2 HDTV's on one cable box

[ddavila]

Is it possible to hook up two TV's to one Scientifice Atlanta Explorer 800HD box? I am having a party and setting up spare tv in carport and want to watch a HD Football game!

Just wondering, otherwise, I can get OTA.

[kevinw]

Yes, as long as everyone is watching the same game. Use a splitter,

http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=104&cp_id=10422&cs_id=1042205&p_id=2848&seq=1&format=2&style=

[Ratman]

... and obviously you will need an additional component video cable xx feet long.

[ddavila]

So I can have HDMI and the YBR also and still get HD signal? Sorry, new to all this.

[57U]

You may be able to run HDMI and component video at the same time, but it's not usually recommended as the STB can become "confused" by this, depending on the firmware. You'll have to try it and see.

See also the HDTV FAQ "Tips for SA STBs".

[DoubleDAZ]

I've read that some versions of software now disable Component output when an HDMI cable is connected, so even if it works okay today, it may not work tomorrow and you should find a better alternative for whatever you have in mind. Multi-room capability is being added to newer generation DVRs and there is a MR version of the 8300 that no one to my knowledge is using yet.

[gparris]

TWC instructions allow for ONE output on the instruction manual a tech gave me.
This means for HDTVs, either component video out OR HDMI, not both, but it may be different depending on cable provider's system (software), too.

I tried to do this, got signal from both, although not simulaneously to compare the signal output pictures and after some time, the box rebooted and then went out.

I would, if I were you, rent another box from your cableco and then return it, as most cablecos will just charge you for the box on your bill only the days you used it, not a whole month.
If that is not the case, consider it part of the cost of having the party, right?

[kahanabob]

I have it with 2 TV"S. Only way is to split the out-put from the Cable box. There are various output's on the cable box but only one will work at a time. If you use the HDMI output it then disables the componet video output's. I looked for spliters and not much out there. i ended up making my own out of componet cables.
DoubleDAZ is correct trust me I tried it worked at first then the box cut of the componet out feed.
The post from Kevin at the start of this string has a link. Thats what you need. When i did mine I did not know about the spliter and I searched all over.

[ddavila]

Thanks guys!

[Zach978]

I did this for a superbowl party last year with my SA 8300HD. Had the big TV on the hdmi cable, and the little one on the component...worked fine. Was kinda cool, if we wanted to rewind and watch a slowmo replay both TV's would be in sync for the next play :)

[kahanabob]

I did this for a superbowl party last year with my SA 8300HD. Had the big TV on the hdmi cable, and the little one on the component...worked fine. Was kinda cool, if we wanted to rewind and watch a slowmo replay both TV's would be in sync for the next play :)


Might be the 8300 box you have. The original poster and I have 8000. I just might have to turn in my 8000 for the 8300.........

[gparris]

I did this for a superbowl party last year with my SA 8300HD. Had the big TV on the hdmi cable, and the little one on the component...worked fine. Was kinda cool, if we wanted to rewind and watch a slowmo replay both TV's would be in sync for the next play :)

Glad you could get away with that as with my TWC system, I did this a got away with it for a short period of time (to switch between them to see if the picture with HDMI was any better).
After that, the cable box kept rebooting and not giving me a picture.
The on line manual from SA indicates hooking up only ONE output, component video OR HDMI.
Your system or cable's software could be different from my location.
Glad you had a great party and got what you needed.