Entertainment Center: TVs, Stereos, VCRs and DVDs - Digital Box & PIP

I have a question that has probably been asked 1000 times before, but I cant seem to get a straight answere form anybody. I just bought a new 53 Sony HDTV with 2 tuner PIP. I have a digital cable box, and am trying to figure out how to connect the box in order for my PIP to work. Currently I am going for the wall to the box to the TV with coax.

Good Afternoon, mikey:

You're right! The question has come up several times and I will be happy to explain it again. Before I do, though, is there a VCR involved in this link?

Smokey ;)

Currently the VCR is in the bedroom. If it makes it easier, or I can get the digital picture through the VCR somehow, I have no problem using it.

Good Morning, mikev:

Well, if you use a VCR in the system, it gets a little more complicated. Since you aren't using a VCR, the fix is a lot easier.

Stop by Radio Shack and pick up one of their small 3 dB signal amplifiers for cable service. At last sighting, they ran about $15. The amps have one input and 2 or 4 outputs. Either one is okay.

Also, pick up a couple of lengths of RG-59 Coaxial cable with F-59 male connectors on each end. Radio Shack sells these in various lengths.

Disconnect the cable to the cable box and reconnect it to the input of the amplifier.
Use one RG-59 cable to connect between an amplifier output port and the input to the cable box.
Use one RG-59 cable to connect between the amplifier output port and the antenna connection for the PIP tuner.
Plug in the amp and things will run fine.

The PIP will not display the premium channels, however. But, you can cycle through the rest of them and see what is going on. The cable box will work as usual and will display your regular TV channels and premium channels.

I also recommended the amplifier instead of a two set mechanical coupler. These couplers cut your signal strength in half and, if you live in a weak signal area, it could cause a snowy picture. With the amp, you don't have that problem. And, it may make your pictures better.

Smokey ;)

Smoky-

Thanks for the solution. I just have one more question. I have 3 coax ports on the back of my TV. 1) uhf/vhf 2) out ot converter 3) aux. If I understand you correctly. I should have one cable from the wall to the amp. 2 cables from the amp, 1 to the box and 1 to the uhf/vhf for my PIP. I go from the box to my Video 1 input on the back of my TV with rca cable instead of coax for a better picture. When I watch tv through the box normaly, I will set my tv to video 1. When I use my PIP I will change my second picture to aux or uhf/vhf setting. Please let me know if I understand correctly.

Good Morning, mikev:

Remember that your set has two separate tuners in it. One for the PIP and one for regular viewing. So, if you are decoding the picture to regular video and audio out of the cable box, the setting you indicated is correct.

Since the PIP has its own tuner, it will display whatever
is coming in on the cable. The PIP circuitry will decode the signal coming in and both displays on the screen will be just video. This should work.

The only thing that could screw it up is if the incoming signal is HDTV Digital. That's not a standard RF signal and the PIP won't display it. In that case, you need two
cable boxes. One to decode the regular presentation and one to decode the PIP signal back to standard RF.

Did I thoroughly confuse you now?

Smokey :)

Smokey -
Thank for all the help. I forgot to mention that I am using S-Video cables form the box to Video 1. No change in your suggestion, correct???

Good Morning, mikev:
Nope. No changes. S-Video is just a Y-C connection (luminance and Chroma) and works the same way as a standard
video connection....except the resolution is much better.

Smokey ;)