How to connect two TVs to one antenna: algorithm

Quite often, one family has two or even 3 TVs, but the antenna is still the same. Many home masters have a natural question: how to connect several TVs to one antenna, given that they are all in different rooms. This can only be done using a special TV signal splitter or splitter.

Cable splitter

On sale, you can pick up a splitter for two TVs, and if you need to connect 3 TVs, then you need to choose splitter with three outlets.

Advice! When using a splitter for 3 outputs, three TVs must be connected, if less, then a 75 Ohm ballast resistor is connected to the free port, which ensures the normal operation of the splitter.

When choosing such a device in a store, first of all, ask the seller the frequency range that it passes, so that when installing the line on 3 TVs, there will be no problems with the signal. Detailed information is also in the instruction manual of the device.

The design of the splitter (its popular name CRAB) is enclosed in a durable body made of brass or silumin (90% aluminum and 10% silicon), which is not subject to corrosion, but is much lighter than stainless steel. Outside there are connectors for connecting F-plugs: on the one hand for the antenna, and on the other two or more — this is the connection of TVs. Its scheme is quite simple, usually transformer: one turn of enameled wire with a cross section of not more than 0.4 mm, which is threaded into rings or ferrite tubes. The body is closed with a lid, which is soldered or fixed with high-strength glue to enhance the tightness.

In addition, it is necessary to take into account the attenuation of the signal, which increases with increasing receivers:

• 1 TV — signal power is 1/1;
• two — signal 1/2;
• 3 — power is only 1/3.

On-air signal check

First of all, you need to check the level of the antenna signal. At low rates, you will have to supplement the equipment with a third-party amplifier. While a strong signal will allow you to work with the antenna directly without any intermediaries.

There are two ways to find out about current indicators.

1. Remote control. We turn on the TV, find the INFO key on the remote control, and by pressing it, a status window will appear, where one of the sections is reserved for information about signal strength.
2. System. We call the local menu and go to the settings section. We click on the line «Manual tuning» and enter the serial number of the on-air channel. The status window that appears should display the signal level as a percentage.

If the signal strength indicator is below 70%, then the equipment will have to be supplemented with an amplifier.

Antenna connection without amplifier

On sale you can find premium-level antennas, the package of which includes everything you need for installation, so it would be useful to check it out. But in the case of ordinary solutions, materials have to be purchased separately.

To connect multiple TVs you will need:

1. Splitter. The device is equipped with one antenna input and several outputs for TV equipment. The number of the latter varies from 2 to 6. The empty outputs of the splitter must be covered with resistors with a resistance of 75 ohms.
2. 5 classic F connectors. One is needed for the antenna cable, and two pairs are needed for two TVs. Each subsequent TV device will need a couple more connectors.
3. 2 TV sockets. Plugs are required to connect equipment directly to TV equipment.
4. Cable. We measure the distance from the antenna to the splitter and to each TV. Do not forget to add another meter in reserve.

Advice! If the cable will be laid around the house, then the simplest option, such as RG-6 or domestic RK-75, will do. For installation outside the home, it is better to look towards more secure options, such as imported SAT-50 or DG-113.

Screwing on the F-connector

To mount the connector, it is enough to arm yourself with an ordinary clerical or sharp kitchen knife. There should be no signs of moisture on the cable: if necessary, dry it with a hairdryer or wipe it dry with a rag.

Screwing on the F-connector:

1. We retreat 1.5 cm from the edge and cut the insulation, being careful not to damage the shielding wiring.
2. Gently burn the top layer, taking it down the cable.
3. We cut the lower insulation by 1 cm, freeing the central core.
4. We wind the connector onto the cable until the core appears 2-3 mm.

There should not be any backlashes, gaps and free circulation of the connector. If the contact with the outer braid is not tight enough, then the broadcast quality will noticeably decrease.

Cable connection

On the splitter and TV, all inputs and outputs must be labeled. Otherwise, you will have to navigate by trial and error.

Connecting the cable to the splitter and TV:

1. We find the input on the splitter — IN, we wind the F-connector from the antenna onto it.
2. At the outputs (OUT) we connect the wires going to the TVs.
3. We check the quality of the connection: the connector must be screwed in at least two full turns and not hang out.
4. We connect each cable to a separate TV or tuner.

The quality of signal transmission must be checked on two simultaneously turned on TVs. Separately, they can show better. When “snow”, twitches, stripes and other artifacts appear, the entire chain will have to be rechecked: the quality of the connector winding, the performance of the splitter and TV interfaces, the antenna, as well as the presence of physical damage to the core.

Installing Amplifier Equipment

Connecting splitters along with a long cable (more than 30 meters) degrades the broadcast quality. Therefore, in some cases, you can not do without the help of a third-party amplifier. As the last one, you can use power supply that comes with a common «Polish» antenna, or buy a specialized device.

To build an amplifier into the circuit indicated above, it is necessary to remove the F-connector from the input to the splitter. Then, in its place, connect a cable with a power supply from a decimeter antenna or branded independent equipment.

Splitter with amplifier

On sale you can find splitters with a built-in signal amplifier. They are noticeably more expensive than ordinary solutions, but they eliminate the above hassle. But before buying, you should consult with the provider, which is organized by local broadcasting.

The point is that this technique is different. different amplification factors. Excessively powerful indicators also have a bad effect on picture quality, like a weak signal. You can find out the specific range of levels on the official website of the provider in the specifications section, or by calling technical support.

Also, do not forget that the signal quality depends on the antenna itself, so you should know how to choose the right one. If you have the skills to work with soldering equipment, then you can even make a high-quality antenna with your own hands. And then you don’t have to think about why your TV is not picking up a signal.