Digital Cable vs. Standard Signal Woes for Three Tivos

Doubtful · 03-13-2007, 06:01 PM

I'm attempting to improve my viewing quality which is severely degraded because of how many times the cable signal is split to three Tivos (all series two), cable modem, a VCR, and the TV.

CBS looks downright dreadful most of the time. Bright colors are blown out and the overall picture is noisy. Couple that with the effects of recording on low quality and it's nearly unwatchable. Other channels look fine, however.

Comcast suggested upgrading to digital cable, and I'm wondering if we have a digital cable box in our primary viewing area, will the rest of the house still receive standard cable? I don't particularly want to pay for three cable boxes.

Will I even see an improvement in network channels with digital cable?

Because we only watch network television, would it make more sense to invest in a cable amplifier/splitter and rewire?

Thanks so much!

mick66 · 03-13-2007, 06:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doubtful

Because we only watch network television, would it make more sense to invest in a cable amplifier/splitter and rewire?

Thanks so much!

I'd try a powered rf signal amplifier, using it before any of the splits.
Something like this.

Doubtful · 03-14-2007, 05:06 PM

Thanks, I was leaning that direction.

I'm still curious, though, if we get digital cable (Comcast) and one digital box, will the other Tivo still receive the same channels they do now with basic cable?

jjberger2134 · 03-14-2007, 05:54 PM

...or something like this on ebay

To learn more about amps, this eBay seller has a great "Help" section about 10% - 20% down the page.

Make sure that you get an amp with a "Return Path", especially if you have a cable modem or will upgrade to digital cable.

JimSpence · 03-14-2007, 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doubtful

Thanks, I was leaning that direction.

I'm still curious, though, if we get digital cable (Comcast) and one digital box, will the other Tivo still receive the same channels they do now with basic cable?

Yes, if Comcast keeps analog channels.

BruceShultes · 03-15-2007, 02:43 PM

I don't know about Comcast, but it sure works that way in our area with TW.

We have one TV connected to a digital cable box, another connected to an S3 and two others using no cable boxes at all.

If Comcast's return policy is anything like TW's, try it. You should be able to discontinue the digital option if it doesn't work.

pdhenry · 03-15-2007, 03:09 PM

It probably varies by local Comcast franchise, but I thought that the channels below 100 were still analog even if you had a digital box.

WayneCarter · 03-15-2007, 06:18 PM

Quote:

It probably varies by local Comcast franchise, but I thought that the channels below 100 were still analog even if you had a digital box.

FWIW That is how it is here, at least. We have one cable box (to get HBO, On-Demand, and other premium content) all the other TVs in the house (4 of 'em) and the other Tivo are hooked to the cable directly.