TV Aerial Splitter

Top_Dog

When a two way aerial splitter is fitted to your aerial does it lower the quality of the picture on your TV ? that is 2 Televisions working off one outdoor aerial

LifesLittleBargainHunter

It shouldn't reduce the signal too much if your current signal level is good.

UHF "Y" splitters

satcuredotcodotuk wrote:

A 2-way passive splitter loses around 4dB of signal. If you have plenty of signal, this shouldn't matter. The passive splitter should be connected as far from the aerial as practicable in order to minimise the risk of interference affecting the weaker signal in the final run of cable.

Make sure the splitter you use is passive and not attenuating or anything.
I did have a link to a suitable splitter but as a noobie user I can't post it.

Top_Dog

What is the difference between a passive splitter and any other type of splitter ?

Top_Dog

Also would 5/6 metres away from the aerial be ok to connect the splitter

Fifer

Top_Dog wrote: »

Also would 5/6 metres away from the aerial be ok to connect the splitter

It all depends on how good your signal is. But with a decent signal, yes.

Top_Dog

So what Passive 2 way splitter would you people say is best for the job

Top_Dog

Top_Dog wrote: »

So what Passive 2 way splitter would you people say is best for the job

Sorry for all the questions but can these passive splitters be used outdoors and indoors

LifesLittleBargainHunter

Hi Topdog,

If you want to split the antenna cable indoors, then something like this should do just fine. Ebay Item No: 220819772884
This splitter requires regular coaxial (TV) plugs are fitted on all cables.

If you want to split the antenna outside then I would use something like this since it is enclosed in a waterproof case and designed for harsh environments. Ebay Item No: 251052445727
This item requires F connectors are fitted on all cables.

Ectophile

A passive splitter is simply a box with a few components inside, that splits the signal in two. Some signal will be lost in the splitter, so each TV will receive a bit less than half the original signal.

If your signal is strong, then this won't matter, and everything will be fine. If your signal is weak, then the loss may mean that the TV can no longer receive it.

Whether or not it can be used outdoors depends entirely on whether or not you get a weatherproof one.

The alternative is an active amplifier, which boosts the signal before splitting it. These are more expensive and require a power supply.

Note that if you are on Freeview (and if you are still receiving analogue, then you won't be for much longer), then there is no such thing as loss of picture quality - it either works or it doesn't. If the signal is strong enough, you get the picture, if it is too weak then either the picture breaks up or the receiver just displays "no signal" on the screen.

Top_Dog

One last question what would be the best store to buy a passive splitter in store

Ectophile

If you've got a Maplin shop near you, then you could try there. Or just try any independent TV shop (any good town should have one).