I've held out as long as possible, but since I op-ed to get a cable modem on my internet connection, cable TV (basic) was just a few bucks more. However, maybe i just need to figure out how cable TV works and I can solve the problem.... here's the problem I have 3 TVs and 1 VCR (plus the computer) connected to the cable. One 1 TV (1 yr old) gets a quality picture, the 2nd TV (the same make and model - also 1 yr old)) gets fuzzy at channel 65 and above, the 3rd TV gets almost equal reception to the 1st (maybe a lttle fuzz on th ehigher channels - its 10+ years old) gets good reception but alot of fuzz on TCM (channel 94); since the VCR is connected to this one turning on the VCR gives me equal picture quality to the 1st one, but I still have lots of fuzz on channel 94 (TCM).

I've got the feeling that the problem might be cable and/or connection quality, but also am thinking that maybe thequality diminishes as you approach the end of the cable line or length of cable......

anyone have any ideas?

 

Your splitter needs to be 1000hz.
Also what kind of cable was used and were does it run in your house? Was it run in the walls during the build of the house?
Did the cable company install them?
Did they use a snap and seal type connector?

Or

Did you do the install yourself?

 

Self install using twist/screw connectors or crimp ones

Have RG6 cable from outside to 1000hz (1 to 2) spliter - one goes to the cable modem the oher goes to another length of cable (not labled but thinner than the RG6) to an Arista 56-1942 (1 to 4) spliter. One goes to the 1st TV with the best quality and all channels and the other goes to the oldest TV (3rd) - both use the same cable - recycled from the cable company from years ago. The other 2 connectors are capped. From the 3rd TV there is another splitter to the VCR and to the 2nd TV...... I think I have a configuration similar to the 3 stooges in the espisode where they were plumbers....
I think I need to REWIRE systematically using factory installed connectors and see where that takes me. Concur?

 

Don't watch any TV shows with any water scenes.

 

Ok I can help you here... my other job is designing cabling infrastructure... so what you have here is easy.

First off those screw on style connectors have to go... Crimp on only. Snap and seals are best but I doubt you'll want to buy the tool

As for the smaller cable, most likely its RG-59... and should be replaced as it is out of date.

Next you really shouldn't have more than that one 1000hz splitter if possible. (1) 4 way or 5 way 1000hz splitter should be plenty for this(1 cable modem and 3 TV's). The more you split that signal the weaker it will become.

From the street to a 1000hz splitter, from that splitter you'll have the one that goes to your cable modem the other 3 should run to your TV's directly from the first splitter.

So you should have the cable run from the splitter to the first TV, second you should it that line run from the splitter to the second TV, and the third cable run from the splitter will run into the VRC first and then from the VCR into the TV. (no splitter on the end of that run. The VCR will pass the signal through to your TV weither its on or not.)

To bad you live so far away I could just let you borrow my tools and give you the parts.

 

Darkknight is probably the authority on this, but....

I had the same problem a few weeks ago. I just bought a signal booster from Radio Shack ($30) and put it on the main signal input. Increased the gain until picture was crystal clear.

Note: If you do this, you MUST install the booster at the main feed. If you put it on a branch (like next to the TV with the bad picture), it will do nothing, as it will be boosting an already poor signal.

Crappy thing is this usually requires crawling under the house.....

John

 

Agree with jwa4378. Power in on the main feed is constant. Every time you split the signal, you are splitting the power. The splitters will probably indicate this in raised lettering on the output taps, i.e. "-6 dB". The reason the first TV has a better signal could be either a better tuner, shorter cable run, or less attenuation from the splitter (some splitters will have a main tap with -3 dB and a couple of -6 dB taps). An inline amp will boost the signal enough to overcome any of these issues. And $50 at the shack is cheaper than cable replacement and frustration of trying to fish the replacements through the wall...

 

darkknight1999, jwa4378, DrDave, and Treedriver (no water scenes in the future).... all great comments - thanks. Have a basement so no need to crawl under it.... fishing wires in the walls is no problem because I've previously cut accesses and have removable covers heading to the 3rd TV..... the 2nd TV just requires a little ladder climbing and then an attic adventure. I do have a signal booster but its in the wrong location. and DrDave is right - the shorter cable run has the best picture while the longest has the worse. Just picked up some new cable (RG6) with connectors already connected. I'm off tomorrow, so I'll let you know how I do......
Thanks

 

Cool, good luck with it.

As a side note and just for your own knowledge, and whoever elses, you should only see a drop in 'signal' over a line run over 300'. If your house is that big... well then damn

 

Yeah, it actually happened at my parents house. Its like 2800 square feet and has 4 TV jacks and 1 internet jack (2 upstairs and 3 down)..... I originally tried just replacing the splitters / wires (original to 1972), but that did not help. (I wanted to avoid depending on an amplified signal, as the amp would be located in the crawlspace.....not an ideal location for electronics). I think the 300' you are quoting is for a straight run. I think there is a measurable drop in signal with every split (splitting not 100% efficient...i think). That is what the Comcast guy told me, he then said we could pay him $100 to install a comcast amp at the road, or get one for $29.99 at Radio Shack. Nice of him to give me the option....

john