Home Satellite TV Receivers

There are multiple ways to split a DirecTV Satellite signal. The main problem that viewers face is not being able to see a separate channel on each television sharing the signal. If this is not an issue for the setup, then the following options are available for those who wish to continue:

Method One – Using Optional Receiver Outputs

If the televisions are not too far apart, the simplest option is to use the available outputs on the receiver to split the connection. Most modern day DirecTV receivers have the following outputs:

• HDMI – Used with HD Televisions using the HDMI cable interface.
• Coaxial Cable (Output to TV) -The coaxial cables can be screw on or push on.
• AV Cable – The 3 wire configuration (Red, White, Yellow).
• Component Cable Output – The 5 wire configuration (Red “Video, ” Blue, Green, Red “Audio, ” White).
• SVideo – used with SVideo capable devices.

A DirecTV receiver can process video through each and every output available on the hardware. The most common setup for optional receiver output is using the HDMI connection for the most immediate television (since HDMI cables come in short lengths), a component cable connection or AV cable connection for the next closest television, and the coaxial cable for the furthest televisions. Any combination can be used as long as the cables’ lengths are adequate for splitting the signal this way.

Of course the quality of the signal will be different for each output due to the nature of the technology being used and the quality of the signal being routed from the receiver. A large number of households can accommodate the splitting of the signal this way. Viewers should consider drilling holes in inconspicuous locations to shorten cable lengths. This is because long length cables considerably lower the quality of the signal that the television receives.

Note: Many options use the Red and White audio outputs on the receiver. Using more than one would require an additional splitter for the sound output. The HDMI and coaxial output carry their own sound while the others will more than likely compete with the Red and White outputs unless the receiver comes with multiples that are meant for additional stereo speakers to be connected to.

Method Two – Using a Coaxial Splitter