Reddit reviews 4 Port Cable TV/HDTV/Digital Amplifier Internet Modem Signal Booster Internet AMP

AFAIK that's a power supply for a signal booster. If you trace the coax cable from the wall outlet you'll probably find something like this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001EKCGT8. That product page even shows a coax power supply.

AntennaCraft 30dB High Gain TV/FM Mast-Mounted Amplifier. With around a 40' run down to the house. Where the AntennaCraft feeds straight into a 4 Port Cable Signal Booster. Going over the old RJ59(?) craptastic job through the rest of the house to the TV.

No matter what direction it is pointed it picks up the local stations. I'm trying to get Chicago stations so my wife can get Bears/Cubs.

I ended up buying a 50' Roll from Walmart just to make sure the amplifier was working because running it in got nothing. The house was wired with 2 dishes and the antenna after the house was built so it was a bit haphazard.

You want a VHF/UHF designed antenna. KMGH/ABC and KUSA/NBC are on VHF-Hi. Most leaf/flat style antennas aren't designed for VHF. Use TV Fool to determine your optimal direction. The optimal location indoors will be in a window. Post you TV Fool report to /r/OTA if you have further questions.

VHF/UHF designed antennas:

• rabbit ears + loop (RCA ANT111F or amplified RCA310F)
  
• Winegard FlatWave (Home Depot, amplified version available online)
  
• Winegard FreeVision (Home Depot)
  
• Winegard HD-1080/Xtreme Signal HD1080x
  
• Channel Master STEALTHtenna
  
• RCA ANT751
  
• Winegard HD7000R
  
• 1byone OUS00-0557
  
• GE Pro Outdoor Yagi Antenna (Walmart)
  
• Antennas Direct Element
  
• Winegard HD7694P
  
• Winegard HD7698P
  
• Distribution amplifier
  
• Optional preamp: Winegard LNA-100 (indoor), LNA-200, or RCATVPRAMP1R (outdoor)
  
  Be careful using an amplified antenna when you have strong signals (>50NM dB) or using an outdoor antenna. An amplified signal could overload your TV's tuner and cause reception issues. Unfortunately trial and error may be required at some locations.
  
  See this post for more information on connecting an antenna using existing unused coax cables and sharing a single indoor/outdoor/attic antenna between multiple TVs/DVRs. The same applies to satellite coax cable runs or sharing an antenna in another room. Only difference is where you're mounting/connecting your antenna. This is something you can do yourself if the cables are within easy reach, but you can also hire a satellite installer who is willing to install antennas.

indoor antenna isn't going to get you anything with that tvfool report

is it a large outdoor antenna if so maybe you can use a distribution amplifier

and split the signal to two tvs

https://www.amazon.com/Digital-Amplifier-Internet-Booster-PCT-MA2-4PN/dp/B001EKCGT8

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if you already have a preamp on the antenna then you want this on the output of that preamp or on the wire out of the power inserter.

honestly you are lucky to get any good signal with that report.

WESH is the toughest to get, from my experience. I live near downtown Melbourne and here's what I did:

I have this antenna mounted to this pole and run into this amplifier, which then goes to all of my TVs. The pole must be placed as high as possible where the antenna can point towards the northwest.

I used this website to get the number of degrees the WESH tower is from my location, then used a standard compass to point the antenna directly at the WESH tower.

Not only do I get WESH, but I get every other OTA channel that I know of, and a whole bunch that I wish I didn't.

Since it's all receive you can just get a amplified coax splitter and to it that way.

Although that one I linked to is only rated for up to 1GHz, you would be better off getting an Low-Noise Amplifier like an LNA4ALL or one of the other versions on eBay (I like eBay seller iseeabluewhale's offerings personally, janilabs is also an option, these are USB powered) then put a passive SATTV coax splitter (rated to 2.4GHz) after that.

What it sounds like you need is a powered splitter like this:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001EKCGT8/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1411399752&sr=8-1&pi=SX200_QL40

Right now, you probably have regular, non powered splitters which are degrading the signal. Accentuating the problem is the fact that signal looses strength as it moves down coaxial cable. So, by moving the antenna from directly plugged into the TV, to plugged into your existing system you are getting loss from the splitters and the cable runs.

That's my limited understanding. I used a powered splitter in a situation like yours and it helped. Someone might chime in with something else.

I was using a cheap store bought splitter but I'm using this one currently.

My concern at the time was that I was going to feed four TV's (bedroom/family room/living room/lanai. I bought it in case I needed it. We remodeled (mostly DIY) most of the house and I now only have TV's in the family room and living room. Smaller one is for the kids Wii. I still have cable outlets in those areas as I kept them and ran new lines since I ran cat6 through the house as well. I'm not quite sure if I would need it for four TV's or not as I'm perfectly happy with two in the main areas.

Ihttps://www.amazon.com/Dual-Band-AiMesh-Router-AC1900-System/dp/B00FB45SI4?keywords=asus+router&qid=1535837484&sr=8-3&ref=mp_s_a_1_3

f your still have issues try a coax signal booster.

https://www.amazon.com/Digital-Amplifier-Internet-Booster-PCT-MA2-4PN/dp/B001EKCGT8?crid=3RUFI23VQYMD9&keywords=coax+booster&qid=1535837224&sprefix=coax+boo&sr=8-3&ref=mp_s_a_1_3

Your antenna is amplified. I have the same one and that little box powers the built-in amplfier.

However, you have a lot of splitting going on. Each splitter decreases the signal, you can see it right on the label. One decreases by 7db and the other by 3.5db, so you are losing up to 10.5db with those splitters. That probably offsets 3/4 of the amplification you're getting from the antenna.

What I would recommend (since you have power nearby) is something like this: https://smile.amazon.com/Digital-Amplifier-Internet-Signal-Booster/dp/B001EKCGT8/ref=pd_cp_23_3?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=QCZKQFKXXX7SCA9MR4C2 which in contrast to losing signal will maintain or increase the downstream signal to your devices.

Remember: the amplified antenna is improving the signal reception, the signal booster is improving the signal distribution within the house. Remove any other unnecessary splitters to improve the signal distribution (even empty cables can decrease signal).

And check the antenna direction, sometimes pointing just off the strongest signal will allow you to pick up more distant stations or weaker signals. In this case let the amplified antenna do some of the work for you.

EDIT: Make sure there are no splitters between the antenna and that little power box. If so you will lose the antenna amplification. If possible, actually use the cable they provided to run between the box and the antenna (I found it worked better than a cat-6 I had on hand, perhaps it is optimized in some way).

It all depends on what the signal strength is in your area and how many devices you plan to split to. Each of the splits loses 3.5 db of signal strength and if you live in an rural area away from the station source it could have a negative impact.

I just ordered distributed amp because I'm around 60 miles from most stations and preserving signal strength is a must while still being connected to 4 devices. It's essentially a powered splitter so all TVs have the same signal strength that comes in from the antenna.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001EKCGT8/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Your best bet is to do some research on tvfool.com and get an idea what your antenna is getting now for strength then make a choice if a simple split will suffice.

Hey, thanks for getting back to me.

Is the antenna connected directly to the HDHomeRun or are there splitters in between?

Connected directly by one long Coax. No splitters in-between.

This is the splitter : https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001EKCGT8

> Are you saying you're experiencing pixelation on NBC or commenting on the signal ratings?

Both Pixelation and strength ratings. What kind of strength/signal should I be looking for? I'm assuming over a certain point, 60/70/80, it should look pretty good most of the time.

Generally speaking you'll always get better results with a higher gain/larger antenna or repositioning the antenna for the best reception. Your optimal direction is South-Southeast, but try slight variations to find a sweet spot.

I get this. I might try a larger antenna to see what happens. I've adjusted in small increments to see if the channel increases. Most are good

I'll see how the amplifier works today.

Sure. Something like this should do the trick even, has both boxes combined for no fuss.

http://www.amazon.com/Digital-Amplifier-Internet-Signal-Booster/dp/B001EKCGT8/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1449722491&sr=8-3

http://www.amazon.com/Digital-Amplifier-Internet-Signal-Booster/dp/B001EKCGT8

> I just didn't want those crazy massive silver looking alien and antennas.

Well those silver alien antennas. Are the NORMAL average TV antenna that has been around for decades. Proven tech, and it works.

The newer flat antennas are new designs, and they have their time and place. In a metro environment where the TV signals are practically baking you.

At 50 miles, even amp'd you are pushing your limits.

The first rule of RF, anything RF. If you want it pretty, forget it!

> So my set up is a bit more complex and im still not done. I don't have a clue on how to ground it or anything or what to put where.

http://otadtv.com/installation/index.html#ground

>And I need my antenna to run to every coax cable in the house.

Do you have home runs to each antenna from some place?

You need something like:
https://www.amazon.com/Channel-Master-Distribution-Amplifier-Antenna/dp/B001PI09SE/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1505307172&sr=1-3&keywords=distribution+amp

https://www.amazon.com/Digital-Amplifier-Internet-Signal-Booster/dp/B001EKCGT8/ref=sr_1_5?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1505307172&sr=1-5&keywords=distribution+amp

The thing is that you have an ACTIVE ANTENNA which needs power.

Antenna ---- cable--- lighting arrestor --- ground block --- power inserter for amp --- dist amp --- TV's


>Im not sure how u did everything in under an hour

Simple.. EXISTING DBS wiring was reused. Unbox antenna, snap elements into place, go to roof, loosen bolts on dish, pull up, throw off roof. Put in 6ft extension pipe in J mount, drill hole through J mount and pole, tighten. Put antenna on pole, aim, tighten, connect cable. Do scan on TV..Check! Tighten everything up good and tight. Tidy up cables with zip ties.. DONE! 55 channels, gross. That's everything of value and the cruft, minus a few LP/CD stations that are very low power and outside the beamwidth, plus one semi distant sort of next market/same market.

The thing is I've been doing RF work of some sort for DECADES. Antennas, cable, etc. is MY LIFE.

Im confused on what splitter i need, I'm looking to buy the best for great signal with no problems.

You said i need one like this:

GE 23218 2-Way Signal Splitter (Discontinued by Manufacturer) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00027YZRU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_VvqUzb57D2H5B

But someone else mentioned i need this one? Keep in mind i have internet and not sure if it matters when messing with all these cables Does this splitter come amplifier build in? Im running long coax cables to my television so i wish to add an amplifier somewhere in this installation if i can.

4 Port Cable TV/HDTV/Digital Amplifier Internet Modem Signal Booster Internet AMP https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001EKCGT8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_gzqUzbQHDJFKK


Sorry for all the questions. Im a new jack

I got the best signal once I put a booster on my antenna. Mine is in my attic, and there I got ~30 channels, but once I added a digital amplifier, I got closer to 45 channels, and many that were marginal got much clearer.

My cox internet service used to go down everyday in the afternoon, after going in circles with reps for a couple of days I picked up one of these and haven't had any issues since.

I have this one pointed to GA.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0029U2XCC/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0029U2XCC&linkCode=as2&tag=ibank4reviews-20

This one gets me ION and Georgia PBS.

Then this antenna I have pointed at Signal.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001DFTGR4/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001DFTGR4&linkCode=as2&tag=ibank4reviews-20



Because my runs are so long I got a amp distributor.
http://www.amazon.com/Digital-Amplifier-Internet-Signal-Booster/dp/B001EKCGT8/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1410659909&sr=1-3&keywords=Cable+amp+distributor

"Drop amp" is what you are looking for. Running 2 now. For cable tv/Internet, currently running this

http://www.amazon.com/Digital-Amplifier-Internet-Signal-Booster/dp/B001EKCGT8?ie=UTF8&keywords=Drop%20amp&qid=1463539433&ref_=sr_1_1&sr=8-1

And for Attic antenna, running this:

http://www.amazon.com/PCT-BI-DIRECTIONAL-AMPLIFIER-BOOSTER-PASSIVE/dp/B000F28DP2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage

Been running drop amps for years w/o problem. Also, they allow indirect power over one of the cable lines (requires separate $10 adapter) for those who don't have power at install location.

These things are freaking awesome. I remember around 2000, Comcast cable guy came out to "fix" poor signal in kids room. He jacked around with the connections and then said it couldn't be fixed, and blamed us for having 6 outlets when "Comcast only guarantees signal for 4 outlets." He left us worse off. He damaged kids connection in the attic (he pulled off connector but was too lazy to do anything but sloppily put it half-way back on), and Comcast billed like $80 for the "service" visit.

Luckily after very little Internet research, I realized Comcast cable guy was total moron. Drop amp was immediate, cheap, and trivial fix to our problem. Even a half-wit cable guy should have been able to point this out and save us some grief. Deployed 8-port with active return at the time. Also bought cable crimper and connectors to fix Comcast sloppy work -- now, I don't let them touch anything on my side of the cable "drop."

Unless I'm missing something, I'm going to assume you mean the powered RF amplifiers (like the white box) present in the image. The local installation teams seem to make quite liberal use of them everywhere I've seen their handiwork.


For reference, the white box is this amplifier: http://www.amazon.com/Digital-Amplifier-Internet-Signal-Booster/dp/B001EKCGT8.

The grey boxes in the image are this amplifier:
http://marshalsclassics.com/ebay/comm.jpg