Replies

1. 
   BobKovacs | Jul 25, 2003 06:01pm | #1

   Buy a central hub for the cable from Leviton or similar.  They're usually sold with all the home automation stuff- even at HD and Lowes.  They usually have 6 connections, so you may need two of them.  The signal strength shouldn't be a problem, especially if you're not using too many lines at once.  Should cost you $50-75.

   Bob

2. 
   CloudHidden | Jul 25, 2003 06:35pm | #2

   There are products that will amplify the signal to make sure you don't lose quality as you might with the splitters. Here's one... http://www.ustecnet.com/products.html ... but there are many others. Mine is a hub for phone, cable, and computer networking and has been completely problem-free. http://www.smarthome.com/distribution.html could give you a good start for figuring out how much of a planned system you want.

1. 
   brownbagg | Jul 25, 2003 07:19pm | #3

    I had this problem last week, in fact last friday.  It must be a splitter that can handle 45-2000mhz and be a two way splitter. It must talk two ways. I got mine at radio shack $8

2. 
   ceb | Jul 25, 2003 07:26pm | #4

   I've been very happy with a channel vision amplified splitter. Mine splits the signal 8 ways, and allows for an additional modulated input. Works fine with my cable modem. I think I paid about $80 for it. I think its a model number CVT - 2/8PIAII (or something like that)

3. 
   CPopejoy | Jul 25, 2003 10:48pm | #5

   Zippy,

   Some additional tips:

   --buy a splitter/amplifier, as described, but don't get one with more taps than you need;

   --don't connect any cable runs that you're not going to actively use; and,

   --put a cap (terminator) on the unused taps.  These are very inexpensive covers for the male F-connectors, and prevent the signal energy from leaking out of the unused taps.

   Enjoy the MIL's stay.  I've found that by observing your MIL and how she interacts with her daughter, you'll get some additional insight into what your wife's all about.

   Best,

   Cliff

1. 
   ZippyZoom | Jul 25, 2003 11:46pm | #6

   Thanks to all for the opinions. Looks like the Leviton system sorta fits the bill in that it is expandible, since I really don't know how many of the cable outlets I will actually use. I've also been meaning to make sense of all the phone lines and it looks like their system might be of help there as well.

   An earlier thread talked about not amplifying unless you needed to. Any idea how to tell in advance if you need to?

   =====Zippy=====

2. 
   ZippyZoom | Jul 25, 2003 11:55pm | #7

   Cliff:

   Thanks for the additional tips. I wasn't gonna connect the runs not in active use, but I had intended to have the splitter capacity at the entry point. I'll re-think that. I hadn't considered capping the unused taps. Makes sense.

   >>I've found that by observing your MIL and how she interacts with her daughter, you'll get some additional insight into what your wife's all about.<<

   I've spent more than half my life trying to figure out what my wife is all about. WAY too much work. Nowadays we just relax and enjoy each other's company.

   =====Zippy=====

1. 
   toolnut | Jul 26, 2003 12:17am | #8

   Ditto on the Leviton system.  

   This is what I have done;  Cable comes into the house and goes to a good two way splitter.  One side goes straight to my cable modem, the other side goes to the Leviton 6 way splitter for the TV signal and then out to the jacks.

   You are going to enjoy the cable internet connection.   If you have multiple pc's in the house you might consider getting a router.  This will allow you to share the cable modem and be online at the same time, plus you can share a printer, files etc. 

   Bill

2. 
   stonefever | Jul 26, 2003 12:53am | #9

   Sorry to disagree with everyone else, but there a much easier and less expensive method to deal with this issue.

   Call your cable provider and tell them what you're wanting.  They'll come out and do it for nothing.  At least that's been my experience.