A good way to save money on your monthly satellite TV bill is to get more rooms connected without increasing the number of boxes and dishes that are connected. Satellite TV companies charge extra for each receiver and satellite dish on a single bill, and several companies cap the number of allowable devices. Such a cap requires you to purchase equipment from third-party dealers at a significantly higher price than from the satellite provider. Splitting the existing signal while connecting the minimum amount of equipment can connect all rooms in a house for less money.
Installing Splitter
Install the splitter as close to the satellite dish as you can, while still running enough cable to each television that you want to hook up. Connect a splitter indoors or outdoors, though logistically it may be more prudent for you to install it inside, away from inclement weather. Bolt the splitter to the wall at a point where the cables will split toward two different directions. Bolt the splitter inside a closet, or close to the floor, behind furniture. Plug the main signal cable from the satellite dish onto the inlet post of the splitter.
Running Cable
From the point where you have installed the splitter, take your RG-6 coaxial cables and run each one out toward both television units. Run the cable along baseboards, underneath carpeting, or up through the attic to reach distant rooms in the house. Leave enough excess to wrap around door frames and to fit through TV stands or entertainment centers. Plug each cable onto the outlet posts on the splitter.
Set-top Box
Connect the first coaxial 6 cable to the Antenna IN post on your set-top box provided by your satellite TV provider. Power on the set-top box, then connect it with a smaller length of RG-6 coaxial to the IN post on your TV. An initialization menu will appear, with an on-screen setup wizard that will walk you through the process of setting up your service. Set the box for dual tuner. This will allow a second signal to be sent to the other television through the splitter. Connect the coaxial cable from the splitter to the second television, turn on the TV and change the channel to that specified by the set-top box instructions.
Mirroring
Rather than setting your main set-top box to dual tuner mode, "mirror" the signal so that whatever appears on your main screen will also appear on your second television. The exact menu process will vary by satellite service and set-top box manufacturer, but you will need to set the mirror in the Initialization, Preferences or HD/SD settings menu. Once set, whatever channel the main TV views, the second one will view as well.
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- EchoStar Technologies Corporation: DISH Pro Plus Twin LNBF Installation Information (PDF)
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