Satellite TV distribution (multiroom)

Since many houses have more than one TV, it is natural that we should want to extend our satellite viewing to different rooms, and there are many different ways of achieving this, without installing a completely new system. The methods explained below relate to the distribution of satellite TV only, not terrestial systems such as Freeview.

Before you start to think about adding a distribution system you need to consider who is using the system, the types of channels different users want to watch, how the viewing of different users is likely to conflict, and how this is likely to change is the future (for example, as the kids grow older). With this in mind, you can divide distribution systems into two main categories: independent viewing systems and dependant viewing systems.

Independent viewing systems are the most flexible arrangement because they allow viewers in different rooms of the house (or in different buildings) to watch different channels at the same time. In other words, the viewing on one TV is completely independent of the viewing on another TV.

With dependant systems, on the other hand, viewers in different rooms can only watch the same channel. When one viewer changes a channel, all TVs on this distribution system will change to the same channel. Dependant systems are ideal where there are a small number of people in the home. For large families, or even for couples with different viewing tastes, independent systems make more sense. However, as will be explained below, the two different types of system can also be combined together to give the most practical, cost-effective arrangement.

In an independent system, a satellite receiver is needed for each TV in the system. Each receiver is connected to the dish separately using a multi-output LNB. A multi-ouput LNB, which is attached to the dish arm and is typically either a four output (quad) or eight output (octo) device, provides a completely independent, separate satellite signal on each output.

channels on other TVs in the system, then you need to consider the extra subscription costs involved. The Sky Multiroom package gives you an extra viewing card for an additional Ł10.00 a month. Your Multiroom contract will stipulate that all digiboxes in the house must be connected to a telephone line. This prevents people from obtaining an extra card and then renting it/selling it to someone else, or from using it abroad. If you live in the UK or the ROI, contact Sky on 08702 404040 for the latest Multiroom costs, or look at the http://www.sky.com/ website. There is nothing to stop you setting up your system yourself, and then obtaining the extra Multiroom card(s) from Sky; the digiboxes can be sourced from an independent retailer if you prefer. If your installation is not standard, this may well be the better (or the only) way to approach the installation.

There is no requirement to buy an extra Multiroom card from Sky, if you are prepared to limit the channels that you watch. You could, for example, have a Sky package card on one receiver and a Freesat card (or no card at all) in the other. This does away with the need for the telephone line connection, and obviously keeps the cost down to a minimum as there is no increase in your monthly subscription bill.

Do not be tempted to split the input cable from the dish to the receiver. Although it's possible to split an ordinary terrestial aerial downlead, or the RF signal coming out of the satellite receiver, you cannot split the downlead between the LNB and the receiver. This is because there is a two way communication going on between the LNB on the dish and the satellite receiver. The LNB is sending the signal down the cable to the receiver but the receiver is also giving the LNB information about the type of frequencies it should select. If another receiver is added to the same cable, both receivers will be trying to instruct the LNB, with the result that you won't receive the channels you want. The satellite signal can only be 'split' at the dish, by fitting a multi-output LNB.

With a dependant system, installation costs are kept to a minimum because you do not need an extra equipment apart from a TV link, some coaxial cable and perhaps an extra remote to use at the second TV. The TV link is there to capture the remote control commands at the second TV, and to send these back to the satellite receiver. It's not essential, but without it you'll be running from one room to the other to change channel!

The cable linking the second TV with the receiver in the other room must run from the receiver's RF2 output. Not all receivers have this facility, but it's a standard connection on all Sky digiboxes. The RF2 output has a 9 volt power supply and uses this to power the TV link. (The 9 volt supply will usually need to be switched on - see below for details)

The cable from the RF2 output on the receiver runs to the second room (usually via an outside wall) and terminates in one end of the TV link. The other end of the TV link simply fits into the aerial socket of the TV. Once the TV has been scanned so that it picks up the signal, the second TV will display whatever is showing on the first TV, and it will be possible to change channels at either TV.

This type of system can easily be extended to other rooms in the house by using a 'distribution amplifier'. This device splits and amplifies the RF output and provides the necessary power to each TV link. Distribution amplifiers and often located in a central, out of the way, location such as the loft.

While the wired system above is the most reliable way of transfering a signal to another TV, there are often situations where it's preferable to have a wireless system. This saves having to drill holes and fix cable, and for many people is the only practical method of extending their viewing.

The principles remain the same - it's only possible to watch the same channel on all other TVs on the system at the same time. Wireless AV senders are simple enough to set up, and consist of a transmitter (located next to the satellite receiver) and a receiver (located at the second TV). Avoid using them over long distances, as the range is never as good as the specification would lead you to believe.

The Sky Gnome is essentially a version on the Wireless AV sender, but is used for audio-only transmissions on Sky Digiboxes. As with the wireless AV sender, it consists of it's own transmitter and receiver, but the receiver of the Gnome is wireless and has it's own built in speaker. Because it is audio only, it is mainly used for listening the the radio stations on your satellite receiver, giving you the flexibility to listen to any station throughout the house. You can also change the channel without having to go back to the Sky Digibox.

The FM transmitter takes the audio output of whatever channel your satellite receiver is set to and sends it out on a low range FM frequency, where it can be received by any FM radio that has been set to the same frequency. It lacks the flexiblity of the Gnome in that you cannot change channels remotely but - depending on the model purchased - may have a better range and be less prone to interference.

It is not hard to imagine how you could combine the two types of system to suit your situation. For example, in our household of two adults and three children, we have the arrangement below. We have a Sky Plus Movie package in the main living room, but when there is a disagreement over who wants to watch what, there is always the option of going into the adjacent room, where there is a separate receiver and a Freesat card. We use the 3rd output on the LNB to give independent viewing on another digibox in the bedroom, again fitted with a Freesat card. However, in the evening, when the children have gone to bed and the Sky Plus box is not being used, we have the option of accessing the Sky channels through the TV in the bedroom, which is connected to the RF2 output of the receiver with the Sky card, in the main living room.

It is worth noting that many households that have Sky Plus installed will find that they have a quad (4 output) LNB fitted. Sky Plus only uses two of these outputs, so there are often two spare outputs to use - either for another Sky Plus Digibox or for one or two standard digiboxes. However, if you don't have the right LNB fitted, it is not expensive or difficult to fit another in it's place. Provided you can obtain safe access to your dish, it's an easy job. If you buy the equipment from us, we will provide all the instructions you need, plus telephone support too, if required!

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