If you need to add a second TV in your home to the existing Dish Network service, this can be done without much difficulty. To distribute the Dish signal around the house, all you need are several cables and connections. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to connect a second TV to Dish Network:
What You Need
- The second TV that you would like to incorporate
- Coaxial cable (just enough to connect from the satellite dish/main television to the second television position).
- F-type coaxial splitter
- Optional: If not connecting the second TV through coax, use HDMI or other cables.
Determine Connection Type
First, you need to know if you will connect the second TV merely by coaxial cables or use HDMI.
- Coax only: This just transmits the satellite signal. You will be able to watch any non-HD channels and operate the cable box used in the main television.
- HDMI: This carries both video and audio signals. You can also get High-Definition channels and can add another satellite receiver box to switch channels on a different TV set. HDMI will provide you with the most versatility in terms of connectivity.
Connect Coax Cable
If using a coaxial cable only, locate the coaxial lines that provide the link between the satellite dish and the main TV/receiver box. Ensure that the dish has a good and uninterrupted line of sight in the right direction before proceeding.
Subsequently, place a coaxial splitter on the existing line next to the satellite receiver. This has one input from the satellite dish and two outputs to allow for the addition of the new TV. If the connections are loose, it is recommended to use coaxial cable connectors to tighten the splitter connections.
Connect another piece of coaxial cable from the second output of the splitter to the point where the second television is to be situated. Make it long enough to accommodate the length of the cable between the two locations of the two televisions. If you require multiple pieces of cable for length, then use more coaxial cable connectors.
Last but not least join one terminal of the new coaxial cable to the output on the splitter and the other end to the coaxial socket of the second television. Ensure that all connectors are properly tightened.
Setup Secondary TV
Now it is time to search for channels on the new TV. Switch on the second TV power on the second TV and tune it to channel 3 or 4 (depending on the RF connection of the satellite box). Then search for the digital inputs that will feed content coming through the Dish coaxial wiring from the main TV junction. You can now view any one of the programs aired on the main TV, but channel selection has to be done on the primary TV’s receiver box.
Therefore, the Second TV should be connected to the TV via an HDMI port.
To have more control over the second TV, connect it using an HDMI with the coaxial wiring for the addition of the second Dish Network satellite receiver box. This means that different channels can be watched on the two TVs separately from one another.
The same way as mentioned above, to decouple the coaxial line that was already running from the satellite dish to the main TV and its receiver. This gives the required signal to the second receiver you will add to the system.
Then, plug in another Dish Network receiver box to the new TV by following the above steps. Connect both receivers to power outlets using the respective power cables. Plug one end of the new HDMI cable into the HDMI-Out socket on the rear part of the second receiver. Insert the other end in the HDMI-In, which is available on the second TV that you wish to connect.
Configure New Receiver
The second feature is to call Dish Network support to activate the new set-top box on your account. Give them the receiver ID numbers. Once the second television has been turned on, the second receiver shall be set.
You are also going to have to tune in for channels on this TV as well. Connect the second TV to the right video input channel and check that you will be able to see the receiver interface when turning the equipment on.
Turning on the second receiver and with the Dish remote that came with the second receiver, go to “Menu” and then click on “Settings. ” Look for the antenna settings and make sure that the signal strength reception is viewable for both satellites. Select the scan for channels which may take several minutes to complete option.
Hopefully, all channels should now be accessible through this TV and receiver without a connector to a main TV. Due to the extra receiver and wiring to one Dish Network account, one can be able to watch different programs on the two TVs.
Troubleshooting Tips
If you do not see channels or if you cannot do the channel scan on the second TV, then check all the coaxial cables going back to the dish. To avoid interconnection issues that may be caused by loose splitter ports, check that the ports are well-tightened. Make sure the external satellite dish is properly aligned if the signal strength is extremely low on the second receiver. It may require adjustment or other objects be blocking it. In the case that problems remain after double-checking cables and connections, contact Dish technical support.
Other stages such as integrating a coaxial amplifier into the line may be required when signals require a lot of cabling or branching to multiple TV ports. In the case of multi-TV signals, the weaker ones are vulnerable to interference.
Conclusion
It is not a difficult job to connect a second TV to Dish Network which any smart homeowner can do independently. Dish’s wiring guidelines, and the use of coaxial in-home cable, which is already available, also make it easy for coverage to be extended and do not entail several monthly receiver charges. Have fun with your enhanced entertainment features.
Ready to upgrade your TV experience? Call us now at (877) 471-4808 to find the perfect Dish Network plan for you! Don’t miss out on great entertainment—our team is here to help you choose the best package and get you started today.
