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

[Meatwad]

Jerry Rubinow wrote:

> I'm thinking I want the fewest splits in the paths for the Myth
> connections, right?  
Well that depends on your source. Coming from the ONT you will have a 
stable and predictable cable signal. If it is very high or "hot", higher 
losses (more splitters in series) will knock the signal down (closer to 
optimum). However, if you start with a low signal level from the cable 
company, you will want to avoid large losses.

It is very helpful to have the necessary test equipment to measure cable 
and OTA signals. I have a relative in Boston and see if he can get his 
Verizon ONT measured.

> Would it make more sense to have a 4-way splitter
> in the basement, the outputs of which go to MythBE, router, upstairs
> rooms, and family room (where the FE and STB are, so there will be one
> more 2-way split there).
Considering that the attic/bedroom feeds are temporary, I would go this 
route. Test the PVR-500 and see if PQ can tolerate the loss of the 
additional two-way. When the other frontends are in place all you need 
to do is disconnect the attic feed from the 4-way and replace it with 
second coax you ran as a spare to the family room. You did run a spare 
to where the A180 and STB are located, right? <nudge, nudge>

> Or would it be better to have a 3-way split
> going to MythBE, family room, and the third leg would go to a 2-way
> splitter that goes to router and upstairs?  Or some other
> configuration?
I have always had the best results by placing the cable modem (if 
present) and any HD-capable digital tuners/STBs at the top tier of 
splitting. The analog tuners can all come from one leg of the top level 
and then treated as a separate entity. So, no I would not recommend 
putting the modem after another splitter. Again, if your ONT is putting 
out a hot signal, it may not matter.

--
mw