[mythtv-users] Coax splitters - how painful are they?

[Meatwad]

Todd wrote:
> "R. G. Newbury" <newbury at mandamus.org> writes:
> 
>> Nope, no premium stuff. That's why I have the antenna. And I doubt that 
>> the cable feed would make it backwards through the amp on the antenna 
>> feed...
>>
>> Geoff
> 
> Geoff,  
> 
> RF is a surprising beast--best not to underestimate it.  As the joke
> goes from an RF guy I worked with once, "FM doesn't stand for
> frequency modulation.  It actually stands for 'f#$@in magic.'  Even we
> folks with our EE degrees have to admit we dont' fully understand how
> it works all the time."
> 
> So, let me gently add to the others who've suggested please please
> dont' screw with the safety of aviation in your area for want of
> another $100 worth of capture card and a passive co-ax switch box. 
> 
> Passive co-ax switch which even has a remote control for $50 
> http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2049643&cp=2032057.2032187.2032188.2032200&allCount=14&fbn=Price%2F%2410.00+-+%2449.99&fbc=1&fr=StorePrice%2FRSK%2F00001000%2F00004999&parentPage=family
> 
> $15 passive high isolation co-ax switch:
> http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2049619&cp=2032057.2032187.2032188.2032200&allCount=14&fbn=Price%2F%2410.00+-+%2449.99&fbc=1&fr=StorePrice%2FRSK%2F00001000%2F00004999&parentPage=family
> 
> 
> Please do not combine CATV and OTA signals in any way shape or form.
> The results won't be what you want, and you will be spewing RF noise
> into the area that'll at the very least cause interference with TV
> reception among your neighbors, and at worst, will interfere with the
> safety of aircraft.

Thank you, Todd, for finding the words which I was clearly unable to 
assemble thirty minutes ago. It is difficult enough to pull a 
transmission from the airwaves under ideal circumstances. It is equally 
incredibly easy to emit spurious noise over considerable distances with 
improper hookups.

In all seriousness. Be aware of what you are trying to accomplish and 
the the consequences of going about it the wrong way.

I have reneged at least once on a writeup of RF practices relating to 
various residential situations. IT seems to me that it might be prudent 
to coordinate the collective wisdom and come up with some docs/wikifood 
on RF?

--
mw