I already have a splitter splitting the coax cable coming into my room to my cable modem and my TV. Now I need to split it again to my computer as I built a HTPC (home theater pc) as it will record and watch live HDTV. Is splitting it 3 times too much? What type of splitter should I get?

The current splitter I scored off a comcast installer who just gave me it for this purpose...it reads:

5-1000mhz
DC-6 tap

Should I just pick another one of these up and split it again or is there a better splitter that can split my signal all in one device (it would need 4 female connections on the tap). The four connections it would make are...line coming out of wall (cable signal), and would need to split it 3 ways...one to my tv, one to my pc, one to my cable modem. Thanks in advance!

 

It sounds like the cable company is having a difficult time providing a low loss return path for your modem. The splitter you have is a special type of splitter called a 'Directional Coupler', that's why it says DC-6. A DC-6 sends (incoming minus 6dB) to the TV, and sends the larger portion to the modem. You could say that it is an unevenly balanced splitter. You could try replacing it with a traditional 4way splitter, but it might cause problems for your internets. If that happens, then you will have to put the DC-6 back in place, and then put a 3way splitter off of the leg that feeds the tv, leaving the modem run connected the way it was. If this results in poor tv signal (digital picture tiling out, or analog picture grainy) then you will have to install a GOOD QUALITY tv amplifier between the DC-6 and your new 3way. Just remember - the 'Thru' leg of the DC-6 MUST feed your modem and not the 'Tap' leg.

I hope that makes sense. Good luck bro.

 

That sounds a lot better than a roll of solder and a couple coat hangers, I'd do what he says.

 

We had Cablevision run 2 lines to my house, one for the modem and one for the tv`s. They did it at no charge that might be another option depending if you have enough taps at the street.

 

Thats what I was going to suggest. Its better to just have them run another line. Im going for that soon here also, but *** charges like 35 bucks. But its still better than dropped internet or crappy tv signal. I already have a amplifier hooked to mine to keep the signal strength, I cant imagine splitting it 3 ways.

 

I have 2 lines aswell.

I always thought your internet would be horrible if your using it for tv aswell.

 

Not really, depending on the signal strength from your provider it should be fine. Mine would spike and drop alot so I had them add the amplifier.