Now almost all Russian families have more than one TV: in the living room, in the bedroom, in the kitchen. Income levels have increased and lifestyles have changed, but that’s not what we’re talking about. On the technical side, many are interested in the question of how to connect several TVs to one antenna.
An antenna or cable TV is started with one cable, and connecting it is not an easy task. Sometimes it can be a truly difficult challenge. So can this be done? It turns out that you can connect three TVs to one antenna and even more.
How to connect two TVs to one antenna? It happens that TVs work normally from a room antenna, but they receive few channels. And after switching to outdoor antenna They stop showing anything at all. Such issues mainly arise as a result of incorrect installation. The solution to the problem depends either on the level of the received TV signal or on the correctness of the cabling. The article discusses practical steps that will help correctly distribute the signal to several TVs.
Connection instructions
Those who are planning to connect two TVs to one antenna for the first time usually think that they need. But this is not always the case, since in fact the amplifier can sometimes overload the TV receiver with strong signals. Therefore, it is better to start with a circuit without an amplifier and determine the correct direction of the original television radiation.
Below we will look at the steps you can use to connect multiple TVs to one antenna.
Step 1 Position the antenna correctly
Where to begin? Optimally position the antenna of the device and connect it. The higher it is set, the better the reception will be. Before you connect one antenna to two TVs, you need to make sure that the signal level at the input of the first TV is almost ideal.
Connecting the antenna correctly means tuning into the coverage area of most television signals. To do this, you can connect an omnidirectional or multi-directional antenna to 2 TVs and thereby ensure high-quality television reception of programs in different directions.
A unidirectional antenna that only works in one direction is often useful. Having correctly installed the antenna to the TV, you can move on to the next step, namely to achieve the best power and quality of the TV signal, displayed in high definition.
According to technical standards, the unit must be grounded, which is important for preserving the TV and protecting it from lightning strikes.
Additional Information. You can ground the antenna to the water supply, but the pipe cannot be plastic and must be buried at least one meter. In this case, the grounding connection is made within 1.5 m from the point where the pipe enters the ground.
Step 2 Buy materials
Before connecting two TVs to one outdoor antenna, an internal diagram of the arrangement of elements is drawn up. An arbitrary layout of splitters and wires can be drawn with a pencil on paper. This will make it easier to determine how much cable is required to purchase to connect 2 TVs. The cable should be as short as possible, since the length is directly proportional to the quality of the cable and inversely proportional to the requirements for signal quality.
Important! When connecting the cable, you must follow the rules for connecting electrical appliances and use the connection diagram given in the manufacturer's instructions. It is imperative that safety precautions are taken as incorrect installation of electrical equipment can result in serious health risks and property damage.
To connect your TV to cable TV or an antenna, you need to purchase:
- coaxial cable with a characteristic impedance of 75 Ohms;
- screw-on connectors;
- antenna inserts;
- splitter (splitter).
When purchasing, you should take into account the distances between TVs and the margin, so you should buy a cable longer than 10 m. However, as the cable length increases, the impact of external interference increases and signal losses increase.
One of the most optimal types of conductors is coaxial cable brand RG6/U, which:
- designed to transmit high-frequency electromagnetic waves;
- reliable in operation;
- lightweight and easy to maintain.
Note! High frequency behavior alternating current differs significantly from the course of action direct current or current with a frequency of 50 Hz. Coaxial cable is not just a wire, it is more of a waveguide. This is precisely its exclusivity and peculiarity.
The next important element of the circuit for dividing the antenna signal is the splitter. This device has a coaxial port on one end and two (or three) on the other. There are three things to consider when choosing a coaxial splitter cable: frequency, attenuation (or dB loss), and number of outputs. Each splitter output degrades the signal, whether they are connected to a TV or not.
When purchasing splitters, you should avoid cheap copies and fakes. To connect three TVs to one cable, you need to use an original, that is, a balanced splitter that will show the same losses on all its outputs.
If you need to install 4 TVs, then you can consider the option of using an amplifier-coupler. This will not only allow the signal to be distributed rationally, but will also compensate for losses caused by the splitter.
With a serial connection there is a risk of obtaining an unbalanced configuration, which often leads to certain difficulties:
- troubleshooting;
- creating problems for future expansion.
TV signal loss is essentially caused by many things, including the number of splitter ports. Therefore, it makes sense to buy a splitter with the required number of outputs. When you need to add another output, you can simply buy a new splitter to create additional ports.
Remember! The amplifier is not designed to increase the signal more than that coming from the antenna. It only compensates for losses in the line from the antenna to the TVs, which is of no small importance.
Step 3 Connect TVs
After the components of the circuit have been selected, the channel reception test has been carried out, the signal strength at the input of the first TV has been determined, you can begin further assembly according to the circuit diagram.
At the same time, we should not forget that each connection entails, albeit minor, signal losses. Therefore, each connection must be made reliably, the total number of which should be as small as possible. With the addition of each additional TV to the splitter, a channel check is launched using the converter menu to block channels.
Errors such as:
- cable is too long;
- weak antenna or its non-optimal installation.
If reception is poor on one of the TVs, make sure that the cable is not damaged and the contacts are secure. If it is not possible to establish a connection with the channels on all connected TVs, then adding an amplifier is required - more on this in the next section.
Step 4 Secure the wires
Nobody likes to have loose cables hanging around the house. This creates a disconnection hazard and is unsightly. Therefore, as you lay them, you need to secure the cables to the walls, baseboards or floors using electrical tape or other mounting means.
So, the specifics of the main points of the process when connecting an antenna to several TVs have been considered, it is recommended to use them. After which you can enjoy free programs broadcast on all home TVs.
When you need an amplifier
There are ethereal TV antennas two types: active and passive. The difference between them is that passive ones are designed to operate only within line of sight from the television center, while the active antenna has a built-in signal amplifier.
Antenna gain can be a very confusing topic due to the similarity of terminology. There are two ways to amplify the signal:
- The first is called the method of increasing the "antenna gain". This gain is built into the active antenna. The term is primarily used to describe directional antennas.
Such devices include “Polish” antennas (arrays), the popularity of which is due to the ability to receive the weakest signals due to the presence of a built-in amplifier. Sometimes two antennas are used instead of one antenna. Moreover, if you combine two different antennas (intended for VHF and UHF), you may encounter the problem of multipath reception - signal reception may deteriorate greatly.
Directional antennas concentrate this ability in one direction, therefore to the detriment of reception in other directions.
- Another type of amplification amplifies the signal after it is received. This is also called “amplification” (improvement) of the signal received by the antenna. The method is to overcome line losses and noise from digital tuners in the TV.
The degree of significance makes sense when implemented:
- If you can get all channels by connecting an antenna directly to one TV, then amplification is only required to overcome line losses;
- If there are problems associated with line branching, it is always better to buy a directional active antenna that has a high gain.
A little theory. The antenna gain does not add strength to the signal itself. It's more about how well the antenna converts the signal into electrical current.
Which amplifier to use
Amplification is mainly carried out from 2 devices:
- preamp;
- distribution amplifier.
They essentially perform the same function with slight differences. The preamplifier is installed on the antenna and amplifies the signal. It is used for long coaxial cable (about 30m) between the antenna and the splitter.
The distribution amplifier is installed directly in front of the splitter and is used to amplify the signal to split, say, four TVs. Some such amplifiers, as shown in the figure below, function in the same way as a splitter.
All amplifiers have similar functions. In what case should they connect? Sometimes the simple science of trial and error comes to the rescue when choosing. So if the cable is a little long to the splitter, you can try installing a preamp to see if that fixes the problem. On the other hand, if the image on the TV screen is not entirely clear, and the reason for this is not clear, then it is worth trying to use a distribution amplifier.
First, you need to decide on the distance to the TV tower. It may be enough to assemble the circuit without any amplifiers. Splitters reduce the power of the transmitted signal. If one antenna is used to connect, for example, three or four televisions, then distribution amplifiers will be required to improve image quality.
If the signal coming from a TV tower is strong enough, too much volume can overload the TV tuner. The main thing to remember is that amplification should always be considered only as a way to improve signal reception.
In general, connecting several TVs to one over-the-air antenna is not a difficult task; even an inexperienced person can handle it. In any case, it’s always nice to feel like a creator, creator and contemplate your personal result. And everyone at home will enjoy watching their favorite channels on television.
Video
Very often, a second TV appears in one family. In this case, there is only one antenna. The question arises: how to connect two TVs to one antenna? There are ways to use one antenna on two or more TVs.
What you need
To connect, you will need several parts:
- two-output splitter (splitter). This is a device that allows you to divide the signal from the antenna into two or more streams. It has an input on one side and two or more outputs on the other - for connecting television receivers.
- 5 connectors corresponding to the splitter;
- 2 adapter plugs;
- antenna cable.
Important: When purchasing a splitter, do not confuse the number of outputs! A three-way (three-output) splitter is used to connect three receivers, but not two! If you still have a three-output one at hand, you can solve the problem by connecting a ballast resistor (resistance 75 Ohms) to the free output. And if there is a plan in the future to install and connect several TVs to this antenna, then it is better to immediately buy a splitter with several outputs and temporarily drown out the empty outputs with the same resistance.
Work progress
We will try to talk about the connection in such a way that even someone who does not understand radio engineering at all can cope with the task. This is done step by step like this:
- Selecting details. The first thing you need to do is buy a splitter. They come in a variety of varieties, including those that require soldering and those that do not. If you know how to solder, then it is better to take those that involve soldering. This connection is always more reliable than any other, it produces less signal loss and preserves its quality.
If you do not have soldering skills, then you need to choose an appropriate splitter, as well as one suitable for a specific type of cable. A win-win option would be a splitter with built-in sockets for coaxial cables.
Having chosen a splitter, select the appropriate connectors. F-connectors are now very popular due to the fact that they are reliable and easy to install.
- Choosing a location for the splitter. It is optimal to position the device so that the antenna cable can easily reach it and, if possible, have the shortest distance to both TVs.
- Cutting the existing antenna cable. It is necessary to cut so that the cable can freely reach the splitter. The old plug is cut off along with a piece of cable.
- Cable stripping and installationF– connector.
For those who know how to solder, there is no point in telling them how to cut a cable and solder it to a splitter - they know it themselves. What follows is written for the average user who is not familiar with the radio business.
So, we cut the cut end of the wire as shown in the figure: we strip the edge and wrap the braid. The middle core insulator should protrude slightly, and the middle core itself should protrude by at least 5 mm. The tool for removing insulation from a coaxial cable at home is an ordinary kitchen knife.
Important: The cable must be standard; DG 113 or SAT 703B are more often used. Under no circumstances should the cable braid be connected to the central core, otherwise the signal will not pass through at all.
Install the F-connector. It is also called wrap-on because the connector is wound onto a soft wire. The connector for connecting the cable and splitter is ready.
- Cut two pieces of wire with the expectation that the length would be enough for each TV.
- We mountF- connectors similarly for connecting TV cables and splitter outputs. We do the same at the other ends of the cables.
As a result, we use all five connectors, including:
- one from the antenna, to enter the splitter;
- two televisions, for exiting from it;
- two televisions free.
- We connect the connectors to the splitter.
- We connect two free connectors with adapters. An adapter is a device with an F-connector attached at one end and a coaxial plug at the other for connecting to television receivers. Typically this device is generally referred to as a plug.
- We turn on the television receivers. Let's check how both receivers work. If everything is done correctly, the image should be normal. Now you can easily enjoy an excellent picture on two receivers at once, without interfering with each other.
Using the diagram below you can see the path along which you need to connect 2 TVs to one antenna:
How to install an antenna with an amplifier
But what if after connecting the splitter the image quality deteriorates? This may mean that the antenna on two TVs does not provide the required signal, while the separating device also takes over some of its share. The solution can be an antenna with an amplifier, it is also called a Polish one. Such an antenna for two TV receivers connected to the device will improve the signal quality in both TVs. To do this you need:
- In an existing circuit with a splitter put awayF- connector from the entrance to it.
- In his place connect the plug to the power supply from the antenna kit with amplifier.
- At the entrance install an adapter with an antenna socket(the so-called “mother”) and insert the plug from the antenna with an amplifier there.
This should improve the signal quality.
Splitter with amplifier
There is a second option - look for a splitter with a built-in signal amplifier. This method is good when the TV initially showed well and new antenna not required. However, before purchasing a new device, discuss your specific case with a specialist.
Amplifiers, including those on the antenna, have different gains, and too much signal is just as bad as a weak one, and can also cause distortion. The telemaster will measure the signal level and give advice on purchasing an amplifier.
By the way, the problem with signal attenuation can even arise if you connect several TVs to one antenna. The more receivers, the more the signal attenuates. Therefore, when planning to connect several television receivers, weigh all the pros and cons.
Below are video instructions for connecting an antenna to two television receivers:
In contact with
Quite often, one family has two or even 3 televisions, but there is still only one antenna. Many home craftsmen have a natural question: how to connect several TVs to one antenna, given that they are all located in different rooms. This can only be done using a special TV signal divider or splitter.
Speaking strictly technical language is a device that consists of a set of resistances designed to match the wave reactance of antenna feeders and several television receivers. The splitter, in addition to a stable connection, guarantees support for the passing signal with minimal attenuation.
On sale you can choose a splitter for two TVs, and if you need to connect 3 TVs, then you need to choose splitter with three outputs.
Advice! When using a 3-output splitter, you need to connect three TVs; if there are fewer, then a 75 Ohm ballast resistor is connected to the free port, which ensures normal operation of the splitter.
When choosing such a device in a store, first of all, find out from 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 available in the device's operating instructions.
Crab splitter
The design of the splitter (its popular name is 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. On the outside there are connectors for connecting F-plugs: on one side for an antenna, and on the other two or more - this is for connecting TVs. Its circuit is quite simple, usually transformer-based: one turn of enamel-coated wire with a cross-section of no more than 0.4 mm, which is threaded into rings or ferrite tubes. The case is closed with a lid, which is sealed or fixed with high-strength glue to enhance the tightness.
How long do we connect TV?
Before making the connection and final assembly of the entire line, you need to specifically determine the number of connected TVs. How to connect two TVs to a satellite dish is one question, but if you need 3, then the circuit will be slightly different and the splitter will be used with three outputs. In addition, it is necessary to take into account signal attenuation, which increases as receivers become larger:
- 1 TV - signal power is 1/1;
- two - signal 1/2;
- 3 - power is only 1/3.
Therefore, when installing a line on three or more TVs, a signal amplifier is installed. Specialty stores offer a wide selection of such products with characteristics that allow you to make a connection without loss of image quality.
Assembling the connection diagram
Consider the option of connecting two TVs, one of which is in the living room, and the second in the children's room. We will use an antenna splitter or splitter that splits the main signal into 2 TVs. To carry out the work it is used modern equipment, so we don’t need a soldering iron, tin and rosin.
The new type of splitters use screw sockets: a pre-stripped one end of the cable is inserted into the nut, and the second with a similar plug will subsequently be connected to the TV. The central core must be inserted into a special hole in the splitter screw socket, and the nut is screwed on and tightly presses the copper braid of the cable to the device body.
Before starting work, you should disconnect the products from the network until all work on connecting TVs to one satellite dish is completed.
Step-by-step instruction:
The figure shows the connection diagram for a) 2 TVs and b) an option for 3 TVs.
How to boost the signal
Many users complain that when they connected two TVs to one antenna (satellite or simple), the image became much worse. There is nothing unusual about this - the fact is that the splitter only divides the signal. To eliminate such a negative phenomenon, you need to use a special tv amplifier, which is designed almost similarly to the crab, but there are resistors and a microcircuit.
It requires separate power, so when installing it, you need to have an outlet or a carrying case nearby.
TV amplifier
It is better to install the amplifier as close to the antenna as possible, and make branches from it: for example, in our case, one branch goes to the living room, and the other to the children's room. In this case, experts advise not to use a splitter, but to install an amplifier - it will cost more, but the signal quality will be high.
There is another option to get rid of interference (and you can also significantly improve the signal quality) - put special cables on the cable connecting to TVs ferrite rings . This can be done on the part of the cable that is not visible from the side, next to the connection to the antenna input on the TV. Such noise suppressors are installed, for example, on the laptop adapter cable - a small cylindrical device on the cord next to the plug connecting the cord to the computer. There are other ways. Also, do not forget that the quality of the signal depends on the antenna itself, so it is worth knowing. If you have the skills to work with soldering equipment, then you can even make a high-quality one. And then you won't have to think why your .
The general concept of antenna splitter (crab) means three types of devices:
- splitters (dividers);
- diplexers (adders);
- couplers (tap).
Each of them serves to solve specific problems.
Purpose and main differences
Splitters allow you to evenly divide a television signal between several outputs. For example, if the input signal level was 12 dB, then at the outputs of a double divider it will be 6 dB, a triple divider - 4 dB, and a quad divider - 3 dB.
The figure shows a schematic representation of a double splitter, where:
A – signal input;
B and C are the exit.
Antenna splitters of this type are used in cases where it is necessary to send a signal to 2 or 3 TVs, or more if the device has an amplifier (active splitter). An example is the model of the Polish manufacturer ARA-01A.
Diplexers allow you to combine two signals into one. Most adder models are universal; they can work in two directions, that is, act as an adder or a divider.
The figure shows a schematic representation of a double diplexer, where:
A and B – input signals;
C – output signal.
A diplexer is used in cases where it is necessary to run a signal from a satellite and a conventional antenna over one cable or combine signals from different ranges. The figure shows an example of using an adder and a divider together, where:
- A – television antenna;
- B – satellite dish;
- C – adder;
- D – socket with a built-in divider for connecting two television cables.
Tappers are used to organize a backbone television network, for example, to divert a signal to apartments in a multi-storey building.
The figure shows an example of organizing a highway using several taps, where:
- A – incoming signal;
- B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J – signal output (tap), for example, to each floor of a nine-story building.
As can be seen from the connection diagram, such devices have one pass-through output, from which the signal is supplied to the input connector of the next coupler.
Video: TV antenna splitter.
Antenna splitters can also include a range blocker (stub), which is widely used by operators cable television to separate social and paid packages connections.
In everyday life, splitters are most often used; they are used to connect several televisions to the antenna cable entering the apartment; the quality of the television signal directly depends on these devices.
How to choose
First of all, it should be taken into account that the operating frequency of antenna splitters for digital television And satellite dishes various. For the former it is limited to 1 GHz, for the latter it is 2.5 GHz. In addition, the satellite splitter may have a “Powerpass” function (allows you to supply power to the satellite dish head).
Note that a satellite splitter can also be used to split a digital or analog signal.
The second parameter that you should pay attention to is signal attenuation; as a rule, its value is indicated on the device body; the lower it is, the lower the losses.
It is also important who the manufacturer of the device is. Products from such well-known manufacturers as: Lans, Rexant, Premier, TAH, Luxmann, Alda, Hama, Sat, etc. will give an output signal an order of magnitude better than Chinese or homemade splitters.
How to connect
The instructions for connecting the splitter are quite simple:
- select a location and attach the divider to it;
- Next, you need to remove the plug from the antenna splitter (do this operation for each connector);
- use a coaxial cable (adapter) to connect the input to the TV and the jack;
- connect the television cable entering the apartment.
Do it yourself
It’s not difficult to make a splitter for analog television with your own hands; here are a few simple circuits such a device.
Passive splitter with resistors.
The figure shows two diagrams:
- a – for connecting two TVs (R1, R2, R3 = 25 Ohm);
- b – for connecting three TVs (R1, R2, R3, R4 = 36 Ohm).
Below is an example of wiring printed circuit board for scheme "b".
The assembled device must be placed in a special case (any metal box will do for this), which should preferably be grounded. If the grounding is incorrect, interference in the form of snow may occur. Actually, it is better not to ground at all than to do it incorrectly.
If the image on the TV screen is double, you should put a ferrite ring on the coaxial cable between the splitter and the TV.
Active splitter circuit.
In cases where you have low level incoming television signal, the situation can be corrected using a divider that has a broadband frequency amplifier. The diagram of such a device is shown in the figure below.
Parameters of the elements indicated in the diagram:
- R1-10 Ohm;
- R2, R4, R5 – 430 Ohm;
- R3 – 30 kOhm;
- R6 – 150 Ohm;
- R7 – 470 Ohm;
- R8-R10 – 43 Ohm;
- C1, C2, C4 – 150 pF;
- C3 – 0.01 µF;
- VT1 – VT2 – KT399A;
Choke L1 is a frameless coil wound with PEV-2 wire with a cross-section of 0.4 mm, the diameter of the coil is five millimeters, there are 4 or 5 turns.
You can use batteries to power the circuit, but it is better to take a power supply for this. In the latter case, the transformer may create interference, so it is advisable to place the power supply in a separate housing. That is why it is advisable to install the splitter in a wireless zone, that is, where there is no electrical wiring.
Note that the above antenna splitter circuits have proven themselves to be effective in dividing analog signals; as for satellite and digital television, it is better for them to buy a ready-made device than to make it yourself.
Price overview
As an example, we chose the Luxmann SP-202 splitter, which allows you to connect two TVs to one antenna cable.
| City | Cost (USD) | City | Cost (USD) |
| Ekaterinburg | 4 | Penza | 4,2 |
| Krasnoyarsk | 4,1 | Minsk | 4,1 |
| Moscow | 3,8 | SPb (Petersburg) | 3,85 |
As can be seen from the table, the price of an antenna splitter in Moscow, Krasnoyarsk, Minsk and other cities does not vary much. How economically profitable it is to make it yourself or buy it is up to you to decide.
