Ghosting in Cable TV (1 Viewer)

[Brendan K]

I just moved into an apartment and have experienced a problem with the TV in my room. Whenever I connect the TV to the cable, I receive a "ghosted" image on all of my local channels. When I unplug the cable from the wall, I still receive the local signal but without any "ghosting." I assume the cable is acting like an antenna. I wonder if there is any sort of limiter-type device I can purchase to filter out the antenna-effects of the cable?

Thanks!

Brendan

 

[James Brown]

When ghosting occurs, what usually is happening is, your local stations signal is being picked up in your cable line due to a defective connection or cable. This is called ingress. You can call your local cable company to have them correct this... usually free of charge.

 

[Bob McElfresh]

Ghosting is also caused by reflections in the cable. As James said, this could be a bad connector, but it's also caused by splitters with open outputs. If you have a splitter (say a 1-to-4) with un-used outputs, go to Radio Shack and buy some of the Terminating Resistors. These things simply screw onto un-used outputs and prevent reflections.

Let us know what works.

 

[Brendan M.]

This problem can also be caused by using a long length of coax cable. Basically the cable acts as an antenna, causing a ghost image. I had this same problem myself and just resolved it the other day by drastically shortening the length of coax I was using.