Solved: How to Split Dish Network Satellite Signal

I am trying to watch dish network on 2 tv’s by using only one dish receiver (which means without paying for a second receiver;). I am ok with watching the same dish network chan on both tv’s at the same time. My dish network is wired this way: coax cable from dish into dish receiver (VIP211Z), also, red yellow white audio/video cables from receiver to an old SD tv, the receiver doesn’t have an output connector, only a single input connector. I tried splitting the signal by using a conventional cable splitter but can’t get a signal. When i connect the coax cable from the dish into the splitter and then into the receiver I get no signal on the tv. Do i need a special “satellite TV” splitter of 2.3GHz or higher that works with satellite tv, or some other device? Would I be able to buy my own dual tuner receiver and split the signal to multiple tv’s, or does the receiver need a smart card provided by dish network? Some help would be greatly appreciated.
Answer #1
i can say with certainty that you must use a “dish network” splitter when splitting the signal. no other splitters will work. i do not believe a splitter will be of any help in what you’re trying to do. i’m looking at the back of a VIP211Z on google so to look at the same content on 2 tv sets the only option i see is use the yellow video and white/red/optical on one set and the hdmi on the other. take your choice on which one you want to extend to the farthest tv. since the coaxial is not an output option splitting will not give a decoded signal, i.e. a second receiver would be needed.
ps: if you were doing this about 8 years ago pirate tv(FTA) was ubiquitous. as it stands now buying a second receiver without a subscription for that receiver setup will not work. i’d (1) bite the bullet and subscribe for my specific needs (2) see above (3) drop the subscription tv contract altogether, there is virtually nothing not readily available with a decent internet connection. if i were putting money into something it would be pc hardware and a better isp. i do maintain a basic dih contract but it’s pretty much wasted money for us.
Answer #2
ebay a hdmi splitter i did this for my dads directv box in his man cave so 2 tvs could have the same things.. its been working great and needs to be plugged into a wall to work. if you find one that is not powered its fake china crap that will not work.. it has been working for 2 years now and splits the hdmi no problem and keeps its HD on both..
Answer #3
As mentioned, Here is a typical powered amplified HDMI splitter..
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/1-In-2-4-8-Out-1080p-HDMI-Splitter-Hub-Repeater-Amplifier-Repeater-Switch-Hot-/351587295468?var=&hash=item51dc3c60ec:m:mJutX0bqhz2gD9PCY5SRPJw
Also commonly available from Aussie suppliers at a reasonable price, I noticed.
Answer #4
Hello,
if you want to watch different chans on same cable that comes from the dish:
You have to have two satellite receivers and AFAIK you want a splitter for the coax cable, please note that you may suffer from a signal drop if you powered the two receivers at the same time , or maybe there is a satellite receiver that handles dual outputs that I don’t know of.
if you want to watch the same chan on two or more TV’s:
As said use a splitter depending on you receiver’s outputs.
Hope it helps.
Answer #5

You have to have two satellite receivers and AFAIK you want a splitter for the coax cable, please note that you may suffer from a signal drop if you powered the two receivers at the same time , or maybe there is a satellite receiver that handles dual outputs that I don't know of.

I am personally using this method from a few years and it works just fine.
The Signal is also fine, if positioned correctly, you won’t see any noticeable signal quality loss.
Answer #6
Thanks for your help guys. I connected an HDMI cable from the dish receiver to the second TV and that did the trick.
Answer #7
Good stuff!
…and now you know what to do when you get a third TV