View Full Version : amplifier needed?
NEPats
02-04-2005, 10:07 AM
My cable is split 4 ways when it comes into the house in the basement.. 1 to the cable modem, + 3 TV's. I may be adding one more.. On my main TV the cable comes in to an AV surge protector, then out & split again, one going directly into the tv & the other going to the SA8300HD, then to the TV (for PIP) -- Did I do this right? (I dont get PIP for all channels, just 2-99 & no HD) I also have component cables from the 8300 to the TV. Will an amplifier help any of this? if so what would anyone recommend...
mjones73
02-04-2005, 10:13 AM
Are you having signal loss or PQ problems?
NEPats
02-04-2005, 10:30 AM
Are you having signal loss or PQ problems?
I'm not sure... I have both when I watch DVR recordings, and I am trying to figure out if my DVR is defective, or if it has to do with the signal.
tigerbangs
02-04-2005, 10:31 AM
Be careful about using an amplifier on a cable line. most of them do not pass 2-way services like movies-on-demand, and cable modems are often particularly unhappy with an amplifier!
mjones73
02-04-2005, 11:08 AM
If your seeing good PQ when viewing but descreased PQ on recordings, I doubt it's your signal.
Splicer
02-04-2005, 11:11 AM
What kind of TV do you have? You should be able to have 1 PIP window to scan through the cable box channels (HD), and the other window 2-99 (no digital/HD). If that is the case, you have everything connected properly. The only thing I would change is running the cable through the surge protector. There is no need for it as the cable is grounded already at the ground block (or should be).
If you are concerned with PQ and think there is a problem, call the cable co and get a Tech out to check your signal level. From what you described as how your set up is, you are losing a minimum of 10db on the main TV and cable box. Most systems run around (on average, everywhere is different) 7-8db MAXIMUM behind your set. Take 10 away and you are running at -2db, not counting the attenuation of the lengths of cable.
If you do indeed have a low signal problem, it is best to get a house amp from the cable co. OR, have a second line from the tap to the house run. Hope this helps.
NEPats
02-04-2005, 11:37 AM
Thanks Splicer for the suggestions. PIP is working fine, I was just curious to know if there was an alternative (I have a Hitachi 42V715). I must admit I was coerced into buying the A/V surge protector by the salesman, although I did not buy his $100 Monster brand which according to said salesperson "I dont know of any other ones out there..." It seemed like a reasonable way to protect the TV, given the price of the TV, so I got one.
Splicer
02-04-2005, 01:06 PM
The TV being plugged into a surge protector is exactly what should be done. The cable however is a different story. If the TV gets blown up from the cable not being properly grounded (happens from time to time), then the cable co MUST repair/replace your set. Grounding is a big deal, people get killed to no no grounds so they protect their system (read-interests) to the point it is over protected.
NEPats
02-07-2005, 01:54 PM
So basically I dont want to run the cable through the surge protector because of the outside chance the cable might not be properly grounded, and the only way to find out is if the TV blows up... seems reasonable....
Splicer
02-07-2005, 02:00 PM
No. Because it can cause interference on the line. You're a funny guy! If you want to know if the system is grounded just call the cable co and have them come out and check it out.
Squigz
02-09-2005, 02:23 AM
On most surge protectors, if you run your cable line through one, and then to a digital cable box, it will knock out your interactives from time to time, while others knock it out all the time. The others are right, the cable system should be grounded.
RocknWoll
02-21-2005, 05:21 PM
NEPats,
I have the same TV, just got it last week, and have some questions about it if you want to discuss it some time.
As far as your issue goes, I recommend the Motorola Signal Booster, model number 484095-001-00 which goes for between $40 to $60. I bring the cable line into the booster and then split it three ways and the result has been great. It is helpful for the 50 cable run to the bedroom especially on the analog channels.
Good luck and hope we can discuss our 42V715's some time.
