[mythtv-users] splitting analog coax

[Stephen Worthington]

On Wed, 05 Aug 2015 12:08:47 -0600, you wrote:

>
>
>On 8/5/2015 12:03 PM, Jerome Yuzyk wrote:
>> On Wednesday, August 05, 2015 01:49:35 PM Joseph DeGraw wrote:
>>> On 08/05/2015 01:41 PM, Jerome Yuzyk wrote:
>>>> My new MythTV box will have 2 PVR-500s, or so I hope. I will then need
>>>> to split the coax from my cable provider into 3 feeds: 1 for my
>>>> cablemodem and 2 for the 500s.
>>>>
>>>> Is it better for me to use 1 1:3 splitter or 2 1:2 splitters?
>>> Use a single splitter. There will  be less signal loss with just one.
>>>
>>> Also, Depending on how many splitters you have besides that location you
>>> may need to install a signal booster of some type if you have picture
>>> quality issues.
>>>
>>> If those would be the only splitters in the whole house then I wouldnt
>>> worry about it too much.
>> Thanks. I'll only have the 3 outputs, all within 2 meters of the wall jack.
>>
>> I will be feeding 2 PVR-500s, each with its own internal splitter. Might it
>> be worthwhile to amplify the -7dB inputs that the 500s will have from a 1:3
>> splitter?
>>
>It just depends how strong your signal is coming into your house. 
>Usually splitting it 3 ways isn't a problem.

And too strong a signal can also be a problem, so always try with just
a splitter first, before thinking of adding an amplifier.

Do use good cable and connectors - there can be serious signal loss if
you go and get the cheapest nasty stuff.  Here in New Zealand, that
means using RG6 cable, which is a little stiffer that most people
like, but low loss and properly shielded.  The more flexible cable is
usually the bad stuff.  And use F-connectors (the screw type ones)
where ever possible (eg the splitter).  The Belling-Lee ones (push
fit) like my PVR-500 has are much higher loss than an F-connector.
They also come loose with time, gravity, and whenever someone vacuums
around the cables or otherwise disturbs them.