Cable TV Signal Amplifier

S

svx4me

Member
Joined
Dec 11, 2003
Messages
8
Reaction score
0
Points
0
My cable co. disgnosed my problem as low signal caused by too many outlets in the house-i.e. too many feet of cable running everywhere, and recommended getting a signal amplifier or booster. I've seen then ranging from $14.95 (WalMart) to $129.00 (Radio Shack & online). Does anyone have any suggestions as to what is the best type to get and the best place to buy?
Thanks,
Charlie
 
Have you checked your splitters? What's your wiring diagram look like? Draw it out for me and I can give you recommendations on how to strengthen your signal even more.

As for boosters, I don't recommend them. They run on power and sometimes interfere with cable modems and digital cable service, if you have either. It's better to fix the problem at the source.

The better way to do it is to rewire some areas or replace some older splitters, which your cable company should provide you with. What cable company do you have? Most cable companies, Comcast at least in my area and others that I've been in, replaces everything for you at no charge for both the equipment and labor to get your service working again. They just charge you for additional outlets etc., I don't think they charge for new drops and most standard procedures. The least your cable company should do is provide you with a booster...

Anyway, look at your splitters, and draw or tell me a diagram of what your wiring looks like and I'll be able to help you out. The problem might be with your splitters. It's very likely. Make sure they're all 1000MHz or more, because the older 900 ones just don't cut it.
 
Dang Erik, you sound like my neighbor (who works for Comcast). Wish I would have hired you when my house was built...
 
Okay Erik, since I have a similar problem, maybe you can help me out...

I've only got one good cable line running into my apartment... There is other wiring, but it's not of any quality, and useless. My landlord won't allow TimeWarner to replace it, so I'm stuck with what I have.

I've got one 3-way splitter (given to me by the cable company and it is 1000Mhz), with old TV on one port, Cable modem on second port, and 65ft of cable (with fresh ends) running out to my main TV with digital cable on 3rd port.

My problem is that my digital cable doesn't always come in very well.. I get a hitch in the video and audio about every 5 seconds... Since I've got the DVR, I can just rewind about 2 seconds and then everything's fine on a slight delay, but there's gotta be some way to fix this problem.
 
Why thank you all. :D

To GolfProRM:

Interesting situation. If you're positive that the splitter is good, I don't know what to tell you. If you have a Motorola SURFboard cable modem, try going to http://192.168.100.1 and look at your signal levels. This also works on some of the newer RCA's and Linksys modems, but I think the Motorola page is best. Copy your signal page here and I can let you know if everything looks within spec.

Is all your wiring RG6? Is your drop coming in RG6? How old is it? If you have RG6 running to the cable modem and the digital cable, of course the old TV doesn't matter, then I don't know what the issue could be. Maybe your cable modem signals could hint to me what the issue is. However, if your drop coming in is RG59 cable, that could be the cause of your problem. I have a bunch of splitters over here, and even though I don't have digital cable, my modem works fine. However, your modem works fine too, you're just having the problem with digital, so take a look at your wiring and drop, and trying a new splitter couldn't hurt either.

If you're positive your interior wiring is good, the drop is most likely the problem, which could be a problem with your landlord. However, you can always try some fresh RG6 cable and run it right to your TV and see if that fixes the situation. Never know when it's a bad cable either.

Paste your signal levels on your modem if you can and that might hint something to me since everything is coming off the same splitter.
 
My modem is a Toshiba PCX2500... I tried the address, but it didn't work... I may need to dig in my closet and disconnect my router first.

I'm pretty sure the wiring is RG6 as I got it from the cable company less than a year ago.

Splitter is fine, as I've tested 3 of them with no problems...
 
Yeah, check out the router, some of them interfere.

I don't know if the Toshibas have a page though, the newer ones might.

Give it a try.
 
Sorry I didn't report back sooner, but I ended up calling TW, and they sent out a service tech to look at it... He spent 5 seconds at my place and said it's a software problem... They upgraded the software in the DVR's and that's what was causing the problem. Note: this has been going on for about 3 weeks and they still haven't fixed it. He said they're "testing" the fix, but about 80% of all DVR's in our area are having the exact same problem. Some service. They have a problem that affect the people that spend the most money on cable, but take a month to fix it. :(
 
Yeah, glad to hear you got it fixed though.

Don't worry about not responding, I'll still be here, haha.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top