Splitting the TV cable signal

[kag]

I bought a splitter so I can have cable on two TVs. I bought a Philips four-way splitter that said "24k Gold Plated Connections". It was the only one on the shelf that looked "high quality", if I could say that.

I tried to see if I could see a difference in the image, and I couldn't really tell. But usually when is it a good idea to add a signal amplifier? If I have a four-way splitter and I only use two outputs, am I going to have the same signal strenght as if I would have a two-way splitter with both outputs used?

I also got "RG6 Quad Shield" coax cable, which seems to be also of good quality. What does that mean?

 

[T3C]

You should be fine and notice no real diffrence at all. At least from my experince.
I have one cable line coming in. Split into two "installed by cable guy. I then took one of the leads off the spliter and split it again, One going to cable modem the other going to the TV. I have 2 TV's and my internet all running off spliters. You should be fine.

 

[kag]

One thing I only thought on my way back, is that the TV was previously connected to the wall with a cable that the cable guy installed, which is really thick. I bought a new cable to use for my second TV to the splitter. But I forgot to buy a good short cable to use from the wall to the splitter. I used an el-cheapo cable that I had here... maybe that could be deteriorating the signal.

 

[ScottMac]

If you're using a four-way splitter, then it spits the signal four-ways, whether you're only using two (or three, or one).

Either get a two-way split, or at least get some terminators for the unused ports. They'e cheap, and frequently sold in two or four-packs.

If you decide to use an amplified splitter (really a four-way amp), then it should go into the line as early as possible. If you're using a cable modem, then you can either do a two-way split, amp one side for TV, the other side goes directly to the cable modem ....

OR

You can get a bidirectional amp (4-way ~US$75-100) and put it inline immediately after the cablecome into the house. Feed all lines (TV and Cable modem) from the taps of the amp.


Good Luck

Scott

 

[kag]

Is this what you are talking about?

 

[Kenazo]

Originally posted by: ScottMac
If you're using a four-way splitter, then it spits the signal four-ways, whether you're only using two (or three, or one).
Scott

Are you sure about this? Doesn't the splitter just splice in a parrallel connection? In which case there is only going to be a change in resistance if the parrallel circuits are complete, thus if only two of the 4 connections are used, it is not as poor off.

Keep in mind that I don't know how these splitters are made, just how it should work based on my understanding.

 

[ScottMac]

Yes, I'm sure. It's a passive splitter, it's a power divider, that's it's job.

If you look at each of those "out" connections, you're likely to find a legend that says something like "-7.5" or some similar number from "-6" to "-8.5" That's the db loss per connector (whether something is connected or not, theat's the drop of each connection).

-3db represents half of the input power, a four-way split shold be ~ -6db, plus the loss of the connectors and the splitting network (could be ~.5 - 1.5 .... depends on the quality).

Leaving the unused ports unterminated *may* have negative side effects (noise mostly), as a matter of practice, they are usually terminated (little caps with an "F" connector and a 75 ohm resistor across it).

Good Luck

Scott

 

[kag]

It only says "Four-way Digital Splitter" and then "5-2300Mhz". Nothing about db's.

 

[EyeMWing]

You don't need power amps until you have about 6 outlets (I have 14. Reception at the end of the tree is HILLARIOUSLY poor)