Hi folks -- recently ordered a panasonic plasma, and finally trying to get my home in order, and would appreciate some suggestions towards my desired config. I've searched and just learned enough to be dangerous, and please forgive any terminology screw-ups. :)

Goal: be able to view HD/SD and DVR'd content with two TV's (upstairs and downstairs). We'd rarely run both TV's simultaneously, so we can 'share' the HD output.

Equipment: downstairs Sony CRT TV (the HD monitor one; I'm currently using a Sylvania ATSC tuner and SilverSensor antenna -- the OTA stuff would go). Upstairs, Panasonic Plasma.

Anyway -- I currently have the old DISH (625?) STB. After some minor negotiation, and a 2 year agreement(!), I have a 622 STB coming next week as a replacement. I understand that only one 'output' is HD; the other is SD.

My question is: how can I 'share' the HD output? upstairs and downstairs? Currently the two areas are just connected by coax. For the upstairs TV, I'm guessing I will use the HDMI output. That still leaves a component output free on the 622, no? Could I somehow route this to the coax, then break it out again? I'm probably not making much sense. :(

If I use the 622 as designed, what's the SD going to look like on my Sony downstairs? Currently the DISH SD signal is mediocre on my Sony, so I'm guessing there won't be any change.

*thx*

To route the component you need three video coax cables and two audio coax cables for stereo. For 5.1 audio you need an optical cable or coax 5.1 cable. How far these will run is a question. They were designed for 10' runs so this distance is questionable. Of course running the SD to the second TV can be done over a single coax cable. THis will be as good a quality as is possible over a RF connection.

A better solution would be to get a 211 HD receiver for the second TV.

I have a 622 feeding my family room and the second TV is a SD TV in the guest room. My bedroom has a 211 for the HDTV there.

Rick R

Thanks, Rick -- I found some similar threads on another forum called 'satellite guys', or something. It seems this is a pretty common issue. 211HD seems the optimum route, but that makes the downstairs TV "stand-alone?" IOW, I lose the connection to the 622 and DVR?

feralcat,

SD is generally mediocre, no worse with the 622 than the 625. If you want to share the HD output on the 622, both the HDMI and component connections are active. There isn't a way to convert either HD output to an RF signal. 50' of HDMI or component, though are reasonable in price from monoprice.com and that will share you signal. Since the 622 has the UHF remote, it works well in this config.

If getting the cable to 2 rooms is easy, this is a good choice. If not, the second box is the way to go.

Miner