[zaffy100]

Hi All,
I am sending the output from a VM Tivoi box via a modulator to a loft splitter which combines a signal from a Freeview aerial. The combined signals are put into a distribution AMP.

I am finding that the RF modulated signal is weak coming through on the analogue tuner but the freeview channels are fine. I have tried using all channels on the modulator but the picture is poor.

When I connect one of the bedroom cables directly to the modulated cable from the living room (by-passing the AMP) the picture is wonderful but I have no freeview on that bedroom TV.

Any ideas why I'm getting a poor picture on the bedroom TVs ?

Thanks in advance

[chrisjr]

What exactly are you using in the loft? When you say "splitter" what type of device exactly are you using? It should really be a combiner (clue is in the name ) but sometimes a decent splitter can be used in reverse.

if you've used a cheap and nasty splitter that could be the cause. Analogue will show signal problems more than digital. Try plugging the aerial direct to the amp and check signal strength on the TVs. Then put the splitter in circuit and check again.

I would not be surprised if the splitter introduces a noticeable drop in signal strength. But you may not notice as digital works perfectly down to quite low signal strengths whereas analogue will show problems.

[zaffy100]

Hi Chrisjr,
The splitter is inverted so that I have 2 inputs being combined into one. Where can I buy a decent combiner which is worth trying as the splitter I'm using is just a basic maplins one.

Is there anywhere on the forum where I can post a diagram ?
Thanks

[chrisjr]

Maplin do a metal T shaped splitter that has two female sockets and one male, is this the type you are using?

http://www.maplin.co.uk/p/uhf-tv-sig...r-type-2-jm14q

What you could try is something like this instead

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Fringe-Elect...dp/B001FZFO6Y/

[zaffy100]

That's right - in fact it is this one
http://www.amazon.co.uk/AERIAL-COAX-...erial+splitter

I'll give the FRINGE a go and get back

Thanks

[Winston_1]

Quote:

Originally Posted by zaffy100

That's right - in fact it is this one
http://www.amazon.co.uk/AERIAL-COAX-...erial+splitter

I'll give the FRINGE a go and get back

Thanks

Those plastic Y splitters are crap. I wouldn't bother with that Fringe one either. It appears to be unscreened with saddle and clamp connections. The metal Maplin one would be a better bet.

[iangrad]

Instead of bodging it with splitters put in upside down !
A pro installer would use this
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Triax-Loftbo...84GY8EB86VADYC

Are you are staying in the house ? the cost of doing it properly is peanuts over say a 15 year period , but to do it really well ? re wire the house and have hdmi over cat 5 !!!

[niall campbell]

Quote:

Originally Posted by zaffy100

That's right - in fact it is this one
http://www.amazon.co.uk/AERIAL-COAX-...erial+splitter

I'll give the FRINGE a go and get back

Thanks

That works the opposite way to what you want !

If you stand it up like a wee man, the Head is the INPUT and the legs are OUTPUT

Please note the OUPUT weakens the signal by splitting it to to 33/33 and not 50/50 as you would imagine.

What you need is a Loft Box that has a UHF return from Virgin box which will then feed into your bedrooms

http://www.satcure.co.uk/tech/lofthelp.htm

[Winston_1]

Quote:

Originally Posted by niall campbell

Please note the OUPUT weakens the signal by splitting it to to 33/33 and not 50/50 as you would imagine.

With a perfect splitter/combiner the loss would be 3dB equals 50/50. A practical splitter/combiner has a loss of 3.7 dB equals 42/42.

Don't know where you get33/33 from.

[zaffy100]

Quote:

Originally Posted by iangrad

Instead of bodging it with splitters put in upside down !
A pro installer would use this
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Triax-Loftbo...84GY8EB86VADYC

Are you are staying in the house ? the cost of doing it properly is peanuts over say a 15 year period , but to do it really well ? re wire the house and have hdmi over cat 5 !!!

It's a nice idea but not really intent on staying that long.

[zaffy100]

Quote:

Originally Posted by niall campbell

That works the opposite way to what you want !

If you stand it up like a wee man, the Head is the INPUT and the legs are OUTPUT

Please note the OUPUT weakens the signal by splitting it to to 33/33 and not 50/50 as you would imagine.

What you need is a Loft Box that has a UHF return from Virgin box which will then feed into your bedrooms

http://www.satcure.co.uk/tech/lofthelp.htm

That is what I'll use if the new splitter doesn't work. Can these be used with an AMP - I have this one ?
http://www.maplin.co.uk/p/8x-aerial-...mplifier-kr20w

[zaffy100]

UPDATE: bought one of these
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2-Way-F-Ty...item565e929f3b

and put a 15db AMP between the RF out of the modulator and the wall face plate. Works very well now on channel 35 with no interference between the digital and analogue signals. I found that there was an old 70s splitter feeding a face plate socket in another room which I removed which must help as well

[niall campbell]

that's great