna cable type RG-6/RK-75). After you decide on a splitter, you need to select the appropriate connectors. The most popular is the convenient, reliable and easy-to-install F-interface (adapter-wrap).
Also, special attention should be paid to the location of the splitter. The optimal option is considered to be approximately equal distance from the splitter to both TVs. It is important that the cable for the antenna is not stretched and does not twist, that is, there is no need to try to stretch it due to lack of footage, or, conversely, twist it. Calculate the distance from the splitter to the TVs in advance and cut off the excess.
Cable preparation
The cable must be cut so that it can easily reach the splitter. As a rule, the old plug is cut off along with a piece of wire. Then you need to cut the cable for installation in the F-connector.
First, we clean the edges, that is, we cut the wrapper to the braid (about 15 mm from the edge) and bend the edges. The insulating “coat” on the cable should protrude slightly, and the core end itself should protrude no less than 4-7 mm. The entire procedure for preparing the cable for the plug adapter can be performed using a kitchen knife and side cutters.
Features of the procedure
It is also important to know that the cable braid should not touch the central core in any way. Such an error can result in partial or complete loss of the signal. Similar problems most often arise with SAT 703B and DG-113 cables, where each layer is very thin.
Next, we mount the F-connector on the cable. It got its name “twist” due to a specific installation where the plug is simply screwed onto the wire. A similar procedure must be done on all cables - and in the end you will get five connectors: one from the antenna, two for output and two for input.
Connection
We connect the cables to the splitter in the required order. Do not over-tighten the F-connector, as this may cause the main core to fall out of the adapter. Most users leave the splitter as is, that is, hanging somewhere on the baseboard or under the bedside table. Experts recommend that the splitter be properly secured to avoid ruptures and core loss. If there are children in the house, then this point is mandatory, plus it would be a good idea to hide the splitter under some kind of false panel.
If everything is done correctly, the image on both TVs should be clear and free of interference. Otherwise, specific “snow” may appear due to the loss of part of the signal or no picture at all.
Satellite TV
It often happens that even after proper installation of the splitter, the image quality has noticeably deteriorated. This happens if you connect two TVs to one satellite dish. The problem arises because the splitter takes away part of the signal in any case.
One of the options for solving this problem is to buy a splitter with a built-in signal amplifier. Such devices are noticeably more expensive, but at the same time they are much more efficient than their simple counterparts.
It is also worth clarifying that all splitters with a built-in amplifier have different gain factors. In some cases, a clearly increased signal is as useless as a weak one. Moreover, it can cause even greater picture distortion. This nuance is very often encountered by those who want to connect two TVs to one Tricolor or Rainbow TV antenna. Here you need to seek help from a service specialist from your provider, who can measure the signal level and give advice on choosing a particular splitter with specific numbers.
Antenna with amplifier
If we are talking about a regular “Polish” antenna, then to improve the signal you can connect an amplifier with a power supply, which will significantly increase the quality of the image.
To do this, you need to make some changes to the already familiar scheme. It is necessary to remove the F-connector from the entrance to the splitter, then install the plug with the power supply that comes complete with the “Polish” antenna in the free space. After this, an adapter with an antenna socket (“female”) should be mounted at the input and a connector with an amplifier should be connected.
This procedure will increase the gain, where, unlike satellite TV, the maximum value is not so important, so there should not be problems with signal overload.
It would also be worth noting that each subsequent TV significantly reduces the quality of reception. Therefore, in order to comfortably watch your favorite TV shows, it is better not to skimp and purchase an additional antenna instead of “doing magic” with a splitter. This advice is especially relevant if the TV tower is located at a great distance from the receiver.
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In the days of analog television, the question often arose - how to combine a meter and decimeter antenna into one cable.
This was solved using a mixer containing barrier filters for the meter and decimeter ranges. For example, like this:
But what if both antennas are in the UHF range?
Consider the following example. Let's say it is necessary to receive the signal of the first multiplex on the first antenna with towers 1, transmitted on the 27th television channel, and to the second antenna - a signal from the second multiplex with towers 2, broadcast on television channel 43.
A signal with the frequency of channel 27 is received by antenna 1, passes through the bandpass filter of channel 27 and enters the tuner input. This signal does not reach antenna 2 - the filter of channel 43 does not pass it. All interference at other frequencies received by antenna 1 is filtered out by the 27th channel filter. The signal of channel 27 is also received by antenna 2, but does not pass through to the tuner - the filter of channel 43 does not allow it.
It is better to place filters closer to the tuner or TV.
Comments:
Georgy 01/05/2018 19:03
The type of tee is unclear. Is everything connected there directly, or is there some kind of decoupling?
Admin 01/05/2018 21:53
Georgy, the central cores are connected directly to each other.
Georgy 01/06/2018 07:48
OK. Then it is more profitable to connect as close as possible to the tuner, since two 75 Ohm lines are connected. The violation of agreement will occur in a short period. Tolerably, in general, SWR = 2.0
Admin 01/06/2018 11:55
Georgy, there will be no mismatch, since channel filters at “alien” frequencies have a resistance close to infinity. The tee should be next to the filters.
Georgy 01/12/2018 18:37
OK. The operating frequency range of the filters is -10С...+55С. So, it turns out that it is also advisable to bring filters home.
Alex 03/06/2018 14:03
Why filters for each antenna? Isn't one filter enough for decoupling?
Admin 03/06/2018 18:35
Alex, for decoupling, just two filters are needed. And also for filtering signals with “foreign” frequencies from the second antenna. Imagine, let’s say you are receiving channel 40 from the first antenna, and the signal of channel 40 is also coming from the second, and even in antiphase and vice versa...
Ivan 63 07/21/2018 20:03
Hello. As far as I understand, two loop antennas for different channels are connected with a regular tee? Is it possible to connect a regular tee (splitter) in reverse? Does the distance between these antennas matter? Thank you.
Admin 07/21/2018 22:23
Ivan 63, you can, but you will lose part of the signal. The splitter has a circuit that matches wave impedances. She introduces losses. It is easier to solder or twist together three braids and three central cores. The distance between the antennas is not critical, but at least half a meter so as not to interfere with each other.
Liseich 09/16/2018 06:54
Hello. There is a cable with an analog signal (city) and an indoor Active UHF antenna. Are there options to connect them to one DVB-T2 set-top box? For now, the set-top box works with a room antenna, and the cable is connected directly to another TV.
Admin 09.16.2018 17:07
Liseich, if city broadcasting is carried out in the meter range (most likely this is the case), then through the MV-UHF mixer shown in the article in the first photo.
strannix 01.10.2018 10:29
Good afternoon. Two Turkin antennas were manufactured for different channels, during testing separately they showed good results, now the question arose of how to correctly combine them. I read the information about filters and mixers, but one question remained - the relative position. They are directed to one transmitting center. What is the best way to place them - on the same horizontal line or below each other? And at what distance from each other? Your opinion?
Admin 01.10.2018 11:13
strannix, this is always selected experimentally. I think it doesn’t matter horizontally or vertically, and the distance between them is at least one meter. For testing, instead of a filter, you can simply connect all the braids and all the central cores, or through a tee.
