Reddit reviews Channel Master Ultra Mini 8 TV Antenna Amplifier, TV Antenna Signal Booster with 8 Outputs for Connecting Antenna or Cable TV to Multiple Televisions (CM-3418),White
We found 8 Reddit comments about Channel Master Ultra Mini 8 TV Antenna Amplifier, TV Antenna Signal Booster with 8 Outputs for Connecting Antenna or Cable TV to Multiple Televisions (CM-3418),White. Here are the top ones, ranked by their Reddit score.
Eight Amplified Output Ports (4 dB)Works with all TV Antennas & CATV Installations (Not Compatible with Satellite)Improves Signal Strength, Decreases Pixelation and May Increase Number of ChannelsMiniature Size for Space-Saving InstallationsPowder Coated and Weather-Sealed Housing Allows for Indoor or Outdoor Installation in any Climate
You need a DA
Channel Master CM3418 8-Port Distribution Amplifier for Cable and Antenna Signals https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002M1EPL0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_SpTXzb68SA15G
I'll argue the amp. If you've got more than about 2 outlets, the amp is the way to go - TV distribution systems are built on these. Every time you insert one of those cheap splitters you cut the signal by more than half. Here's what I use for 5 active outlets and one antenna. No splitters - everything gets a solid signal direct from the amp.
Make sure it covers VHF and UHF frequencies. If you're doing eight or fewer apartments, consider this one from Amazon.
Also, get an antenna that does both VHF High and UHF as some of yours are on VHF High...
https://www.amazon.com/Channel-Master-Distribution-Amplifier-Antenna/dp/B002M1EPL0
don't use a splitter use one of these then
Go to TV Fool and pull a report for your address. It will tell you what type of setup you need. for your location, and where to point your antenna.
There was someone on /r/cordcutters that did what you want using a bunch of amplified splitters. Example:
So you would feed your antenna into one of the amplified splitters and then feed the outputs into as many of the amplified splitters as required, for up to 64 outputs.
Having all those separate amplifiers isn't very reliable and would be hard to troubleshoot if one of the amplifiers failed. You would also have to find up to 9 power plugs. I would suggest you do it a bit more like the professionals do it...
The idea is that you have a single more powerful amplifier attached to the antenna. Then you follow it with passive (unamplified) 8 way or even 16 way splitters. Two levels of 8 way splitters would be a loss of 11 dB + 11 dB = 22 dB so you would need at least that much gain to overcome the splitter loss. If the signals are not really strong in your area you could just get a 30 dB amp and not worry further. Here is an example of a name brand adjustable gain 35 dB amp:
... and the section I found it in:
What I described is a "star" topology where you need to run a separate cable to each location. There is a kind of "bus" topology available where each splitter only takes a small amount of signal off the cable. That takes more design and I have no experience with such systems.
Edit: Minor clarification.
This is what I use.
They also have smaller versions if you don’t need as many port.
I have my antenna in the attic then feed signal to every room in the house plus my Tablo.
Spend $10 more and get this: http://www.amazon.com/Channel-Master-Distribution-Amplifier-Antenna/dp/B002M1EPL0
I have it, it works great. Easy as pie.