Multiple TV points in a house

Benedict XVI

I will be moving into a new house in a few weeks.
The electrician has put TV point in almost every room of the house

I will be getting SKY +.

Is there a way the installer can set it up so that I can plug a TV aerial into any of the TV points and get the same signal that is on the TV that is attached to the SKY + box. ?

If the above is true, how does it actually work, where are the connections etc ?

If the above is not possible why are there so many TV points in the house ?

randombar

Basically what you will have to do is send the sky box signal (there is a co-ax output on the back of the sky box)to wherever the splitter box (the box used to send it to all the rooms) is. You can then join this to the input to the splitter box (using a two way splitter in reverse) and voila you'll have sky on all the tv's although it will be the same chanel!

Mr Magnolia

Benedict XVI wrote:

I will be getting SKY +.

Is there a way the installer can set it up so that I can plug a TV aerial into any of the TV points and get the same signal that is on the TV that is attached to the SKY + box. ?

In short, yes there is. It involves bringing the decoded signal from your sky+ box up to your splitter box and using it as the main feed.

I also have a transmitter (sender/receiver unit) which enables me to change the channel on my sky+ box (in living room) from my bedroom. Most electrical outlet places have these now for around €50. It's not a magic-eye BTW.

Edit/ damn you GaryCocs

batman2000

This thread talks about a multipoint switch http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055129342
If the elec can connect a 'hub' in the attic that will connect the 2 Sky+ feeds as inputs and the other room points as outputs and as long as you have 2 sat coax cables in each point then it will work. Sky+ always needs 2 inout feeds. Im not surea bout degredation of the signal or it the 'hub' device need any additional specification. Byte or Watty Im sure will have a more informed answer !!

batman2000

In addition: It depends whether you want the Sky+ functionality in all rooms of just the single feed......

Mr Magnolia

Batman you seem to have provided information that I don't think the OP is looking for.

Without reading much of the linked thread I don't think its relevant and may confuse the issue (TBH, it's confused me).

OP, You will still have all the sky+ functionality if you follow the guidlines recommended by GaryCocs or myself. I'll check out the make and model of the transmitter/receiver unit this evening and post it up too.

ethernet

Here's a rough sketch for distributing the output of the digibox as well as the analogue terrestrial channels.

batman2000

The confusing link: Maybe so, but I didn't write it. Also Im not sure did Benedick XVI want Sky+ in each room or just the picture Sky was broadcasting

Benedict XVI

Thanks for the replies.

I have used video senders (wireless transmitter and receiver) over the last few years to distribute the sky signal and the ability to change channels to a TV in the bedroom and have found them very useful.

Just a few questions on the ‘splitter box’ option. (as shown in ethernet’s diagram)

There are two TV points where the SKY + and main TV are going to be located, is one a input and the other an output to a ‘splitter box ‘?

Will a SKY installer setup the splitter box ?

Do they supply them or is it something I would need to get myself

How much are they ?

Am I better off with the video sender option as it gives me more functionality, i.e. ability to control box rather than just view signal ?

randombar

In an ideal world the other connection would be an output to the splitter box but I don't think so, since I don't know the layout of your house I think the only way to find out would be to test this? Perhaps plugging the output of your video into the extra socket and checking the other rooms to see can you view it?

I'm guessing that the sky installer won't set up the splitter box but maybe if you suggested cash for doing it for you that might do the trick?

You would probably have to get the splitter box yourself if it isn't installed somewhere in the house already.

you'll have to have a look around the attic to see where all the connections from the rooms are starting maybe?

the video sender is a good option but it will only send the signal to one room!

Dwyers electrical in Cork is nearly the best place I've found for tv splitters!

Tony

A splitter will not work well in this set up as A. you will lose signal strength and picture quality will suffer and B. you will lose the ability to use Tv links for remote control.

I would recommend using a sky compatible amp,(as shown in the diagram above post) the smaller ones can draw power directly from the digibox so you will not need a mains supply.

Benedict XVI

Thanks Tony, will the sky compatible amp give me the ability to use the TV remote on the secondary TV ?

Where is the best place to buy ?

Tony

Benedict XVI wrote:

Thanks Tony, will the sky compatible amp give me the ability to use the TV remote on the secondary TV ?

Where is the best place to buy ?

Yes it will allow you to change sky channels on other tv's which have a tv link connected. I'm sorry I cant advise on where to buy as that might be construed as advertising but you could check out the supplier sticky thread.

ethernet

Benedict XVI wrote:

... There are two TV points where the SKY + and main TV are going to be located, is one a input and the other an output to a ‘splitter box ‘?

One point would connect your antenna for terrestrial TV to the digibox to complete the rest of the looping in my dreadful diagram [or TV if there was nothing else there].

Will a SKY installer setup the splitter box ?

Hardly, especially if it's a Sky installer -- it wouldn't be standard installation. If it's an independent installer, you've a better chance but expect to pay a little extra if you want this done by the installer.

Do they supply them or is it something I would need to get myself

No. You'd have to source it yourself.

How much are they ?

It depends on the number of outputs. Here is a decent model for that setup. As Tony recommended, this is a Sky compatible amp -- the two- or four-output models can be powered by the digibox itself.

Am I better off with the video sender option as it gives me more functionality, i.e. ability to control box rather than just view signal ?

That's down to you. The picture quality from the digibox won't be as good as it could be through RF distribution and sound will be mono only. With a video sender, picture will be better and you'll have stereo audio. This could be a little more expensive as you'd need a receiver for each TV where you'd like to be able to watch the output of the digibox. In addition, you'd still need a terrestrial distribution amplifier for the terrestrial analogue channels if you wanted them in each room, i.e. no analogue terrestrial transmitted by video sender.

Benedict XVI

Thanks for the info folks,
I might just go out a get a amp and see how it goes. It will be an independent installer that will be doing the Sky + so I'll see if he can do a bit extra.

One more question however.

ethernet, on your diagram does the RF 0ut from the digibox to the amp in the attic require knocking holes in the celing to get to the attic or could it be done from the attic

ethernet

Benedict XVI wrote:

Thanks for the info folks,
I might just go out a get a amp and see how it goes. It will be an independent installer that will be doing the Sky + so I'll see if he can do a bit extra.

One more question however.

ethernet, on your diagram does the RF 0ut from the digibox to the amp in the attic require knocking holes in the celing to get to the attic or could it be done from the attic

You could locate it anywhere really. It might be best to have a twin wallplate beside your primary TV. One connection will carry just the terrestrial signal to the digibox and then to the DVD recorder/VCR and so on. The RF out of the DVD recorder/VCR is then fed to the amp, probably in the attic. This is where the second connection on the wall-plate could be used. The RF out of the DVD recorder could be connect to this and, in turn, connected to the amp in the attic, under the stairs, in a comms cabinet, etc.

Be sure to use good cable -- ideally nothing less than satellite-grade cable. Also, the wallplate should not be screened if you are to use the amp that is powered by the digibox, i.e. the socket should not have any electronics on the back; just basic connectors. If it's screened, current to the amp will be blocked and won't work properly.