How to Hook Up Additional DirecTV Receivers

Connect additional DirecTV receivers with a multiswitch.

Adding a DirecTV receiver to an existing, single-system satellite service makes it possible to watch different programs on separate TVs in two rooms. Hooking up an additional receiver requires an electronic component called a multiswitch, which is available at electronics stores. This switch connects the satellite dish to the two receivers using coaxial AV cables. Check the back of the satellite dish to confirm it is a dual Low Noise Blocker (LNB) model, which is necessary to view different channels on separate televisions.

Things You'll Need

• Multiswitch
• Coaxial cables with couplers on the ends
• Component AV cables
• Two televisions

Instructions

1. Disconnect the coaxial cable from the back of the existing DirecTV receiver by turning the coupler on the end of the cable counterclockwise.

2. Connect the end of the cable to the RF IN jack on one side of the multiswitch, tightening the coupler clockwise by hand.

3. Connect a coaxial cable to each of the output jacks on the opposite side of the multiswitch.

4. Route each cable to a DirecTV receiver and connect it to the threaded input jack on the back.

5. Insert the five plugs on one end of the component cables into the AV output jacks on each receiver. The red, green and blue plugs connect to video jacks of the same colors. The white and red plugs attach to the matching left and right audio jacks.

6. Connect the plugs on the other end of each cable to the AV input jacks on the back of the televisions.

Tips & Warnings

• Connect the multiswitch while the receivers are unplugged from the electricity.

References

• DirecTV: Receiver Owner's Manual
• Home Tech: How Do I Connect Multiple DSS Receivers?