| Author |
Thread: Cable Splitter |
    
mills014 Unregistered guest |
| Posted on Tuesday, April 05, 2005 - 09:43 pm: |
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I plan to split my cable 3 times: 1 cable to a CRT TV, 1 cable to an HD digital cable box and then to the HDTV, and the other directly to the HDTV for the sake of getting PIP. I saw the following 3-way Monster splitter (link to monster cable's description of the splitter:
3-way Monster cable Low-loss splitter
(Monster Cable TGHZ-3RF 3-Way Low-Loss RF Splitter for TV and Satellite, 2 GHz)
It's 5 MgHz-2GHz bandwidth. I don't really know what these #'s mean though. Can you explain in laymen's terms? Assume I know nothing. What makes a splitter good (i.e. what should I look for when I buy a splitter for multiple TVs)? I don't want to lose signal.
On a related note, my current 2-way spltter from Comcast is 5MgHZ-1000MgHz. I bought a GE 3-way splitter at Circuit City that is 5Mghz-900 Mghz. I'm assuming this is worse so I will return it and probably get the Monster splitter listed above. Can I expect to see a benefit from teh additional $10 it costs?
Lastly, if I buy a 4-way splitter and only use 3 outputs, does the signal still get divided by 4 or will it get divided by 3? A 4-way splitter would provided added flexibility in case I wnated to add another TV down the road, but wouldn't be used right now. I don't want to do it if it weakens the signal though. |
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formerly xvxvxvx Unregistered guest |
| Posted on Tuesday, April 05, 2005 - 10:39 pm: |
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Using a splitter is like eating french fries at a bowling alley. You may purchase a full order but by the time the fries are gone you ate about half and your bowling buddies split up the rest.
The first tap off a splitter reduces the signal by 3.5 db or a little more than half. The 2nd tap is less half of the first, that is now less than 1/5 of the original signal. The third tap loses 10.5 db or about 1/12th of the original signal.
There is no free lunch so you need a pretty strong signal to use a three way splitter. The 5Mghz to 900Mhz splitter is fine for splitting RF from a cable signal. Your only problem is signal strength which can be cured by a preamp placed as close to where your cable enters the house as possible.
For about the price of that Monster 4 way splitter you can purchase a 4 output two way amplifier which is what I recommend.
PS: All the db levels above are precise, the percentages of loss on each leg are estimated but the message should be clear even without exact accuracy.
xvxvxvx
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mills014 Unregistered guest |
| Posted on Wednesday, April 06, 2005 - 12:06 am: |
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Thanks. So how do I determine if my signal strength is sufficient or not. I've split it 2 ways forever without any problem. With this additional information, would you still expect a 3-way splitter to have poor picture quality? How do I know if it's the signal or the cables or what? |
Bronze Member Username: Cableguy
Deep in the ...
U.S.
Post Number: 21
Registered: Mar-05
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| Posted on Wednesday, April 06, 2005 - 08:54 am: |
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call your cable company and have them check it
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Linda Allan Unregistered guest |
| Posted on Monday, August 01, 2005 - 08:53 pm: |
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Hi, I just found this thread in looking for the same answer as the above. I just bought an HDTV and I now have two regular tv's in the kids' rooms. I had only a regular splitter before and now I need a three way. My question is, I did not really understand the answer about how signal is reduced. Using made up numbers, does it go like this- start at 50db, then each leg has only 1/3 db minus the 5.7 db (from Monster site)so each tv gets almost 11db? If not right, could you use numbers in an example? My kids and I thank you for any help. My husband is stationed oversees and I'm not sure if he would know anyways. Thank you |
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| Posted on Monday, August 01, 2005 - 10:41 pm: |
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I believe your confusion is about the signal strength being cut in half by a splitter. Like above poster mentioned, the first split reduces the signal by 3.5 db or a little more than half. A reduction of 3 db means the signal is cut in half so 3.5 is a little more than half. If you split off this another 3.5 db is lost which again is more than half of the remaining signal. This would mean your signal at this point is less than 1/4th the original signal. It might be easier to think of a 2 way splitter in terms of a water hose. Put a splitter on a hose and you cut the strength in half. Another splitter would cut this half in half. At some point an amp is needed or there just won't be enough strenght left. In closing, to help you out the easiest way, buy a 3-way splitter where one leg only loses 3.5 db and the other two lose 7db. Hook your HDTV to the 3.5 leg and the childrens to the 7 legs. If the picture is acceptable you are done. If not, I'm afraid some sort of amplification will be necessary. Let us know how it goes. |
Unregistered guest |
| Posted on Friday, October 21, 2005 - 12:02 pm: |
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The information you have provided is nearly understanable to the more moronic reader (of which I number at least 3!!.) However, you did not answer one of the original questions:
"Lastly, if I buy a 4-way splitter and only use 3 outputs, does the signal still get divided by 4 or will it get divided by 3? A 4-way splitter would provided added flexibility in case I wnated to add another TV down the road, but wouldn't be used right now. I don't want to do it if it weakens the signal though"
my problem is that I have a cable coming in and there is a 2 way splitter but one output is not used. Would it help to remove the splitter and somehow splice the cable
Thanks for your help |
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| Posted on Friday, October 28, 2005 - 08:41 pm: |
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"my problem is that I have a cable coming in and there is a 2 way splitter but one output is not used. Would it help to remove the splitter and somehow splice the cable"
Even if one of the outputs is not used, the signal is still cut in half (actually a little bit more than half). Easy solution is an inexpensive coax union available at Rat Shack. In your case though, a single splitter usually does not affect the quality of the picture. In the case of the person using a 4-way, it is definately better to use a 3-way if a 4th split is not needed. |
Unregistered guest |
| Posted on Saturday, November 05, 2005 - 06:50 am: |
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In our complex, they have used thin coaxial cables for wiring RF signal.
Comparing with 75 ohm cables, their diameter is almost half.
How can I now it's characteristic without measuring?
How can I match these cables with 75 ohm cables?
The reason why i ask this question is that we can change some cables and not all.
We need to match impedance between two cable in joint.
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Unregistered guest |
| Posted on Friday, December 02, 2005 - 10:50 pm: |
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I need to split 1 incoming cable signal 7 times. I have 4 regular tv's, 1 HDTV, 1 cable modem and 1 to my tv card on the computer. I saw an 8-way amplified ,splitter at this site http://www.hometech.com/video/amp.html#CV-CVT28PIA, cost about $120.00. Do you think this will do the trick? |
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| Posted on Saturday, December 03, 2005 - 09:11 am: |
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Channel Vision amps are known to be of good quality. Only thing I would do different is your cable modem hook up. Use a tap from the main line directly to modem. Then, after the tap, split your signal 6 ways with a splitter. Usually modems have trouble with their return signal if they go through multi port splitters. |
New member Username: Slewpy
Post Number: 1
Registered: Dec-05
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| Posted on Saturday, December 03, 2005 - 10:54 pm: |
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I really like the 3x8 powered splitter by OnQ. As the previous poster said I split the incoming coax with a two way first - One lead to the modem and the second to the cable input on the 3x8. Then the remaining 8 leads on the splitter go off to the televisions. This will leave you with 2 open ports on the splitter if you wish to add some modulation to your system(ie a central dvd to view on a specific channel on all of your tvs.) Many more uses as well. |
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| Posted on Tuesday, January 03, 2006 - 05:46 pm: |
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As a point of reference, I have a three-way splitter (free from cableco) as soon as the cable enters my house.
I have one run of that split going to the front of my house, and split into two. I have one run of that split going to my HTPC being split into two separate tuners in my PC. Both additional splitters are $3 drugstore splitters.
All coax is Home Depot bulk, terminated myself by cheap screw-on F connectors.
Signal strength is consistantly 95-100% on all digital and HD channels.
Don't spend the money on fancy amplifiers. First check to see if the $3 drugstore splitter will do the trick. |
Silver Member Username: Cableguy
Deep in the ...
U.S.
Post Number: 567
Registered: Mar-05
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| Posted on Wednesday, January 04, 2006 - 04:33 pm: |
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anonymous~ although you may have found that the cheap $3 drugstore splitter and the bulk Home Depot coax with cheap screw on connectors is working, I'm pretty sure if there is any type of signal leakage program by your cable providers they will detect the "cheap" components by any signal leakage. Don't take this as a trash on what you did, it is not my intention, I'm just making sure that people know both sides of the story. I never complain about customers that take it upon themselves to do their own wiring. I only point out why they shouldn't have done it "this way", or could have done it better "that way". There is a reason cable companies use crimp or compression connectors in their systems and not the screw on cheap ones. |
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| Posted on Thursday, January 05, 2006 - 03:33 pm: |
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cableguy,
I'm a little confused by what you wrote.
How will the cableco detect a 'signal leakage' in my house?
Why would I care anyway?
I'm not going to argue that what I have is of higher quality than compression fittings, but I was not about to spend $100 on the tools to create them.
I was simply offering a low-cost option, especially considering that I can't see a difference between the two anyway. |
Silver Member Username: Cableguy
Deep in the ...
U.S.
Post Number: 571
Registered: Mar-05
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| Posted on Thursday, January 05, 2006 - 04:37 pm: |
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Anonymous, all cable providers in the U.S. are required to monitor signal leakage due to FCC requirments. Why would you care? because if your house has a significant leak, they cable company has the right to shut your cable signal off until they can get in your home and correct the problem. Don't get me wrong, I'm not slamming on you, like I said, in fact more power to you. I'm just making sure you understand that improperly done connections can cause problems in the system. If your cable company is agressive in tracking cable signal leakages like the one I work for, you may get a nice note from them saying they need to get in to find out why there is a leak at your house. If they can't get in, they shut you off until they can get in. The way they detect the leaks is by putting an audio warble at a frequency on the cable that can be detected by a leakage detector, it's not detectable unless you have a leakage detector that is set up on the frequency they are broadcasting. As for the $ amount, a good set of crimpers run about $20-30...but I'm not going to argue semantics at this point either...like I said, I think it's neat when people do things themselves, no problems with that at all, just making you aware that problems can be created when not done properly. No ill will.
regards, |
John Denkman Unregistered guest |
| Posted on Thursday, January 05, 2006 - 05:37 pm: |
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Need your expertise on splitting with a tap cableguy,
My son replaced the splitters in my house which improved the signals except for my last tv. I also have a cable modem at the first split. He says my modem has too much signal and the last tv has too little which can easily be fixed with a #9 tap to my modem. I went to all the stores to find this tap but all they had were regular splitters. The guy at Radio Shack said they were easy to find on the internet. Could you post a link to a #9 tap to buy since I am clueless as to which one works with a modem? Thank you for any assistance. |
New member Username: Mrcmt26
Staten island,
Ny
Post Number: 6
Registered: Dec-05
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| Posted on Thursday, January 05, 2006 - 06:11 pm: |
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cable guy the problem i was having with the toshiba was that she was complaining about missing channels. some times she would get all of the channels she subscribed to the she would only get anolog channels. ny1 and then skip to tbs which are our anolog channels,then everything would come back. I also did that pioneer with the seperate unit for the cable card,but it is not working still. I did the install last week. I'm going back tommorrow for a service call. When i get the model # i'll give you a post. |
New member Username: Mrcmt26
Staten island,
Ny
Post Number: 7
Registered: Dec-05
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| Posted on Thursday, January 05, 2006 - 06:14 pm: |
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John, you could use a dc-8 or 9 coupler depending on the signal on the foward and return going to the modem. i suggest you make a service call with your local cable company to come and check your house. |
New member Username: Mrcmt26
Staten island,
Ny
Post Number: 8
Registered: Dec-05
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| Posted on Thursday, January 05, 2006 - 06:16 pm: |
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Cable guy, I know your a legend on this website so dont think i'm stepping on your toes or any thing. This is just a great website for consumers and technicians to get some information. Also looks like you could use some help with some of overload of questions you get. |
Silver Member Username: Cableguy
Deep in the ...
U.S.
Post Number: 573
Registered: Mar-05
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| Posted on Friday, January 06, 2006 - 08:15 am: |
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bill~ thanks  , the problem you are describing with Toshiba is best handled by Toshiba. There is a software update available, but from what I hear about it, there are a few more bugs to work out. Have them ask for a guy named Paul when they call customer service, he's pretty reliable with his knowledge of cc's.
John~ go to eBay, search for a Regal DC-9 directional coupler for coax cable...there is somebody on the site selling them for $5.49 and free shipping.
bill ~part II~ I don't think I'm a legend on this website, please don't elevate me to that lofty status as I don't like getting shot down lol. I help when I can, and learn when I can't, so I can help the next time. There are some good people on this site that have helped me along the path... btw fx, if you're out there...Happy New Year bud
It's nice to see another cable tech, as it's always good to share knowledge with other cable workers...one thing our industry lacks is good knowledge of this high end equipment. take care and see ya round the postings. |
New member Username: Mrcmt26
Staten island,
Ny
Post Number: 9
Registered: Dec-05
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| Posted on Friday, January 06, 2006 - 08:42 am: |
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we called toshiba and they said the new software for the tv is available on the 16th of this month. the tv has 1.1.2 and the new one he said was 1.1.28. but its been 3 days and the customer did not call back yet. thanks |
Silver Member Username: Cableguy
Deep in the ...
U.S.
Post Number: 575
Registered: Mar-05
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| Posted on Friday, January 06, 2006 - 11:26 am: |
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sweet! keep me posted I've got a few people here that need to get updated as well. |
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| Posted on Thursday, January 12, 2006 - 08:43 pm: |
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Hi does anyone have an idea about splitting a satellite signal to 3 tv's total. I went into Radio Shack and they sold me a splitter with four outs and one in from satellite. I have connected all tvs, the first has great reception, the second and third nothing. I was wondering if I need a booster of some kind. Any ideas. Thanks |
Silver Member Username: Cableguy
Deep in the ...
U.S.
Post Number: 595
Registered: Mar-05
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| Posted on Friday, January 13, 2006 - 08:07 am: |
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You might consider taking this thread over to the satellite section of the site. |
ukannie anonymous! Unregistered guest |
| Posted on Friday, January 13, 2006 - 01:27 pm: |
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Cableguy, thanks for replying. How exactly do I do that. I am a single female. But quite knowledgable and usually able to do things without the assistance of anybody else. Thanks |
Silver Member Username: Cableguy
Deep in the ...
U.S.
Post Number: 598
Registered: Mar-05
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| Posted on Friday, January 13, 2006 - 02:22 pm: |
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ukannie~ if you're asking how do you go over to the satellite thread and post this question just click this link and ask your question in there the same way you did in here.
http://forum.ecoustics.com/bbs/messages/2/35.html
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John Denkman Unregistered guest |
| Posted on Friday, January 13, 2006 - 05:15 pm: |
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Many thanks for your help cableguy. The 9 tap arrived from ebay and now everything works great. Thank you |
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| Posted on Friday, February 03, 2006 - 12:12 am: |
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What is the result of an overamplified Signal? I currently have a 3-way splitter and a signal amplifer. I am interested in powering an HDTV, 2 LoDTV and a Cable Modem... Any suggestions on sequencing? |
JohnA2006 Unregistered guest |
| Posted on Thursday, February 09, 2006 - 04:40 pm: |
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Cableguy, ive been reading your posts and find that you may be the guy to help with some of my problems
1. I have 7 tv's in my home, when i purchased the house it was new construction and came with a verizon ready hub box. Lately the meter by the adjustment keeps changing from the setting that i adjust it to
2. I have digital cable with a HD dvr box in the family room and a HD box on another set, the rest of the house has basic cable. My Picture on the family room tv keeps distorting or tiling. Its a HD crt tube tv, it was perfect then needed a circuit board. Ever since then things are going on. The tv guy says its the cable signal that was changed to digital, The cable guy says its not the cable. I keep thinking its the verizon box.
3. recently my cable internet keep going down. the modem is hooked after the verizon box, so im going to change that and split it from the main cable, 1 to the modem and 1 to the verizon box. http://www.verizoncsi.com/pdfs/d_series_users_guide.pdf#search='verizon%20ready%20hub'
How do you feel about those verizon box's and would it be better to invest in the channel vision splitter and what splitter should i use to split the main coming in to modem and to verizon box. Keep in mind im not to savvy on splitters, like a 9 tap, not sure what that means. Thank you |
sallyjones Unregistered guest |
| Posted on Friday, February 10, 2006 - 04:44 pm: |
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if i have one cable box that is under a subscrition at another house (A). can that box be use at another house (B), which would be connected to a single split line which already has one cable box that is serviced with every channel (premium channels, on demand). Is this illegal and can the cable company detect that this box is taking signal from House (B) which it is not subscribed to. |
New member Username: Tech7470
Staten island,
Ny
Post Number: 10
Registered: Jan-06
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| Posted on Saturday, February 11, 2006 - 06:19 pm: |
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if it is a digital box most likely the cable company can see the box. If the box is in the same area like around the corner or next door you should not have a problem depending on the system. If you are in new york i can give you a better answer. you should be more specific. like what kind of box it is and how far are you going with the box. |
Unregistered guest |
| Posted on Tuesday, February 28, 2006 - 02:15 pm: |
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Hi. I just signed up for cable TV, VOIP phone, and broadband internet thru the same cable provider. I'm switching over from DISH TV and dial up internet, so I can get broadband internet. My home, built in 1962, is not wired for cable. I need advice on how to wire it before the cable guy comes on March 17.
I have 3 home computers hooked up by wireless g. So I'll hook up my first floor office computer to the cable modem, and let the other computers use the cable modem to access the internet thru my wireless g network.
I have a main TV room on the first floor where I'll hook up my cable DVR provided by the cable company. I have TVs with built in tuners in a second room on the first floor, 1 in the basement, and 4 in the second floor bedrooms (7 TVs total).
Finally, I'm subsribing to VOIP telephone service thru this same cable provider. My phone jacks are already wired with standard telephone wire.
I'd appreciate your advice on what cable wire to use, splitters, amps, wall plate covers, etc., so that I can wire the home with my brothers' help before March 17. From what I've read on your site, it seems like I should go with RG6 solid copper wire throughout the home. I'd appreciate a layout that I can follow.
I plan on using standard length wires with factory installed ends (25', 50' etc.), and not do any crimping myself. If I only need 20' of a 25' cable, so that 5' sits coiled up in the attic, will that degrade my signal? Would it be better to cut to exact needed lengths and crimp on ends?
The basement ceiling and attic above the second floor bedrooms are open, and that's where I plan on making my connections and splits. I'm drywalling the basement ceiling this spring to finish my basement, so my basement cabling will no longer be accessable. That's why I need to do all my cable work now, even if I don't use all 7 TV outlets.
I'd appreciate any advice you can give. Thanks. Michael |
New member Username: Lmdamuth
Post Number: 1
Registered: Mar-06
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| Posted on Saturday, March 11, 2006 - 01:38 pm: |
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I have been having intermittent problems with my cable for years. The cable techs have been here a dozen times. Each guy has a different suggestion as to what the problem is. I have:
rewired the house completely with RG6 Quad Shield Cable
replaced all of the splitters
all connections are Thomas and Betts Snap-n-seal.
I have a cable company supplied amplifier at the point that the cable enters the house. From that there is a 2 way splitter at 3.5 dB each then to a second 3 way splitter, one @ 3.5 db goint to my cable modem and two 7 dB going to televisions. All of the tv's work, but the cable modem craps out every day at around noon then comes back on at around 7:00 pm.
Any suggestions? |
New member Username: Rf_tech
Post Number: 1
Registered: Mar-06
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| Posted on Saturday, March 11, 2006 - 08:56 pm: |
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To: Mike D
I have more Questions about your set up.
Ask the cable techs that come out to your house
when the last maintenance sweep was done for your cable node.
If everything has been changed at your house(The drop from the tap to your house
ground block, and all your outlets) Then the Maintenance Dept. of the cable company should be able to trouble shoot where the problem is located. If you are having the problem talk to your neighbors to the left and the right up to five houses down on each side because they should be having the same issue. Sound like the feeder cable going down the street.
Ask To have the presence of the are supervisor
at the next service call |
New member Username: Lmdamuth
Post Number: 2
Registered: Mar-06
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| Posted on Sunday, March 12, 2006 - 03:25 pm: |
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Thanks for the suggestion. The cable company is coming out today (SUNDAY BELIEVE IT OR NOT). I have requested that a supervisor accompany the tech. I don't know if that will happen, but I requested it.
I failed to mention a couple of things:
1. The cable company has tested all of my internal wiring for signal leak. They have not shared any results, other than to say that everything looks good inside.
2. They replaced the feed line coming from the pole to the house last December.
3. The last time the cable company came out, they recommended that I replace my cable modem with a new Motorola SB5120, which I did.
I think that is all, but I'll let you know if I think of anything else.
Your recommendation about the maintenance sweep makes a lot of sense. I'll ask the tech to do that when he comes in today. (My suspicion is that the problem is at the node.)
Thanks again for your feedback. |
New member Username: Lmdamuth
Post Number: 3
Registered: Mar-06
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| Posted on Sunday, March 12, 2006 - 06:30 pm: |
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The lead tech came out from the cable company. He checked each connection including wiring to vcr's etc. I had overlooked a couple of things that he found and corrected including some manufacturer supplied rg59u leads that had the old style antenna leads attached. He also found some other minor signal leaks at one of the splitters. Also, one of the connections to a analog cable box was getting some noise, so he installed a noise filter. This seems to have cleared up some interference issues on ch's 6, 10 and 12.
I guess we will have to wait and see if the modem issue reoccurs.
Any suggestions for a next step if this doesn't solve the problem?
Thanks again for your help.
ps, I mentioned the maintenance sweep. He said that is a big deal to get done, and is a last resort. |
New member Username: Rf_tech
Post Number: 5
Registered: Mar-06
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| Posted on Monday, March 20, 2006 - 07:59 pm: |
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To Mike D.
My next suggestion is for a Maintenance tech to take a look at the problem in the street, from tap to tap.
How much time have you lost in trying to get this problem fixed. Time is still Money;right?
What is the agreement for service with your provider? Somewhere they spelled out what service they will provide for your money each month. |
New member Username: Sjshandyman
Reisterstown,
Maryland
USA
Post Number: 1
Registered: Jun-06
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| Posted on Wednesday, June 07, 2006 - 10:50 pm: |
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OK, I am new here, and a little confused. We just had the cable company here to add another box. I have a single line entering my house that I had split to six individual lines each at -11dB. The cable guy disconnected from the 6 way to a 3 way (each out-put says 7dB). One of those goes to another splitter that has each out-put marked as -5dB. My question is, am I supposed to have a better signal with his set up, or should I re-wire back to my original 6-way -11dB splitter? (Is -11dB stronger out-put than -7 or -5dB?)
Thanks for reading! Steve Smith |
Silver Member Username: Formerly_fx
Dallas,
Tx
Post Number: 124
Registered: Mar-06
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| Posted on Thursday, June 08, 2006 - 12:02 pm: |
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It is not relevant. What is relevant is if you are currently satisfied with the picture quality from all the legs. Are you? If so leave well enough alone.
If you must know for every 3db the signal is reduced by 50% so you can compute the difference yourself. You nust also consider that a signal splitter is not 100% efficient so if you have a two way splitter each leg will be -3.5db instead of -3db each due to the inefficiency of the conversion.
xvxvxvx |
Silver Member Username: Cableguy
Deep in the ...
U.S.
Post Number: 774
Registered: Mar-05
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| Posted on Thursday, June 08, 2006 - 04:04 pm: |
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"(Is -11dB stronger out-put than -7 or -5dB?)
"
-7+-5= -12. 1 dB of signal loss is exactly what xvxvxvx said "not relevant". If 1 dB is making things worse, there's other issues and the splitters aren't a factor. Is the picture better or worse then before? If it's no different...don't worry about it. If I had a customer who had 6 outlets connected, and only 2 of them had STB's, I would split the signal the exact same way, using the first 3 way to feed the 2 STB's, and the remaining leg to feed the downstream splitter for all the other TV's that don't have a STB. It's not often I do it that way, but options are nice when a customer doen't want to pay for an amplifier, there are other ways to get better quality if the tech knows how to use the space between his/her ears |
New member Username: Sjshandyman
Reisterstown,
Maryland
USA
Post Number: 2
Registered: Jun-06
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| Posted on Wednesday, June 14, 2006 - 04:43 pm: |
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Sorry about not posting quicker, had glitch with server...Cableguy - The picture appears ok on lower channels, but worse-pixelated or not even there on digital box- on upper channels. I think I will attempt to re-connect to 6-way splitter to test the picture quality. If that does not work, I will have to call Comcast or even look at amplifiers. |
New member Username: Underdog2001
Post Number: 1
Registered: Jul-06
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| Posted on Saturday, July 01, 2006 - 12:58 pm: |
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sorry i am new to the site, but i am wanting to split my cable 3 times, once for my modem and two tvs suggestions on what to get, and what if i wanted to add another tv |
New member Username: Mkla
Post Number: 1
Registered: Jul-06
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| Posted on Monday, July 10, 2006 - 01:38 pm: |
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There was a post a while back about symptoms of an overamplified signal but looks like it never got a reponse. I'm just wondering if there are "dangers" of overamplifying. I have an 8-way amplified splitter that was installed in our new home, but when I use it, the TV signals are aweful (it looks like a cheap amplifier - generic appearing - they've replaced it once and no diff). So I'm currently just using a 3-way splitter (-3.5 to HDTV, -7 to cable modem and other TV) and bypassing the amp. This provides better signal than using the supplied amp but still not a great picture. Also, I'd like to add more TVs in the future. So I'd like to purchase an amp, but they seem to vary in dB - some up to 30 dB. Is there a risk of overamplifying the signal and damaging the tvs (HDTV or regular def)? Also, any rec's on a good amp. Thanks |
New member Username: Davidf
Post Number: 1
Registered: Jul-06
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| Posted on Monday, July 10, 2006 - 02:15 pm: |
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Help. I just bought a house with a lot of splitters. My cable tv looks fine but the cable modem won't stay online (I've tried a new modem -same problem). I suspect there are too many splits to the modem (1-2way, 1-3way,1-2way). Would a amplifier work - has anyone had success with amplifiers and cable modem? |
New member Username: Mkla
Post Number: 2
Registered: Jul-06
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| Posted on Monday, July 10, 2006 - 02:30 pm: |
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David - make sure the line to your modem comes off the first split. I think that will fix your problem. |
New member Username: Davidf
Post Number: 2
Registered: Jul-06
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| Posted on Monday, July 10, 2006 - 02:53 pm: |
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Thanks - I'll give that a try. However, doesn't each split affect the signal quality of all previous splits?
It was my understanding that each split affects the overall quality of all lines - true? |
New member Username: Mkla
Post Number: 3
Registered: Jul-06
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| Posted on Monday, July 10, 2006 - 04:32 pm: |
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Not exactly. Signal will only degrade downstream (or beyond) the split, not upstream (in the same way that an amplifier will only amplify signal downtream from the the amplifier, not upstream). Because your modem is probably the most sensitive piece of equipment you have (with respect to signal degredation), that should be the first off the split. Next should be an HDTV or Digital Cable box or DVR, if applicable. The last splits then go to your standard cable sets since they are the least sensitive. If your cable picture is fine (even after all of those splits) you probably don't need to waste money on an amp. |
Bronze Member Username: Wanabtech
Post Number: 42
Registered: Apr-06
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| Posted on Tuesday, July 11, 2006 - 07:24 am: |
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Splitters do affect your return. Hence the very reason to have the modem off of the first split. |
New member Username: Mkla
Post Number: 4
Registered: Jul-06
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| Posted on Tuesday, July 11, 2006 - 02:18 pm: |
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Thanks for clarifying. I was actually just thinking in terms of the direction of the signal in relation to the splitter (upstream / downstream) - so signal coming to the modem will be affected as it goes through subsequent splits (downstream of the splits) and signal from the modem back to the cable company will be degraded by subsequent splits -- again "downstream" from the splits, but this time travelling in the opposite direction. Sorry if I didn't clarify that earlier. I believe David's question (If I understood it correctly) was whether splits beyond the point where modem splits will affect that particular split, and it will not -- if a signal doesn't travel through a splitter (whether it's going to or from the cable source), it shouldn't be affected. But you are correct, it's likely the degraded signal going from the modem that's likely causing his internet to drop. |
New member Username: Davidf
Post Number: 3
Registered: Jul-06
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| Posted on Tuesday, July 11, 2006 - 08:53 pm: |
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Thanks all. I guess I know what I'll be doing this weekend. I was hoping to avoid crawling around in the attic running another line. The price you have to pay for broadband.
Thanks again - I'll give an update when it's done. |
New member Username: Mmichaud4
Post Number: 1
Registered: Jul-06
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| Posted on Monday, July 17, 2006 - 11:34 am: |
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OK...here we go. I have digital cable in my house along with High speed cable. All from the same company. Recently I have noticed a degradation in my Digital Cable. More specifically funny looking pics, certain stations that will not load, and On demand service that will not fully load. The tech support said they would have to send a tech out at a cost. I have one line coming into my house going into a 1 to 6 splitter the Digital Cable is hooked into one of those connections. I have no problems with the High speed internet and it is coming off of another splitter which is in line after the original split. Before I have the tech guy come out should I buy a 1 to four amplifier and run my Digital cable off of one, the Cable modem off of the other and then run the rest of the house (regular cable) of of the 1 to six splitter which is connected from the 1 to 4 amp? Whew!!! |
Silver Member Username: Formerly_fx
Dallas,
Tx
Post Number: 144
Registered: Mar-06
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| Posted on Monday, July 17, 2006 - 02:37 pm: |
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You should first run a direst cable to the display that is having troubles and see if it is working. If all your displays are working improperly and you haven't made any recent changes I would be surprised.
xvxvxvx |
New member Username: Atma
Post Number: 1
Registered: Jul-06
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| Posted on Monday, July 17, 2006 - 07:37 pm: |
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First, I wouldn't recommend buying a hardware store amp. If you're going to get an amplifier, get a decent, 15DB Drop Amplifier. You will need several jumpers to hook this up properly.
How it should be hooked up, roughly, is this
Modem
----<
Amplifier ----- CATV Outlets.
Don't amp your modem. It's bad. |
New member Username: Shlalaw
Post Number: 1
Registered: Jul-06
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| Posted on Saturday, July 22, 2006 - 11:56 pm: |
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-i have about the same setup. here's what i did to measurably improve my hdtv signal. the outside line is hooked up to a $4.50 directional coupler. the modem is run from the tap line on the coupler, and the out line on the coupler goes to a splitter, and then out to the tv sets, inclunding an hdtv set. the cable company had hooked it up bassackwards. |
New member Username: Moeschmoe
Post Number: 1
Registered: Jul-06
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| Posted on Tuesday, July 25, 2006 - 11:30 pm: |
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This discussion has been very helpful to me as well--I have a question though. Can you receive digital cable on every TV by inserting the amplified splitter on the line that comes out of the digital receiver before it goes into any TV?
Something tells me that this method of connecting violates terms of services. That's just my gut because the cable company I'm looking at says that if you want digital cable on more than one TV then you have to pay so much per month per receiver per TV.
Thoughts??? |
New member Username: Atma
Post Number: 3
Registered: Jul-06
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| Posted on Wednesday, July 26, 2006 - 01:36 am: |
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You could, but it would be relatively pointless. You would have to watch the same thing on every TV. |
New member Username: Jgenotte
Post Number: 2
Registered: Jul-06
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| Posted on Thursday, July 27, 2006 - 04:09 pm: |
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I am having problems with my digital cable. Last weekend I moved my entertainment center from one room to another and am only having problems in the new room.
The cable coming in is split 3 ways with the 3.5db out going to the new room. A cable then runs about 100 ft around the house to a wall jack in the new room. Another 50ft cable from the jack to a 2-way splitter. After the 2-way splitter I have a 6ft cable to a +10db amp and another 6ft cable to the cable box.
I am getting intermintent functionality on most channels but none at all on others. I realize that the total cable length is rediclous but I dont have much of a choice.
Should +10db be enough? Would another +10db in serries help? Any other suggestions?
Thanks much,
-james |
New member Username: Karenfromusa
Salt Lake City,
UT
Post Number: 1
Registered: Aug-06
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| Posted on Thursday, August 03, 2006 - 04:49 pm: |
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Hello,
I have a question along this discussion line. I have digital cable and High Speed Internet. I would like to split the cable where my computer is, so that I can watch a small 6" TV on the desk while I am working.
The problem is, the speed of my connection is critical to my job. I cannot afford any loss of speed. If I use an amplified splitter, will this make my Internet connection as fast as if it was directly connected? Also, where does a person buy an amplified splitter, and how much will a good one cost? Or, should I just skip it entirely, if there will still be some loss of speed no matter what splitter I use?
Thanks,
Karen |
New member Username: Ooofence
Post Number: 1
Registered: Aug-06
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| Posted on Wednesday, August 23, 2006 - 01:58 pm: |
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Question for cable guy: I was just told by Comcast that if I install an amplified splitter it has the potential to "blow out" my cable modem. Is this true? If it is true, what can I use to amplify the signal in my house? Thank you for your help |
Silver Member Username: Formerly_fx
Dallas,
Tx
Post Number: 158
Registered: Mar-06
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| Posted on Wednesday, August 23, 2006 - 03:05 pm: |
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I am not cableguy but why not install the amplifier after the cable modem?
xvxvxvx |
Silver Member Username: Cableguy
Deep in the ...
U.S.
Post Number: 825
Registered: Mar-05
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| Posted on Wednesday, August 23, 2006 - 04:16 pm: |
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xvxvxvx~ you're not me, but you're right on the money. Good to see ya posting again
Chris~ amplify after the split for your modem and life will be good. |
New member Username: Whiskeyd0g
Post Number: 1
Registered: Aug-06
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| Posted on Wednesday, August 23, 2006 - 10:37 pm: |
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Next week a tech from TW will be coming out to install a cable card for me, I will be getting HD television for the first time. But I would like to split my signal so that I can utilize PIP. Does anyone who has been in the same situation have any suggestions?? What are my options for PQ while still retaining two separate signals, plus my cable modem? What splitter would you suggest ? |
Silver Member Username: Cableguy
Deep in the ...
U.S.
Post Number: 826
Registered: Mar-05
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| Posted on Thursday, August 24, 2006 - 07:46 am: |
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One of the only options you're going to have is to split the signal and take one leg of the split to an aux. device like a vcr. Most of the cable card tv's don't allow both tuners to be connected to allow PIP to work when using a cable card. Take jvc and sharp for example, in order for the cable card to work both the analog and digital tuner need to be connected just for the cable card. This would leave you no other options for RF connections to your TV. This isn't true with all brands of tv's which is why I said "most" tv's won't allow this via RF. You can ask the installer if he can provide you with one, and if he can't you want to get at least a 1MgHz splitter. If you have another tuneable device like a vcr RF into that device then composite cables out to the TV, that way you can watch all analog channels via the vcr on a video input while having the cable card/tuner on the TV as the secondary picture. The PQ shouldn't be that significant of a loss by adding a 2-way splitter behind your TV, if it is you have other problems. |
New member Username: Say_what
Post Number: 8
Registered: Mar-06
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| Posted on Thursday, August 24, 2006 - 10:00 am: |
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I am sure it was a typo, but the splitter should be at least 1GHz. |
Silver Member Username: Cableguy
Deep in the ...
U.S.
Post Number: 827
Registered: Mar-05
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| Posted on Thursday, August 24, 2006 - 01:04 pm: |
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typo or not paying attention, thanks for correcting...say what? |
New member Username: Say_what
Post Number: 9
Registered: Mar-06
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| Posted on Thursday, August 24, 2006 - 03:09 pm: |
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No problem, Cableguy. Usually can't improve on your answers, just thought it might save some confusion. |
Silver Member Username: Cableguy
Deep in the ...
U.S.
Post Number: 829
Registered: Mar-05
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| Posted on Thursday, August 24, 2006 - 03:49 pm: |
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lol I was working on a modem problem and I had MgHz on the brain...is it Friday yet???? |
New member Username: Riggsjplugg
Post Number: 1
Registered: Sep-06
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| Posted on Thursday, September 14, 2006 - 10:29 am: |
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I have something to add to this. A question actually.
Do I need a special splitter to split Comcast's Digital Cable signal?
Line starts in house. Line connector on first splitters input is Red. Line going out to upstairs is red. Line going out to basement Digital Cable Box is blue on both ends. The cable used that feeds to the box in the basement is mine, but the Comcast engineer installed a blue connector (coax) on each end after he snipped of the originals. What do these colors mean?
I used to have a 2nd splitter after the first splitter. While the main splitter had a red connector for input still and a red connector on output going upstairs, the other side was sent to the 2nd cheap splitter with a regular $2.99 coax cable from radio shack or somewhere. Which was just fine for my AIW video card and basic cable straight to TV without a box. When I had that 2nd splitter hooked up, and added a digital cable box to the TV my digital cable box would not function. Comcast could not even send it a signal to reset it. They saw the box on, but could not reset it until I used just the single comcast splitter(WHICH WAS MY IDEA BTW), with all the comcast cables. Upon doing so the box immediatly clicked and reset. Works fine
I need a 2nd line in basement again. Should I get a decent three way splitter? I need some kind of advice. Not sure what the hell is going on but I am persuming that I have a crappy splitter and cable.
Out of ideas and don't want to blow cash on guessing. I want a signal amplifier too.
please help |
New member Username: Sparky3
Post Number: 1
Registered: Nov-06
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| Posted on Tuesday, November 07, 2006 - 04:58 pm: |
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I have a HDTV and a regular TV and also a modem to hook up through my cable. I would like to split my signal where it comes into the house with a 3 way splitter and run one line to the modem and then run the other two to the TVs. I also would like to use an amplifier as the one tv is a long run. I have had problems with the HDTV, sound drops and pixelation. My questions are as follows:
Am I correct in not running the modem signal through the amplifier.
You say not to buy a cheap store bought amplifier, but which one would you recommend?
Which type splitter do you recommend?
Can I buy an amplified 3 way splitter that you can connect to the modem, or bypasses the modem?
I appreciate any help you can give me. Thanks |
New member Username: Shlalaw
Post Number: 2
Registered: Jul-06
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| Posted on Tuesday, November 07, 2006 - 05:39 pm: |
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-find a directional coupler (regal is common). once connected to the outside line, the modem is run from the tap line (on the coupler). the out line (on the coupler) runs to a splitter which then splits to run to the tv sets, inclunding the hdtv. this hookup has worked great for me. |
New member Username: Jnye6625
Post Number: 1
Registered: Nov-06
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| Posted on Wednesday, November 15, 2006 - 12:30 am: |
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I am a college student and live in a duplex. I have one room mate in my apartment, and there are 3 living in the other. The cable company detected a leak and disconnected the cable to the other apartment (we are the apartment paying the bill). Is there a way that I can move the cable to the inside of the house as opposed to running it outside and do something so they can not detect how many TV's we have? Here is a list of what we need to hook up: 2 digital receivers, 4 tv's, and 1 cable modem. Any suggestions? |
Silver Member Username: Formerly_fx
Dallas,
Tx
Post Number: 191
Registered: Mar-06
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| Posted on Wednesday, November 15, 2006 - 10:31 pm: |
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"Any suggestions?"
Ever consider paying for the services? Thieves all think alike though, take any avenue to steal from others.
xvxvxvx |
New member Username: You_duke
Post Number: 1
Registered: Nov-06
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| Posted on Saturday, November 25, 2006 - 11:02 pm: |
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Cable guy. Is it ok to put a 8 way splitter on my cable line were it enters house. I have a modem , 2 hdtvs, and 4 more tvs. seems like signal is a little weak after adding the 8 way splitter. before I was using a 4 way, before adding more tvs. should I put an amp in front of my 8 way splitter or get a amp powered splitter. |
Silver Member Username: Cableguy
Somewhere on...
U.S.
Post Number: 875
Registered: Mar-05
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| Posted on Monday, November 27, 2006 - 08:16 am: |
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Stephen~ unless my math is wrong, 2hdtv+4more tvs=6, if you split off using a direct coupler for your DC, use the tap leg to feed the modem and the through leg to feed into a 2-way amplifier, then feed the amp directly into a 6 way splitter you should be good to go. It is important that you use a 2-way amplifier and not a 1-way, and you shouldn't amp your modem. That's how we roll where I work. |
New member Username: Mr_zed
Post Number: 1
Registered: Dec-06
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| Posted on Tuesday, December 12, 2006 - 12:28 pm: |
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As to signal strengths and splitters, I have a question about my new Vizio HDTV. Sometimes, when I turn it on, I get audio but no video. Then, I shut it off, turn it back on and -- voila -- both picture and audio. There's a splitter -- with coaxials to the TV and to the DVD/VCR set.
Do you think this could be a signal strength problem or a Vizio glitch? Vizio techs said the former. I suspect the former. It's from Costco so I can readily return it. |
Silver Member Username: Cableguy
Somewhere on...
U.S.
Post Number: 886
Registered: Mar-05
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| Posted on Tuesday, December 12, 2006 - 03:01 pm: |
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Simply turning off a TV and turning back on would have no effect on signal strength. You either have a good picture or you have a bad picture, but you wouldn't have no picture unless the splitter or signal was so bad it isn't enough to provide a picture. I'd have the TV checked out. |
New member Username: Edwin11423
Post Number: 1
Registered: Dec-06
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| Posted on Friday, December 15, 2006 - 12:33 pm: |
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i found this thread via google search and hope that you guys still read this from time to time! here goes:
i recently made the upgrade to hd and thus i now care about my cable connection. prior to going to hd, it was just a bunch of wires outside on the side of my house. i took a look at the splitter that the cable company has set up. it is a 3-way splitter.
1 output is listed as -8db and the other 2 outputs say -5b. now here's the question. as for which output i should be connecting my hd cable to, should i choose the -8db output or one of the -5db outputs? |
Silver Member Username: Cableguy
Somewhere on...
U.S.
Post Number: 888
Registered: Mar-05
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| Posted on Friday, December 15, 2006 - 04:16 pm: |
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The -5 is less the -8, which represents the amount of signal loss for those ports. Using the -5 would net you +3 over the -8, so if you're that worried about the signal strength take the -5. |
Bronze Member Username: Wanabtech
Post Number: 51
Registered: Apr-06
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| Posted on Friday, December 15, 2006 - 10:19 pm: |
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Be careful that you're not disturbing the line feeding the modem service. (providing you have modem service through your cable provider) |
New member Username: Thinkinghard
Post Number: 1
Registered: Dec-06
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| Posted on Saturday, December 16, 2006 - 12:53 am: |
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Hello all. I have a question. My cable company recently moved two channels that I'm fond of to a digital tier. I don't mind paying the extra $$ per month to go to digital, but the idea of paying to rent a converter for each tv really burns me. The question is - if I split the line and run one to a digital box on one tv and the other directly into another tv... will I be able to get basic channels on the second set? Will this upset the cable company? Any info greatly appreciated. |
Silver Member Username: Cableguy
Somewhere on...
U.S.
Post Number: 889
Registered: Mar-05
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| Posted on Monday, December 18, 2006 - 08:10 am: |
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If it's done properly, you shouldn't have any complaints. It's not illegal to run your own wiring, it's only illegal to still services. Running basic to an additional outlet is not considered theft of service (as long as you're splitting off your cable wire and not somebody else's lol) |
Silver Member Username: Cableguy
Somewhere on...
U.S.
Post Number: 890
Registered: Mar-05
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| Posted on Monday, December 18, 2006 - 08:11 am: |
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*steal not still, man it's too early |
New member Username: Thinkinghard
Post Number: 2
Registered: Dec-06
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| Posted on Wednesday, December 20, 2006 - 05:52 pm: |
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Thanks for the info. Five bucks less to have to give them... my kids aren't old enough to care about sports or VH1 Classic yet anyway. |
New member Username: Sama929
Mt. Prospect,
IL
Post Number: 1
Registered: Jan-07
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| Posted on Monday, January 01, 2007 - 03:21 am: |
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I have digital cable - WOW set it up, line in to a Genesys-II 2-way splitter (says 3.5dB for each out connector), one line to the cable modem for Internet and Phone. The other line to the dvr/cable box. All works fine. We have a dvr/digital cable box combo, a plain digital box and a plain analog box. Right now, we're not really using the second TV so I want to hook up BOTH the dvr/digital cable box combo and the plain digital box hooked to my tivo off the line, into different inputs on the TV.
I tried it with a 2-way splitter I grabbed at Walgreens (yeah, yeah) that has 3.7dB for both outs. It didn't work.
From what I've read here I'm going to take a wild guess - is that because I'd need the first splitter to be 3.5dB to the modem and like 7dB out to the cable boxes? (Or some other amount)
Any advice? Other than the digital channels, the rest of the features are working fine. (That had happened when WOW first installed the cable and put an inappropriate splitter on and it blocked (or didn't pass) the digital channels too.)
Thanks much, and happy new year!
Samantha |
New member Username: Seand85
Post Number: 1
Registered: Jan-07
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| Posted on Thursday, January 11, 2007 - 11:15 pm: |
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I just installed my LCD tv and on the HD channels there is the occassional problem of pausing (nearly unnoticeable, but noticeable...). I live in a dorm building, and I was wondering if amplifying the signal out of the wall before splitting it into the two inputs on the tv would fix this? Any suggestions? |
New member Username: Blk
Post Number: 1
Registered: Jan-07
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| Posted on Wednesday, January 31, 2007 - 06:18 pm: |
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Two previous posts raised questions regarding the potential effects of overamplification. I am wondering about this as well as several other related issues.
I have 4 TV's on cable, 2 with digital STB's. We have experienced intermittent problems with pixelation, complete loss of picture, freezing picture & audio dropouts on both TV's with STB's (only on digital channels). Our cable co has sent techs out 4 times in the last 2 months to try and resolve this. Initially, cheap splitters and cable component connectors (that I bought myself) were cited and they replaced them all at no charge. Overall picture quality improved -- more vivid image -- but the intermittent glitches remained.
My set-up uses a 4way splitter fed by a jumper from the ground block. At each TV with an STB, the outlet feeds a 2way splitter, to feed the STB and the DVD recorder/VCR, so we can watch one channel while recording another. So in addition to line losses we lose -7db at the 4way and another -3.5db at the 2way.
Finally, one tech said my signal was on the cusp, considering my set-up and installed a Motorola 15db amplifier. He padded it down with a 6db attenuator to ensure the signal was not too hot. Told me if that if it didn't solve the problem, I should not run my cable through the power bar as there is a further 2.3 db loss there (according to the APC website). The glitches remained, on both TV's at the same time, and even after bypassing the power bars.
The next tech bypassed the amp, then checked the outlet signal and the signal at the ground block and said it was OK, 12db at the ground block, 5db at the one outlet he tested. He said an overamplified signal can cause the same problems on digital channels as a weak signal. We subsequently tried it, after he left, running it without the amp for a while, but still got glitches. On a hunch, I thought if he was correct that an overamplified signal could cause these problems, that maybe we do need an amp but perhaps we are amplifying too much. He left me some 3 dB and 6 dB pads and I tried every possible combination, padding down the amp in 3db steps. Still the glitches remain.
Finally I took off all the attenuators and let the amp run full blast. Still getting the glitches, but now am noticing a lot of green pixels when the pixelation occurs. At the moment, we are still getting some pixelation and audio dropouts, but so far have not noticed freezing or complete picture loss. The only other thing I can try to further boost the signal is bypassing the power bars again, which will theoretically eliminate a -2.3 dB loss. However, it would seem that with 12db at the block, if that is what it always is, and with a 15db amp, even allowing for losses, I should have a fairly strong signal at each STB.
I am, as a result, wondering if the intermittent problem is due to a signal strength that substantially varies, momentarily or for short periods of time. Our cable system is underground and there is a pedestal at the street. We experience temperature changes throughout the day and seasonal variations (we live in a northern winter climate)and I have read that this can lead to small variations in signal strength, but it wouldn't seem to account for one tech installing an amp, because I am "just on the cusp", and the next one bypassing the amp and saying my signal is good. Perhaps, one or both are mistaken or perhaps the signal strength varies intermittently by such a great degree that it causes our problem.
The cable co will respond to another call by probably booking another visit (no charge for this service), but we don't seem to be getting anywhere, so I am trying to research this problem myself.
1) Does anyone have any ideas as to what I might try next.
2)As far as overamplification is concerned, can it damage equipment and what does an overamplified signal look like? I saw one reference on a British website to high strength signals looking smeared but this may have been in reference to analog channels.
3) What signal strength do I need at the STB. I have seen references to various numbers on the internet, some suggesting anything from -10db to +10db with a preference for 0db, another which cited FCC requirements of +10.5 to +15.5db.
Would very much appreciate any input on these issues. Thank you. |
Silver Member Username: Cableguy
Somewhere on...
U.S.
Post Number: 933
Registered: Mar-05
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| Posted on Thursday, February 01, 2007 - 09:10 am: |
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Bruce~ First let's address the issue at hand. The intermittent problems you are having more then likely are something wrong with the QAM signal, and needs to be checked with an analyzer. So...
1)Have them check your signal with a QAM analyzer
2)The only damage it will cause is your opinion of the picture
3)Most STB's have a range of +15 to -15, although it is generally considered better between +10/-10. I would not want to see anything higher then +10 personally.
The bigger problem is the techs coming out to look at your problem are not identifying the root cause. Instead they are guessing and trying things that normally would correct problems with analog signal, but this doesn't apply to digital. It's not the signal level, it's the quality of the signal. I've seen -16 with no problems, I've seen +10 with problems. If there is some form of ingress breaking up the QAM signal, it doesn't matter how much or how little signal strength you have, it's not going to work properly. They should be looking for the QAM power level, SNR, BER, and MER. } |
New member Username: Window_guy
Post Number: 1
Registered: Feb-07
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| Posted on Tuesday, February 06, 2007 - 07:55 pm: |
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From reading this thread and from other sources, it seems my problems might best be resolved by a stronger signal. There are basically two problems I'd like to resolve.
One we've lived with for years and that the cable company has never been able to resolve is that in my bedroom, we can't view channels 67 through 69, due to scrolling, offset images, grainy or jumping video, along with intermittently loud or "fuzzy" sound. Viewing through the VCR provides clear reception on these channels and the same TV works great on all other outlets in the house. Weird!
The other problem is that on our DLP (with cable card) in the living room, we sporadically have problems with tiling or pixelating (not sure of the proper term, but I've seen both...), as well as not being able to receive channels 2 through 6 or 7 or 8. These last two come and go... and all these channels come in fine on this TV through the DVD player, I'm assuming due to the analog vs. digital difference. The tiling and freezing of the picture, along with losing the audio when it freezes is perhaps the most annoying and it happens intermittently on all channels. Sometimes it's worse than others and of course, whenever the cable guy has been out, the picture seems fine, with all channels coming in on this TV. The cable card has been replaced but it made no difference...
My house is the first one from the box, with the box actually being located in my yard. From the incoming cable, my cable company initially added a Regal GRS3DGH 3-Way Splitter when the house was first built. To that I added an RCA DT4SP 4-Way Splitter. All ports have cables connected and are being used except one in a bedroom. I anticipate adding another 3 cables at least at some point in the future. I've mix and matched connections between all the ports and various TV's and the modem and it doesn't seem to make any difference. (Even the modem worked fine regardless of which port was used!) The only difference has been attained when connecting the DLP TV directly to the incoming cable. Perfect reception on all channels then and only then. Connecting to the 3.5dB outlet on the Regal splitter with nothing else connected produces the same results as connecting everything in any configuration though.
I don't have any confidence that the cable company can or will provide a stronger signal, based on previous discussions with their office and the cable guy. Who, by the way is fantastic! He's been so helpful and encouraged me to replace some of the cables and connectors with higher quality components, which I did as suggested.
That leaves amplification on my side. Is this legal, or within most cable companies rules, and is it something I can do without great expense on my part, only to find it doesn't resolve my problems? Should I press the cable company to do this, if it proves necessary?
All the cabling is RG6, although it's not quad-shield. (The bedroom was originally RG59, but I changed it per the cable guys suggestion...) Everything came with crimped connectors already installed and I brought proper lengths to ensure I didn't have to cut or splice or use any extra connectors on any runs.
Long post, but I'm hoping I won't take up too much of anyone's time with questions and answers going back and forth. Thanks in advance for any help! |
Silver Member Username: Formerly_fx
Dallas,
Tx
Post Number: 228
Registered: Mar-06
|
| Posted on Tuesday, February 06, 2007 - 08:49 pm: |
|
Either your Regal splitter is faulty or the cable running from the demark entering your house to the splitter is faulty.
xvxvxvx |
Silver Member Username: Cableguy
Somewhere on...
U.S.
Post Number: 939
Registered: Mar-05
|
| Posted on Wednesday, February 07, 2007 - 07:42 am: |
|
Something you could have the cable guy do is ask him to run you a direct wire right from the tap straight to your tv. If you're still having problems with break up, or the channels not coming in, the problem is in the main line feeding your neighborhood. If the problem goes away, process of elimination would say to then run the line directly to the groundblock. If the problem goes away the line from the tap to your house was bad, if the problem is still there either the splitter of the wiring is at fault. It's not so complicated. Review:
1. Run wire from tap to tv, if problem gone move on to step 2. If problem still there problem is with the main line and they need to find where the problem is outside.
2.Run wire from tap to groundblock, if problem still there move to step 3, if problem gone you had a bad wire from tap to house.
3.Replace the splitter, if problem still there move to step 4. If problem gone splitter was causing the problem
4. Replace the wiring from the splitter to the tv. Problem should be gone, if not start isolating the problem by removing other lines from the connection to see if something is backfeeding through the house wiring that is causing the problem.
Amplifying the signal may help if your signal strength is too low, but amplifying a bad signal will only give you a stronger signal with the same problems.
Good luck |
New member Username: Window_guy
Post Number: 2
Registered: Feb-07
|
| Posted on Wednesday, February 07, 2007 - 08:02 am: |
|
Thanks Scooby and Cableguy. That was fast! I don't think it's the splitter as our cable guy replaced it once. (Sorry I didn't mention that... I mentioned so much else! <g>) Putting the RCA splitter first and using only a single connection to it doesn't improve things either.
I think I'll call the cable company and talk to them about the suggestions you made Cableguy. I appreciate your time and the benefit of your knowledge. I'll let you know how things turn out. |
New member Username: Shlalaw
Post Number: 3
Registered: Jul-06
|
| Posted on Wednesday, February 07, 2007 - 10:23 am: |
|
-have you tried a directional coupler? it greatly improved my hd signal strength, without any problems to my analog tv's or cable modem. |
New member Username: Window_guy
Post Number: 3
Registered: Feb-07
|
| Posted on Thursday, February 22, 2007 - 08:26 am: |
|
Well, it's done and better now! Our cable guy came out and went about his business, first checking connections and cabling and then signal strength. Upon viewing the signal strength on the computer, at the big screen and then where the service entered the basement , he said "we'll probably just have to run a new drop". Wow! Just like that? After the guy last year indicated how difficult that would be to get "approved"? This guy laughed and said their's no approval needed, the other guy probably just didn't want to do it. Anyway, he dug through the snow to find the cable coming into the house and then again to find the cable box out in the yard and he ran new cable along the fence. They'll come out and bury it within a month of the ground thawing. (Winter backlog...)
Interestingly, he found a splice just underground where it came up to enter our house and another one just underground where it came up to enter the cable box and then a third actually inside the cable box! No wonder we've always had spotty service, even before we got digital. We've noticed snowy screens during exceptionally wet weather before, but they never found the cause. Duh!!!
No more tiling or freezing on the digital! Internet speed's back up to 3mb from 300 - 500kb! And I doubt we'll have the snowy pictures as the ground thaws or when it rains particularly heavy or for several days.
AND he even helped me layout my future expansions and explained their pricing for mounting the splitters and an amplifier to be installed after the first splitter that supplies the cable modem and digital big screen. He was very complimentary of the current setup and particularly how I had everything mounted and labeled. I'll gladly pay them to do it after dealing with this guy though!
Thanks all for the advice. It seems Cableguy that yours was spot on! |
Silver Member Username: Cableguy
Somewhere on...
U.S.
Post Number: 961
Registered: Mar-05
|
| Posted on Thursday, February 22, 2007 - 04:22 pm: |
|
Window_guy~ (pardon me for quoting you) "Thanks all for the advice. It seems Cableguy that yours was spot on!"
Scary thought huh? Item #2 was the culprit
Seriously though...it was nice to see somebody came out that actually gave a damn about your problem and more importantly went right about his business doing his job. That's a great follow up story, thanks for letting us know how things turned out! |
New member Username: Mdrausch
Post Number: 1
Registered: Mar-07
|
| Posted on Thursday, March 08, 2007 - 02:02 pm: |
|
Ok, quick question.
I am finishing my basement, adding 2 more cable plates (bringing me to a total of 7 for the house).
My question is will I see a real difference between a 5Mhz to 2Ghz range splitter and a 5Mhz to 1Ghz range splitter?
The reason I ask is that I can find an 8 way 1Ghz splitter, but only up to 4 way 2 Ghz splitters.
If there is a real quality difference I will get the 2 ghz splitters.
Also if the 2ghz splitters are recommended, do you recommend going
source TO 2 way TO cable modem and amp
amp TO 2 Way TO 4 Way and 3 Way
4 way to TV's
3 Way to TV's
OR
source TO 2 way TO cable modem and amp
amp TO 4 way TO 4 Way and TV's
Final 4 Way to remaining TV's
If 1 GHZ would be enough I was thinking:
source TO 2 way TO cable modem and amp
AMP TO 8 way TO TV's
Any advice would be very VERY appreciated. |
Silver Member Username: Cableguy
Somewhere on...
U.S.
Post Number: 967
Registered: Mar-05
|
| Posted on Friday, March 09, 2007 - 11:19 am: |
|
Main feed going thru ground block into DC splitter. Tap leg feeding modem, thru leg feeding amp. Amp feeding splitter to TV's. The number of splits after the amp can be combined any number of ways, but it's best to keep it simple. |
New member Username: Mdrausch
Post Number: 2
Registered: Mar-07
|
| Posted on Friday, March 09, 2007 - 11:39 am: |
|
Thanks much for the feedback.
What do you think as far as a 1Ghz splitter vs the 2 ghz splitter... think I will really notice any difference? |
New member Username: Mdrausch
Post Number: 3
Registered: Mar-07
|
| Posted on Friday, March 09, 2007 - 12:03 pm: |
|
Also, does anybody have an opinion on which would work better
A Motorola 484095-001-00 Amp + a Monster SS8RF 8 way splitter
Or just simplifying and going with a Cable Vision CVT28PIA II (8 way amplified splitter)
Or will they basically be a wash.
Sorry to pepper so many questions. I think I am about done though =)
Thanks again |
New member Username: Drdarren
Post Number: 1
Registered: Apr-07
|
| Posted on Tuesday, April 03, 2007 - 08:54 am: |
|
here is my problem and i apologize if it sounds similar to others but i havent found exactly what i am looking for on these post. i have 6 tv's in the house, two have hd. from the cable coming into the house, i have a split. one splits to a two way for the hd sets and the other splits to a 5 way for the other sets.( i know i have only 4 other tv's but that is what the cable company put on) i am not too concerned about the 5 way split as it is for small tvs in the kids rooms and extra rooms. there is an amplifier between the first splitter and the splitter for the two hd sets. i also have a 2 way splitter on each cable going to the hd sets since they are splitting to hd cable boxes and tivo. my hd picture is great but my analog/digital pics are not great. what else can i do to improve the signal? thanks in advance for the help. |
New member Username: Bozito
Post Number: 6
Registered: Dec-06
|
| Posted on Tuesday, April 03, 2007 - 12:36 pm: |
|
I get ghosting on the low channels. I am guessing that the cable is acting like an antenna and picking up signal from the air and mixing it with the cable signal. Any way to get rid of this? |
New member Username: Drdarren
Post Number: 2
Registered: Apr-07
|
| Posted on Wednesday, April 04, 2007 - 03:28 pm: |
|
ok i have done a review of my setup and this is what i have found. please disregard the above setup.
from my main cable line, it attaches to a tap. the tap connects to a 2W-1000mA amplifier. that attaches to a two way splitter. from the 2way splitter are each another 2way splitter, one going to a tivo and the other to hd cable box from each splitter.
from the "out" port on the tap, it connects to a 4 way splitter, which goes to 4 tvs.(these i am not really concerned about.
my analog and digital signals on the hd sets and not great and i would like to improve them. what else can i do? i just bought a motorola amplifier 25-2000 with +15db gain but i have not put it in yet. before i open it , i was hoping for input from this forum. |
New member Username: Jimmy07
Saranac Lake,
New York
USA
Post Number: 1
Registered: May-07
|
| Posted on Thursday, May 17, 2007 - 09:25 pm: |
|
I have the problem of splitting a coaxial 8 times. The 3 offices are that are wired are "daisy chained" from box to box, 50 feet at the most. I do not have the option of using a multiple port splitter. I was told to start with a 20dB tap and descend in value dB to as low as possible. Is this correct? I would think I need to tap as little as possible at each 2way split. Thanks for any help! |
Gold Member Username: Tapeman
New York City in-HD,
NY
Post Number: 1175
Registered: Oct-06
|
| Posted on Thursday, May 17, 2007 - 09:31 pm: |
|
RG6 quad shield with snap compression connectors can lower dB loss.
Presuming utility cable line is coming to your house fine |
New member Username: Jimmy07
Saranac Lake,
New York
USA
Post Number: 2
Registered: May-07
|
| Posted on Monday, May 21, 2007 - 07:22 am: |
|
Tapeman,
Can you sedgiest the best method to get around the "daisy-chain" problem? |
New member Username: Ekaplan
Post Number: 2
Registered: Jun-07
|
| Posted on Friday, June 08, 2007 - 05:13 pm: |
|
Sorry to jump on the thread with my own problem, I have a HD LCD TV in my living room and a cable modem in my bedroom. The cable signal coming into the apartment is split between the two but all the cable wires are in the walls (behind based boards) and not accessible. Every so often the picture on my TV freezes or gets interrupted (like a mosaic) even though the sound continues. This happens more frequently on the HD channels. Is there a problem with a wire in the wall? Could this be fixed with a new splitter? Is it a problem with my TV. Please help. but... |
New member Username: Fyrebyrd84
Post Number: 1
Registered: Jul-07
|
| Posted on Thursday, July 05, 2007 - 08:21 am: |
|
Hello, I have one cable connection coming into the house from Comcast but I want to spilt it 8 ways so that I have a connection in every room of the house. At this time only 3 connections would be in use and I plan to put terminators on the connections not used. I do not use Comcast for internet so I’m not worried about a cable connection for that right now. Would you recommend the Channel Vision CVT28PIA II Amplified 8-Way Splitter as I have seen mentioned above in another posting (http://www.hometech.com/video/amp.html#CV-CVT28PIA) or would you do it another way...? I plan on having the cable coming into a single closet in the house and then breaking off 8 ways from there... |
New member Username: Landkc
Post Number: 1
Registered: Sep-07
|
| Posted on Wednesday, September 05, 2007 - 04:46 pm: |
|
I just bought a Toshiba 57" HD with a QAM tuner. I get some of the local HD channels through basic cable, but NBC and ABC don't come through. I know the broadcast them cause several people in town can get them on basic cable. Could it be the wire from the pole outside to my house? I have just recently replaced all the wire in the house and still get only ESPN HD, CBS and FOX, and the Universal HD channel.
Thanks! |
Gold Member Username: Tapeman
New York City in-HD,
NY
Post Number: 1352
Registered: Oct-06
|
| Posted on Wednesday, September 05, 2007 - 08:00 pm: |
|
Did yo do Scan channels?
Just go to menu and re-scan all channels
Keep in Mind they may not always be on HD all the time and yo'll only get what it is in clear (non-encrypted)
It can be also from the pole (trap)
If scan won't work try HD Antenna
http://forum.ecoustics.com/cgi-bin/bbs/show.pl?tpc=2&post=1062457#POST1062457 |
New member Username: Landkc
Post Number: 2
Registered: Sep-07
|
| Posted on Thursday, September 06, 2007 - 07:56 am: |
|
Thanks. I have an installer coming out today and I'll post what happens. I did scan all the channels (Took like 15 minutes). I've done it every day this week at different times, just in case they were broadcasting HD on NBC or ABC and still nothing. Hopefully the cable rep will be willing to change the line from the pole. |
New member Username: Landkc
Post Number: 3
Registered: Sep-07
|
| Posted on Friday, September 07, 2007 - 02:08 pm: |
|
You're not going to believe what caused my problem. I actually had a VERY knowledgable and helpful installer come out. Back in the dark ages when there was only HBO, the home I bought didn't opt for the premium channel and Cableone put a filter in the line. This filter was from the early 80's and STILL on the line, causing my digital high def channels to be blocked. |
New member Username: Dlim
Post Number: 1
Registered: Sep-07
|
| Posted on Sunday, September 23, 2007 - 12:39 pm: |
|
Hi I'm new here. I was looking around online for some help with my problem and came upon this forum. You guys seem to know a lot about cable splitting so here goes:
I am trying to split a cable service from Time Warner Cable three ways. One to my cable modem, one to an hdtv upstairs, and one to a non-hdtv downstairs near the modem. I purchased a 4-way splitter from monoprice.com (http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=104&cp_id=10422&cs_id=1042206 &p_id=2871&seq=1&format=2) in hopes that it would solve my problem. However, when using the 4-way splitter, my cable modem receives no signal and the internet does not work. The hdtv upstairs and the tv downstairs receive signal fine though. I've read that some splits reduce the signal by 3.5db and others reduce it by 7.5db, i'm not home at the moment but will be home soon and will try to connect the cable modem box to the 3.5db one (which one would it be in the link above? the splits are unmarked). When I use the 2-way splitter my cable company provided for me, my cable modem box and my tv upstairs both receive signal just fine and there are no problems. However with the addition of another tv I would like to split the signal.
My set up is like this. 3 rg6 coax cables provided by the cable company. 1 from the cable outlet in the wall to the splitter. 1 from the splitter to the cable modem. 1 from the splitter to the downstairs tv. I also have a 25ft rg6 coax cable running from the splitter to a coupler that connects it to another 25ft rg6 cable that is quad shielded.
Could it be just a defective splitter? Or could it be the cabling? |
New member Username: Landkc
Post Number: 4
Registered: Sep-07
|
| Posted on Tuesday, September 25, 2007 - 07:19 am: |
|
I would suggest using a single splitter, one in and two out for your cable modem and then going to the larger splitter for your televisions. That would ensure that you get the best possible connection for your cable modem. |
New member Username: Alrankin
Manhattan,
Kansas
United States
Post Number: 1
Registered: Nov-07
|
| Posted on Thursday, November 08, 2007 - 10:28 am: |
|
I'm thinking of installing a slingbox and have a question about setup. Currently have HD digital cable service. Cable company installed a splitter just inside the house with a line to the HD system, a line to a SDTV and a line to a cable modem for internet and telephone. Now if I were to put a splitter in front of the cable modem so I can branch off to the slingbox, will I weaken the signal too much for the cable modem? I thought I remember the technician saying they are pretty sensative to signal strength. Will I need a preamp somewhere to avoid problems? |
Gold Member Username: Donnie1973
Post Number: 1735
Registered: May-06
|
| Posted on Friday, November 09, 2007 - 10:52 pm: |
|
I think u would be ok. try it... connect a splitter AT the end of the cable for the modem, run 1 to modem, 1 to slingbox. That will tell u if u can do it. |
New member Username: Smr
Post Number: 1
Registered: Dec-07
|
| Posted on Wednesday, December 05, 2007 - 09:01 am: |
|
My apartment was pre-wired for cable in two different locations. I recently added a third and I'm wondering what is the best way to bring service to the third outlet. I have a cable wire that I've installed that acts as a connector that will bring service to the third source. My plan was to add a two-way splitter between the connecting cable I've installed and the third source, and to change the originating source to a three-way from a two-way. Will this work or do I stand a chance of losing signal strength? |
New member Username: Dclayton002
Post Number: 1
Registered: Dec-07
|
| Posted on Saturday, December 15, 2007 - 04:15 pm: |
|
We have a somewhat complex cable setup right now due to the # of TVs in our house and it's about to get more complex.
Current setup is:
* Cable modem on main floor
* 3 TVs on main floor (1 digital)
* 4 TVs on 2nd floor (1 digital)
New setup:
* Adding 4 TVs in basement (2 will be HDTV)
Signal strength is already a battle (we are splitting using 3-way and 4-way splitters now with an amplifier downstream from the modem split) prior to adding the new TVs and I might like to switch to satellite for the extra HD channels. Any help with these questions would be appreciated:
* Are there good options for switching to satellite with this many TVs (without breaking the bank)? We would be open to having one receiver control 2-3 TVs on the same floors if a satellite remote is RF.
* What are the best options for splitting the signal this many times? Would an 8-way splitter or a 2nd line from the cable company into the house help?
Before anyone says it, I know the # of TVs is excessive, but we all have our vices! Thanks for any suggestions. |
New member Username: Ronda
Post Number: 1
Registered: Dec-07
|
| Posted on Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 05:33 pm: |
|
We just upgraded from regular cable to digital. The cable guy was in a major hurry and I think I see shortcuts but want to verify before I call cable service. He said our wiring was outdated so he ran new wiring from outside to house the added digital splitter, one to modem 2 lines to extra tv's and one line to cable /dvr box on big tv. All lines using new cable except for line going to main tv/cable box. On this one he used the old two-ended cable but only used one line of it. The extra end is just hanging there. Then on the back of the plasma tv there is an air cable hook up. He used one of my short cables hooked to a 4db splitter (1input and then 2 exits). One one of these he left the old A/B switch box attached and the other a line going to the old splitter that I had hooked up to split to 3 other tvs(which now do not received cable signals) What the heck did this guy do? What is the "air cable hook up on the tv for"? Should he have used the old "outdated two end cable and just left one end hanging? The first extra end is hooked to a splitter that splits nowhere and the second end is just hanging by the tv. Thank you. |
New member Username: Landkc
Post Number: 5
Registered: Sep-07
|
| Posted on Friday, December 28, 2007 - 08:36 am: |
|
Ronda,
How many TV's do you have in the house that are hooked to cable?
How many outputs does the digital cable splitter have on it? It seems to me that the line may be split too many times. Is your picture ok? |
New member Username: Tink_v
Post Number: 1
Registered: Mar-08
|
| Posted on Tuesday, March 04, 2008 - 03:35 pm: |
|
hi, my friend is having problems with cable reception, She has 1TV downstairs and 3 upstairs with computer cable and phone cable downstairs, her reception on the upstairs tvs are terrible and dont get the major channels, what splitter should i get? she basically went from tv to tv upstairs with splitters rather than going directly from downstairs
PLEASE HELP |
New member Username: Alyxham
Post Number: 1
Registered: Mar-08
|
| Posted on Wednesday, March 12, 2008 - 11:52 am: |
|
I have just upgrade our cable to HD extended by Rogers from basic cable. Everything is workingon the plasma but when split to the CRT TV upstairs we only still get basic cable. How do I correct this?? |
New member Username: Jaycocamper
Post Number: 1
Registered: Mar-08
|
| Posted on Wednesday, March 19, 2008 - 03:42 pm: |
|
I have an HDTV and a cable modem. I tried splitting the cable with a two way, but it wasn't enough for the cable modem. I also tried amplifying the signal after the split, but it didn't work either. Is there some device where I can switch between the two? Sort of like an A/B switch in reverse? |
New member Username: Simpjr
Post Number: 1
Registered: Mar-08
|
| Posted on Monday, March 24, 2008 - 09:24 pm: |
|
This past Thursday, I lost an HD channel (CBS - no HD NCAA, Ugh!) on my Comcast HD receiver. When I went to check out the splitters, I noticed that I get a small shock when I disconnect one of the lines. Could that be the cause?
My setup:
1 HDTV, 3 TVs, and 1 Cable modem.
one line into the house with 2 three way splitters. one has -3,5db and 2 -7dbs, the other has 3 -5.5db.
Any help would be appreciated. |
New member Username: Murmal
Post Number: 2
Registered: Apr-08
|
| Posted on Friday, April 18, 2008 - 01:53 am: |
|
Dear Cableguy,
I have just ordered Fios TV. I already have Fios Internet (over a year) and Telephone. I currently have DishNetwork. I would like to keep Dishnetwork's international channels while add Fios for all American Channels. How can I get both into the house. Fios Tec. guy is saying he will disconnect the dish's connection coming to our house and use that connection point to broadcast Fios TV througout the house. Is there a way I can use any splitters to get both the signals in the same cable. I am not a pro on TV stuff, can you guide me.
Yours,
Murali. |
Gold Member Username: Cableguy
Somewhere on...
U.S.
Post Number: 1023
Registered: Mar-05
|
| Posted on Friday, April 18, 2008 - 09:36 am: |
|
Murali~ Unfortunately unless you drop some serious cash on insertion equipment you only have 1 option- Have them run all new wiring. This would mean you would have 2 wires at each location, 1 for Fios and 1 for DishNetwork. It's not uncommon for somebody to use existing wiring because it's more work for the installer to run dedicated lines. If you use splitters to combine the 2 signals the frequencies are going to conflict with each other and nothing is going to work right. I also caution you that I'm a cableguy and not a dish or fios expert, but I have encountered problems with our cable and sat systems where they used combiners to inject the sat feed onto the same cable line we use and nothing good ever comes from it. To properly utilize both systems on the same line insertion and deletion equipment can accomplish this task, but it does not come cheap. |
New member Username: Tomato
Post Number: 1
Registered: Apr-08
|
| Posted on Tuesday, April 22, 2008 - 02:03 pm: |
|
I split one cable in my condo to two TVs (one HD, one not). I lost about 2/3 the channels. Is this due to a weak signal or bad connections? I just used the splitter provided by Comcast. Is this a high-enough quality splitter, or should I buy a new one? I don't think I can amplify the signal because I have no idea where the cable is entering my place (plus, if it's accessible to anyone, I don't want them to steal my amplifier). I just bought some run-of-the-mill connectors, should I have looked for better ones? It seems like I should be able to split a cable ONCE without too much signal degradation. Any suggestions? |
Gold Member Username: Cableguy
Somewhere on...
U.S.
Post Number: 1024
Registered: Mar-05
|
| Posted on Tuesday, April 22, 2008 - 02:55 pm: |
|
" split one cable in my condo to two TVs (one HD, one not). I lost about 2/3 the channels. Is this due to a weak signal or bad connections? "
Could be all the above. Isolate the issue and put it back together one side at a time to see what triggers the issue. Bad wires, bad connector, bad splitter, etc...etc...
You should barrel the wires together without the splitte to see if it's a wire/connector issue. If you don't have a problem with the wires connect the splitter. If you lose the channels try a different splitter first. |
New member Username: 2behind
Post Number: 1
Registered: Apr-08
|
| Posted on Wednesday, April 23, 2008 - 11:42 am: |
|
I recently moved to a new house. I had cable internet and basic cable tv installed. The cable tv has never had a problem but the internet keeps dropping out. Called the cable company and they were going to send someone out but I decided to troubleshoot some myself. I found that if I hook the internet directly to the modem without the splitter it works. I replaced the splitter they put on and thought I had it fixed. That worked for a couple days and then it dropped out again. Hooked up direct and it works. I replaced the splitter again this time with one that has a power pass to the cable modem, no worky. Im guessing my signal to the house is too weak to add a splitter I dont know. Its a short run from the house to where it hooks up to the box at the street. I will be calling them shortly but wondered if you had any ideas cableguy or anyone. Thanks for any help. |
Gold Member Username: Donnie1973
Post Number: 2988
Registered: May-06
|
| Posted on Monday, May 05, 2008 - 10:19 pm: |
|
call them out to fix it. Make sure u show them what its doing. They will replace the whole cable run if necessary |
New member Username: Tripple
Post Number: 1
Registered: May-08
|
| Posted on Tuesday, May 06, 2008 - 12:14 am: |
|
Test it yourself. Type in
http://192.168.100.1 should bring up all the info you need. You want to look at the Receive Power Level these levels should be between +9 and -9. The other is called Transmit Power Level. This level NEEDS to be between 35 to 54 any higher or lower you will have issues. You can even take it one step further, and make sure the cable line that runs to the modem is dedicatied and is on the first spliter after the ground block.(example: 2 way splitter, one leg running to modem, other leg feeding your tv feeds. |
Bronze Member Username: Levelzero
Post Number: 28
Registered: Aug-07
|
| Posted on Wednesday, May 07, 2008 - 12:16 pm: |
|
Jim,
Try using a splitter that looks like this one: http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?PROD=CP2509-10 Do shop around for better pricing. Connect the cable line into the "IN" port, and the cable line for the modem into the "OUT" port. The line for the tv sets should be hooked up from the "TAP" side. You can then run the line from the "TAP" side to another splitter if you have more than one set. I have two dvrs and other analog sets hooked up to a bi-directional splitter (via the TAP port) furnished by the cable company that works fine.
See if that works for you. I had the same problem you're having until the cable tech showed me the proper way to hook up the lines.
Do not use the splitters that look like this... http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8470111&type=product&id=1184768166 710&ref=06&loc=01&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=8470111 |
New member Username: Thefly1013
Post Number: 1
Registered: May-08
|
| Posted on Wednesday, May 07, 2008 - 05:03 pm: |
|
I've got a general question about directional couplers that I'm hoping someone can answer. I've noticed that Regal has DC taps from 4dB to 30 dB, with a bunch in between. I understand the dB number comes from the amount of signal loss on the TAP. My question though is why would you ever want a 30dB loss when you could only have a 4dB loss (it looks like they all cost the same)? Does the 30dB one have less loss on the OUT leg? My understanding is that all of these DCs had minimal loss on the OUT leg.
I've also got a specific question for Level Zero. In other posts in this thread, the recommendation seems to be to run the modem from the TAP and the TVs from the OUT line. But you recommended the opposite, so I was curious as to why?
Thanks. |
New member Username: Tripple
Post Number: 2
Registered: May-08
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| Posted on Wednesday, May 07, 2008 - 06:43 pm: |
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Thefly: Out at the street were the cable box is located the db level is about 15 to 30 db. These levels can be adjusted depending on how far the houses are for that tap. One house could be 10 feet from the tap, there could be another house across the street that is 300 feet away runnig on that same tap. the cable company can ether run a new tap closer to the house that is 300 feet away or just raise the db level at the tap. DC splitters are used to bring down the levels for your digital boxes and modems(+9to-9)db. so if you needed to drop the signal level for your modem you would use the tap leg to drop the signal down. the out leg on all dc splitter is about 1.5db loss. |
New member Username: Ladybog
Post Number: 1
Registered: May-08
|
| Posted on Wednesday, May 14, 2008 - 01:36 am: |
|
Hello Cableguy. Moved into a new home, and don't understand the setup that we have.
We are attempting to connect 4 items that are all in different rooms: 1 plasma tv downstairs, 1 regular tv upstairs, 1 computer with internet, 1 digital phone
When the cable company came they didn't use the 8 way Eaton module that is in our central panel, but used a 3 way splitter. 7.5 for the digital phone, 7.5 for the internet, and 3.5 for the plasma tv (I think). This worked when the internet was in the room adjacent to the plasma tv.
Had to move the computer to another room and am now unsure as to how to get everything connected.
Disconnected the 3 way splitter. Moved this line so that it fed into the 8 way module. Attached the black coax cables to the 8 way module. This easily connected the internet, regular tv and digital phone but I have been unable to connect the plasma tv.
Plasma TV has two cable connection options at its location. One is a white and the other is a black cable. I have a black coax hooked up to it currently. But can you advise what connection it should go into at the outlet, and then also at the central panel, what needs to be done to make the cable work?
There are numerous white and black coax cables, and we aren't sure of how it should be setup.
Is the 8 way module sufficient or should some sort of splitter be used?
Would be appreciative of any tips you have. |
New member Username: Tripple
Post Number: 3
Registered: May-08
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| Posted on Wednesday, May 14, 2008 - 01:13 pm: |
|
the purpose of the double jacks at the wall is for satellite options. the color just makes it a little easier to track at the panel. make no differance what the color is for signal. If your only gonna hook up 4 outlets your best bet would be to get a 4 way spliter. your 8 way is pulling about 12-15 db loss. All your wires in the panel are you cable jacks in the house. If you dont have a test toner, use a small tv, start in one room. connect tv to wall jack, then go into the panel and start connecting one line at a time untill you get a pic on the tv. label as you go. |
New member Username: Cjstl78
Post Number: 1
Registered: Jun-08
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| Posted on Wednesday, June 11, 2008 - 01:22 am: |
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Cableguy (or anyone else), I need help! I've read this entire thread and I'm still not sure what to do.
I have 3 TV's - 1 plasma w/ a cablecard, 1 LCD with an HD Box and 1 CRT with a digital box. I also have two TiVos and a data modem. Finally, I have a modem for my phone service (no one has been talking about those).
The main line coming into the house feeds into a 3-way splitter. One of the -7dB outputs is connected to the voice modem. The second was connected to the dig box on the CRT. The -3.5dB output feeds into another 3-way splitter with all -5.5dB outputs. The broadband modem is connected to one of those and has had some issues in the past where it will temporarily drop connection, although that hasn't been as bad since the last time a cable tech came out to the house. The remaining outputs feed into 2-way splitters, which each connect to an HD TV and a TiVo. The HD/Digital connection is fairly good, although it could be better on some channels. The TiVo reception (Expanded Basic) is absolutely terrible. The one connected to the plasma is worse than the one connected to the LCD, but this could be because the plasma is so much sharper. I'd like to get an HD TiVo and use the cablecard from the plasma, but my wife won't agree to the expense.
I identified where all the cable runs go this evening and immediately moved the plasma/TiVo#1 to the first splitter and the CRT to the second splitter, and I came across this thread while searching for information on signal loss from splitters. There's great info here, but I'm confused as to how to handle the two modems. If there was just one, I'd use a tapper as recommended earlier. I would imagine the voice modem is more sensitive than the data modem, but maybe someone can verify this? Of course it would be nice if the cable company would just combine into one since there is already an Ethernet port on the voice modem, but they won't give me a time frame as to when that might happen.
I would like to drastically improve the TiVo reception and also boost the digital signal. The cablecard isn't too bad, but the HD box and the dig box sometimes have long delays "acquiring signal" when switching channels. I'd also like to add an output for a TV card on my PC and leave room for two more outputs when I finish my basement.
Would my best option be to keep the first 3-way splitter and use the 2 -7dB outputs for the modems and feed the -3.5dB output into a 6- or 8-way amplifier? Or should I keep the 3-way with the -5.5dB outputs and do the same thing? I can't do anything about the 2-way splitter for the LCD/TiVo#2 in the master, but I could run a second direct cable to the family room to eliminate the 2-way splitter for the plasma/TiVo#1. |
New member Username: Artietheonemanparty
Post Number: 1
Registered: Jul-08
|
| Posted on Monday, July 07, 2008 - 09:36 am: |
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I'm having a problem with my PIP connection. Long story short, my HD dvr cable box was causing major pixelation on almost all channels. Comcast changed out my box, 3-way splitter where the cable comes to the house, and the wire going to the HD dvr, but I was still having problems.
The cable comes in through the wall, and into a 2-way splitter, one into the hd dvr box, one into the tv for PIP. With the splitter connected, I was still getting pixelation. When we removed the splitter, the hd dvr signal was perfect.
We tried replacing the 2-way splitter too, but no difference. All of this was working flawlessly a couple of weeks ago. We've had quite a few t-storms over the last two weeks, maybe that's caused some problems? |
New member Username: Jwcolby
Post Number: 1
Registered: Sep-08
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| Posted on Friday, September 26, 2008 - 01:46 pm: |
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Cable guy,
I had the cable company come in and find an AC Hum issue (turned out to be the connection on the outside wall of my house). Although I told him the signal was coming in to the house (disconnecting the cable coming in eliminated the hum) he worked backwards and in the process pretty much rebuilt my interior wiring. That's cool! He finally found the issue on the outside wall, replaced that connector and left.
My remaining issue is as follows.
I built an HTPC which I placed in the living room, which is about 75 feet of cable and one two way splitter from the main splitter. As it comes out of the wall I placed a 5 way splitter to feed a cable to my tv, one to the HTPC and have a few left over. Haveing read this thread I now realize that I should have a two way splitter to minimize the loss there, and will probably do that.
What I am seeing now is that the tv shows great pictures on all channels, but the HTPC gets poor reception on the higher channels, basically anything above channel 60.
When the cable guy did his thing, he took out a quality 15 db amp and replaced it with his own. So I took the amp and plugged it in immediately behind the tv so that it is amplifying the signal just before the splitter. By and large that cleaned up the bad signals on the upper channels.
My question is, should I install the amp down in the basement to drive just the leg going up to the living room (and a splitter to feed the rec room below the basement), i.e. would it a) be enough amplification and b) would the signal shape be better. IOW is amplifying a clean signal and sending it 75 feet (and through a couple of splitters) better than amplifying a degraded signal at the far end of the 75 foot run and a single two way splitter?
TIA for your assistance. |
New member Username: Palesius
Post Number: 1
Registered: Oct-08
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| Posted on Sunday, October 19, 2008 - 09:28 pm: |
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I have a question for anyone who wants to offer suggestions on the best way to set this up.
We're building a new house (and in-law cottage) in North Carolina. I have a backround in data wiring, so am planning on doing the structured wiring myself. While I know what I'm doing with the Network and Voice side of things, I'm not that sure on the best way to arrange things to maintain a quality signal.
There will be one line coming in to the main house from the cable company (charter). The current plan is to feed that into a 3-way splitter. 1 leg will go to a cable modem.
1 leg will go to an amplifier/splitter that will service any jacks on the basement and main floors (14 of which probably no more than 2/3 will be in use). 1 of the outputs on the amp/splitter will go to a passive splitter on the top floor which will service any jacks on that floor (6 of which probably 1 or 2 will be in use).
The third leg of the original splitter will go to the cottage, into another amp/splitter which will service 6 jacks (of which 1/2 will be in use) and 1 will go to a passive splitter on the top floor which will server 2 jacks (of which probably only 1 will be in use).
I'm trying to avoid running a lot of cables from the basement to the top floor, but is that a mistake, am I better off having longer cables and ditching the splitter on the top floor?
As far as the cables running to the guest house I'd rather not all 8 jacks all the way back to the basement of the main house, but does that make much more sense as far as the signal quality goes?
Is there a better way to lay this all out? |
New member Username: Shebalord
Post Number: 1
Registered: Nov-08
|
| Posted on Wednesday, November 05, 2008 - 03:29 am: |
|
Cableguy:
Can you recommend me splitters that I should use and a directional coupler to use with Time Warner digital cable service?
Right now I'm getting a few problems:
1) Internet seems slower than normal.
2) In room 3, Digital Receiver STB is used but gets fuzzy picture and missing channels.
I only tried using one STB at any given time but with the cable modem always on.
Please see the attached pic for my setup.
Thanks in advance! |
New member Username: Shebalord
Post Number: 2
Registered: Nov-08
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| Posted on Wednesday, November 05, 2008 - 03:32 am: |
|
 |
Gold Member Username: Tapeman
New York City in-HD,
NY
Post Number: 3702
Registered: Oct-06
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| Posted on Wednesday, November 05, 2008 - 12:56 pm: |
|
There is yor problem:
"In room 3, Digital Receiver STB is used but gets fuzzy picture and missing channels."
Plus yo possibly shorting entire house wiring
Try to use a 4 way splitter going to all yor house wiring (i.e. what's going to all coax cables at yor basement or garage etc.)
Out of the wall use a 2-way splitter
1- To yor cable modem
1- To yor Digital Receiver |
New member Username: Drfranksdds
Cleveland,
Oh
Usa
Post Number: 1
Registered: Nov-08
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| Posted on Wednesday, November 05, 2008 - 05:29 pm: |
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I have Time Warner.My house has a three way splitter. One line to my hdtv-great. One line to my cable modem-great. One line to an in line amp to a two way splitter to two non hd tvs-great. Now i need to add a small tv in the kitchen. Would I be better just swapping the three way for a four way splitter, or put a two way splitter on the modem line(directly neare the kitchen)? I do not want to lose internet speed however.Any ideas out there? |
Gold Member Username: Tapeman
New York City in-HD,
NY
Post Number: 3703
Registered: Oct-06
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| Posted on Thursday, November 06, 2008 - 10:31 am: |
|
I would change to a 4 way splitter instead of 3
Yo'll be fine
Keep in mind
As od Feb 19th 2009 Digital box will be required for each TV
Unless yor TV has Digital tuner |
New member Username: Drfranksdds
Cleveland,
Oh
Usa
Post Number: 2
Registered: Nov-08
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| Posted on Thursday, November 06, 2008 - 01:28 pm: |
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Thanks for your time K.T.
Are all of the splitters OK or is there a brand you like? Same question for the cable...any brand OK? |
Gold Member Username: Tapeman
New York City in-HD,
NY
Post Number: 3707
Registered: Oct-06
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| Posted on Saturday, November 08, 2008 - 09:45 pm: |
|
For CableTV usually 900MHz is all yo need
1000MHz is even better
2000MHz usually for satellites
Yo won't need that high
e-bay:
Check this item
http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-DIGITAL-CATV-SPLITTER-4-WAY5-1000MHz_W0QQitemZ1301097190 61QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?_trksid=p3286.m20.l1116
or this item:
http://cgi.ebay.com/4-WAY-HDTV-COAX-SPLITTER-5-1000MHz-CMC2004H-NEW_W0QQitemZ350 115502379QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item350115502379&_trksid=p32 86.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1406%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318 |
New member Username: Rock48nj
Post Number: 1
Registered: Dec-08
|
| Posted on Tuesday, December 02, 2008 - 06:08 pm: |
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I found this thread researching my problem... hopeful some folks on here are still around may be able to help. I have Time Warner Digital Cable with RoadRunner online. In my apartment I have an LCD running with a standard digital box in my bedroom and a LCD with an HD box in my living room. 1 bedroom NYC apartment so its not a sprawling space.
About a year ago I had some problems with my internet connection dropping out. Called had an appointment scheduled but by the time that got there it was working again. Tech was pleasant but not really interested in investigating much, checked my signal strength said it seemed fine and went on his way. A few months later same problem, guy came out replaced a splitter that was in my wall which fixed the problem and was on his way. A few months later again… bye this time I could not handle the call process so I hooked my modem up directly to my line in and it worked fine. Tried calling but lady was insistent she walk me through all the troubleshooting before scheduling an appointment I got frustrated and said I would call back.
I went out and bought a bidirectional amplifier from RadioShack and hooked it up and everything has seemed fine until now. A bunch of my channels are doing the pixelating, skipping audio thing which has kept up longer than some of the random anomalies that seem to be common. Most of the channels where this happens seem to be random SD channels that I don’t watch much (and can’t imagine many people do) but now its happening on a select HD channel or two I definitely will be watching.
My set-up is: Cable line in to a splitter one to bedroom SD box one to wall jack from wall h jack to amp to splitter to cable modem and HD box. From my lengthy read through I guess my question is… is the pixelating issue most likely a TWC problem as opposed to my problem? Should I try and change my set-up at all to help. Any other ways to troubleshoot or recos for splitters to use that may help. |
New member Username: Acpcpa
Brooklyn,
NY
Post Number: 1
Registered: Dec-08
|
| Posted on Wednesday, December 31, 2008 - 07:33 am: |
|
I have a cable line coming in to one tv. I want to split it to have the tv in my bedroom receive the signal. The problem is that when I did this, I can only control the channel through the cable box which means both tv's will always be on the same channel (not to mention I have to go to the living room to change the channel).
Is there anything that would allow me to split the cable and also be able to have differenct channels on each tv? |
Gold Member Username: John_s
Columbus,
Ohio
US
Post Number: 2413
Registered: Feb-04
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| Posted on Thursday, January 01, 2009 - 11:16 am: |
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(not to mention I have to go to the living room to change the channel)
Wow, not a very good "channel surfing" situation, is it Alexis?
Install your splitter before the cable goes into the box. You can watch different channels in the bedroom regardless of what the cable box is doing. However, you would be limited to only those channels your bedroom TV can tune in on basic cable.
|
New member Username: Gteclass
Post Number: 1
Registered: Jan-09
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| Posted on Monday, January 05, 2009 - 03:03 pm: |
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I have a very strange problem with my cable modem. I stumbled on this thread from a google search and it sounds like a few people on here know what they are talking about. I live in a condo association. My unit has 2 cable outlets. One on each floor. The cable modem was always hooked up on the second floor and the tv on the first. I moved the computer and cable modem down stairs and used a digital splitter I bought from the cable company(has their name on it) to feed both the TV and cable modem. All of a sudden I have intermittent packet loss. Sometimes 100% loss for 5 or 6 seconds. So I fought with it, tried just hooking up the cable modem to that outlet with one coax, no splitters, same old packet loss. Eventually I figured it was the socket on the wall gave up and moved it back upstairs and everything was wonderful again. That is until I moved the TV upstairs. After hooking it up using the same splitter I started in with the same packet loss. Tried removing the splitter and going to just the wire. Still dropping packets. So now what? Do I move the cable modem downstairs again? |
New member Username: Gteclass
Post Number: 2
Registered: Jan-09
|
| Posted on Monday, January 05, 2009 - 11:00 pm: |
|
I logged onto the signal page in my modem and found that the signal without the splitter is 3db downstream and 40db upstream. SNR is 34db.
With the splitter it is -3db downstream and 44db upstream. SNR is still 34db.
It seems like I lose the same amount of packets in either configuration.
Probly gonna go to RadShack tomorrow and get a two way digital amplifier to try to resolve this issue but I am going on a hunch that the signal is even the issue here. |
New member Username: Gteclass
Post Number: 3
Registered: Jan-09
|
| Posted on Tuesday, January 06, 2009 - 12:44 pm: |
|
k, got that amplifier. Upstream and downstream frequencies of my modem from its datasheet(Surfboard 5120) are within the operating ranges of the amplifier.
I can now adjust the signal from the -3db all the way up to 14db, tested at every 3 db levels and still droppin packets. I unplug the modem power line before adjusting the amp every time so it has to resync.
Cable comes out of the wall, into the amp, into the splitter, then to the tv and modem.
SNR with the amp went down to 32db, 33db if the tv is off.
I am lost at this point, well I've been lost the whole time, but now I'm really lost. |
New member Username: Gteclass
Post Number: 4
Registered: Jan-09
|
| Posted on Tuesday, January 06, 2009 - 02:20 pm: |
|
actually it seems to have done the trick, maybe i just had to let things settle in for a bit.
The amplifier I got is sold at radio shack for 32$ its the one that mounts on the wall, the inline barrel types are no good for two way communication. Oddly enough, they are more expensive.
I hope this helps someone out there who has the same issue. |
New member Username: Shebalord
Post Number: 4
Registered: Nov-08
|
| Posted on Tuesday, January 06, 2009 - 03:16 pm: |
|
Jason: typically Radio Shack amps are not recommended, but if it works, then keep it. Otherwise, I would recommend an Electroline Amp. It costs about the same as the Radio Shack ones but with better quality. Last time I went to Radio Shack their amps had returns of 5-40 for cable modems. But from what I read on these forums, cable modems need return of 5-42.
I recently bought an Electroline Amp from eBay and it works flawlessly.
Hope this helps! |
New member Username: Zonaguy
Tucson,
AZ
USA
Post Number: 1
Registered: Jan-09
|
| Posted on Wednesday, January 07, 2009 - 12:17 pm: |
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Hello.
I'm adding a new room to the house. I'd like to run a hdtv and cable modem. I'm wondering if you can recommend a splitter and amp. This room is nearest to cable in, so it will run modem, tv in same room, then run to existing den tv, to bed tv. Thank you for any advice. |
New member Username: Dukenyc
Post Number: 1
Registered: Mar-09
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| Posted on Friday, March 06, 2009 - 10:33 am: |
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Hi,
I just received my Scientic Atlanta 3250 cable box from Time Warner and I am not getting any signals. I am using a cheap 2-way splitter I installed over 10 years ago. Would this be the problem? Thanks. |
New member Username: Fishhawk
Post Number: 1
Registered: Mar-09
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| Posted on Tuesday, March 10, 2009 - 12:23 pm: |
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What is the best way for this senario.
Incomming cable in the basement.
Want to hook up
cable modum in basement
T.V in the basement
T.V in upstairs bedroom
T.V in a upstairs living room.
Should I just use a 4 way splitter in the basement and run a cable to each unit???
Thanks
Dave |
New member Username: Jshill
Post Number: 1
Registered: Apr-09
|
| Posted on Monday, April 06, 2009 - 08:40 pm: |
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Question to anyone who knows...
I have a signal coming into my home for internet modem and tv. It worked fine for about a month when I had a splitter hooked up sending the signal to both my cable modem and the other to my tv for basic cable. Last night, my signal for internet went out, but came back on for short times. Then it quit working completely. When I take the splitter out, I can get internet. With the splitter in place, all I can get it tv. Any suggestions as to what might have happened? My splitter was new out the bag, made by "Holland Electronics", Model "GHS-2FC LI", 5-1000 MHz. It also says "Low Intermodulation" on it, and next to each "out" source, it states "-3.5 dB". |
Gold Member Username: Tapeman
New York Citay in-HD,
NY
Post Number: 4233
Registered: Oct-06
|
| Posted on Monday, April 06, 2009 - 09:06 pm: |
|
JS Hill
I'm using CMC 2002H-A
Which is the same frequency splitter 5-1000MHZ
It works like a charm for me
I think it's yor connectors or some other unknown short somewhere
david bongiorno
2 way splitter first
Then another 3 way splitter is how I got mine
Also look into this unit
It can connect 3 different video sources
To up to 5 user rooms
It's like a video share if yo have at least 2 different video sources like Cable and Satellite or DVR etc.
Channel Plus 3025
 |
New member Username: Austinwgreen
Post Number: 1
Registered: May-09
|
| Posted on Saturday, May 23, 2009 - 12:32 pm: |
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my cable reception is pretty horrible on all channels on all the TVs in my house, we have two regular TVs and one hdtv, then the cable modem, and a capture card on a computer, I upgraded to the digital cable so will be getting a box, not sure if that’s going to help much but won’t get that until this coming up Friday.
From the line coming inside the house, I have a two port splitter, the first split its hooked to another three port splitter, the second split is hooked to one of the regular TVs, on the three port splitter, the first split is hooked to the other regular TV, the second split is coming to the modem. that line also has a three port splitter, the third split is to my hdtv, on the other 3 port splitter going to my cable modem the first split is not hooked up, or covered, the second is to the modem, and the third is hooked to my capture card on my pc,
I plan on getting two digital receivers with my upgrade, will hooked them up to my hdtv and my dad’s regular TV, I may end up getting a 3rd box to hook up to my capture card.
The two port splitter is 5-1000 MHz and the 2 3 port splitters are 5-900 MHz
I don’t really have a problem with internet, that is fine, only my TV reception, where all the channels have fuzz or are noisy, or they have lines going threw them. Some channels blank out or go straight to the black and white noise sometimes.
I’ve been doing a bit of research and see I can get higher grade splitters or a amplifier or amplified splitters lol, but then I stumbled onto this page, figured I’d ask since I’m not really sure I what I should look into.. Any help is appreciated
Thanks,
Austin |
New member Username: Austinwgreen
Post Number: 2
Registered: May-09
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| Posted on Friday, May 29, 2009 - 08:57 pm: |
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so i got the digital boxes installed today I also purchased a pct 4 port amplified splitter, my setup now is cableline coming into the house. hooked to a 3 port splitter at 5-1000 mhz, the first line is hooked to the amp, the second line is hooked to one of my regular tv’s without a digital receiver ( I had this originaly hooked to the amp in port 3, with the cableline coming from outside hooked to the amp. but all the channels had 20 times the noise, when I hooked it up to the 3 port splitter the picture quaility is better than on the amp and the same as the before setup but still not great) the 3rd port is hooked to my cable modem, on the 4 port amp I got the first port going to my hdtv with a digital reciever (this is better also but still not fantastic but I think that’s just cause it’s a hdtv, its mainly a lil blurry, I have the second port going to my other regular tv with a digital reciever ( this tv had lots of noise and would cut out a lot, so far this tv looks fantastic compaired to before and its about the best out of the 3 tvs and capture card) and the 3rd port is hooked to my capture card on my pc which will be hooked to a digital reciever in about a week (this now looks worse hooked up to the amp mainly on lower channels which are really fuzzy, noisey, the higher channels look better but you can see horizontal lines going threw parts of picture, not sure if this would be my capture card or if it’s the amp, the fourth port is not in use anymore and capped off.
Any reconmendations or other ideas? |
New member Username: Austinwgreen
Post Number: 3
Registered: May-09
|
| Posted on Saturday, May 30, 2009 - 12:49 pm: |
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here are some of the channels on my capture card. the rest of the tvs i can deal with.
http://i397.photobucket.com/albums/pp54/hate_machine420/tmntpic.jpg
http://i397.photobucket.com/albums/pp54/hate_machine420/phineasandferbpic.jpg
http://i397.photobucket.com/albums/pp54/hate_machine420/dinosquadpic.jpg
these are with the amp hooked up. |
New member Username: Austinwgreen
Post Number: 4
Registered: May-09
|
| Posted on Saturday, May 30, 2009 - 01:53 pm: |
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the 3rd port on the amp is bad. hooked it to the 4th port and the channels are as clear as it will probably get.
thanks for the help everyone.... not.. lol |
New member Username: Mikej262
Post Number: 1
Registered: Jun-09
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| Posted on Monday, June 08, 2009 - 02:45 pm: |
|
Here's a new test on problems similar to those on this thread . . .
I just moved into a 5-year old house. The house is completely wired for cable and phone. I called the local cableco to come hook us up, but when I got home, only 3 coax lines are active. Turns out that the cableco has 3 coax cables coming into the house, NOT connected to the main house. Previous owners also had satellite TV, so the garage has coax all over the place. Poking around in the ceiling of the basement, I found an 8-split amplifier with coax going every which direction, which I believe is the house circuit, but I'm having trouble following the path of the input coax to reveal where it begins. Two questions: 1) why would the cableco not connect to this house circuit? and 2) any suggestions for tracing the input cable so I can connect the cableco's input line to this line? I'm a bit perplexed and peeved that the cableco hooked up their own external lines and didn't bother looking for the internal circuitry. |
New member Username: Dat280sun
Post Number: 1
Registered: Jun-09
|
| Posted on Tuesday, June 23, 2009 - 10:38 pm: |
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I have hdtv up stairs and a cable modem in the basement. I was wanting to add a tv in the basement I called the cable and said it would be 20 bucks and prolly next week before they could do anytyhing. They also said that i shoundnt slpit it myself because i would lose my signal on 1 tv or internet. I looked in the grey TWC box outside it is a 2 way sv-2gt splitter. I dont want to lose any signal to internet (cable modem RCA modem) or to HD tv what kinda splitter do i need and where can i get one before this weekend. |
New member Username: Hevis1
Post Number: 1
Registered: Jul-09
|
| Posted on Wednesday, July 01, 2009 - 08:43 am: |
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Splitter / Distribution question...
My current set up is as follows... Incoming digital cable line > amplifier >single splitter > 1 leg to HD, the other leg to 4-way splitter. I need to configure my Comcast cable to supply 2 HD TVs and 5 analog TVs. Any suggestion(s) would be appreciated. |
New member Username: Gjb
Post Number: 1
Registered: Jul-09
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| Posted on Monday, July 06, 2009 - 07:27 pm: |
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I have read this thread and can't find the answer to what is the specified use for a DC-12, DC-9 and DC-6 directional cable splitter? I know the number is the loss on the tap side, but what is an example of where you would use each type? Thanks. |
New member Username: Cableguyindiana
Post Number: 1
Registered: Jul-09
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| Posted on Wednesday, July 08, 2009 - 10:11 pm: |
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I don't know where you guys are getting your information but the losses for splitters are pretty universal. A 2way will lose 3.5 db per side.. A 3way comes in two general types: balanced/unbalanced. A balanced will lose about 5.5 on all 3 output legs, an unbalanced will lose 3.5/7/7 respectively. A 4 way loses 7 on all outputs. a 6 way 9db, and an 8way 11db. The splitter you're describing is also overkill in terms of it's mhz rating. On a modern 860mhz system you only need .. you guessed it 860. A 50-2000mhz splitter is generally for satellite systems that run at those frequencies. You only need a normal splitter which is 5-1000mhz. Please do not waste your money on an after market splitter especially if you have digital products. Just call the cable company and let them do it right. Save the guy the hassle of taking it out to put a decent splitter in and chucking this one on top of your water heater. |
New member Username: Cableguyindiana
Post Number: 2
Registered: Jul-09
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| Posted on Wednesday, July 08, 2009 - 10:49 pm: |
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Mr Jenkins,
Your cableco did not hook to that because we can't use satellite equipment....it's a completely different system type which uses a different set of frequencies, splitting, forward and return schemes. Secondly you're describing a 11 outlet install (3 outlets another 8 remotely) which actually equals 12 lines as you'll need a feed to the second network. Did you actually ask for 11 outlets when you called it in or did you assume they'd just hook up whatever was existing and go? You're cable guy probably was scheduled to hook up beetween 1 and 3 and therefore alotted enough time to do only that. You'll need ridiculous signal strength to run 11 outlets that aren't even homerun to one place. To look for the input you'd need a line toner (much like the one your cable guy would have had) and the better part of a day to tone out all of the lines and satellite backfeeds. Then mark or tag them, and sketch out a schematic to make up a decent plan as to how to power 11 outlets piggybacked on 3. Without seeing your specific house and wiring scheme I can't say anymore without making large assumptions. Good luck, my suggestion is call the cableco back and let them get the migraine figuring out what the satco did. Be patient and forthcoming in what you need ... these guys are routed based on what you actually scheduled. You may even need a secondary drop line. |
New member Username: Cableguyindiana
Post Number: 3
Registered: Jul-09
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| Posted on Wednesday, July 08, 2009 - 11:02 pm: |
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Jay dub,
There is no way to split it without losing signal. The cablco also knows this but they have the signal meters, wiring and splitters to make the most out of what signal you have to work with at your ground block. Pretty much anything you purchase aftermarket is garbage except maybe the most expensive 5-1000mhz spliters which ironically will cost you far more than the measly 20 bucks the cableco charges you to install the new line, signal test, and install the (free) splitter. Don't forget you'll need a jumper wire also to go from your new gold splitter to the new set.... cha-ching! Finally if you botch it or get a defective splitter the cableco will nail you for a svc call fee if they have to come out and do what they could have just done in the first place. Consider that you have HD on a 2nd floor, and internet in bsmt both of which are digital products, both are sensitive to noise and poor signal strength. My suggestion would be to wait the week for the calbeco to get there and pay them 20 bucks instead of paying radio shack 35$ and then the cableco 27.99 for a svc call fee. |
New member Username: Cableguyindiana
Post Number: 4
Registered: Jul-09
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| Posted on Wednesday, July 08, 2009 - 11:16 pm: |
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Hevis,
My suggestion would be to call Comcast since they're you're provider and allow them to do it correctly. You'll need a very high quality amplifier, squeaky clean wiring, clean input levels, a balanced 3way and an unbalanced 3way. Amazingly Comcast being a cable provider already has all that stuff and are willing to install it for you. Problem solved!
PS Unsure why you've amplified all splitters, if you are beefing up the signal before a 2way which feeds an HD box or set you're probably cooking the tuner in them. Most amplifiers are 15-20db across a wide spectrum, a little 2way only loses 3.5 to each output leg. In essence whatever is coming in on the input feed from outside is leaving that first splitter on the RF autobahn to your HD tuner 12-17db hotter than what's coming in. ouch  |
New member Username: Cableguyindiana
Post Number: 5
Registered: Jul-09
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| Posted on Wednesday, July 08, 2009 - 11:45 pm: |
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G Buydos,
This is a little complex but I'll do my best here.
A DC is a directional coupler..
DC's are used in residential wiring and in hardline cable plant. DC6's are essentially an unbalanced 2way splitter, DC9's and 12's are much the same but more extreme. There's is a diminishing return as you go higher into the unbalanced value to the point where 9's & 12's are pretty much useless in residential applications. If you can't get the job done with a DC6 or standard 2way then you have another larger problem to correct first.
One use for a DC is a situation where you have a network with noise that for some reason cannot be fixed. You would "isolate" any outlets that have noise sensitive equipment on it on the low loss leg because any noise coming back upstream would have to overcome the insertion loss (resistance) of the high loss leg (on a return path output becomes input) before introducing itself into the data streams of the safeguarded leg thereby corrupting it. Example: If it's a DC9 return noise on the high loss leg would have to overcome about 8-8.5DB of resistance before recombining with the signal of the low loss leg to corrupt it's data streams. That's isolation, you're isolating the low loss leg with the inherent resistance of the high loss leg.
Secondly one might use a DC in times where you have to balance a cable network out in an unusual manner to even out your forward levels. This is the most common use for a DC although in my experience they're never as dependable or durable as a plain 2way. |
New member Username: Cableguyindiana
Post Number: 6
Registered: Jul-09
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| Posted on Thursday, July 09, 2009 - 12:26 am: |
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Jason Stedman,
I'll post this in reply to yours and others that have gone to radio shack (or where ever) for amps.
If you are amplifying the return path of anything in your house and the cableco sees it on a spectrum analyzer while a lineman/field tech is doing routine system maintenance they WILL shut your service off and likely fine you. Depending on the level of noise you're amplifying and then introducing on the return path you could even take down a fiber optic node which will make your neighbors for a few miles around you unhappy. It happened last year in my area. If you are experiencing packet loss it's usually not a levels issue! Despite what the guy at radio shack, who is not an RF technician but a commission based salesman, tells you not every problem is solved with amplification. If your signal is low but basically clean then maybe but call the cableco first to see if they can fix your signal issues on their end first before buying an expensive amplifier that may do nothing or it may get you fined, shut off, and talked to firmly by a nice person from the FCC. Packet loss is almost always due to noise and ingress, it may be something as simple as a loose connector at the pole. Another common packet loss cause is a dying network device in the modem, computer, or at the local switch.
Witness the fact that your SNR went down to 32 with the amp. You want your SNR or Signal to Noise Ratio to be higher ...not lower. 32 SNR is horrible. 34 is more normal but not great. I've been doing cable, data networks, and RF linework for over 15 years and I can tell you from experience that amplifiers are usually just expensive bandaids, and when the one you purchased stops working you have to buy another one. You shouldn't need an amp for any reason at all unless your drop line services more than 5 outlets or if your drop line is over 400 ft long, non-rg11, and you have more than 3 outlets.
In Austin Green's situation his splitters are completely unbalanced and he's describing open/unused ports on one of the 3ways. Not only is his modem 2 or 3? splitters deep causing his transmit power to go through the roof but also if there are open splitter ports it's pulling ingress and the wrong splitter altogether. Instead of fixing the problem with appropriate line balancing he's simply beating it over the head with amylification. That is until his modem eventually burns out from fighting high transmit over a long periond of time.
Please keep in mind if your signal from outside is bad all your doing with an amplifier is making it worse. Bad signal in = bad signal out +20db noise. |
New member Username: 2hondas
Post Number: 1
Registered: Jul-09
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| Posted on Sunday, July 19, 2009 - 09:56 am: |
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I bought an IDEAL 3-Way Digitial Cable Splitter model 85-133, http://www.idealindustries.com/prodDetail.do?prodId=85-133&div=2&l1=splitters&l2 =5mhz_1ghz_splitters&;3=85-133. One output reads 4db, the other two both read 8db. I am splitting to a cable modem and two tvs. Should I hook my cable modem up to the 4db or one of the 8db outputs? Thanks! |
New member Username: Cableguyindiana
Post Number: 7
Registered: Jul-09
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| Posted on Thursday, July 23, 2009 - 11:55 pm: |
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Mr. Barkow,
If you have cable as your service provider you should return the splitter and get your money back. Then call the cableco and set up an appt to have them do it properly. They will give you an excellent splitter for FREE and do the maths and wiring for you.
With that disclaimer out of the way what you have there is essentially an unbalanced 3 way splitter (UB3). Most good UB3 ways from reputable companies with good craftsmanship will produce passive losses of 3.5/7/7 respctively. I can't vouch for the quality of your splitter given it's passive losses but now that you've bought it it's too late anyway. A good indication of the quality of a splitter is it's passive losses and whether or not the back plate is a simple piece of tin that's glued in place or something a little heavier that's soldered. (you want the soldered one)
If the two tv's are analog then the modem needs to be on the low loss leg, in this case "4". This insures isolation and a low (return path) transmit level. If you have digital equipment/boxes on these tv lines you've bought the wrong splitter and there's no right way to split this without seeing your house to figure out which outlet could benefit most from the extra "4" db of signal. In that case you may have been better off with a balanced 3 way.
Or.... you could just call the cableco and let them do it properly. In my line of work (cable) I replace and throw away 10-20 aftermarket splitters a week running svc calls. The quality is just not there, not only that but ppl tend to buy the wrong splitters entirely for their personal applications. I'd save that reciept. |
New member Username: 2hondas
Post Number: 2
Registered: Jul-09
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| Posted on Saturday, July 25, 2009 - 09:40 am: |
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Thanks for answering my question and giving me the additional suggestions Mr. Spencer. |
New member Username: Vvilliamm
Post Number: 1
Registered: Aug-09
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| Posted on Sunday, August 09, 2009 - 03:02 am: |
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Ok hmm you guys seem to know alot 0.0 and im new and facing problems.
I have a simple setup that i want to do I want to get an splitter that will split the line one for my tv one for my router simple but i dont know which splitter to buy and which one wouldn't affect my internet speed here is my current cable modem readings
if i do a split will my speed decrease?
Which one of these Cable Splitters are better? for my internet and tv?
I recently got Roadrunner cable and i want to use an splitter on the coax cable so it will make it one for my router and one for my tv.
having higher DB better or worse? here i have two different splitters
Monster Cable 2-Way MKII RF Splitter
Low-Loss output
5mhz-1ghz 3.5db
1-2ghz 4.9db
Monoprice
http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=104&cp_id=10422&cs_id=1042206&p_id=2872&seq=1&format=2
PREMIUM 2 way Splitter F type Screw - 5~2400 MHz (for Video VCR Cable TV antenna)
Frequency Range (MHz)
5~47 47~950 950~2150 2150~2400
Insertion Loss In Out
4.5 dB 6.0 dB 6.8 dB 7.0 dB
Isolation Out - Out 8 dB 18 dB 18 dB 18 dB
Return Loss In 8 dB 8 dB 8 dB 8 dB
Return Loss Out 8 dB 8 dB 8 dB 8 dB |
New member Username: Cableguyindiana
Post Number: 8
Registered: Jul-09
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| Posted on Friday, September 04, 2009 - 12:18 am: |
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Hey WIlliam,
I'm confused, you said you need to split it to your router but I'm assuming you mean your cable modem. If that's true you should have already gotten a splitter from Roadrunner. If you have a router you purchased it will be connected to the modem via an ethernet category 5 (CAT5) cable. Just a warning: I may be missing the nature of your question but if you're paying for cable internet and hoping to get tv too your line is probably trapped out to where this won't work for you at all, splitter or not. The same thing goes for trying to get internet if you're paying for tv only.
Either way, to answer your question: Splitting it will not affect speed whatsoever, unless the splitter you buy is faulty and creats data corruption and/or packet loss, then you'll see speed loss. Putting a splitter in reduces or pads down the forward travelling (downstream) data by whatever it's db designation is. On a 2 way it's usually 3.5db. On the other hand it also creates resistance in the reverse path (upstream) and causes the modem to have to work harder to get your data back to our system where it's picked up and relayed on. So, in looking at your cable modem reading (nice job those are helpful) your downstream will become 3.5-ish and your "power level" will become 41.5-ish because you're adding to transmit while reducing forward power. These are good levels as most modems aren't struggling till about 50 on the (transmit) power level. That's not to say it's ok to hook up an even larger splitter just because you have some room to play with.
The monoprice gold splitter is a satellite splitter and useless to you for this application. I didn't see a link for the monster cable one but a normal cable/broadband 2-way will be 5-1000mhz (1000mhz = one gigahertz). It will have an input and two outs with 3.5db loss.
In the end you should call Roadrunner and allow them to install it and just get the splitter free but if you want to try it yourself keep the reciept in case the splitter is defective or you find it doesn't do what you needed it to. |
New member Username: Ori_dreifuss_onn
Post Number: 1
Registered: Sep-09
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| Posted on Wednesday, September 23, 2009 - 06:45 pm: |
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i want to make it so i have Cable television in my room instead of just the living room.
i was wondering if i just put a 2 way on the cable coming from the comcast black box (router?), put cables going to the Living room TV and my TV, i will be ok?
PS. do i need another cable box? |
New member Username: Labornurse
Post Number: 1
Registered: Dec-09
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| Posted on Tuesday, December 08, 2009 - 08:28 pm: |
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This is probably a stupid question. We have Charter HD via a Motorola DCH6200 box (no DVR). All is fantastic. Now I want to connect my older (2006) Tivo Series 2 DT so I can record missed shows. What kind of splitter is recommended to split the signal from the wall to both devices - will the splitter that came with the TIVO work with HD? I don't want the signal to the TV to have less quality. |
New member Username: Naylor07
Post Number: 1
Registered: Dec-09
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| Posted on Thursday, December 10, 2009 - 11:32 pm: |
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I got a quick question. I was having some problems with some of my HD channels not coming in or becoming pixelated. I currently have the signal coming into the house split 4 ways, 3 HDTV boxes and 1 cable modem. It had a cheap splitter in the box, so I bought an amplifier (http://www.amazon.com/DIGITAL-AMPLIFIER-INTERNET-SIGNAL-BOOSTER/dp/B001EKCGT8/r ef=pd_sim_e_5) but I am now wondering if that was necessary. Would a higher quality splitter solve the problem or should I just stick with the amplifier? |
New member Username: Kevinjames
San Jose,
CA
USA
Post Number: 1
Registered: Dec-09
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| Posted on Sunday, December 20, 2009 - 07:09 pm: |
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Trying to set up my mom's TV and VCRs to work with digital as it did with analog. She has Comcast service, lives in an apartment complex - all "wiring" for the cable service is "no access." She only has a single cable coming out of wall in front room and one in each of 2 bedrooms. The supplied digital upgrade consists of a digital-to-analog converter box that only allows one 1 converted signal out - recording on VCR only same channel and program as being watched on the TV. Previously the cable in all rooms fed into a VCR (1 in each bedroom, and 5 serially chained in front room) and then into TVs. The TV signal in front room was a little degraded on rare occassions, but all 5 VCRs could record different programs/channels while watching another on the TV; six channels in total. The VCR recordings are pristine when played back on TV. Front room - would like to know what to do with the cable, etc., to allow the VCRs to continue to record converted signals and then play back to TV when desired. Under analog conditions, each VCR programmed individually while others "off" - assume that the analog signals are "passed through" each VCR when each is powered "off." |
New member Username: Bd86
Post Number: 1
Registered: Dec-09
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| Posted on Tuesday, December 22, 2009 - 06:40 pm: |
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Cable Guy, great forum, and I am glad i found it just a few minutes ago. thank you for being here.
I currently have at home all of my services (HDTV/DVR, phone, and internet) with my cable company. Our office is in one room of the house where the main modem is, and where I have the computer wired to, and where the cable company placed the main phone wire.
I also have a Linksys Wireless Router-N hooked up for the smart phones and laptop my wife uses around the house.
My Home Theater system is on the other side of the house with all of my A/V toys, including a new JVC Blu-ray my wife got me, and I have a Roku Digital Video Player on its way that I would like to use with my Netflix account. Both my Blu-ray and the soon Roku Player allow me to connect to the internet. I also have a Monster Battery back up with Noise filter which my cable runs through it before signal hits my DVR box.
At the risk of asking a redundant question. Which option is best for not loosing signal strength and/or for me to myself since I am very handy. Also considering that I do not want to rely on WiFi for streaming movies:
Option A) Keep my scheduled appointment with Cable company to drop a new line dedicated to the additional modem.
Option B) Run a splitter knowing that I also have a Monster Backup, Noise reducer connected already.
Option C) The option I really do not want which is buying two USB cards and attaching them to each unit.
Thanks. |
New member Username: Cskwarcan
Post Number: 1
Registered: Dec-09
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| Posted on Wednesday, December 23, 2009 - 06:13 am: |
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I read/scanned/searched previous posts but wish to clarify your advice to add a second HDTV to my current setup. Current setup is Comcast digital cable with a splitter feeding: an HDTV (w/Comcast's dual HD tuner), two CRT tv's (receiving basic cable), and a cable modem. It seems I will need to call Comcast and rent a second HD tuner but just wondering if there are any other options to getting HD to my second HDTV. The new HDTV is Samsung.http://www.hhgregg.com/ProductDetail.asp?SID=n&ProductID=23189 |
New member Username: Mylosol
Florida
Post Number: 1
Registered: Dec-09
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| Posted on Monday, December 28, 2009 - 02:12 pm: |
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Okay after reading much of this I have surly gained a lot of valuable insight... So I need to split my main cable line to 3 objects HD-DVR, Standard TV and a Cable Modem... so I was looking into 3 way splitters. My question is what is the advantage of a "balanced" 3 way vs. a regular. I see that a normal 3 way splitter has 2 legs at -7db and one at -3.5db
where as the balanced has all 3 legs at -5.5db
Is this a marketing scheme or would this be beneficial?
Second, If I chose a standard 3 way would -7db hurt my HDTV reception? Or verse visa would the -5.5db hurt my Internet? |
New member Username: Spookyjrg
Post Number: 1
Registered: Jan-10
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| Posted on Sunday, January 03, 2010 - 12:09 am: |
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I have a question about the functionality of a splitter. I have four cables coming directly out of my satellite dish, and as far as I can tell they seem to go directly to wall plates. Enter problem- I'm canceling the satellite service and putting up an antenna in the attic. The four coaxial lines are accessible in the attic and I plan to splice them and attach the antenna via the following configuration: Antenna - amplifier- splitter. My question is can I use a passive four way splitter to consolidate the satellite lines into a manual switch to transfer between the antenna and satellite signal. Thoughts? |
New member Username: Brgmgb
Post Number: 1
Registered: Jan-10
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| Posted on Monday, January 04, 2010 - 12:39 pm: |
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I have a question about combining signals. We purchased two new HDTVs for Christmas. We have Dish Network satellite service and an antenna.
We have a DVR in the spare bedroom called "The Office". The DVR is set to provide TV in the office and living room.
In the living room, I used a hybrid splitter to combine the antenna and Dish signals. We can watch very clear Dish and over-the-air TV. I can't believe how clear the local channels are with digital TV! The Dish programming comes in on analog channel 23 on this TV. The distance between the DVR and splitter/combiner is about 75 feet.
Happy with the setup, we purchased a new TV for the office. When I put a hybrid splitter to combine the antenna and Dish signals, the Dish signal (on channel 3) was fuzzy. The OTA local channels were sharp & clear. The distance between the DVR and splitter/combiner is about 3 feet. I am reusing the coax provided by Dish when they installed everything.
On the Office TV, if I hook up the Dish directly to the TV, it comes in clear. If I hook the antenna wire to the antenna-in on the back of the DVR, I lose some local channels. If I put a 12 dB amp after the splitter/combiner, the Dish signal is still fuzzy. The way it sits now, the amp is between the DVR and the splitter/combiner, and the Dish comes in as clear as it does with nothing between.
Why do I have no problems with the long stretch of coax but all kinds of problems with the short run?
I have ruled out the hybrid splitter/combiner because when I swap input sides, there is no change. I also rules out the wire between the hybrid splitter/combiner and the TV because the local channels come in from the antenna.
Does the DVR boost the 2nd line output knowing it will be a longer run? |
Silver Member Username: Jrbay
Livonia [Detroit area],
Michigan
USA
Post Number: 923
Registered: Feb-08
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| Posted on Monday, January 04, 2010 - 03:53 pm: |
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Greetings Bill,
Please try swapping your "hybrid splitter" between the two set ups. If my image of what you are trying to do you should be using diplexers to combine an antenna signal with your DISH network signal. If my image of this setup is not correct I would need some model numbers of the boxes to help further.
You might also do some research on the latest equipment that DISH offers (mostly free to existing customers) that would also resolve your issues as well as offer a much happier viewing experience such as High Def on many other channels as well as your locals. |
Silver Member Username: Jrbay
Livonia [Detroit area],
Michigan
USA
Post Number: 924
Registered: Feb-08
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| Posted on Monday, January 04, 2010 - 03:57 pm: |
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Please note that all new questions will be answered a lot faster/more efficiently if you all start new threads. |
New member Username: Mgr146
Post Number: 1
Registered: Jan-10
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| Posted on Wednesday, January 13, 2010 - 09:25 pm: |
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I installed a 2 way cable splitter, and don't have reception on 1 of the tvs. The tv doesn't pick up the cable signal in the set up mode to auto program the tv. Any suggestions? |
Silver Member Username: Jrbay
Livonia [Detroit area],
Michigan
USA
Post Number: 967
Registered: Feb-08
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| Posted on Thursday, January 14, 2010 - 07:55 am: |
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Try switching the cables between the two outlets on the splitter. If the signal then goes to the second (previously not working) TV but not the first (previously working) you have a bad splitter. If not, then perhaps the cable to the second TV needs some attention. |
