Splits hurt quality of cable signal

By BILL HUSTED

Cox News Service

May 4, 2008

Q:  Using cable, sometimes I have an excellent picture, sometimes good, sometimes only fair. Comcast splits the signal to the computer and to the TV. I then split the TV signal several times. I've been told I need boosted splitters. Do I? There are four TVs in the house. I've also run a cable to the motor home with a TV. Do I need to upgrade my splitters, my cable, and/or add boosting splitters? The cable I'm using is 75 ohm., RG6/U. I also have empty branches wired for cable so I can move a set as I need to. Should I avoid that?

—  Duane Southworth

A: Wow. You have a lot of TVs. But the questions you raise can sure help others. The cable isn't the problem, it's top-notch. But all those splits are killing you. Each time you split the signal, you lose some of the signal.

Another problem is the unused outlets. If you keep those outlets, add 75 ohm terminators. Otherwise, unused outlets degrade the signal. Here's a source for the terminators: http://www.smarthome.com/7808-1.html

As far as an amplifier (or booster as you called it), it's probably needed. Make sure you get a digital amp. Radio Shack and other electronic stores sell them.

You may need to buy a second run from Comcast to avoid some of the splitting. Or you could cut back on the number of TVs.

(Note: Duane and I corresponded a bit after his first note. He added amplifiers and removed some of the connections for his TVs. He now enjoys an excellent picture on his many TVs.)

To learn more about coaxial splitters, cable and TV installations, here's an excellent Web site: http://www.informit.com/articles/article.aspx?p=169518

Help from readers

There was a terrific response to a recent request for reader advice on how to solve a camera battery problem. I need help again. Here's the e-mail:

Q: Several years ago, we noticed that by the time we get to the end of a movie on DVD the audio and the video are out of synch. We have since replaced our old TV with a new LCD TV and we have replaced the DVD player and the cables. Nevertheless, toward the end of every movie we watch, we have the same experience. What could be going on?

— Mickey Bailey

A: At first I thought I knew the answer. Sometimes people use a home theater sound system but keep the sound from the TV. That can cause sync problems. But the sync problems would be constant, not just toward the end of a DVD.

There have been reports of sync problems with high-definition DVDs. But this reader's problem has occurred with two regular DVD players and two TVs. I realize access times from a DVD can vary based on where data is stored on the disc. But that doesn't commonly cause this sort of viewing problem. It's a mystery to me. I'd be glad to hear from readers with ideas.

Please send your questions to Bill Husted at tecbud@ajc.com. While he reads every e-mail, not all are answered. E-mails are selected for publication based on the likelihood that the answers will be of general interest.