Here’s a question that our customer service department gets asked every so often. The answer is “yes, but should you?” You might think that we just want to sell you another satellite TV box, but once you dig in to this question, you’ll realize running two TVs from one receiver isn’t a great idea.
This is DISH’s ViP622 DVR. Or, well, it was. The product was pretty popular in the ’00s and into the ’10s, but it’s no longer available. It was a 2-tuner DVR that let you watch two different programs from the same box. You just ran a cable into another room and you got to watch two programs. That is, unless you were recording something. With only two tuners, you lost functionality if you were recording anything at all, and if you were recording two things, you couldn’t watch a third thing anywhere. DISH replaced this box with the Hopper Duo, which requires a second box to use a second TV. Why? Because it’s really better that way. The 622 was a great solution for some folks, but most people are much better served with something more modern.
If you have a DIRECTV or DISH DVR, you have the option of both standard definition and high definition outputs. You can hook one TV to the SD output and one to the HD output. But then, what you’re watching is standard definition. That means super blurry vision. Plus, both outputs have to be watching the same thing. You can’t watch two different thing.
Another option, if you want HD on both TVs, is to use an HDMI splitter. Here’s one we sell at Solid Signal. You can generally find less expensive ones, but they sometimes don’t work right due to copy protection. Even with a splitter like ours, you will have to keep both TVs on at the same time or you won’t get picture on either. Plus, just like the SD solution, both TVs have to be on the same channel.
If you want to watch more than one program at a time, you’re better off with DISH’s Hopper 3 or DIRECTV’s Genie 2. Both of them let you record and watch to your heart’s content. Each uses a small client box at the second TV to give you that functionality you want. It just plain works better. Yes the client box costs you money, and yes there is a mirroring fee that will appear on your bill. But honestly, that’s just how pay television works. I’m not sure if it’s fair or right or whatever, but trust me. You’re not going to really get away without it.
I know that it may seem frustrating that you don’t have the exact same function you had 15 years ago. But there’s new function. In some ways it will be better and in some ways it won’t. Most people tend to think that this new solution is the best way to go. The box at the second TV will seem responsive and quick, and it can even be wireless if you prefer. It’s up to you.
Solid Signal is a DIRECTV National Accounts dealer and a DISH Premier Local Retailer. We’re here to help you make your live TV dreams come true. Whether you’re at home, in an RV, a boat, or even a business, we have you completely covered. Our US-based team is ready to help you during East Coast business hours. If it’s after hours, no problem! Call us at 888-233-7563 or fill out the form below.
The post Can you run 2 TVs off one satellite receiver? appeared first on The Solid Signal Blog.
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First, this is why people are asking
This is DISH’s ViP622 DVR. Or, well, it was. The product was pretty popular in the ’00s and into the ’10s, but it’s no longer available. It was a 2-tuner DVR that let you watch two different programs from the same box. You just ran a cable into another room and you got to watch two programs. That is, unless you were recording something. With only two tuners, you lost functionality if you were recording anything at all, and if you were recording two things, you couldn’t watch a third thing anywhere. DISH replaced this box with the Hopper Duo, which requires a second box to use a second TV. Why? Because it’s really better that way. The 622 was a great solution for some folks, but most people are much better served with something more modern.
There are two ways you can do this. Neither is great.
If you have a DIRECTV or DISH DVR, you have the option of both standard definition and high definition outputs. You can hook one TV to the SD output and one to the HD output. But then, what you’re watching is standard definition. That means super blurry vision. Plus, both outputs have to be watching the same thing. You can’t watch two different thing.
Another option, if you want HD on both TVs, is to use an HDMI splitter. Here’s one we sell at Solid Signal. You can generally find less expensive ones, but they sometimes don’t work right due to copy protection. Even with a splitter like ours, you will have to keep both TVs on at the same time or you won’t get picture on either. Plus, just like the SD solution, both TVs have to be on the same channel.
The better way to do this
If you want to watch more than one program at a time, you’re better off with DISH’s Hopper 3 or DIRECTV’s Genie 2. Both of them let you record and watch to your heart’s content. Each uses a small client box at the second TV to give you that functionality you want. It just plain works better. Yes the client box costs you money, and yes there is a mirroring fee that will appear on your bill. But honestly, that’s just how pay television works. I’m not sure if it’s fair or right or whatever, but trust me. You’re not going to really get away without it.
I know that it may seem frustrating that you don’t have the exact same function you had 15 years ago. But there’s new function. In some ways it will be better and in some ways it won’t. Most people tend to think that this new solution is the best way to go. The box at the second TV will seem responsive and quick, and it can even be wireless if you prefer. It’s up to you.
Get the advice you need
Solid Signal is a DIRECTV National Accounts dealer and a DISH Premier Local Retailer. We’re here to help you make your live TV dreams come true. Whether you’re at home, in an RV, a boat, or even a business, we have you completely covered. Our US-based team is ready to help you during East Coast business hours. If it’s after hours, no problem! Call us at 888-233-7563 or fill out the form below.
The post Can you run 2 TVs off one satellite receiver? appeared first on The Solid Signal Blog.
Continue reading...
