How to Connect Two TVs to One Cable Box? (3 Ways)

Are you fed up with figuring out how to connect two TVs to one cable box, PC, or gaming console? Have you spent valuable time on the internet looking for a solution, only to be met with ambiguous and out-of-date instructions? We want you to understand that you’re not alone, with many others going through the same issue.

With access to cutting-edge technology, we shouldn’t be restricted to limited viewing experiences. This is why we’ve put together this guide to show you how to connect two TVs to a single cable box or set-top box (such as your satellite dish’s decoder). We’d also recommend steps on how to make the most of your experience using a composite AV splitter, HDMI splitter, and HDMI over Ethernet.

All the Tools You Need

The following tools are needed to connect two TVs to one cable box:

• Two TVs
• A cable box
• An HDMI splitter
• HDMI over Ethernet
• Router
• HDMI cables
• A Remote control extender
• An AV switcher
• Power adapter
• Composite AV cables
• Ethernet cables

That’s everything you would need to get set up! All you need to do now is follow any of our three step-by-step guides to connect two TVs to a single cable box, and you’re good to go.

A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Connect Two TVs to One Cable Box

After much research, we discovered several ways of connecting two TVs to one cable box. However, we decided to bring the most straightforward options: HDMI splitter, composite AV splitter, and HDMI over Ethernet.

Stick with us as we walk you through each method in simple steps.

Method #1: How to Connect Two TVs to One Cable Box Using an HDMI Splitter

This step is the most common way to connect two TVs to one cable box while still getting a quality display. As long as your TV features a HDMI port, then you’re good to go. With this method, you should be able to transmit HD video from your cable box to multiple TVs or screens.

Here are specific, doable steps to accomplish this that you can follow step-by-step:

Step #1: Locate the HDMI output.

The first step is pinpointing the HDMI Output port on your cable box. This is typically labeled as “HDMI out” or “HDMI Output.”

Step #2: Connect the HDMI splitter to the cable box.

Connect one end of an HDMI cable to the cable box’s HDMI Output and the other end to the HDMI Input on the splitter device.

Step #3: Connect the HDMI splitter to the TVs.

After connecting the other two ends of two HDMI cables to the output ports on the splitter, the next step is pinpointing the HDMI Input port at the rear or side of your TVs. Connect one HDMI cable from the splitter to this port on the first TV and the other cable to the second TV’s HDMI Input port. Most HDMI splitters offer users several output options to support connection to several TVs.

Step #4: Turn on the TVs.

Now, turn on both TVs and select the appropriate HDMI input to display the cable box’s signal.

Step #5: Synchronise the process using a remote control extender.

If you’re using a remote control extender, connect it to the cable box and the TVs based on the manufacturer’s instructions.

Step #6: Ensure the remote is functioning properly.

Now, turn on the remote control extender and test the remote control to ensure it’s working correctly.

Step #7: Utilize the audio and video components.

If you want to use multiple audio and video components, you can connect them to an AV switcher, then connect the switcher to the cable box.

Step #8: Confirm the connection.

Once you’re done, ensure that all your connections are secure and adjust the settings on the cable box and TVs if necessary.

If you followed all of the steps above correctly, you should now be able to watch the same channel on both TVs.

Method #2: How to Connect Two TVs to One Cable Box Using a Composite AV Splitter

If you don’t have an HDMI splitter but a composite AV splitter at your disposal, this method should work well for you.

Here are the necessary steps to connect multiple TVs using a composite AV switcher:

Step #1: Connect the composite AV cable.

The first step is to connect one end of the composite AV splitter to the cable box’s AV output. Next, connect the other end of the composite AV splitter to the first TV’s AV Input.

Step #2: Connect the composite AV splitter to the second output.

Connect one end of a composite AV cable to the splitter’s second output and the other end to the second TV’s AV Input.

Step #3: Turn on the cable box and both TVs.

Switch on both TVs and change the input on the second TV to the AV input you connected the composite AV cable to.

Step #4: Select the channel.

Change the channel on the first TV to the one you plan to mirror; the second TV should now display the same channel. Adjust the volume on both TVs as needed for a seamless watching experience.

Pro Tip: Ensure your TV and cable box support composite AV connections. Also, the audio and video quality may be affected when using a splitter, so it may not be the best option if you have a high-quality TV.

Method #3: How to Connect Two TVs to One Cable Box Using HDMI over Ethernet

Here are the steps to connect two TVs to a single cable box connection using HDMI over Ethernet:

Step #1: Connect the cable box to the HDMI over Ethernet device.

Plug one end of an HDMI cable into the HDMI Output on the cable box and the other end of the HDMI cable into the HDMI over Ethernet device’s HDMI Input port.

Step #2: Connect the first TV to the HDMI over Ethernet device.

Plug one end of an HDMI cable into the HDMI Output on the HDMI over Ethernet device and the other end into the HDMI Input on the first TV.

Step #3: Connect the second TV to the HDMI over Ethernet device.

Plug one end of an HDMI cable into the HDMI Output on the HDMI over Ethernet device and the other end into the HDMI Input on the second TV.

Step #4: Connect the HDMI over Ethernet device to your router.

Connect one end of an Ethernet cable to the Ethernet port on the HDMI over Ethernet device and the other to an available port on your router.

Step #5: Power on the equipment.

Turn on the cable box, both TVs, and the HDMI over the Ethernet device.

Step #6: Configure the TVs.

Change the input on both TVs to HDMI, and you should now be able to watch the same cable box channel on both TVs.

Pro Tip: Ensure that the HDMI-over-Ethernet device supports multiple outputs. Also, check to see that the TVs are connected to the same network as the HDMI-over-Ethernet device.

HDMI over Ethernet extender kit may require a software installation, so it’s advisable to read the user manual for each device.

Extended Tips: What to Do if You’re Having Trouble Connecting Two TVs to One Cable Box

If you’re having trouble connecting two TVs to one cable box, here are a few things to check:

• Make sure all the cables are securely connected to the cable box, the splitter (or HDMI over Ethernet or AV component splitter, as the case may be), and the TVs.
• Check that the cable box is set to the correct input on each TV.
• Make sure the splitter (or HDMI over Ethernet or AV component splitter, as the case may be) is rated for the type of cable you are using (such as RG6 or RG59) and that it has the correct number of ports for your setup.
• Check that the splitter (or HDMI over Ethernet or AV component splitter, as the case may be) isn’t damaged or corroded, as this can cause signal loss.
• Make sure the TVs are set to the correct channel or input for the cable box.
• If you’re using an HDMI splitter, HDMI switch, or HDMI matrix switch, check that the devices are compatible with the cable box.
• Make sure the HDMI cables are securely plugged into the correct ports on the devices.

If you’ve checked all of these things and you’re still having trouble, it’s possible that the splitter (or HDMI over Ethernet or AV component splitter, as the case may be) is defective or that the cable box or TVs are malfunctioning. In that case, you may need to replace the equipment or get it serviced.

Conclusion

There are several methods to connect two TVs to one cable box, including using a composite AV splitter, HDMI splitter, HDMI over Ethernet, HDMI switch, and wireless HDMI transmitter and receiver kit. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, and it’s important to consider factors such as cost, ease of installation, and picture quality when deciding which method to use.

Please leave a comment if you have any questions or encounter any problems while implementing any of the methods listed in this guide.