How To Connect Two TVs To One Cable Box (Quickly & Easily!)

Upgraded Home Team
by Upgraded Home Team

There are many positives in connecting two or more TVs to one cable box. Some may want TVs all over the house, so they do not miss anything when going in a different room. Businesses have multiple TVs such as gyms, bars, restaurants, hotels, and other locations.

It is not odd, and it is not illegal to add multiple TVs to a cable box or satellite receiver. In fact, in your own home, you can turn a game room into a place of Paradise. So, now that we know it is possible, how do you do it?

You can connect two TVs to one cable box with adequate wires, remotes, cable management, and the DIY will power. Some older TVs may require additional accessories like splitters, RF switches, and other devices. Once the proper locations and plans are implemented, you can have a TV anywhere in the home, even outdoors.

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It is Essential to Understand the Set-Top Box

Everything we do comes with a plan and understanding of what we want to happen. The good news is, it does not take a technician to spit the outputs to add TVs to a cable box.

As we mentioned in the introduction, it is not illegal to split the signals. However, it is against the law to mess with the set-top boxes. It is essential to understand these devices are mostly rented through the company you get your service.

The output is the only thing we will be dealing with in this project. The set-top box or STB is the technology that uses a digital decoder and encoder to receive satellite signals. It sends signals to and from the outside satellite dish and receives its signals from other satellites and towers.

If the set-top box is messed with or damaged in any way, there will be no signals transmitted. Keep in mind, if this is damaged, the renter is responsible for all damages. The fines and cost of repairs are not worth messing with the signals.

Making Your Plans a Reality

The first thing you should note is where the cable box is located and where you want the TVs to go. In all simplicity, most people enjoy a TV in the living room and the bedroom. The answer is in the splitters how many TVs you want to be connected to the cable box.

You will also need a tape measure to determine how long cable wire you need for this project. The type of wire you need is also important in which you can find out by looking behind the TV.

The Different Types of Wire Hook-Ups

With today’s technology, these are the three most common wires used today.

1. HDMI Wires

HDMI cables are the most common on today’s TVs. Look at the back of your television. If the TV connects to the cable box using HDMI cables, you will need HDMI splitters. The splitter will connect to the output on the back of the box, giving more HDMI hookup options.

The HDMI cables come in five yards up to 15 yards. They are easy to find online or at a local store. The splitters have options from two to 16 screen hookups.

2. Coaxial Output Wires

Coaxial cables are meant for older TVs. If you know your TV is a decade or older, the chances are high the hookups use a coaxial cable. You will need a coaxial splitter to connect to the output in the back of the box.

The splitters come in 2way or 6way splitters. This means you can have two TVs up to six connected at the same time. Keep in mind, the length of these wires will cause lower quality pictures the further out you go.

3. Hybrid Systems

Some boxes have HDMI and coaxial outputs in the back. It would be wise to keep the older TV closer to the box. The newer TV with HDMI cable hookups can go further away with no problems with the picture’s quality.

How To Split One HDMI Output To Two TV Inputs

What About the Remote Issues?

When it comes to multiple TVs, remotes always seem to be a problem. There is no difference when connecting more than one TV to the cable box. So what appears to be the trouble?

Remotes that work the box has to stay in one location. In other words, the remote control will only work in the room where the cable box is. The good news is, there is a solution to this situation.

You can get IR remote signal extenders/ repeaters. It is a small piece of technology that allows you to use the remote anywhere in the home. They are sold at Walmart or online from $10 to $40.

Steps to Connect Two TVs To a Cable Box

Now that we know a little more about the parts, we can go through setting everything up. Here is where you will want to plan for your cable management.

Step 1: Wire Up Every Room You Want a TV

Make sure every room you want a TV in has the correct setup for wires. The best way to do this is through the floors with a cover over the cables going through the wall. The wire connections will come out through an outlet plate where everything is out of the way.

If the room does not have this option, you will need a splitter. Some older analog TVs may need an RF switch if a Digital box is included for local channels.

Step 2: Connect the Main Cable Line

Connect the main cable line as needed with the proper cables to the outlet. Once the outlet is in place with the connection available, you can move on to step 3.

Step 3: Connect the Wall Receiver to the TV

Connect one end of the wires to the wall receiver and the other end to the TV’s back. You can run your wires as needed to keep them out of the way. It is best to run them along the baseboards of the wall.

Step 4: Enjoy Watching TV

Once the steps are completed, and all the wires are put aside, it is now time to enjoy TV. Just remember not to fight over the remote.

Weigh Your Options

Here is where the pros and cons come into play. Do you really want the TVs connected to the one base cable box? If the answer is yes, then let your DIY will power take over.

The price may deter your decision, but some cable and satellite companies understand people want more TVs connected. Check with them for good deals. The downside is those deals do not last.

The cost is not that expensive to add more TVs to the STB. It depends on the company you are with for cable or satellite. You may pay more or less.

The average cost for setting up multiple TVs can run up to $200 to $300 wirelessly. Some companies offer a deal from $5 to $12 extra per month for an additional cable box. If you do it yourself, you can expect to pay a one-time fee of $50 to $100 total.

Connecting Wirelessly From a TV to a Cable Box

This is the last of the options and has a hefty price, but only for a one-time fee. A wireless video HDMI kit connects to a transmitter that can carry the cable or satellite signals to any room. The plus side is no drilling holes in the wall or loose wires everywhere to manage.

The way it works is through your set-top box to any device in your home. It resembles a Roku box or Fire TV and connects to the HDMI in the TV’s back. Everything runs off of signals directly from the STB.

The wireless video HDMI offers live-streaming, multi-media, and can work off Blu-ray, computer, or any gaming console. You can even take the TV and put it in the backyard to watch the big games while you BBQ. The signal can go for a long distance with no Wi-Fi required.

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The Top Wireless Transmitters On The Market

If you decide to go wireless, these are the top five choices you can choose that made the hit list for 2021.

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Upgraded Home Team
Upgraded Home Team

We are a team of passionate homeowners, home improvement pros, and DIY enthusiasts who enjoy sharing home improvement, housekeeping, decorating, and more with other homeowners! Whether you're looking for a step-by-step guide on fixing an appliance or the cost of installing a fence, we've here to help.

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