2 DirecTiVo's, 3 TV's?

[Stew4msu]

In my living room, I have two DirecTiVo's connected to my big screen TV via S video.

I also have a TV in the loft and a TV in the kitchen that I would like to be able to display the same image the big screen is receiving. The TV does not have a video out or it would be easier.

I have an RG6 line (not currently used) that runs from behind the big screen to a wiring closet. From this closet I have 2 RG6 runs that go to the loft and the kitchen (1 to each location). Each DirecTiVo has a component video out that I could use.

How do I combine the component cables (2) coming from each of the DirecTiVo's into 1 cable and then split it back into 2 cables at the wiring closet?

Most of the time the loft and kitchen TV's will have the same thing being displayed as the main big screen, but there are times when i might be watching something in the loft when the big screen is not even being used (if this even matters).



Stew

[Vin]

I also have a TV in the loft and a TV in the kitchen that I would like to be able to display the same image the big screen is receiving.

How do I combine the component cables (2) coming from each of the DirecTiVo's into 1 cable and then split it back into 2 cables at the wiring closet? If you only want to be able to view the same signal on all 3 TVs the simplest and least expensive way to do this would be to connect the composite video outputs (DTiVos don't have component video outputs) and the L/R stereo outputs from the two units to an RF modulator (http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&product%5Fid=15-1215). Then connect the existing RG6 line that runs to your wiring closet to the output of the modulator. At the wiring closet connect this line to the input of a splitter and then connect the lines that run to your other locations to the outputs of the splitter.

Then select the source you want to view by pressing the corresponding button on the modulator. If you wanted to be able to control the DTiVos from the remote locations you could do so with a wireless remote extender (http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&product%5Fid=15-1950).

Most of the time the loft and kitchen TV's will have the same thing being displayed as the main big screen, but there are times when i might be watching something in the loft when the big screen is not even being used (if this even matters).
It doesn't matter whether or not the big screen TV is on.

[Stew4msu]

Thanks Vin.

Do they make RF Modulators that are switchable via remote? It would be very inconvenient to switch this unit manually from the loft (would have to go down two flights of stairs every time).


Stew

[Vin]

Originally posted by Stew4msu
Thanks Vin.

Do they make RF Modulators that are switchable via remote? It would be very inconvenient to switch this unit manually from the loft (would have to go down two flights of stairs every time).


Stew
Yes, here's (http://www.smarthome.com/8293tm.html) a simple single channel (4 input) model that can be controlled via remote. If you want to spend more money you can get a 2 channel (http://www.smarthome.com/7701F.HTML) (2 input) model.

[Stew4msu]

That first one looks good, but the inputs are all S-video.



Stew

[Vin]

Originally posted by Stew4msu
That first one looks good, but the inputs are all S-video.

Stew
It also has composite video inputs:

Red + white = stereo audio
Yellow = composite video

http://www.smarthome.com/images/8293TM-bbig.jpg