Can you recommend a video distribution amp/splitter? (for Coax RG-6 cable)

[MichaelD]

For the purpose of amplifying and distributing a video signal througout a house from one central location. (Comm Closet). Looking for about 8 drops or so...

I know where to find them...Radio Shack, HD, etc, but I was wondering if anyone had any personal experience with a particular brand/model that they would recommend?

Thanks.

 

[Night201]

Would this work for you?

4-Way Splitter Amplifier

 

[MichaelD]

Nice pic! Thanks.

Yeah, that would work, but I guess I need to do more research. I read something about making sure the amp is a high-bandwith one, so that it can amplify digital signals....

Thanks though.

 

[Night201]

I don't know how much they cost. I could look it up and give you a nice deal. Let me know. I'll offer it to you before I put it up on FS/T.

 

[nightowl]

Most Radio Shack's probably will not have a splitter with enough outputs on it. The one I worked at did but that was because we were a franchise store and carried products other than Radio Shack. So, I would probably look online for a large enough splitter. The amps at Radio Shack are of pretty good quality though. We used them almost exclusively in all of the installs that we did. For your case, I would suggest one high gain amp going to your splitter. This splitter would probably work fine.

Edit: What kind of digital signals are you looking at amplifying? HDTV signals?

 

[MichaelD]

Originally posted by: nightowl
Most Radio Shack's probably will not have a splitter with enough outputs on it. The one I worked at did but that was because we were a franchise store and carried products other than Radio Shack. So, I would probably look online for a large enough splitter. The amps at Radio Shack are of pretty good quality though. We used them almost exclusively in all of the installs that we did. For your case, I would suggest one high gain amp going to your splitter. This splitter would probably work fine.

Edit: What kind of digital signals are you looking at amplifying? HDTV signals?

Thanks, Nightowl. Yes, possibly HDTV in the future...heck, DEFINITELY HDTV in the future!

I just found out I need an amp/splitter that is bi-directional as some things like DSS receivers and dishes pass info back and forth.

I wonder if I should get a separate splitter and amp or an all-in-one? This crap is confusing....

BTW, Nightowl, thanks for the PartsExpress link. I forgot about them and will probably buy my stuff there! Thanks!

 

[cmetz]

Home Depot carries a variety of passive splitters that seem pretty reasonable and they go up to a fairly interesting number of splits (like six or eight). No amplified ones though, and if you're doing lots of splits that might be important.

 

[MichaelD]

Originally posted by: cmetz
Home Depot carries a variety of passive splitters that seem pretty reasonable and they go up to a fairly interesting number of splits (like six or eight). No amplified ones though, and if you're doing lots of splits that might be important.

Yep, it is. Each time you split, you lose db's of signal strength.

I found something perfect. Unfortunately, it costs $217.00.

I think a $20 splitter and a $80 is more along my budget. Sheesh, the things I go thru to be a techie-geek.

 

[nightowl]

Michael, when combining the satelite signal in with the regular TV signal you cannot split it in between the diplexers. If you do you will not get the satelite signal at your intended destination. If you are planning on running all of your cables to a central distribution point you can combine the satelite signal in with the normal TV signal after the splitter and then you need to splite the TV signal back out from the satelite signal when you get to your TV. Also, most of the 18" dishes today come with dual LNBs that pull off 2 satelites. This can cause problems when using the diplexers and sometimes it will not work with the supplied LNBs that are included (I know this was the case with Dish Network because their Dual LNB system that was integrated into one unit). If you have any question just let me know.

 

[MichaelD]

I didn't know that, nightowl. Thanks! I don't plan on having a satellite dish, but would like to allow for future possiblities.

My cable provider currently offers digital cable with a limited number of HDTV channels. I want to ensure that I will be able to take advantage of that when the time comes.