how to split freeviewn aerial? - help!!

atenal29 · 09-06-2009

I think its possible to connect 2 or even 3 TVs to one aerial to receive freeview but I just cant do it! We have external aerial, that can receive freeview and at a moment we get all freeview channels. We have TV with built in freeview so there is no digital box. We want to split aerial to be able to connect another built in freeview Tv (or even another2?) but we either get nothing at all or it freezes. We are using standard white splitters but maybe we should use the satelite ones, which are probably better quality. Would that work? any thoughts....pls help

**leez** · 09-06-2009

you have either a conection problem or your input signal is not good enough to use with a splitter ..most people use set back amp if this happens ..

**satelliteman** · 09-06-2009

A passive device ie. splitter will reduce the signal. It's possible your signal at source isn't strong enough to allow for this loss. A pre-amplifier or set back as mentioned is the way to go.

**Mickha** · 09-06-2009

The easiest way is to use a TV Aerial booster/splitter, they're very cheap, and you just plug the Aerial into this and then you can run the cable where you want.
They plug into the electriacal socket and there is usually a dial allowing you to turn up/down the booster as required.
You can pick one up practically anywhere, from a supermarket to a DIY shop.
Check the number of outputs, you usually have a selection of 2, 3 or 4 models, just ensure you get the one that suits your needs the best.
Beaten to it !!!!!!!!!

atenal29 · 09-06-2009

Originally Posted by Mickha

The easiest way is to use a TV Aerial booster/splitter, they're very cheap, and you just plug the Aerial into this and then you can run the cable where you want.
They plug into the electriacal socket and there is usually a dial allowing you to turn up/down the booster as required.
You can pick one up practically anywhere, from a supermarket to a DIY shop.
Check the number of outputs, you usually have a selection of 2, 3 or 4 models, just ensure you get the one that suits your needs the best.
Beaten to it !!!!!!!!!

Ok, let me get this straight- I plug the main aerial cable to the booster and run cables from booster to each individual TV, right?

Thank you for the advice

**irart** · 09-06-2009

I have two TV's (one in the main bedroom, the other to the spare bedroom) running off of one aerial situated in my attic, just two cables connected directly to the aerial. No splitters involved at all. Why not try that first before investing in other equipment.

***Tivù*** · 09-06-2009

Originally Posted by irart

I have two TV's (one in the main bedroom, the other to the spare bedroom) running off of one aerial situated in my attic, just two cables connected directly to the aerial. No splitters involved at all. Why not try that first before investing in other equipment.

Except that your arrangement effectively is a splitter! Just not in a plastic casing or situated remotely from the Antenna.

But .............. if it works, it works

atenal29 · 09-06-2009

Originally Posted by irart

I have two TV's (one in the main bedroom, the other to the spare bedroom) running off of one aerial situated in my attic, just two cables connected directly to the aerial. No splitters involved at all. Why not try that first before investing in other equipment.

I understand you get digital signal for both TVs, as I want freeview, not just analouge? thanks

**leez** · 09-06-2009

honestly thats not the way above ..aerials are not designed to have two cables conected into the one aerial. its a good job its in the loft ..even though i have seen it done externaly and the end result was water inside the cap ...nevermind the lad must be a good reception area wheir you could get a good signal on a coat hanger ...

***Tivù*** · 09-06-2009

Originally Posted by leez

honestly thats not the way above ..aerials are not designed to have two cables conected into the one aerial. its a good job its in the loft ..even though i have seen it done externaly and the end result was water inside the cap ...nevermind the lad must be a good reception area wheir you could get a good signal on a coat hanger ...

They are good, though, Coat Hangers.

I mean, look how many Motorists fit them to their cars for Radio reception

**Robbo** · 09-06-2009

Originally Posted by irart

I have two TV's (one in the main bedroom, the other to the spare bedroom) running off of one aerial situated in my attic, just two cables connected directly to the aerial. No splitters involved at all. Why not try that first before investing in other equipment.

It will work worse like that, if the splitter is not broken it will give less loss on each leg than simply shoving two wires together.

This is because connecting the wires together causes an impedance mismatch, with each wire suffering a loss of approx 10 dB, whereas with a splitter it will only be about 4dB.

atenal29 · 09-06-2009

ok, thanks everyone for their input. So just to be on the safe side, can someone confirm that the booster is the way to go? and is it the same thing as amplifier, I mean does it work on the same basis, or I might need both?........

SST12 · 10-06-2009

Try feeding the main aerial through your sat, DVD, video etc.. first then split the output with good quality metal cased passive splitters this worked for me, should work for you if the signal from your aerial is good, if not spend your money on a good aerial installation instead of an amp.

soOpersOniC · 15-07-2009

Originally Posted by Robbo

It will work worse like that, if the splitter is not broken it will give less loss on each leg than simply shoving two wires together.

This is because connecting the wires together causes an impedance mismatch, with each wire suffering a loss of approx 10 dB, whereas with a splitter it will only be about 4dB.

Correct, and just simply using a booster might not work either because too much noise will result in breakup, you cannot polish a bad signal through amplification.

But if it works for you then great !

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