Sky - 2 extra TVs - is this possible?

PhilAJ · 03-03-2014, 12:15

Hi all experts, hope someone can help.

I currently have a Sky HD box, an analogue (RF) cable splitter in the back of the RF output - 2 cables - going to separate TVs, each with a magic eye to control the remote. So 3 TV's all showing the same channel, which is fine. BUT - the signals are awful. If I just plug one in - fine - 2 on the splitter - not that good.

I am now wondering if it would be possible to leave one of these cable in the RF output - and use a HDMI cable to go to the other TV. Would this work? Not sure how the HDMI output works - I know we'd still have the same channels, but how would I use the remote on the TV that has the HDMI input?

Any help appreciated.

Phil

chrisjr · 03-03-2014, 12:29

How far away would the TV you want to use HDMI be from the Sky box. I've used HDMI perfectly OK up to 15m. But more than 20m you may start to get problems. Unless you are into using HDMI over CAT5 cable converters.

I would be tempted to get a better splitter. Some of the cheap plastic Y shaped ones are dreadful. Best thing you can do with those is take them outside and give them a decent burial

The metal type with F-Type connectors on are often better.

And are you not using the HDMI on the Sky box to feed the TV next to it? If so then to feed a second telly via HDMI is going to involve an HDMI splitter which is a whole load more expensive than a decent RF splitter. And can be more hassle. And of course you have the remote control issue to contend with using HDMI.

PhilAJ · 03-03-2014, 12:35

Thanks for prompt reply - and oh yes you are right, HDMI is powering the main TV (hadn't looked or thought of that).

So you think I may be able to get a better RF splitter then? I'll have a look at that - unless anyone can recommend one - I must admit the one I have is a little Y shaped cheapo...

Phil

chrisjr · 03-03-2014, 12:47

Something like this may be better.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Indoor-Aeria...dp/B002XUDCBE/

You will have to change the plugs on the end of the cables, but at least you get three F-Type plugs thrown in

PhilAJ · 03-03-2014, 12:54

Excellent - thanks chrisjr for your help....

grahamlthompson · 03-03-2014, 13:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by chrisjr

Something like this may be better.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Indoor-Aeria...dp/B002XUDCBE/

You will have to change the plugs on the end of the cables, but at least you get three F-Type plugs thrown in

DC passthrough is the wrong way.

See
SkyLink compatible passive splitter

http://www.satcure.co.uk/accs/page15a.htm#ysplit

A better option

2-way distribution amplifier

http://www.satcure.co.uk/accs/page15.htm

coachtrip_fan99 · 03-03-2014, 18:40

Forget the splitter. The signal is at least halved, usually even less.

You need a powered distribution amplifier.
Be sure to get one with magic eye compatibility.

oilman · 04-03-2014, 11:01

Another (wireless) solution could be to use a video sender (attaches to scart on sky box), and have a receiver on each remote TV via scart).

If you prefer RF solution, as previous poster say use a powered amplifier/splitter e.g.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2-Way-Aeri...item35a4c36dd2

Don't know if this is magic eye compatible though.

grahamlthompson · 04-03-2014, 11:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by oilman

Another (wireless) solution could be to use a video sender (attaches to scart on sky box), and have a receiver on each remote TV via scart).

If you prefer RF solution, as previous poster say use a powered amplifier/splitter e.g.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2-Way-Aeri...item35a4c36dd2

Don't know if this is magic eye compatible though.

I posted a link to a cheap magic eye compatible two output amplifier in post 6

niall campbell · 06-03-2014, 12:33

Keep the RF setup and magic eyes to change channels.

You need a powered splitter for Sky to work over HDMI.

I have a HDMI splitter that works over a 25 metre HDMI cable. When you go over 20 metres the cable will be quite chunky , however mines hidden behind walls ; just don't bend it too tight.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00ATQ26V6?psc=1

you could try that splitter which is powered and buy 10 to 25 metre cables to see how you get on

http://www.amazon.co.uk/KabelDirekt-...15+meter+cable

Please note that a lot of people in here get confused with splitters. It is 1 IN, 3 OUT splitter you need.

grahamlthompson · 06-03-2014, 13:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by niall campbell

Please note that a lot of people in here get confused with splitters. It is 1 IN, 3 OUT splitter you need.

The OP clearly states he needs to feed two extra TV's, not three. The Sky box has a separate output for the local TV (rf1 out). RF2 out is used for Magic Eyes.

niall campbell · 07-03-2014, 11:15

He originally asked to put another HDMI to another tv

That's why I suggested leaving the RF 2 output with its 9 volt capability to change channels, whilst enjoying the superior picture quality through HDMI

Its just another way of achieving it

grahamlthompson · 07-03-2014, 13:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by niall campbell

He originally asked to put another HDMI to another tv

That's why I suggested leaving the RF 2 output with its 9 volt capability to change channels, whilst enjoying the superior picture quality through HDMI

Its just another way of achieving it

Good luck in getting a HDMI splitter to work with a Sky box. Have you actually got one and it works ? If you have it would be a good idea to post details. In any case the OP will still need a Sky compatible splitter with DC pass from the 1 input to the two outputs to feed the Magic eyes 9V and return the control signals back to the Sky box.

niall campbell · 07-03-2014, 15:43

Yes I have one that works.

That's why I know it has to be the powered ones.

Mines a Duronic http://www.amazon.co.uk/Duronic-HS12...+hdmi+splitter and bought off Amazon.

It powers a 2 metre HDMI cable and a 25 metre HDMI cable and works fine.

If it is not plugged in to the mains, sky will not work.

niall campbell · 07-03-2014, 15:44

NEET also do one and is more expensive, it looks exactly the same as the Duronic

grahamlthompson · 07-03-2014, 15:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by niall campbell

Yes I have one that works.

That's why I know it has to be the powered ones.

Mines a Duronic http://www.amazon.co.uk/Duronic-HS12...+hdmi+splitter and bought off Amazon.

It powers a 2 metre HDMI cable and a 25 metre HDMI cable and works fine.

If it is not plugged in to the mains, sky will not work.

The OP still needs a UHF splitter of some description if he wants to use the tuners in the remote TV's, otherwise everyone will have to watch only the Sky box. HDMI over that sort of distance is much easier using a pair of network cables and hdmi baluns.

niall campbell · 07-03-2014, 16:06

Yes I perfectly understand that and never argued on that ??

It is a matter of opinion on HDMI cable and splitter OR baluns and CAT 5 or 6 cable.

All I have done is give an other way or opinion on how to get a better picture than what you will achieve at 576 resolution, which to a lot of people is giving a shocking picture.

I have this http://www.kenable.co.uk/product_inf...FQUIwwodw4EAow in my loft which gives me the 9 volts I need to work my magic eye to change channels in bedroom, and also my 25 metre HDMI cable from Duronic splitter.

It is up to the OP if they want to run 2 CAT 5 cables to each room and baluns, I think its cheaper and produces a 1080p signal with a single cable in the way I have mine set up.

spiney2 · 07-03-2014, 16:54

the sky rf2 tv-link system is designed to send the analogue output a fair distance at reasonable quality. with remote control of course. providing u r happy about the sd picture and mono sound.

as advised above, forget splitters. use a multi output philex uhf tv amplifier. from maplin, etc ......

splitting hdmi electronically possible but horribly expensive. the format is not designed to go any distance. a balun for single cat5 cable for 1 tv is not an unreasonable price but splitting can be expensive and may not work. since we are talking about not just an amplifier but also regeneration of at least 3 very wideband signals ......

if there is a cheap usable splitter for hdmi then fine, but be very careful ......

spiney2 · 07-03-2014, 17:01

... for just using the magic eye but not also carrying tv signals then almost any old wire will do ! cheap speaker cable from pound shop. but get polarity right way round .....

spiney2 · 07-03-2014, 17:04

... a video sender - although sd picture - has 2.0 sound not mono. which also gives surround sound (headphones or pro logic decoder with speakers). might be a consideration.

grahamlthompson · 07-03-2014, 17:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by spiney2

... for just using the magic eye but not also carrying tv signals then almost any old wire will do ! cheap speaker cable from pound shop. but get polarity right way round .....

No it will not. A Magic Eye contains a VHF modulator which it uses to send remote control signals back down the coax to the VHF demodulator in the Sky box. The coax carries UHF signals one way from Sky Box to the remote TV and VHF control signals the other way. If anything the coax needs to be better quality than that just used for UHF TV. Ideally WF100 cable. In any case the OP already has the cabling and the Magic Eyes.

As you can't avoid at least one UHF carrier on the connection, interesting to see what the eye gets back on a length of speaker cable. The impedance mismatch must be horrendous.

How did you think the magic eye manages to remotely control the Sky box - Magic

niall campbell · 07-03-2014, 23:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by spiney2

the sky rf2 tv-link system is designed to send the analogue output a fair distance at reasonable quality. with remote control of course. providing u r happy about the sd picture and mono sound.

as advised above, forget splitters. use a multi output philex uhf tv amplifier. from maplin, etc ......

splitting hdmi electronically possible but horribly expensive. the format is not designed to go any distance. a balun for single cat5 cable for 1 tv is not an unreasonable price but splitting can be expensive and may not work. since we are talking about not just an amplifier but also regeneration of at least 3 very wideband signals ......

if there is a cheap usable splitter for hdmi then fine, but be very careful ......

My set up works in sending a 1080p signal over 25 metres for quite a cheap cost inline with baluns

niall campbell · 07-03-2014, 23:21

Neotechs® Gold 1080P HDMI Cable Lead Smart HDTV 3D Metre 25M V1.3 V1.4 by Neotechs® http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00BYZE5Z..._UjLgtb08JSVSA £50 for 25 metre cable
Duronic HS12 - 2 Way HDMI Splitter box - LATEST High Performing H... http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B005FQMUE..._lmLgtb1MKQXV6 £15 for powered splitter.

Or 25 metre Cat 5 cable at £15 Duronic Black 25m CAT6 FTP Professional Gold Headed Shielded Netw... http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00FS9YW7..._5nLgtb03T6J27
And baluns at £38

Most homes will possibly only use 15 metres hdmi cable at £16 each
KabelDirekt 15m Top Series High Speed HDMI Cable with Ethernet 1.4a / 2.0 supports Fu... http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B004XJCLA..._brLgtb1R70HNR

grahamlthompson · 08-03-2014, 10:53

2 x 25M Cat 5 £11.90 Pair Of HD Baluns £19.99

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/RJ45-Cat5e...item5d414894ef

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HDMI-EXTEN...item35d1088d4e

spiney2 · 08-03-2014, 12:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by grahamlthompson

No it will not. A Magic Eye contains a VHF modulator which it uses to send remote control signals back down the coax to the VHF demodulator in the Sky box. The coax carries UHF signals one way from Sky Box to the remote TV and VHF control signals the other way. If anything the coax needs to be better quality than that just used for UHF TV. Ideally WF100 cable. In any case the OP already has the cabling and the Magic Eyes.

As you can't avoid at least one UHF carrier on the connection, interesting to see what the eye gets back on a length of speaker cable. The impedance mismatch must be horrendous.

How did you think the magic eye manages to remotely control the Sky box - Magic

yes it should work. if no tv signals are being carried. eg if hdmi is being used for that.

i think the ir pulses are just changed into low frequency tones. nothing fancy. the frequency used has to be well below uhf ......

03-03-2014, 12:15	#1
PhilAJ Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 25	Sky - 2 extra TVs - is this possible? Hi all experts, hope someone can help. I currently have a Sky HD box, an analogue (RF) cable splitter in the back of the RF output - 2 cables - going to separate TVs, each with a magic eye to control the remote. So 3 TV's all showing the same channel, which is fine. BUT - the signals are awful. If I just plug one in - fine - 2 on the splitter - not that good. I am now wondering if it would be possible to leave one of these cable in the RF output - and use a HDMI cable to go to the other TV. Would this work? Not sure how the HDMI output works - I know we'd still have the same channels, but how would I use the remote on the TV that has the HDMI input? Any help appreciated. Phil

03-03-2014, 12:29	#2
chrisjr Forum Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Reading Posts: 27,916	How far away would the TV you want to use HDMI be from the Sky box. I've used HDMI perfectly OK up to 15m. But more than 20m you may start to get problems. Unless you are into using HDMI over CAT5 cable converters. I would be tempted to get a better splitter. Some of the cheap plastic Y shaped ones are dreadful. Best thing you can do with those is take them outside and give them a decent burial The metal type with F-Type connectors on are often better. And are you not using the HDMI on the Sky box to feed the TV next to it? If so then to feed a second telly via HDMI is going to involve an HDMI splitter which is a whole load more expensive than a decent RF splitter. And can be more hassle. And of course you have the remote control issue to contend with using HDMI.

03-03-2014, 12:35	#3
PhilAJ Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 25	Thanks for prompt reply - and oh yes you are right, HDMI is powering the main TV (hadn't looked or thought of that). So you think I may be able to get a better RF splitter then? I'll have a look at that - unless anyone can recommend one - I must admit the one I have is a little Y shaped cheapo... Phil

03-03-2014, 12:47	#4
chrisjr Forum Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Reading Posts: 27,916	Something like this may be better. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Indoor-Aeria...dp/B002XUDCBE/ You will have to change the plugs on the end of the cables, but at least you get three F-Type plugs thrown in

03-03-2014, 12:54	#5
PhilAJ Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 25	Excellent - thanks chrisjr for your help....

03-03-2014, 13:09	#6
grahamlthompson Forum Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Redditch Worcs Posts: 17,293	Quote: Originally Posted by chrisjr Something like this may be better. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Indoor-Aeria...dp/B002XUDCBE/ You will have to change the plugs on the end of the cables, but at least you get three F-Type plugs thrown in DC passthrough is the wrong way. See SkyLink compatible passive splitter http://www.satcure.co.uk/accs/page15a.htm#ysplit A better option 2-way distribution amplifier http://www.satcure.co.uk/accs/page15.htm

03-03-2014, 18:40	#7
coachtrip_fan99 Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 2,127	Forget the splitter. The signal is at least halved, usually even less. You need a powered distribution amplifier. Be sure to get one with magic eye compatibility.

04-03-2014, 11:01	#8
oilman Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Posts: 3,854	Another (wireless) solution could be to use a video sender (attaches to scart on sky box), and have a receiver on each remote TV via scart). If you prefer RF solution, as previous poster say use a powered amplifier/splitter e.g. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2-Way-Aeri...item35a4c36dd2 Don't know if this is magic eye compatible though.

04-03-2014, 11:06	#9
grahamlthompson Forum Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Redditch Worcs Posts: 17,293	Quote: Originally Posted by oilman Another (wireless) solution could be to use a video sender (attaches to scart on sky box), and have a receiver on each remote TV via scart). If you prefer RF solution, as previous poster say use a powered amplifier/splitter e.g. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2-Way-Aeri...item35a4c36dd2 Don't know if this is magic eye compatible though. I posted a link to a cheap magic eye compatible two output amplifier in post 6

06-03-2014, 12:33	#10
niall campbell Forum Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Aberfeldy Posts: 7,035	Keep the RF setup and magic eyes to change channels. You need a powered splitter for Sky to work over HDMI. I have a HDMI splitter that works over a 25 metre HDMI cable. When you go over 20 metres the cable will be quite chunky , however mines hidden behind walls ; just don't bend it too tight. http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00ATQ26V6?psc=1 you could try that splitter which is powered and buy 10 to 25 metre cables to see how you get on http://www.amazon.co.uk/KabelDirekt-...15+meter+cable Please note that a lot of people in here get confused with splitters. It is 1 IN, 3 OUT splitter you need.

06-03-2014, 13:53	#11
grahamlthompson Forum Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Redditch Worcs Posts: 17,293	Quote: Originally Posted by niall campbell Please note that a lot of people in here get confused with splitters. It is 1 IN, 3 OUT splitter you need. The OP clearly states he needs to feed two extra TV's, not three. The Sky box has a separate output for the local TV (rf1 out). RF2 out is used for Magic Eyes.

07-03-2014, 11:15	#12
niall campbell Forum Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Aberfeldy Posts: 7,035	He originally asked to put another HDMI to another tv That's why I suggested leaving the RF 2 output with its 9 volt capability to change channels, whilst enjoying the superior picture quality through HDMI Its just another way of achieving it

07-03-2014, 13:34	#13
grahamlthompson Forum Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Redditch Worcs Posts: 17,293	Quote: Originally Posted by niall campbell He originally asked to put another HDMI to another tv That's why I suggested leaving the RF 2 output with its 9 volt capability to change channels, whilst enjoying the superior picture quality through HDMI Its just another way of achieving it Good luck in getting a HDMI splitter to work with a Sky box. Have you actually got one and it works ? If you have it would be a good idea to post details. In any case the OP will still need a Sky compatible splitter with DC pass from the 1 input to the two outputs to feed the Magic eyes 9V and return the control signals back to the Sky box.

07-03-2014, 15:43	#14
niall campbell Forum Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Aberfeldy Posts: 7,035	Yes I have one that works. That's why I know it has to be the powered ones. Mines a Duronic http://www.amazon.co.uk/Duronic-HS12...+hdmi+splitter and bought off Amazon. It powers a 2 metre HDMI cable and a 25 metre HDMI cable and works fine. If it is not plugged in to the mains, sky will not work.

07-03-2014, 15:44	#15
niall campbell Forum Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Aberfeldy Posts: 7,035	NEET also do one and is more expensive, it looks exactly the same as the Duronic

07-03-2014, 15:57	#16
grahamlthompson Forum Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Redditch Worcs Posts: 17,293	Quote: Originally Posted by niall campbell Yes I have one that works. That's why I know it has to be the powered ones. Mines a Duronic http://www.amazon.co.uk/Duronic-HS12...+hdmi+splitter and bought off Amazon. It powers a 2 metre HDMI cable and a 25 metre HDMI cable and works fine. If it is not plugged in to the mains, sky will not work. The OP still needs a UHF splitter of some description if he wants to use the tuners in the remote TV's, otherwise everyone will have to watch only the Sky box. HDMI over that sort of distance is much easier using a pair of network cables and hdmi baluns.

07-03-2014, 16:06	#17
niall campbell Forum Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Aberfeldy Posts: 7,035	Yes I perfectly understand that and never argued on that ?? It is a matter of opinion on HDMI cable and splitter OR baluns and CAT 5 or 6 cable. All I have done is give an other way or opinion on how to get a better picture than what you will achieve at 576 resolution, which to a lot of people is giving a shocking picture. I have this http://www.kenable.co.uk/product_inf...FQUIwwodw4EAow in my loft which gives me the 9 volts I need to work my magic eye to change channels in bedroom, and also my 25 metre HDMI cable from Duronic splitter. It is up to the OP if they want to run 2 CAT 5 cables to each room and baluns, I think its cheaper and produces a 1080p signal with a single cable in the way I have mine set up.

07-03-2014, 16:54	#18
spiney2 Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 24,123	the sky rf2 tv-link system is designed to send the analogue output a fair distance at reasonable quality. with remote control of course. providing u r happy about the sd picture and mono sound. as advised above, forget splitters. use a multi output philex uhf tv amplifier. from maplin, etc ...... splitting hdmi electronically possible but horribly expensive. the format is not designed to go any distance. a balun for single cat5 cable for 1 tv is not an unreasonable price but splitting can be expensive and may not work. since we are talking about not just an amplifier but also regeneration of at least 3 very wideband signals ...... if there is a cheap usable splitter for hdmi then fine, but be very careful ......

07-03-2014, 17:01	#19
spiney2 Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 24,123	... for just using the magic eye but not also carrying tv signals then almost any old wire will do ! cheap speaker cable from pound shop. but get polarity right way round .....

07-03-2014, 17:04	#20
spiney2 Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 24,123	... a video sender - although sd picture - has 2.0 sound not mono. which also gives surround sound (headphones or pro logic decoder with speakers). might be a consideration.

07-03-2014, 17:36	#21
grahamlthompson Forum Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Redditch Worcs Posts: 17,293	Quote: Originally Posted by spiney2 ... for just using the magic eye but not also carrying tv signals then almost any old wire will do ! cheap speaker cable from pound shop. but get polarity right way round ..... No it will not. A Magic Eye contains a VHF modulator which it uses to send remote control signals back down the coax to the VHF demodulator in the Sky box. The coax carries UHF signals one way from Sky Box to the remote TV and VHF control signals the other way. If anything the coax needs to be better quality than that just used for UHF TV. Ideally WF100 cable. In any case the OP already has the cabling and the Magic Eyes. As you can't avoid at least one UHF carrier on the connection, interesting to see what the eye gets back on a length of speaker cable. The impedance mismatch must be horrendous. How did you think the magic eye manages to remotely control the Sky box - Magic

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Sky - 2 extra TVs - is this possible?

07-03-2014, 23:08	#22
niall campbell Forum Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Aberfeldy Posts: 7,035	Quote: Originally Posted by spiney2 the sky rf2 tv-link system is designed to send the analogue output a fair distance at reasonable quality. with remote control of course. providing u r happy about the sd picture and mono sound. as advised above, forget splitters. use a multi output philex uhf tv amplifier. from maplin, etc ...... splitting hdmi electronically possible but horribly expensive. the format is not designed to go any distance. a balun for single cat5 cable for 1 tv is not an unreasonable price but splitting can be expensive and may not work. since we are talking about not just an amplifier but also regeneration of at least 3 very wideband signals ...... if there is a cheap usable splitter for hdmi then fine, but be very careful ...... My set up works in sending a 1080p signal over 25 metres for quite a cheap cost inline with baluns

07-03-2014, 23:21	#23
niall campbell Forum Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Aberfeldy Posts: 7,035	Neotechs® Gold 1080P HDMI Cable Lead Smart HDTV 3D Metre 25M V1.3 V1.4 by Neotechs® http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00BYZE5Z..._UjLgtb08JSVSA £50 for 25 metre cable Duronic HS12 - 2 Way HDMI Splitter box - LATEST High Performing H... http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B005FQMUE..._lmLgtb1MKQXV6 £15 for powered splitter. Or 25 metre Cat 5 cable at £15 Duronic Black 25m CAT6 FTP Professional Gold Headed Shielded Netw... http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00FS9YW7..._5nLgtb03T6J27 And baluns at £38 Most homes will possibly only use 15 metres hdmi cable at £16 each KabelDirekt 15m Top Series High Speed HDMI Cable with Ethernet 1.4a / 2.0 supports Fu... http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B004XJCLA..._brLgtb1R70HNR

08-03-2014, 10:53	#24
grahamlthompson Forum Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Redditch Worcs Posts: 17,293	2 x 25M Cat 5 £11.90 Pair Of HD Baluns £19.99 http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/RJ45-Cat5e...item5d414894ef http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HDMI-EXTEN...item35d1088d4e

08-03-2014, 12:31	#25
spiney2 Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 24,123	Quote: Originally Posted by grahamlthompson No it will not. A Magic Eye contains a VHF modulator which it uses to send remote control signals back down the coax to the VHF demodulator in the Sky box. The coax carries UHF signals one way from Sky Box to the remote TV and VHF control signals the other way. If anything the coax needs to be better quality than that just used for UHF TV. Ideally WF100 cable. In any case the OP already has the cabling and the Magic Eyes. As you can't avoid at least one UHF carrier on the connection, interesting to see what the eye gets back on a length of speaker cable. The impedance mismatch must be horrendous. How did you think the magic eye manages to remotely control the Sky box - Magic yes it should work. if no tv signals are being carried. eg if hdmi is being used for that. i think the ir pulses are just changed into low frequency tones. nothing fancy. the frequency used has to be well below uhf ......