Keith_R

Attaching a splitter to cable outlet

Hey guys, I apologize if I'm posting this in the wrong place. I would like to attach a cable splitter to one of cable outlets so that the outlet can share the connection with the Tv and my X-Box. How hard is this to do? is it as simple as I think where I can just plug the splitter into the outlet and than attach the Tv and my other device to the splitter? thanks.

My technology blog


-Keith-

Evan S

searching for that elusive, "perfect" sound.

Peter Yee

Evan's right, this should very easy to do. Take a look at this Radio Shack device. You may, however, find that the signal isn't quite as clear as it previously was -- that was a problem I had when I put a splitter in so that I could drive my TV and my TiVo. Some channels started to pick up hash. Usually, though, there's no discernible difference on my display.

-Peter

Jonathan Smith

Depending on how strong your signal is, you may need to get a splitter with built in amplification. Either way, the connection is just that simple.

Todd_B

Just to add..Make sure you purchase a Gigahertz (1000 Mhz) splitter (or better) and not anything less.

I had a 900Mhz splitter for my cable and it wouldn't work. My cable modem wouldn't synch.

Todd B

Darmok and Jilad, at Tanagra.

Keith_R

After I posted I found we already had a 2-way splitter running which was taken up already, I'm thinking I could replace that one with a 3-way splitter. The whole thing looks very simple.Another thing about this, since I would now have 2 cable modems running in different parts of the house, with both being always on (except my X-Box will not always be running like my computer) will I notice a big decrease in speed when I'm surfing or will it remain relatively the same? By the way if it helps my cable connection is running at the 1mbit speed, in case you're wondering my current speed is. Thanks

My technology blog


-Keith-

Mike Voigt

The problem with splitters (and for that matter most devices in the line) is a reduction of the signal-to-noise ratio. Inlet signal strength is measured in dB (yup, jsut like audio signals). The visual impact is a loss of picture accuracy, like color reduction, or worse, snow.

2-way splitters drop the signal by 3.5-4 dB. 4-way by about 7 dB.

Each splitter will do that, so if you have two in-line, you get 7-8 dB loss.

the other half of that is that the cable company has a certain amount of leeway in increasing (and decreasing) the signal strength to your house. It is not unlimited, which is why a lot of homes with cable modems - which require higher signal strengths than TVs - on one trunk line will suffer a degradation of service; unless, of course, the cable company increases the strength of the trunk line signal.

Check out the following website for more info:

Signal loss web page

Mike

jeff_coil

I needed to put a cable amp in line before my 8 way splitter in order to get acceptable signal throughout the house. Like said above make sure that the splitters and amp if required are both at least 1Ghz. I just went down to the local cable company and they hooked me up with what I needed.
Jeff