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 not so 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 you need for this, and also outline the main stages of this process.
What you need
In the connection process, we need a few details. 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 able to split the signal from the antenna into several streams (in our case, two). That is, on the one hand there is an input, and on the other - several outputs for connecting to the receiver.
Next to usyou 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 discretion, but it is better to stop at more expensive, but proven options - RG-6 or domestic RK-75.
It is also worth considering that when buying a splitter, be sure to specify the number of outputs. For example, three-way models are designed to connect exactly three TVs, but not two. If for some reason a splitter for three receivers is at hand, then the unnecessary output can be drowned out 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 the same 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 engineering. For clarity, let's break the whole process into separate stages.
Choosing a TV splitter
First you need to buy a splitter. On the shelves of stores you can find a large assortment of models from different manufacturers. There is a simple rule here - the more expensive, the better. But there is another important point here that you should pay attention to before connecting two TVs to one antenna. It's about soldering. If you have the skills to work 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 offer noticeably less signal loss along with maintaining quality.
In the event that a soldering iron is something incomprehensible for you, then you can take an ordinary splitter, but again, taking into account the type of cable available - or vice versa. The best option is a splitter with standard connectors for coaxial wires (cable for antenna type RG-6 / PK-75). After you decide on the 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 best option is considered to be approximately equal distance from the splitter to both TVs. It is important that the antenna cable is not stretched and not twisted, that is, you do not need to try to stretch it due to lack of footage, or, conversely, twist it. Calculate in advance the distance from the splitter to the TVs and cut off the excess.
Cable preparation
The cable must be cut so that it freely reaches the splitter. As a rule, the old plug is also 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 "fur coat" on the cable should protrude slightly, and the core end itself should protrude by at least 4-7 mm. The entire procedure for preparing the cable for the plug adapter can be done with 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 is fraught with a partial or complete loss of the signal. Similar problems most often occur with SAT 703B and DG-113 cables, where each layer is very thin.
Next, mount the F-connector on the cable. He got the name "wrap" due to a specific installation, where the plug is simply wound 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 the output and two for the input.
Connection
In the right order, connect the cables to the splitter. Do not overtighten 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 nightstand. Experts recommend that the splitter be properly fixed to avoid breaks and loss of the core. If there are children in the house, then this item is mandatory, plus it would be useful to hide the splitter under some kind of false panel.
If everything is done correctly, the image on both TVs should be clear and without interference. Otherwise, a specific "snow" may appear due to the loss of part of the signal or the absence of a picture at all.
Satellite TV
It often happens that even after the correct installation of the splitter, the image quality has noticeably deteriorated. This happens if you connecttwo TVs to one satellite dish. The problem arises because the splitter takes part of the signal anyway.
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 gains. In some cases, a clearly increased signal is as useless as a weak one. Moreover, it can cause even greater distortion of the picture. This nuance is very often encountered by those who want to connect two TVs to one Tricolor antenna or to Rainbow TV. Here you need to seek help from a service specialist of your provider, who can measure the signal level and give advice on choosing one or another 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 add image quality.
To do this, you need to make some changes in the already familiar scheme. It is necessary to remove the F-connector from the input to the splitter, then install the plug with the power supply that comes with the "Polish" antenna in the vacant place. After that, an adapter with an antenna jack (“female”) should be mounted on the input and a connector with an amplifier should be connected.
This procedure will increase the gain, where, unlikesatellite TV, the maximum value is not so important, so there should be no problems with signal overload.
It would also be useful to note that each subsequent TV significantly reduces the quality of reception. Therefore, for comfortable viewing of your favorite TV shows, it is better not to be stingy and purchase an additional antenna instead of “conjuring” with a splitter. This advice is especially relevant if the TV tower is located at a great distance from the receiver.
