Are you tired of paying rent to your set-top box provider for multiple set-top boxes? Luckily, we have a way out. You can connect one set-top box to multiple TVs without any expensive hardware. All you need is a pair of RCA splitters, and you are ready to use the same set-top box across many TVs.
Read our step by step guide to know how to connect one set-top box to two Tvs within a few minutes.
Table of Contents
Steps to connect
To connect your set-top box to two televisions, you need to get 2 RCA splitters. There are different RCA splitters in the market. You need to specifically get the 1 Male to 2 Female RCA splitter for this purpose.
Step 1: Locate the audio-out and video-out ports
The backside of your set-top box will have many ports. Among them, you will be able to see a video-out and audio-out port. Generally, the video-out port will be in yellow and the audio-out port in white color.
Step 2: Plug the RCA splitters into the set-top box ports
Plug the first RCA splitter into the audio-out port and the second into the video-out port. The open end of the RCA splitters will have two end ports each. Now, there are two video-out and two audio-out ports.
Step 3: Connect the RCA cable into the RCA splitter
Take an RCA cable and connect it to the audio-out port in the first splitter and the video-out port in the second splitter. Similarly, connect the other RCA cable as well.
Step 4: Connect the other end of RCA cables into the TVs
The open end of one cable should be connected to the audio-in and video-in port on your first TV. Similarly, connect the other end of the second cable to your second television. The cables and ports will be color-coded which helps you identify the ports easily.
The modern TVs come with HDMI ports instead of the audio-in and video-in ports. If that is the case, you should use two HDMI splitters. The free ends of the cable will be connected to the HDMI splitters. The other end of the splitters will be connected to the televisions.
Step 5: Change the TVs input
Now, once the connections are done, change the TVs’ input to HDMI or AV to check if both the TVs are working.
Advantages of Using one Set-Top Box for Two TVs
- The primary advantage of using one set-top box is to reduce the costs. Not just the cost of set-top boxes, but also the monthly costs to the provider.
- This option is great for smaller TVs where the field of view is small.
- You can use this method to connect more than two TVs, however, you need additional splitters.
- You can watch TV freely without being cramped up for space.
- You can watch your favorite shows in your room without any disturbance.
Disadvantages of Using one Set-Top Box for Two TVs
- You will only be able to watch the same channel on both televisions.
- Latency issues will occur. Using splitters will cause a delay in transmitting audio and video output.
- There will be many wires lying around the house.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can connect one set-top box to two TVs using an RCA splitter. If your TV has an HDMI port instead of audio-in and video-in ports, then you will also have to use an HDMI splitter.
Yes, you can connect more than 1 TV to a set-top box. However, you would need additional RCA splitters depending on the number of the TV.
No, you won’t be able to watch different channels on multiple TVs if they are connected to the same cable set-top box.
Conclusion
While using one set-top box for two TVs reduces costs, it restricts you to watch the same channel on both TVs. As explained, setting-up the connection is very easy and you only need to spend money on an RCA splitter.
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If your primary reason is to watch your favorite TV shows without any disturbance, then this is a great option. Otherwise, you will have to buy a second set-top box for the other TV.
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If you are facing any specific difficulties in connecting your set-top box to two TVs, let us know using the comments section and we will help you out.
