FAQ
TL;DR: Don’t split one coax with a tee; fix by separate feeds or SCR/Unicable. Budget ~130 PLN, and “In decoders, you start Unicable 1 and Unicable 2.” [Elektroda, 1098678, post #16950083]
Why it matters: This FAQ helps Cyfrowy Polsat Multiroom users quickly fix no-signal or either‑decoder‑works issues without guesswork.
Quick Facts
- Each tuner/decoder needs its own cable from the LNB; avoid tees. [Elektroda, Antenak, post #16949747]
- To feed 2–4 decoders from one dish, use a Twin/Quad LNB or separate dishes. [Elektroda, Pedros050, post #16949738]
- Multiroom additional decoders require periodic activation by swapping the smart card as instructed. [Elektroda, Pedros050, post #16949738]
- SCR/Unicable option: use an SCR LNB plus splitters rated to ~2040 MHz with power pass; cost ~130 PLN. [Elektroda, 1098678, post #16950083]
- Real-world fix: running a new direct cable resolved the issue entirely for the OP. [Elektroda, Maratt, post #16956500]
Why does one decoder show a picture and the other goes blank when both are connected?
You’re splitting one satellite feed with a tee. The decoders fight for voltage/band switching, so only one locks signal. Run separate coax from the LNB for each tuner or use an SCR/Unicable setup. The OP saw exactly this symptom when using a tee. [Elektroda, Maratt, post #16949660]
Can I use a simple TV ‘tee’ or passive splitter on a satellite cable?
No. Satellite decoders control the LNB with 13/18 V and 22 kHz. A tee lets commands collide, causing loss of picture. Use one dedicated coax per tuner, or adopt SCR/Unicable with proper splitters. “For each tuner a separate cable from the antenna, no tee.” [Elektroda, Antenak, post #16949747]
What LNB do I need to connect two Cyfrowy Polsat decoders from one dish?
Use a Twin LNB and run two separate coax lines, one to each decoder. For three or four decoders, use a Quad LNB. This avoids band/polarity conflicts and keeps both receivers stable. “You need a Twin converter for two inputs.” [Elektroda, Antenak, post #16950054]
Is there a way to run multiple decoders over one cable?
Yes—use an SCR/Unicable LNB plus rated splitters. Enable Unicable in each decoder’s menu. The suggested setup used splitters up to ~2040 MHz with power pass, with a typical hardware cost around 130 PLN. “Start Unicable 1 and Unicable 2.” [Elektroda, 1098678, post #16950083]
Do all Cyfrowy Polsat decoders support Unicable (SCR)?
No. Some models may lack Unicable support. One participant noted that only the Evo model supported Unicable in their experience. Verify your exact decoder model before buying SCR gear. This is a common edge case that breaks shared-cable plans. [Elektroda, Antenak, post #16951758]
How do I activate an additional Multiroom HD decoder?
Follow this 3‑step card procedure: 1. Remove cards from both decoders. 2. Insert the main decoder’s card into the additional decoder and wait for unlock. 3. Return each card to its correct decoder. Repeat for each extra decoder as needed. [Elektroda, Pedros050, post #16949738]
Will adding a second direct cable actually fix the issue?
Yes. The thread author replaced the tee with a new direct run from the dish and the problem disappeared. Separate feeds eliminate voltage and band conflicts and stabilize both receivers. This is the simplest and most reliable remedy reported. [Elektroda, Maratt, post #16956500]
Can I keep one dish and still connect multiple decoders?
Yes. Either use a Twin/Quad LNB with dedicated cables, or keep one cable and switch to an SCR/Unicable LNB with proper splitters. Using separate dishes is also possible but rarely necessary when the correct LNB is installed. [Elektroda, Pedros050, post #16949738]
What splitters should I buy for an SCR/Unicable installation?
Choose satellite splitters rated to about 2040 MHz and with DC power pass. They allow the LNB to receive control voltage and tones. Pair them with an SCR/Unicable LNB, then enable Unicable in your decoder menus. [Elektroda, 1098678, post #16950083]
I still lose signal after wiring correctly—what should I check?
Confirm each decoder has its own LNB output, connectors are crimped cleanly, and no tee remains inline. If sharing one cable, verify Unicable mode and the correct user band settings per decoder. Replace any non‑rated splitter. [Elektroda, Antenak, post #16949747]
Do I ever need a second dish instead of a new LNB?
You can use separate dishes to isolate feeds, but it’s usually simpler to fit a Twin/Quad LNB on one dish. That supports multiple decoders without alignment headaches or extra mounts. It’s a supported approach for Multiroom. [Elektroda, Pedros050, post #16949738]
What’s the fastest low-cost fix if I’m not changing hardware?
Run a second coax directly from the dish’s LNB to the additional decoder, bypassing any tee. This mirrors the OP’s successful fix and costs only the cable and connectors. It restores full, independent control to both decoders. [Elektroda, Maratt, post #16956500]
Why do decoders need independent cables in non‑SCR setups?
Each decoder commands the LNB’s band and polarization. Sharing one line causes conflicts, so only one decoder tunes correctly at a time. Dedicated cables prevent these clashes and keep both receivers stable. [Elektroda, Antenak, post #16949747]
What menu settings should I change when migrating to Unicable?
Enable Unicable (SCR) in each decoder and assign different Unicable user bands. The thread guidance mentions using Unicable 1 and Unicable 2 for two devices. Match your splitter and LNB to SCR specs. [Elektroda, 1098678, post #16950083]
How can I tell if my problem is the tee splitter?
If one decoder only works when the other is unplugged, the tee is the culprit. This behavior points to control signal conflicts on a shared line. Replace the tee with either a second cable or an SCR solution. [Elektroda, Maratt, post #16949660]
