should i get a powered coax distributor?

[zand94]

Just got my Tivo HD plugged in - and i want to make sure i have the optimal signal strength for all my outlets and be sure i dont have signal strength issues with my THD once i get the CCs installed.

here's my setup:

1 coax from comcast - 3 way splliter (from comcast)
split 1 -> comcast STB #1 (will be taken away once CCs get installed)
split 2 -> comcast STB #2 (will be staying for S2DT)
split 3 -> 2 way splitter #1

2way1 split #1 -> S2DT used with split #2 above
2way1 split #2 -> 2 way splitter #2

2way2 split #1 -> S2DT used with split #1 from 3 way
2way2 split #2 -> TivoHD

Here's how it would be after the CC install:

3 way splitter (from comcast)
split 1-> TivoHD w/CCs
split 2-> Comcast STB #2 (for S2DT #2)
split 3-> 2 way splitter

2 way split #1-> S2DT #1 (will record from 1 STB and 1 analog)
2 way split #2-> S2DT #2 (will record dual analog as backups if needed)


So the question is - would the cost of $75-150 be worth it to ensure future signal strength issues do not appear? if the answer is yes - are there any recommendations on brands/models that you guys have used?

[lrhorer]

Just got my Tivo HD plugged in - and i want to make sure i have the optimal signal strength for all my outlets and be sure i dont have signal strength issues with my THD once i get the CCs installed.
There is a very big gap between "optimal signal levels" and "unacceptable signal levels". You needn't worry about optimal signal levels, especially with digital content. There is no difference whatsoever in the delivered content between a signal only 1dB above the minimum acceptable level, optimal signal levels, and 1dB below minimum signal levels. If you are not having problems, don't worry about it.


3 way splitter (from comcast)
split 1-> TivoHD w/CCs
split 2-> Comcast STB #2 (for S2DT #2)
split 3-> 2 way splitter

Unless necessary for topological reasons, it is recommended you eliminate the second splitter. It's just 1 more device, 1 additional cable, and 2 additional connectors which can potentially cause problems. I recommend you get a 4-Way splitter, instead. If your network topology requires a second splitter (for example, the 2-way may be in a different room with only 1 cable drop running to the remote location), then under most circumstances the 2-way should be on the -3.5dB leg of the 3-way splitter. Most residential CATV installations are served with sufficient signal levels to allow a 4-way spliter (-7dB) inline. There can be exceptions, especially for analog receivers, but it's going to be pretty rare that a digital receiver will have problems with a correctly engineered and balanced CATV subscription unless your house is more than 300 meters from the subscriber tap. This is rare, but not unheard of, especially if your land tract is in excess of 1 acre.

So the question is - would the cost of $75-150 be worth it
What?!! Where do you get a $75 to $100 number? First of all, the local CATV company here will install a house amplifier free of charge if necessary. I have one in my house because not only is it a fairly long way to the pole, but I also because I have 9 outlets plus high speed internet in the house. Secondly, even if your local CATV company won't install a house amp free of charge or for a small fee if necessary, an ordinary house amp doesn't cost anywhere nearly that much.

Here's a six-way for $49
http://www.audio-discounters.com/h816bid.html

This outfit has a number of multiple output amps in the $40 range.
http://www.nextag.com/amplifier-catv/search-html

If you search a bit, you can probably find even more economical solutions. Just be sure any amplifier you get is rated for a high enough bandwidth to cover your local CATV system (most use 750MHz, but some deliver nearly 1000MHz) and that it will pass the 5 - 30MHz upstream channels, or else if it only passes downstream signals that it does not feed any 2-way device.

[zand94]

thank you! ill look through the sites - i was surfing amazon and found a motorola 4 way splitter for 25 + an amplifier for another 20 or so - thanks!

[SNJpage1]

Just make sure you get a two way amp if you have comcast for your internet. Some of the cheaper amps block the return signal. Also if you look at some splitters you will see that some taps have a lower DB loss then the other ports. Aways use the lower loss port to feed a second splitter.

[stream]

Just got my Tivo HD plugged in - and i want to make sure i have the optimal signal strength for all my outlets and be sure i dont have signal strength issues with my THD once i get the CCs installed.

So the question is - would the cost of $75-150 be worth it to ensure future signal strength issues do not appear? if the answer is yes - are there any recommendations on brands/models that you guys have used?

I had a low signal in my house and Comcast installed an amp in the utility closet where the cable enters my house. No charge, and it fixed the problem (although I don't have nearly as many splitters as you do!).

[zand94]

Just make sure you get a two way amp if you have comcast for your internet. Some of the cheaper amps block the return signal. Also if you look at some splitters you will see that some taps have a lower DB loss then the other ports. Aways use the lower loss port to feed a second splitter.

I dont have to worry bout that - Verizon FIOS since Nov last year and been very happy with it - sure would like Verizon TV to become available very soon but i've been told that the earliest it could happen in my area is Q2 08 due to local franchise rights issues

[zand94]

I had a low signal in my house and Comcast installed an amp in the utility closet where the cable enters my house. No charge, and it fixed the problem (although I don't have nearly as many splitters as you do!).

From what I've found is that Comcast will install the amplifier for free if and only if the signal is low strength at the entrance point itself. Once it's been split like mine is they will do it but it's a charge. I'd rather have the system in place before the CCs get installed so they dont try unplugging all my devices and blame CC pairing issues on it.

[lethcoeb]

I recommend a drop amp, like the Electroline EDA-FT08100:
http://www.cabletvamps.com/Products/EDA-FT08100.htm
It works well for me (now that Comcast seems to have worked out the issues with varying/poor signal strength in my neighborhood, coupled with 9.2.

[mattack]

If you search a bit, you can probably find even more economical solutions. Just be sure any amplifier you get is rated for a high enough bandwidth to cover your local CATV system (most use 750MHz, but some deliver nearly 1000MHz) and that it will pass the 5 - 30MHz upstream channels, or else if it only passes downstream signals that it does not feed any 2-way device.

Is there some way I can find out which my cable system uses?

Part of why I haven't seriously tried getting cable cards (besides cost) is that I know I have a zillion splitters and the few times I've tried using a cable box (on short free trials), some channels are unwatchable/don't even tune in.. probably lots of old splitters and ancient cables.

[jrm01]

Is there some way I can find out which my cable system uses?

Part of why I haven't seriously tried getting cable cards (besides cost) is that I know I have a zillion splitters and the few times I've tried using a cable box (on short free trials), some channels are unwatchable/don't even tune in.. probably lots of old splitters and ancient cables.

You could call and ask your cable operator and after getting passed off to 3 different CSRs you would get some vague answer. If you only get 8-12 HD channels you probably have a 650 Hz system. If you get 12-16 HD channels it's probably a 750 Hz system. If you get more it'll be a 1000 Hz system.

Actually though, most amps you see will be rated up to 1.0 - 1.2 gHz. You should take a look at your splitters and see if you can consolidate and eliminate some and upgrade the rest. You can also get an amplified splitter to use just before the TiVo box that could help with the cablecards.

[bizzy]

Has anyone asked the OP why he believes he needs a distribution amp to begin with?

[usnret]

I too installed a 4-port Electroline amp a few months ago, resulting in a hugh improvement in my picture quality in all 3 Tivo's (especially the DT). Other 2 are a SD-400 and a ST 540.