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

[R. G. Newbury]

Meatwad wrote:
> 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

Considering the volume and depth of expertise which my question 
elicited, and the fact that NOTHING of this is in the wiki, it appears 
that the wiki-beast needs to be fed!

I nominate the meatwad!

Geoff