How to Split a Direct TV Satellite Signal ?????

How to Split a Direct TV Satellite Signal ?????
 
There are multiple ways to split a DirecTV Satellite signal. The one problem that people will face is not being able to see a separate channel on each television that the signal is split to. If this is not an issue for the setup with the split signal 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 will have the following common outputs available with them:
HDMI -For use with HD Televisions using the HDMI cable interface.
Coaxial Cable (Output to TV) -The coaxial cables can come in a screw on or push on format.
AV Cable – The 3 wire configuration (Red, White, Yellow).
Component Cable Output – The 5 wire configuration (Red "Video", Blue, Green, Red "Audio", White).
SVideo – For use with SVideo capable devices.


A DirecTV receiver will be able to process video through each and every output available on the hardware. The most common setup for optional receiver output is by 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 lengths of the cables are adequate enough 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 that is 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. To shorten distances that cables must travel, the need to drill holes in walls and floors in inconspicuous locations may be necessary, as long length cables will considerably lower the quality of the signal that is received on the television.

Note: many options will use the Red and White audio outputs on the receiver and using more than one would require an additional splitter for the sound output. The HDMI and coaxial output carries 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.

Method Two – Using a Coaxial Splitter

A coaxial splitter is the other option that most DirecTV owners can use to split the signal without having to purchase another receiver and adding an additional line to the system. The coaxial splitter can be used in two ways:

Splitter close to the Receiver- A short coaxial cable is connected to the receiver. This is then connected to the closest television (within a few feet) by the first split line. The second split line must run the length to reach the next television which can be several yard away.

Note: The television that is closest will more than likely be the one to control the channels on the receiver that transmits to both televisions.

Receiver at a mid point – The receiver will be placed at a location where both televisions are more or less an equal distance from each other. The cable that will be splitting the line will head out of the receiver and travel to the location where a split can be most effective at a mid distance. The two split lines are then passed through the length that is necessary to reach both televisions.

Note: Changing the channels for the receiver may require having someone come within distance to the receiver in order to change it manually or via remote.

Remember that televisions will display the same channel when using a coaxial cable. The television that is furthest away may also have a weaker signal that is denoted by the fuzzy/snowy artifacts that appear from the signal.

Getting Separate Channels

It is not impossible to get separate channels on another television but the process is somewhat different. First off, the DirecTV customer will need to have another receiver for each television they will want to extend the service to. Second, they will need a Multi-Switch that is designed to be used with their satellite equipment. Third, they will need to have enough coaxial cable length to run from the Multi-Switch to each receiver and television.

Getting receivers is possible online or through electronics retailers. It is recommended that you get the exact model that you are using for your normal access.

Note: Additional access cards will be required and are available from DirecTV. Use of unauthorized "hacked" or modified cards or receivers that are designed to decrypt satellite signals are illegal to sell or use.

A Multi-Switch can come in many designs and using a DirecTV approved option is the best towards getting the best compatibility with a single satellite dish. Multi-Switches can have two or more satellite inputs and have four or more outputs to the receivers. Depending on the brand and amount of connections needed to split the DirecTV signal throughout the household, Multi-Switch costs can be higher.

Note: A single satellite dish may only be able to support two receivers depending on the type of dish it is. If the service is designed for a DVR receiver, additional equipment and lines may be required.