a/v question re: 2 tv's, 1 cable box

[}{arlequin]

unfortunately i have no way around this. where i live there's no avoiding of a cable box. it's hooked up in the living room w/ the tv.

i'd like to have a 2nd tv run off of it. is it as simple as running another output cable from the box to the 2nd tv?

how about changing channels? since the cable box will be in the living room will i have control over that through the 2nd tv or will i have to go into the other room and flip there?

any ideas on how to solve the problem? (i don't want another cable box, mostly for aesthetic reasons)

thnx

[RickM]

You can split the cable box output and feed 2 TVs. However, you will be watching the channel that the cable box is tuned to on both sets.

Most TVs will work directly connected to cable....except for premium channels. Is this an option?

Depending on where the rooms are situated you may be able to connect a remote IR sensor for the cable box which will allow you to place te sensor wherever you'd like. Then use the remote to control the box in either room.

Many of the newer boxes have a IR sensor connector for this purpose.

[EdT82SC]

It's more money, but I'm sure your cable company will rent you a second cable box for the second TV.

And as Rick pointed out if you don't have any premium channels you don't need a cable box. I have 3 TVs, 0 premium channels, and 0 cable boxes. The basic cable channels work fine on all three TVs.

[Joeaksa]

Have done what Rick suggests years ago. Just plug the second TV into a cable run from the main input. Split the main input using a splitter if there is no outlet in that room, then run one to the cable box and a second lead to the second TV. As he said you are limited to basic TV but thats better than nothing and free.

[adrian jaye]

Originally posted by }{arlequin
unfortunately i have no way around this. where i live there's no avoiding of a cable box. it's hooked up in the living room w/ the tv.

i'd like to have a 2nd tv run off of it. is it as simple as running another output cable from the box to the 2nd tv?

how about changing channels? since the cable box will be in the living room will i have control over that through the 2nd tv or will i have to go into the other room and flip there?

any ideas on how to solve the problem? (i don't want another cable box, mostly for aesthetic reasons)

thnx

my set-up is as follows

Cable box downstairs, connected to TV (scart)

back of cable has a "SECOND" UHF lead to secnd tv upstairs bedroom.

2 options I have, just watch channels (1,2,3,4,5 terrestrial TV via upstairs remote (I'm in UK)) and select 6 which is for cable reciver downstairs.


However for about £10, I now have a unit which plus into the same co-axial cable and allows me to control my cable box (downstairs) from upstairs, obviously different cable boxes may have a different setups but thats is the basics.

try contacting the company that looks after or maintains the cable box

[}{arlequin]

thanks for confirming my plans guys. had a feeling there was a way just wanted to make sure.

[ejames19]

One question, why do you NEED the cable box? Is cable running into the house and your TV's don't have a built in tuner, I am confused. Or are you receiving digital or HD and the box is necessary? Just asking, because all vcr's have built in tuners and most dvd recorders if that is the case.

[}{arlequin]

it's for hi def... i don't think i can get around that at all... wish i could b/c i can't stand the gaudy thing and the extra remote in the first place

[nostatic]

different tvs and different cable operators have different ways of doing their channels. You can generally plug directly in with coax, but no telling what the numbers will mean. You'll need a splitter and a couple of fittings. Split before it enters the cable box. Cutting good fitings requires some skill. I installed cable many moons ago and have cut more fittings than I care to remember...

If you have weak signal, splitting will make it worse.