There is a need to understand how to split antenna signals (using antenna splitters) to multiple TV to view programs on several televisions but also maintain optimal signal reception and distribution.
And most cases, we use a wireless tuner or antenna splitter to connect many televisions to a single antenna source.
An antenna splitter divides the input signal into several output signals you can connect to each TV.
However, you must use a high-quality splitter and consider factors like cable quality, number of cable splits, and signal loss to achieve high performance.
Today’s article focuses on the approaches you can employ to connect your antenna to several televisions with limitless entertainment options. Let’s get rolling!
Table of Contents
- What Are Antenna Splitters?
- Can You Split Your Antenna To Multiple TVs?
- How To Connect An Antenna Splitter To Your Televisions
- Advantages of Antenna Splitters
- FAQs
- Final Remarks
What Are Antenna Splitters?
An antenna splitter is the most common solution for connecting a single antenna to multiple televisions.
Generally, we have two splitter options, each with unique features and performance: passive and powered.
A passive splitter is simply a pass-through allowing you to connect a single input from the antenna using a coaxial cable and multiple outputs from the splitter’s output connector.
Therefore, these splitters don’t involve any power connection.
Conversely, a powered splitter comes with a power cord connecting to a power supply.
One common feature between a powered and passive splitter is the availability of multiple outputs and single input connectors.
However, a powered splitter contains a single booster compensating for any signal loss in the system.
Surprisingly, powered splitters are available in different strengths (signal gain and frequency).
Therefore, before buying a splitter, ensure you target the right frequency and gain (low or high gain)
Can You Split Your Antenna To Multiple TVs?
(A 3 socket aerial splitter)
Yes! Nowadays, it is easy to split an antenna signal to several televisions using an antenna splitter or wireless tuner.
Generally, an antenna splitter receives a single signal input and separates it into several output signals you can connect to multiple televisions.
Surprisingly, the splitter divides the signal evenly/uniformly to the different ports, each receiving an equal strength.
However, experts recommend using a high-quality signal splitter to reduce signal losses and improve your TV video quality.
Moreover, it would be best if you used a shorter, high-quality coaxial cable between the television and the signal splitter.
How To Connect An Antenna Splitter To Your Televisions
(A man connecting output ports to an antenna splitter)
First, select a reliable splitter that matches the coaxial cable you plan on using.
Generally, splitters come with coaxial cable labeling, including RG59 and RG6.
Secondly, identify the antenna source by locating the coaxial cable from the antenna. Sometimes, the coaxial cable from the antenna is on the wall jack.
Therefore, disconnect the antenna cable from the wall jack to free it up for connection later on the splitter.
Thirdly, please take the free end of the coaxial cable from the antenna and securely tighten it on the splitter’s input connector port.
Now, you can connect as many televisions as you like to the splitter’s output connectors.
Also, you need to securely tighten the connection to avoid signal losses.
Auto-tune or scan your television to get all the available TV channels.
And if you don’t know how to approach this issue, you can refer to the user manual on the proper scanning process.
Finally, test the signal reception quality/strength by checking the quality of the pictures you receive on your television.
Moreover, evaluate the number of available channels to determine whether they meet your expectations.
Advantages of Antenna Splitters
(Someone installing TV coaxial cable to a splitter)
Antenna splitters offer the following benefits in signal distribution systems.
Cost-Efficiency
With an antenna splitter, you won’t have to install separate antennas for each television.
But rather, you can have one antenna distribute signals to several televisions in your house.
As a result, you will use less equipment, thus experiencing lower installation and maintenance costs.
Space Saving
Without an antenna splitter, a user with ten television will have to install ten antennas on their roof or within the house (for indoor antennas).
Therefore, an antenna splitter reduces the number of antennas to one, with the televisions accessing signals through the different outputs.
As such, you will save space, which you will appreciate, especially in urban and residential areas with limited space.
Signal Quality Preservation
(An isolated signal splitter)
Since a splitter shares the original signal from the antenna among the different outputs (televisions), we expect the signal quality to reduce.
However, this is not always the case, as most high-quality splitters keep the signal integrity intact.
As a result, you will receive high-quality videos/pictures as long as the splitter is functional.
Flexibility and Versatility
With an antenna splitter, you can achieve great flexibility and scalability.
Generally, you can add as many televisions as you want to your system without significant modifications.
Moreover, the splitters find great application in multiple signals such as wireless, radio, satellite, and TV communication.
Funny enough, the splitters can support several frequency bands and analog/digital signals.
Signal Isolation
Another important feature of modern antenna splitters is the signal isolation between the output ports.
This means that each television will receive a dedicated signal without any case of cross-talk or interference.
FAQs
Can you operate multiple television on one aerial?
Yes! You can efficiently operate multiple televisions on a single aerial if you employ the right setup and equipment.
Generally, you require a wireless tuner or signal splitter that divides the incoming signal from the antenna into multiple outputs.
Start by connecting a single coaxial cable from your antenna to the splitter’s input connector port.
Afterward, connect different cables from each output to the multiple televisions you wish to connect.
After the connection, auto-tune or channel scan to search for all the available signals.
And since the signal splitter sometimes losses signals, we recommend using a reliable splitter and high-quality coaxial cables.
Better still, connecting an amplifier could help with improving the signal strength.
Does antenna splitting weaken the signal?
Yes! Splitting the antenna results in a weaker signal. Usually, a splitter functions by splitting the signal power to the different outputs.
For example, if the splitter has four outputs, each option will have a quarter of the original signal.
Therefore, all the devices you connect on the splitter will have a weaker signal than when only a single device is connected.
Besides the number of splits on the splitter, signal losses also result from the splitter and coaxial cable quality.
How many times can you split your antenna?
There is no limit to how many times you can split your antenna.
But generally, the number depends on several factors, including the quality/length of the cable, equipment quality, and signal strength.
According to experts, using many powered splitters can cause overmodulation, while many passive splitters incorporate signal loss in the system.
To limit overmodulation cases in powered splitters, you must position them very close to the power outlet.
Therefore, they recommend reducing the number of splits to improve picture quality and achieve optimal signal strength.
Final Remarks
Technology improvement has allowed people to view content on multiple televisions but from a single antenna.
This is possible thanks to the development of antenna splitters and wireless tuners.
However, these options might reduce your television’s signal strength and picture quality.
Therefore, you might have to introduce a signal booster or amplifier between the splitter/wireless tuner to improve the signal strength.
