Cable Splitting Question - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

pacaveli · 12-27-2010, 05:42 PM

Ok so I'm trying to split cable from a cable box. I called comcast and asked how I would go about splitting cable from my cable box under my TV to the TV in the kitchen. Both are Hi-Def TV's and I'd idealy like to get digital cable to the TV int he kitchen with all the channels I get in the living room.

Comcast said the only way to do it is to get another cable box from them. I assume this is the default answer because they get more money this way. So here in lies the question, how do i output 2 signals from my cable box.

I'm not too picky if the channels have to be the same IE controlled from the cable box as one TV is usually muted if they are both on. It's just kind of annoying to have a HD tv without being able to go to the HD channels all over my house when I paid for them.

I did some googling and all i came up with was basic how to split cable things.

Thanks in advance!

Nepenthes · 12-27-2010, 06:18 PM

How about this?

Amazon.com: Terk Technologies Leapfrog LF-30S Wireless 2.4 GHz A/V Distribution System: Electronics

You can transmit your cable signal wirelessly around the house.

I have Comcast cable an I need a digital cable box for every TV. I received free basic boxes that accept channels 2 - 100.

RogueGypsy · 12-27-2010, 07:30 PM

More info on your set-up would be helpful.

How is the cable box connected to the TV (type of connector)?
How far away from the box is the TV in the kitchen?
Do you have a wireless network in the house/apartment?
If you're in an apartment, do your neighbors have a wireless network?
What frequency does your cordless phone use, if you have one?
What types of inputs do you have on both TV's?

Knowing these things would be very helpful. Since you said 'HD' I'll take that as an HDMI connection. If that's the case, your best solution, if the kitchen isn't over 50' away. Is one of these: Ultra ULT40264 Performance 1080p 2 Port HDMI Splitter

The wireless transmitter mentioned in the post above is a possible solution, as long as it's the only transmitter in that frequency range within 200'. Otherwise, you'll have problems with getting a signal.

Just so you know, the cable box is your tuner. No matter how many TV's are connected to it, the channel on the box is what they all get.

If you want to get different channels, you'll need another box. Or if you live in an area close to a city you can try one of these:

Amazon.com: hd antenna indoor: Electronics

and get all of your local channels in HD for free and be independent of the cable box.

Craven Morehead · 12-27-2010, 08:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nepenthes

I have Comcast cable an I need a digital cable box for every TV. I received free basic boxes that accept channels 2 - 100.

Me, too. Without the mini-cable box, you get very few channels.

Back to the original question, is acquiring a signal via antenna not an option - even a small antenna either provided with the TV or a tabletop one could provide a decent picture.

pacaveli · 12-27-2010, 09:36 PM

OK sorry i guess i did leave out some critical information.

We would idealy like to run it with HDMI cables. To get high def in all its glory. I'm unsure how far the cable box is from the TV in the kitchen, but i'm relatively sure its over 50 feet. The channels we want to get range from 1 to around 270ish. We have a wireless router, but no real wireless network for printers or anything. TV inputs are all ranged coaxil, HDMI, and red yellow white cabels. Want to use HDMI as stated above for the HD content.

I need to specify we have digital cable already through comcast. We have the xfinity and all the HD channels. We just want to access them from another place as well. I think the HDMI splitter is the most likely option so far, whats the deal with HDMI cables. I read that after 6 feet they loose some of their quality, but that was at least 4 years ago when we first got our HD TV in the living room.

RogueGypsy · 12-27-2010, 10:29 PM

With the wireless network, you're probably out of luck with the wireless repeater. They usually interfere with each other.

You should be able to just run a short HDMI to an amplified splitter. Run one out of the splitter to the first TV. Run the second HDMI (up to 50') out to a second amplifier, then (up to another 50') to the TV in the Kitchen.

Something like this would do the trick:
HDMI Amplifier Splitter | Overstock.com
Then another amp on the long run to the kitchen:
Phoenix Gold HD.REP-FF - HDMI signal amplifier

Plug it into the kitchen TV and you're good to go.

You said above that you have coaxial, HDMI and RCA (red, white, yellow) cables. HDMI carries audio and video digitally, so that's the only cable you will need to run. Using two amps like those I linked above, will do the job for you.

I've read all kinds of specs on HDMI and run lengths. Get quality cables and 50' is no problem.

Craven Morehead · 12-28-2010, 06:48 AM

I ordered a 25 ft HDMI from monoprice.com that worked fine

Shop around for good deals on HDMI cables, you can get some decent prices on them over the internet, unlike what you'd pay retail.

Shadowex3 · 12-28-2010, 09:58 AM

Just to be absolutely clear: You know that all you're doing is sending the same signal the primary TV gets to the other screens, right? You won't be able to watch different channels on the different televisions.

pacaveli · 12-28-2010, 01:59 PM

I understand that. Its not a huge deal since we only use the kitchen TV to keep track of things while we're eating. Its unusually for both TVs to be on different channels, and i think we could run coaxile still to it and use non-HD channels if the need to do so ever happened correct?

RogueGypsy · 12-28-2010, 02:19 PM

Regardless of how many or what type of cables you run from the cable box to any tv. The channel on the box is the only channel you will get. Since your TV's are HD, the only cable you need running from the box to either of your TV's is the HDMI cable. The coax and RCA will just give you a lower resolution picture of the same channel.

If you want to be able to watch a different channel, you'll need either another cable box or an antenna.

To my knowledge all broadcast TV has switched over to a digital signal as of a couple of years ago. The antenna, or one similar, that I linked above should pick up all of your local channels. That would allow you to watch a different channel.

pacaveli · 12-29-2010, 02:54 AM

I meant if we kept the exisiting cable we had running into the kitech TV now which is just basic coaxile that works without a cable box that we could switch between the HDMI input and Coaxile input if we wanted to watch a different channel, the only catch being there would be no HD content on the old standard coaxile.

jewels · 12-29-2010, 08:23 AM

Does the kitchen TV have a QAM tuner? If so, you might be best off sticking with over air HD broadcasts rather than bother with all that effort and expense.

If not, I'd highly recommend contacting your cable provider. Let them know you need another cable box but the cost may not be worth it. They may offer you some promotional pricing to keep you happy, more than making up for the $6 - 8 difference for the extra converter box. Times are competitive, ya know? Splitting a single HD cable signal between two converters will not necessarily be problem-free.

Craven Morehead · 12-29-2010, 09:55 AM

Comcast doesn't charge for the mini-cable boxes I had to install once it went to full digital in my area. I get channels 2-100. If I want premium channels I need to put in a full sized box which is charged for monthly.

RogueGypsy · 12-29-2010, 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pacaveli

I meant if we kept the exisiting cable we had running into the kitech TV now which is just basic coaxile that works without a cable box that we could switch between the HDMI input and Coaxile input if we wanted to watch a different channel, the only catch being there would be no HD content on the old standard coaxile.

If you still get cable without the box, then yes, you can do what your asking. I thought all cable required a box now.

MSD · 12-30-2010, 04:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RogueGypsy

If you still get cable without the box, then yes, you can do what your asking. I thought all cable required a box now.

Unless your provider's executives sucked every dick in the FCC to get an exemption (Cablevision,) they have to provide local channels to subscribers at no cost. This may be with a free box like Craven mentioned, or it could be just over cable wires. I think you need the box with satellite because the dish doesn't output a standard signal, though.

RogueGypsy · 12-30-2010, 05:49 PM

Satellite does require a box, unless you have a card reader (quasi legal) for your computer.

I just wasn't sure whether all cable companies require a box now or not. All of them in my area do. Whether it's free for local networks or not, I don't know. But if you can get local networks over an antenna, that's the way to go. You get free true HD and it smokes any compressed cable garbage anyway.

12-27-2010, 05:42 PM	#1 (permalink)
pacaveli Psycho Location: MD	Cable Splitting Question Ok so I'm trying to split cable from a cable box. I called comcast and asked how I would go about splitting cable from my cable box under my TV to the TV in the kitchen. Both are Hi-Def TV's and I'd idealy like to get digital cable to the TV int he kitchen with all the channels I get in the living room. Comcast said the only way to do it is to get another cable box from them. I assume this is the default answer because they get more money this way. So here in lies the question, how do i output 2 signals from my cable box. I'm not too picky if the channels have to be the same IE controlled from the cable box as one TV is usually muted if they are both on. It's just kind of annoying to have a HD tv without being able to go to the HD channels all over my house when I paid for them. I did some googling and all i came up with was basic how to split cable things. Thanks in advance! __________________ Check my blog out. Basically me talking about video games http://gginsights.blogspot.com/

12-27-2010, 06:18 PM	#2 (permalink)
Nepenthes Crazy Location: New England, USA	How about this? Amazon.com: Terk Technologies Leapfrog LF-30S Wireless 2.4 GHz A/V Distribution System: Electronics Amazon.com: Terk Technologies Leapfrog LF-30S Wireless 2.4 GHz A/V Distribution System: Electronics You can transmit your cable signal wirelessly around the house. I have Comcast cable an I need a digital cable box for every TV. I received free basic boxes that accept channels 2 - 100.

12-27-2010, 07:30 PM	#3 (permalink)
RogueGypsy Insane Location: The Great NorthWet	More info on your set-up would be helpful. How is the cable box connected to the TV (type of connector)? How far away from the box is the TV in the kitchen? Do you have a wireless network in the house/apartment? If you're in an apartment, do your neighbors have a wireless network? What frequency does your cordless phone use, if you have one? What types of inputs do you have on both TV's? Knowing these things would be very helpful. Since you said 'HD' I'll take that as an HDMI connection. If that's the case, your best solution, if the kitchen isn't over 50' away. Is one of these: Ultra ULT40264 Performance 1080p 2 Port HDMI Splitter The wireless transmitter mentioned in the post above is a possible solution, as long as it's the only transmitter in that frequency range within 200'. Otherwise, you'll have problems with getting a signal. Just so you know, the cable box is your tuner. No matter how many TV's are connected to it, the channel on the box is what they all get. If you want to get different channels, you'll need another box. Or if you live in an area close to a city you can try one of these: Amazon.com: hd antenna indoor: Electronics Amazon.com: hd antenna indoor: Electronics and get all of your local channels in HD for free and be independent of the cable box. __________________ Methods, application and intensity of application vary by the individual. All legal wavers must be signed before 'treatment' begins. Self 'Medicating' is not recommend. However, if necessary, it is best to have an 'assistant' or 'soft landing zone' nearby. Any and all legal issues resulting from improperly applied techniques should be forwarded to: Dewy, Cheatum & Howe, Intercourse, PA 17534. Attn: Anonymous.

12-27-2010, 09:36 PM	#5 (permalink)
pacaveli Psycho Location: MD	OK sorry i guess i did leave out some critical information. We would idealy like to run it with HDMI cables. To get high def in all its glory. I'm unsure how far the cable box is from the TV in the kitchen, but i'm relatively sure its over 50 feet. The channels we want to get range from 1 to around 270ish. We have a wireless router, but no real wireless network for printers or anything. TV inputs are all ranged coaxil, HDMI, and red yellow white cabels. Want to use HDMI as stated above for the HD content. I need to specify we have digital cable already through comcast. We have the xfinity and all the HD channels. We just want to access them from another place as well. I think the HDMI splitter is the most likely option so far, whats the deal with HDMI cables. I read that after 6 feet they loose some of their quality, but that was at least 4 years ago when we first got our HD TV in the living room. __________________ Check my blog out. Basically me talking about video games http://gginsights.blogspot.com/

12-27-2010, 10:29 PM	#6 (permalink)
RogueGypsy Insane Location: The Great NorthWet	With the wireless network, you're probably out of luck with the wireless repeater. They usually interfere with each other. You should be able to just run a short HDMI to an amplified splitter. Run one out of the splitter to the first TV. Run the second HDMI (up to 50') out to a second amplifier, then (up to another 50') to the TV in the Kitchen. Something like this would do the trick: HDMI Amplifier Splitter \| Overstock.com Then another amp on the long run to the kitchen: Phoenix Gold HD.REP-FF - HDMI signal amplifier Plug it into the kitchen TV and you're good to go. You said above that you have coaxial, HDMI and RCA (red, white, yellow) cables. HDMI carries audio and video digitally, so that's the only cable you will need to run. Using two amps like those I linked above, will do the job for you. I've read all kinds of specs on HDMI and run lengths. Get quality cables and 50' is no problem. __________________ Methods, application and intensity of application vary by the individual. All legal wavers must be signed before 'treatment' begins. Self 'Medicating' is not recommend. However, if necessary, it is best to have an 'assistant' or 'soft landing zone' nearby. Any and all legal issues resulting from improperly applied techniques should be forwarded to: Dewy, Cheatum & Howe, Intercourse, PA 17534. Attn: Anonymous.

12-28-2010, 06:48 AM	#7 (permalink)
Craven Morehead Custom User Title	I ordered a 25 ft HDMI from monoprice.com that worked fine Shop around for good deals on HDMI cables, you can get some decent prices on them over the internet, unlike what you'd pay retail.

12-28-2010, 01:59 PM	#9 (permalink)
pacaveli Psycho Location: MD	I understand that. Its not a huge deal since we only use the kitchen TV to keep track of things while we're eating. Its unusually for both TVs to be on different channels, and i think we could run coaxile still to it and use non-HD channels if the need to do so ever happened correct? __________________ Check my blog out. Basically me talking about video games http://gginsights.blogspot.com/

12-28-2010, 02:19 PM	#10 (permalink)
RogueGypsy Insane Location: The Great NorthWet	Regardless of how many or what type of cables you run from the cable box to any tv. The channel on the box is the only channel you will get. Since your TV's are HD, the only cable you need running from the box to either of your TV's is the HDMI cable. The coax and RCA will just give you a lower resolution picture of the same channel. If you want to be able to watch a different channel, you'll need either another cable box or an antenna. To my knowledge all broadcast TV has switched over to a digital signal as of a couple of years ago. The antenna, or one similar, that I linked above should pick up all of your local channels. That would allow you to watch a different channel. __________________ Methods, application and intensity of application vary by the individual. All legal wavers must be signed before 'treatment' begins. Self 'Medicating' is not recommend. However, if necessary, it is best to have an 'assistant' or 'soft landing zone' nearby. Any and all legal issues resulting from improperly applied techniques should be forwarded to: Dewy, Cheatum & Howe, Intercourse, PA 17534. Attn: Anonymous.

12-29-2010, 02:54 AM	#11 (permalink)
pacaveli Psycho Location: MD	I meant if we kept the exisiting cable we had running into the kitech TV now which is just basic coaxile that works without a cable box that we could switch between the HDMI input and Coaxile input if we wanted to watch a different channel, the only catch being there would be no HD content on the old standard coaxile. __________________ Check my blog out. Basically me talking about video games http://gginsights.blogspot.com/

12-29-2010, 08:23 AM	#12 (permalink)
jewels Eponymous Location: Central Central Florida	Does the kitchen TV have a QAM tuner? If so, you might be best off sticking with over air HD broadcasts rather than bother with all that effort and expense. If not, I'd highly recommend contacting your cable provider. Let them know you need another cable box but the cost may not be worth it. They may offer you some promotional pricing to keep you happy, more than making up for the $6 - 8 difference for the extra converter box. Times are competitive, ya know? Splitting a single HD cable signal between two converters will not necessarily be problem-free. __________________ We are always more anxious to be distinguished for a talent which we do not possess, than to be praised for the fifteen which we do possess. Mark Twain

12-29-2010, 09:55 AM	#13 (permalink)
Craven Morehead Custom User Title	Comcast doesn't charge for the mini-cable boxes I had to install once it went to full digital in my area. I get channels 2-100. If I want premium channels I need to put in a full sized box which is charged for monthly.

12-30-2010, 05:49 PM	#16 (permalink)
RogueGypsy Insane Location: The Great NorthWet	Satellite does require a box, unless you have a card reader (quasi legal) for your computer. I just wasn't sure whether all cable companies require a box now or not. All of them in my area do. Whether it's free for local networks or not, I don't know. But if you can get local networks over an antenna, that's the way to go. You get free true HD and it smokes any compressed cable garbage anyway. __________________ Methods, application and intensity of application vary by the individual. All legal wavers must be signed before 'treatment' begins. Self 'Medicating' is not recommend. However, if necessary, it is best to have an 'assistant' or 'soft landing zone' nearby. Any and all legal issues resulting from improperly applied techniques should be forwarded to: Dewy, Cheatum & Howe, Intercourse, PA 17534. Attn: Anonymous.