I just had mine hooked up over the weekend. Just as many have alluded to, you can run both signals into TV1 but will need to switch between inputs. I have Turner 1’s S-video and digital audio going into “Video 1” of my TV and “Audio 1” of my receiver. I also have Tuner 2’s Composite Video & RCA Audio going out to “Video 2” and “Audio 2” respectively. For most people, running the two audios into the accompanying audio inputs of the TV would simplify this a little bit. Nevertheless, I had the cables and had to justify their purchase to my long-suffering wife.
There is also a coax output from Turner 2 that runs to the second TV. Because the two outputs of Turner 2 are coming from the same source, the TV single is the same. Anything playing on the back TV is also playing on the “Video 2” input of the front TV. Not a huge problem for a family of two though.
You do have to switch back and forth between the two Video/Audio outputs to watch the different tuners. This is the exact same process you have to go through to switch between a DVD or VCR input so it shouldn’t scare anyone off.
As often discussed, the two tuners do respond to different frequency remotes. For TV1, you will wither need to buy a universal remote that supports both frequencies, order an extra “TV2” remote from dish ($35) or get your butt off the couch and get the other remote in the other room. Option 3 was horrifying to me, so I’ve opted to order a second remote.
Bottom line: with this set-up, you can record on one turner and watch TV on the second tuner and you do not need to externally split the signal off the coax out of Tuner 2.
Always more than you need to know,
Scott
