Coax Splitter

[jnaranjo]

Now that I have my new pvr-250 I want to be able to split the coax cable coming into my home. I need to figure out if I need a special splitter since the coax also feeds my Cable Modem. Do I need a special splitter because of the cable modem? I thought I read that somewhere.

Also is there a specific manufacturer’s splitter that is better than others?
Thanks again for any help

[koan00]

It depends on WHERE the splitter is coming into play. Basically if the signal must pass through the splitter to get to your cable modem you need a high bandwidth splitter (1000Mhz). Many standard cheapy splitters are only 900Mhz and therefore cut out part of the frequency range the cable modem utilizes.

[swan_g]

I bought one similar to this from Radio Shack, but with only 2 outputs instead of 4 (was a little cheaper). It has an amplification control so you can boost the signal as much as you need, without getting artifacts or distortion.
One output is connected to my digital cable box and one to the PVR-250.
So far quality has been good on both ends.

[Terminal]

You might also consider getting a coupler instead of a splitter. I prefer to keep my signal strength up for my cable modem and drop a little more for the TV. The difference being with the coupler only one output is significantly attenuated, whereas with a splitter both are.

[jnaranjo]

I need to split it 4 ways. Will a splitter really degrade all 4 connections?

[swan_g]

Get the thing I posted before... Since it's an amplifier, you shouldn't get any loss...

[jnaranjo]

I guess I'm being cheap but I don't want to spen the $50 on the amplified splitter. I see Radio Shack has a passive for 16.95(model 15-2583) I am going to try this tonight and see how much if any degradation. I've read that the incoming signal should be good for at least 4 passive splits before degradation can be seen. I have my fingers crossed.

[jnaranjo]

Finally replying to this old thread. I installed the less expensive 4 way splitter(~$17.00) and the video was good except on one of the splits. I thought it had gotten degraded and almost purchased the (~$50.00) amplified splitter except I realized I had used the coax cable that came with my Tivo for that specific split. I found some cable that the cable company had left extra for me and swapped it. This made a HUGE impact on the quality of the video. It's now all great the splits all look awesome. FYI.
Enjoy!

[comptechltd]

Also be careful because with some cable companies a cable signal that is to strong can can cause loss of sync for your cable modem. In my area they put (I guess it is an attenuator???) to keep the cable signal low for the cable modem. According to my sources this can vary from cable company to cable company. I have a good friend who heads up the cable internet in my area. He said definately no amplifier on the cable modem feed.

Just my $.02

Steve

[jojowasher]

Hey,

Don't be afraid to call your cable company, I know that mine is more than willing to install a good quality splitter for free, they would rather put in the right one for you, then have you put in a bad one and effect your neighbours cable.

Jojo

[Terminal]

Originally posted by jojowasher
Hey,

Don't be afraid to call your cable company, I know that mine is more than willing to install a good quality splitter for free, they would rather put in the right one for you, then have you put in a bad one and effect your neighbours cable.

Jojo

That's a good point, when I complained to my cable company they installed a amplifier for me. Didn't cost me a dime.