Cable splitting/ HDTV

[JoeB]

Hi,

I recently purchased the Sony 30" direct view LCD that is HDTV ready. My family gets the Cablevision "family" cable package. The problem is that our cable is split 5 different ways (4 sets & 1 cable modem). The reception we get is not always good, it fluctuates on a day to day basis, most all channels past 36 or so can vary in reception all the time. Is splitting cable like this illegal, I've been apprehensive to call Cablevision to take a look at our reception issues. We are 1 family living in a 2 family house, so I'm not sure if they'll make a fuss over it.

The problem I'm pondering is that I'm looking to upgrade to the basic IO digital package which is like $9.95 extra a month, and it includes some HD channels. Does anyone know if the cable splitting will also affect the HDTV signal. out of all the other sets in the house, my set will be the only one utilizing a box.

I'm just trying to decide if it would be worth to try and upgrade with Cablevision, or go the more expensive route and get another provider to use solely by me.

Thanks for any input,
Joe

[Cryptic1]

5 Sets are not a problem if the conditions are perfect. Should easily be enough signal. Dont't worry about cablevision. They may charge you a one time fee but there is no monthly charge and it is totally legal to run your own lines. If it is sub par cable thenthey are gonna charge you. The best thing about cablevision is that you get the HD box for free. That includes programming based on your package. (If you have HBO you get HBO HD for free etc etc...)
Sounds like you have either bad cable or a bad splitter.
Hope this helped.

[Scott5626]

I have to disagree, Im sure that when you split a signal like cable it will weaken the signal to a degree and Im not sure but I dont think your HD programming will look as it should with it being split,they do make boosters for long runs.

[57U]

Many splitters can be an issue, especially for HD and cable modems, however, the cable company should make everything work. If you want to understand splitting yourself, see the FAQ on "Cables/Splitters". It describes signal loss through splitters, etc.

[ericdo]

I have 3 Tv's hooked up in my house. I have the Io Gold package. On every tv the reception is great. I think yours just looks bad because you don't have any digital channels.

[Cryptic1]

Scott it does weaken the signal but it is not something that you would notice until the levels got really bad. On a SA4200hd signal on 603.00mhz can be as low as -10 to -12 without causing as much as a hickup. Do not amplify the signal. The amplifiers only amplify your downstream and not your Tx. If you are having problems just call cablevision and they will fix it. If need be they will run an additional drop to give you extra signal.

[JoeB]

Thanks so much everyone for all your input, this forum is so informative and supportive of issues. I'm having a tech come out and take a look at the problem and we'll go from there.

Thanks again,
Joe