Best splitter
[Deleted User]
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Hi,
We've just had an engineer out and our signal is great, but we have break up when splitting the signal to three separate tvs. He has recommended getting a better "splitter" (if that's the correct term?) . He says to avoid the plastic ones and don't get a booster one either......... has anyone got any advice on the best to buy? Thanks.
We've just had an engineer out and our signal is great, but we have break up when splitting the signal to three separate tvs. He has recommended getting a better "splitter" (if that's the correct term?) . He says to avoid the plastic ones and don't get a booster one either......... has anyone got any advice on the best to buy? Thanks.
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Think I will try a booster anyway and see if it helps.
You could try a passive splitter first then if it screws up the picture quality too much swap it for a powered version. Something like this would do
http://cpc.farnell.com/labgear/fju603/splitter-3-way-uhf-5-1000mhz/dp/AP02105
It uses F-Type connectors rather than the more usual Belling Lee type connectors more usually found on TV aerial leads.
If you do need a powered splitter then try a low gain version such as this
http://cpc.farnell.com/slx/28103f/4-way-pro-slx-gold-signal-amplifier/dp/AP01503
Some comparisons between 2 way splitters
http://www.admac.myzen.co.uk/Splitter/
If you get one that have F connectors you can get F to Belling Lee (coax) adapters cheaply from Ebay
Another source, avoiding minimum order charges.
http://www.beststuff.co.uk/store/Labgear-3-Way-Splitter-WBS3F.htm
F to Belling Lee (coax)
http://www.beststuff.co.uk/store/F-plug-to-Coaxial-Socket-Gender-Changer.htm
www.ellies.co.za/index.php?id=701
......just dont bother with this type which is rubbish......
www.ellies.co.za/index.php?id=698
but if the signal is weak, you will need a multi way powered booster...
www.buyspares.co.uk/product.pl?pid=100411&utm_source=google&utm_medium=base&utm_campaign=products&gclid=CMDnrO6Tza0CFWQntAodymK1pQ
http://search.diy.com/search#w=tv booster&asug=TV
your signal isn't really strong enough to split it 3 ways....... but you also don't want to amplify it any more than it already is.
Passive splitters are possible..... but they halve (for 2) and thirdify(?) for 3 ... plus additional loss. ive never had any luck getting a passive splitter to work......
......on the other hand, ive never had a single problem with amplified ones
I tried using one years ago and they just seam to pick up any interference going and cables don't stay in properly - after using an F-Connector based one I was surprised at the difference they made - took channels from being unwatchable to being as good as the direct signal.
That being said, since we had a new aerial installed I have been using a set back six way distribution amp ( http://maxview.co.uk/products/info_PSB6.html ) to provide a signal to each of my tuners* and this has worked fine - unlike the 1 way ones it doesn't seam to try and boost the signal loads therefore wrecking it - it just ensures that the output remains at a strong enough level. Since DSO I've not needed it as the ITV Digital box bit the dust and the rest work perfectly fine from a passive splitter - however it didn't cause any issues leaving it in.
* TV, USB TV Tuner, ITV Digibox, PVR
I never claimed the device was perfect and that it didnt have limitations, but you should not describe ANYTHING as "Rubbish" without giving some sort of reason. I certainly didnt recommend the item for the application in question but it does work without a problem for my particular application. All technology has its limitations and as long as you remember that, even the simplest item can perform adequately.
The main problem is that they are unlikely to be fully screened. Local electrical interference can cause picture breakup if it gets into your aerial wiring. The plastic case of the splitter provides no screening. Some cheap splitters may have a full or partial metal screen under the plastic case - but many do not.
if it cant even cope with this sort of situation, then its poor by anyones standards., and should never be used where freeview signal is marginal......i wasted an hour sorting out friends new aerial install and finally discovered a hidden Y splitter. This example was a weak signal zone, with new high gain aerial pointed at the pre-dso Mendip service. Couldnt get any channels on freeview at all.....yet I knew other people inc us were able to get it at the time with same aerial just up the road. Once I found the splitter and removed it, the service at their place scanned in - all channels. Told them to chuck it in the bin and buy a 2 way booster which they did.
If the Freeview signal to noise radio is poor to start with, then a splitter is NOT a good idea! SInce, it worsens snr by at least 4dB (probably more) You;d be better off looping the signal "through" the 1st Freeview receiver.
http://www.absoluteastronomy.com/topics/Cliff_effect
(in other words, the feedtrough amplifier's "noise figure" is - almost certainly - much better than "dropping" 4dB via a splitter!)
http://www.microwaves101.com/encyclopedia/noisefigure.cfm
That said ...... the best splitters are the METAL BODY ones, inductive instead of resistive, they have lowest ,losses,