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If you want to feed multiple TVs and/or recording devices, you will also need to divide the signal using a splitter or distribution amplifier. Splitters cut the signal at least in half, whereas distribution amplifiers divide the signal but prevent loss. You can use a booster amp ahead of a splitter to overcome signal loss.
TIP: If your house is already wired for cable television, you might be able to tap into the existing distribution system. Remove the incoming cable from the street where it attaches to the grounding block outside your house. Attach your antenna feed line at this point. All the inside cable outlets should now carry the signal from your antenna. Use an amplifier, preferably at the antenna, if necessary to boost the signal.
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• 2-Way Signal Splitter
- loss = 3.5 dB each port
- signal essentially cut in half |
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• 3-Way Signal Splitter
- 1 primary port = 3.5 dB loss
- 2 secondary ports = 7 dB loss each
- primary port can feed downstream splitter |
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• 3-Way Balanced Signal Splitter
- loss = 5.5~6.5 dB each port
- use to feed 3 TVs |
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• 4-Way Signal Splitter
- loss = 7 dB each port
- signal essentially cut in half twice |
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• 6-Way Signal Splitter
- loss = 9 dB each port
- requires strong signals or amplifier
- consider a distribution amp instead |
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• 8-Way Signal Splitter
- loss = 11.5 dB each port
- requires strong signals or amplifier
- consider a distribution amp instead |
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• Channel Master 2-Port Distribution Amplifier
- 11.5db gain at each port
- includes separate power supply
- optional power inserter for remote locations
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• Channel Master 4-Port Distribution Amplifier
- 8 dB gain at each port
- includes separate power supply
- optional power inserter for remote locations |
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• Channel Master 8-Port Distribution Amplifier
- 4.5 db gain at each port
- includes separate power supply
- optional power inserter for remote locations |
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• Amplifier/Splitter Math
- gain and loss are in dB (decibels) which are logarithmic
- 3 dB = gain of 2x or loss of half with 1/2 of signal remaining)
- 6 dB = gain of 4x (or 3/4 loss with 1/4 of signal remaining)
- 10 dB = gain of 10x (or 9/10 loss with 1/10 of signal remaining)
- 20 dB = gain of 100x (or loss with 1/100 of signal remaining)
- loss is additive: two 2-way splitters in series divide the signal in half twice
• Terminate unused ports on splitters and distribution amps with 75-ohm terminators
Tip: Sometimes it is easier to feed a second TV using a separate antenna. You could forgo a few channels and use an indoor antenna at this secondary TV. By not using a splitter the signal at the primary TV will be least twice as strong.
Links:
- Splitter Info and Sales
- Channel Master amplifiers
- Winegard amplifiers
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