A TV has long been considered an attribute of luxury, so every second family has at least one or two such devices. If the first device is located in the bedroom, then the second can stand anywhere, for example, in the hallway, living room, in the kitchen or in any other room. Owners of several devices sometimes need to connect two TVs from one antenna.
Content
- general information
- Splitter types
- Device selection
- Features of the procedure
- Satellite TV and Polish antennas
- Signal amplification methods
- Useful Tips
general information
Trying to understand how to connect 2 TVs from one antenna, you need to understand the general principle of such a procedure, the required tools, as well as the main steps. To connect devices, you need to use several available tools and parts. Among them:
- pliers;
- side cutters;
- kitchen knife.
The first step is to purchase a TV splitter or splitter that can split the antenna signal into two streams. On one side of it there is an entrance, and on the other - outputs for connection to the receiver.
After that, you need to take 5 connectors that match in thickness with the outputs on the splitter, as well as adapter plugs. When choosing an antenna cable, it is recommended to give preference to high-quality and proven models, for example, RG-6 or PK-75.
When choosing a splitter or splitter, it is important to consider the number of outputs, because three-way models are intended for the interaction of three devices, but not two. If such an option was purchased, but there are only two TVs in the house, it will be possible to close it with a special resistor with a resistance of 75 ohms. In this case, you need to read the step-by-step instructions on how to connect 2 TVs to one antenna.
The connection procedure itself is not something complicated, so even an inexperienced user cannot possessing any radio engineering skills, will be able to carry out such manipulations without third-party help.
Splitter types
The main purpose of the splitters is to match wave impedances, fix a stable signal, and combat all kinds of noise and interference. A correctly chosen splitter guarantees high picture quality and prevents any distortion. But in order to make the right decision at the selection stage, you need to know what types of such devices are, what they are intended for and what properties they have. There are two main types of splitters available on the market:
- with an active form of work;
- passive.
Such devices can have one input and a pair of outputs. Most home TVs use models with two or three outputs, although the number is not limited. Splitters evenly distribute the signal from one antenna, so if the input signal intensity is 12 dB, then the TVs will receive half of this value, that is, 6 dB each. If the antenna crab is equipped with three outputs, then the received TV signal will be 4 dB. Passive models can use transistors or transformers.
As already stated, the number of outputs in the splitters can vary from two to eight. If we are talking about buying a model for two TVs, it is better to make sure that in the future you will not have to connect several more receivers to the same antenna. It is also important to consider the level of attenuation that the splitter possesses, because the lower it is, the better the image quality.
Splitters with a built-in RF amplifier belong to the active group. They are able to capture a high-quality signal and raise it if necessary. But for such a device to work, you need to turn on the power. It can be a separate unit or a cable connection.
Device selection
Interested in how to connect two TVs to one antenna, you must first purchase a splitter. There are a lot of such products on sale, so there will be no difficulties in choosing the right model. In this case, the principle is appropriate: the more expensive, the better.
At the purchase stage, it is important to take into account your skills in working with a soldering iron. If they are present, then you can buy a soldered splitter, since it is characterized by significantly less signal loss and the ability to maintain transmission quality.
If you didn't have to work with soldering devices, it is better to opt for a conventional splitter. However, in this case, it is necessary to pay attention to the type of cable with which the device is equipped. The best option is a splitter with a standard connector for coaxial wires.
Having decided on the choice, it remains to find suitable connectors. In most cases, a convenient F-interface is used for this purpose, which is a wrapping adapter.
Besides, it is important to choose a suitable location for the splitterkeeping the correct distance between it and the TVs. Experts recommend choosing an approximately equal distance, while the cable for the antenna should not twist and be stretched. You can not stretch it with a shortage of footage or, conversely, twist it excessively. It is important to pre-calculate the distance between the splitter and the TV, as well as get rid of the excess.
At the stage of preparing the cable, you need to cut it in such a way that it can freely reach the splitter. Cut off the old plug along with the remaining piece of wire. After that, the cable must be cut for installation in the F-connector.
First of all, you need to cut the wrapper to the braid (about 15 millimeters from the edge), and also fold the edges. The insulation layer should protrude slightly, and the vein end should protrude 4-7 mm. You need to prepare the cable for the adapter-plug with a kitchen knife and side cutters.
Features of the procedure
When figuring out how to connect multiple TVs to one antenna, you need to follow a step-by-step guide. To successfully complete the task, you must follow the following rules:
-
When connecting two TVs to one antenna, it is necessary not to allow the cable sheath to come into contact with the central core. Very often, such errors lead to degradation or complete loss of the signal, especially if the insulating layer is too thin. - After completing the previous step, it is necessary to proceed with the installation of the F-connector on the cable. It is called wrapping because of the installation features, since the plug is simply screwed onto the wire. Exactly the same operation is performed with the rest of the cables, which allows you to create five connectors: one for the TV antenna, two for the output and two for the input.
In the correct order, it is necessary to connect the cables to the splitter, and do not tighten the F-connector too tightly, as this can cause the main conductor to fall out of the adapter. Many people do not change the location of the splitter, leaving it somewhere under furniture or near the baseboard. Experts advise to securely fix the splitter, otherwise it may be damaged by contact with children or pets. The splitter can be hidden behind a false panel.
If you follow the step-by-step instructions and perform each step correctly, then a clear picture should appear on the TVs without interference or deviations. If something is done wrong, the so-called snow will appear on the screen, which indicates a partial loss of signal or a complete lack of image.
Satellite TV and Polish antennas
If some stage of splitter installation is performed incorrectly, loss of image quality may be observed. A similar phenomenon often appears when working with a satellite dish, when the splitter picks up part of the signal to itself.
To eliminate an unpleasant problem, you need to purchase a splitter with a built-in amplifier. Its cost may differ significantly from the price of conventional models, but this is justified by the maximum efficiency. In addition, all splitters with an amplifier support different gains, because under some circumstances a strong signal becomes as unnecessary as a weak one. And if you take into account the fact that sometimes it aggravates the problem, then it is better to refuse such an option.
If a classic Polish antenna is installed in the room, then in order to improve the signal, you can connect an amplifier with a power supply. This will make the picture look good and prevent snow from appearing on the screen.. To solve the problem, you must follow the following rules:
- In the familiar circuitry, a few changes need to be made to the amplifier.
- Remove the F-type connector from the input, and in the space that appears, install the plug that comes with the antenna.
- Next, you need to install the adapter with the antenna socket and connect the amplifier.
By completing such measures, you can significantly increase the gain. To permanently get rid of the poor picture quality on two TVs, it is better to buy two antennas at once.
Signal amplification methods
For many TV owners, after connecting several TVs to one antenna, the quality of the displayed picture deteriorates greatly. This is due to the principle of the splitter, which only splits the signal into several streams. To eliminate the negative phenomenon, it is necessary to purchase a special amplifier that works on the crab principle, but has several resistors and an amplifying microcircuit.
For such a device, it is necessary to equip a separate power supply, therefore, when performing installation work, you need to consider the location of the outlet or extension cord. It is recommended to install the amplifier at a short distance from the antenna, and make branches from it to the desired part of the room. Experts say that it is much wiser to abandon the splitter and give preference to amplifiers. Such a purchase will be more expensive, but it will be justified by the high quality of the transmitted signal.
To prevent all kinds of interference on the screen and improve the signal, special ferrite rings can be placed on the TV cable. They are placed at the very end of the cable near the antenna input. These noise cutters are found on laptop power supply cords and are designed to combat poor signal quality.
There are other equally effective ways to amplify a television signal, but a lot depends on the antenna itself. In order not to think about how to get rid of the problem of low picture quality when connecting several TVs to the same antenna, it is better to buy a good device in advance and prevent such trouble.
Useful Tips
The process of amplifying the signal from the antenna to two televisions is carried out through the interaction of two devices - a preamplifier and a distribution amplifier. According to the principle of operation, these nodes practically do not differ from each other, but some differences are still present. The preamplifier is located on the antenna and is intended to amplify the signal. It is used for a long coaxial cable and is fixed between the antenna and the splitter.
The amplifying device is mounted in front of the splitter and is used to amplify the divided signal, for example, for two or four televisions. Most amplifiers work in exactly the same way as splitters, so it makes sense to choose just such a device and not buy a splitter.
Connecting two, three or more TVs to one antenna is not difficult. Even an inexperienced beginner with no professional skills will be able to carry out such a manipulation and achieve good results. The main thing is to follow the step-by-step instructions and take into account the recommendations of experienced specialists.
