Cable to remote tv, wirelessly

[ezridr60]

We have Comcast cable. Is there a way to wirelessly send that incoming channel selection to another tv? Distance is about 20-25’, thru an interior wall. Yes, I’m technically challenged, an analog guy stuck in the digital age! And retirement makes me cheap as well, or I’d just have Comcast come out and wire up the second tv.

 

[matt_i]

This does not fit all of your specs BUT if you have cable internet, you can get an Apple TV and stream (by wifi) basically any channel you have access to on Comcast with your login.

The advantage is that now it doesn't have to be locked into to the same one as your main TV.

 

[phule]

May want to look at running wires. I purchased an iogear hdmi wireless transmitter. Only has a 1 year warranty. Has a high failure rate. Called customer service was told it was normal. Tons of bad reviews. When I called customer service they stated that all there competitors will have similar reviews. I am now planning on running hdmi cables.

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

 

[b-boy]

I had one of those wireless transmitters a few years ago. It was pretty crappy. The receiver had to be perfectly aligned with the transmitter. Even then, the picture was crappy.

Either run wires or look into the Apple TV, FireStick, or Roku devices. Like he said above, if you have a cable subscription you can usually use it to watch cable shows using apps installed on these devices. HBO, FOX, A&E, etc... all have apps. Most are free. You can watch your shows whenever you want. They cost about $30-$40.

 

[Sevenhills1952]

Cheapest way is forget wireless...just use a splitter and 20-25ft. cable to other tv.
Either run wire through the wall properly using wall receptacles or quick, easy just run cable neatly as possible along baseboard, around corner, etc.

Sent from my SM-S320VL using Tapatalk

 

[StillTooManyHobbies]

We have been very pleased with the RF-Link we have used for wirelessly running composite video and sound (red white and yellow plugs) from one floor to the next. I don't know if they have one for cable signals. Mine is similar to this: https://www.ebay.com/itm/RF-Link-AV...120567?hash=item41f2c8ce77:g:9qAAAOSwOuFb4NtZ

 

[highland_hunter]

Really need more information to fully answer this question.

1) Do you intend to watch the same programming as the first TV?
2) How will you control the settop box from the remote room?

I ask as most of the larger CATV providers (ie Comcast) digitally encrypt their signal so you now need a settop on each TV, and yes they charge for those. In the old days you could go to the local hardware store get a splitter a couple of connectors and some cable but the providers want to keep their profits up.

Streaming IP from a WiFi router will work, but won't get you local channels and if you go that route you should really run a CAT5 cable to ensure bandwidth.

Hope this helps.

 

[ezridr60]

We have Appletv. I was trying to get the local channels, ABC, NBC, etc. We’re out in the Chicago burbs but too far for an over the air digital antenna to pull in a reliable signal. Not close enough for Rockford, or Milwaukee either. Based on my research, and feedback here “repeaters”, or wireless transmissions are either a crapshoot, or not possible at all. Soooo, looks like Comcast is gonna get another few bucks a month.

Thanks for the responses, and info!

 

[wyliesdiesels]

We have Appletv. I was trying to get the local channels, ABC, NBC, etc. We’re out in the Chicago burbs but too far for an over the air digital antenna to pull in a reliable signal. Not close enough for Rockford, or Milwaukee either. Based on my research, and feedback here “repeaters”, or wireless transmissions are either a crapshoot, or not possible at all. Soooo, looks like Comcast is gonna get another few bucks a month.

Thanks for the responses, and info!

yeah you would need another cable box because of the digital encoding.

There is no way around this with one exception. IF you have a device that will accept an M-card, then you can rent one for $1 per month instead of paying for another cable box.

 

[MBfreak]

ChromeCast
We have several.
Works perfectly

Ola

 

[kbuhagiar]

How about Slingbox?

https://www.slingbox.com/

I have had mine for five years now and love it. It allows me access to my entire digital cable lineup from anywhere in the world with an Internet connection. After the initial purchase (my unit cost $299) there are NO additional monthly charges.

 

[rpcraft]

Is it a smart TV? If so there may be an app to run the cable Co's services through that app and it will depend more on internet connectivity at that point.

 

[LS6 Tommy]

...most of the larger CATV providers (ie Comcast) digitally encrypt their signal so you now need a settop on each TV, and yes they charge for those. In the old days you could go to the local hardware store get a splitter a couple of connectors and some cable but the providers want to keep their profits up.

yeah you would need another cable box because of the digital encoding.

There is no way around this with one exception. IF you have a device that will accept an M-card, then you can rent one for $1 per month instead of paying for another cable box.

Not so. If you get an HDMI splitter, you split the signal AFTER the cable box. You then have the option of either getting really long HDMI cables or doing some kind of HDMI to CAT5 converter system.

You are still locked into only being able to view the channel that is currently selected on the cable box.

Tommy

 

[Falcon67]

Wireless remote if the Comcast box supports it and a splitter after the box, run coax to both TVs. Been there done that in the old days. Except in the real old days (think top loading VHS VCR sold by Penney's) you had to walk to the living room to change channels LOL. "Wireless" meant "radio".

When we were on Dish, I pulled 140' of coax out to the shop. Now we use a OTA DVR, apps (PBS, MotorTrend, Hulu, Netflix, etc), hand held Android or iPads and Chromecast on the TVs. Have not missed "cable".

 

[rlev11]

You can get extenders that transmit HDMI over CAT5 Ethernet cable that also transmit the ir signal at the same time. I have a cable box in the basement for a tv and also send the signal to my second floor for another tv and it works great since I am never in both places at once. saves the 10 bucks a month fee to rent the additional box

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Not so. If you get an HDMI splitter, you split the signal AFTER the cable box. You then have the option of either getting really long HDMI cables or doing some kind of HDMI to CAT5 converter system.

You are still locked into only being able to view the channel that is currently selected on the cable box.

Tommy

My take on what he wants is all the channels since he said channel selection. Not just the current channel on the TV he would split the signal from.

 

[justsam]

By saying you want the "incoming channel selection" to be on the remote TV I am assuming you want the remote to mirror the primary TV. Is that the desired outcome?

Also, what do you have at the remote TV location in terms of physical media? Do you have any coax there, Cat 5 ethernet etc? What does your existing Comcast box have as outputs? HDMI, composite video, RF modulator to unused channel, etc. Which output are you using at your primary location? Are you also a Comcast X1 customer using their modem for internet?
Lastly, what inputs can your remote TV accept? HDMI, composite, RF, etc?

 

[wyliesdiesels]

yeah the Op really needs to give more info here

 

[rjn2649]

ezridr, you posted "Chicago burbs" but your location is MI?...Please don't tell me MI is now considered a suburb of Chi !!
Anyway, although we are close to Chi we have an amplified outdoor antenna. The picture is GREAT.
Try this https://antennaweb.org/Address

 

[ezridr60]

ezridr, you posted "Chicago burbs" but your location is MI?...Please don't tell me MI is now considered a suburb of Chi !!
Anyway, although we are close to Chi we have an amplified outdoor antenna. The picture is GREAT.
Try this https://antennaweb.org/Address

UP of MI a burb of Chicago, God I hope not! I reluctantly also have a home in Woodstock. SO needs to get away from the U.P. for the winter! How far out of Chicago are you that you can get an amplified antenna to work? There was a website that gave digital antenna reception vs distance from Chicago. Woodstock was not within range.

 

[rjn2649]

We are only a few miles out. I'm old and don't consider Woodstock a burb either, but I guess with growth and population shifts it is.

I'm going to agree with others that there really isn't a good wireless way to do what you want. I use an HDMI slitter, for the TV's downstairs by the bar area.

 

[ezridr60]

By saying you want the "incoming channel selection" to be on the remote TV I am assuming you want the remote to mirror the primary TV. Is that the desired outcome?

Also, what do you have at the remote TV location in terms of physical media? Do you have any coax there, Cat 5 ethernet etc? What does your existing Comcast box have as outputs? HDMI, composite video, RF modulator to unused channel, etc. Which output are you using at your primary location? Are you also a Comcast X1 customer using their modem for internet?
Lastly, what inputs can your remote TV accept? HDMI, composite, RF, etc?

The home was wired with coax to all rooms. Comcast feed comes into the attic, and then split off to all various rooms. We use Comcast for internet. When they (Comcast) installed the modem to the family room they also disconnected the coax feeds to all other locations. They still exist, just not hooked up anymore.

Tv is connected via HDMI. Not sure about the other possible modem outputs. The second tv has yet to be purchased. I’m assuming anything I buy is going to have all of the available inputs/outputs.

I was hoping there’d be a simple way to wirelessly send the Comcast signal to a second tv. Able to watch different channels at each location. Sounds like the simplest solution, restore the coax feed to the second location, and bite the bullet on a second cable box.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

The home was wired with coax to all rooms. Comcast feed comes into the attic, and then split off to all various rooms. We use Comcast for internet. When they (Comcast) installed the modem to the family room they also disconnected the coax feeds to all other locations. They still exist, just not hooked up anymore.

Tv is connected via HDMI. Not sure about the other possible modem outputs. The second tv has yet to be purchased. I’m assuming anything I buy is going to have all of the available inputs/outputs.

I was hoping there’d be a simple way to wirelessly send the Comcast signal to a second tv. Able to watch different channels at each location. Sounds like the simplest solution, restore the coax feed to the second location, and bite the bullet on a second cable box.

so i was right. you want different channels on each TV.

Since the cable signal is digitally encrypted, you WILL need another cable box.

As far as wireless goes, comcast does not have wireless equipment for TV signal.

On the other hand, Uverse does and it works pretty well.

 

[larry4406]

If he gets a Roku device, which will be wireless, wont't that let him log into his channels using his Comcast credentials?

I know on my basic Roku device I see channels that I would like but I don't have TV channels enabled by Comcast so I can't access them.

 

[ezridr60]

If he gets a Roku device, which will be wireless, wont't that let him log into his channels using his Comcast credentials?

I know on my basic Roku device I see channels that I would like but I don't have TV channels enabled by Comcast so I can't access them.

If I’m reading the specs of Roku correctly I’d still need an over the air digital antenna to pull in local broadcasts. However, I’ve just become aware of an app the may work on Appletv. Locast. It an app that will pull in local broadcasts in selected high density population areas, Chicago being one of them. When I get back down to Illinois for the holidays I’ll give it a shot, and report back. Anyone else using this app?

From their website:

Locast is a public service to Americans, providing local broadcast signals over the Internet in select cities. All you have to do is sign up online, provide your name and email address, and certify that you live in, and are logging on from, one of the select US cities (“Designated Market Area”). Then, you can select among local broadcasters and stream your favorite local station.

Locast.org is a “digital translator,” meaning that Locast.org operates just like a traditional broadcast translator service, except instead of using an over-the-air signal to boost a broadcaster’s reach, we stream the signal over the Internet to consumers located within select US cities.

Ever since the dawn of TV broadcasting in the mid-20th Century, non-profit organizations have provided “translator” TV stations as a public service. Where a primary broadcaster cannot reach a receiver with a strong enough signal, the translator amplifies that signal with another transmitter, allowing consumers who otherwise could not get the over-the-air signal to receive important programming, including local news, weather and of course, sports. Locast.org provides the same public service, except instead of an over-the-air signal transmitter, we provide the local broadcast signal via online streaming.

You need a broadband Internet connection for optimal performance. Using a laptop, smartphone, or computer connected to the Internet, point your browser to www.Locast.org to sign up. You then can choose which local broadcast station to watch from your Internet-enabled device.

 

[nsula_country]

How about Slingbox?

https://www.slingbox.com/

I have had mine for five years now and love it. It allows me access to my entire digital cable lineup from anywhere in the world with an Internet connection. After the initial purchase (my unit cost $299) there are NO additional monthly charges.

From reading reviews on Amazon, it appears that you have to use a PC or Tablet to open a browser to use? Is this correct?

If I have DirectTV and a wireless link (ubiquiti nano, not purchased yet) to shop 300 yards away can I just use a Chromecast and a LED TV?

Also, reviews state that it is AD INFESTED... What is your take? Really interested in getting TV to the shop wirelessly with current DirectTV service at the house. I have fiber to the house and use Ubiquiti products exclusively including wired router and access points.

CT

 

[theoldwizard1]

True, wireless HDMI replacement is a grail/unicorn hunt.

Most of the wireless solutions posted will NOT produce the same quality results.

 

[kbuhagiar]

From reading reviews on Amazon, it appears that you have to use a PC or Tablet to open a browser to use? Is this correct?

You need the Slingbox app, which is available for PC, Android, Amazon Firestick, and I think Hulu. I have the app loaded on my laptop, and my Samsung Galaxy phone, which affords me the luxury of watching my local TV news (or anything else on my Comcast cable TV menu) while traveling anywhere. I have Amazon Firesticks installed on the TVs at my secondary residence, which allows me to watch my Comcast service from my primary residence at our summer home.

If I have DirectTV and a wireless link (ubiquiti nano, not purchased yet) to shop 300 yards away can I just use a Chromecast and a LED TV?

I'm not familiar with Chromecast, so I can't answer that.

Also, reviews state that it is AD INFESTED... What is your take?

No, not at all...I use an ad blocker on the PC, maybe that's why I don't notice. No ads at all when watching using the Firestick.

I hope this helps, let me know if I can assist further.

 

[Falcon67]

If I have DirectTV and a wireless link (ubiquiti nano, not purchased yet) to shop 300 yards away can I just use a Chromecast and a LED TV?

Depends on the Dish app - if it supports casting, then yes. This is app dependent, at least on Android. Similar, I have the Motor Trend TV app on my Galaxy Tab A and can throw any show to any of our Chromecast devices. In the shop I have a 40" LED with network (it's a smart TV with apps) and a Chromecast dongle. I can watch anything out there I can cast from the Galaxy Tab.

I can't answer about the Dish app because when we had Dish we had Joey's everywhere (4 total plus 6 channel DVR) and only casted other stuff like YouTube, etc. It should work if the app has casting support and you can pull shows (DishAnywhere most likely) to your hand held across your network link to the shop. I would also research the individual GO apps.

 

[75gmck25]

This might be another alternative, once it is available. https://www.silicondust.com/product/hdhomerun-prime-6/
However, I think it requires a cable card, so it then becomes just like another cable box on your plan. If I undersand it correctly, the advantage would be that you could stream differenct channels to up to six devices, but pay for only one subscription.

I use the HDHomeRun Connect Duo on my broadcast antenna. With Plex I can access any two broadcast channels at the same time from any of my devices (Roku, PC, phone, etc.) The quattro version can tune 4 channels. Plex also has a DVR and channel guide capability, so I can set up my list of channels to record, and then play them back at a more convenient time. I also ripped most of my movies to disc so that I can also access them through Plex.

Bruce