[TelstraClear] Splitting the cable

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timmmay

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Topic # 17545 30-Nov-2007 20:34

I recently put a 40" LCD in my office, mainly driven by my PC, but I want to watch TV on it sometimes too. I got a splitter from Dick Smith, but when I plug it in the router won't connect but the TV works fine. I've tried various combinations of cables so I don't think it's that. I guess there's just not enough signal strength to drive both.

Does anyone have a solution? Some kind of amplifier?

rscole86

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Reply # 97739 30-Nov-2007 22:53

Can you please explain what you are plugging in where?

You mention a router, which has gotten me a little lost...

timmmay

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Reply # 97741 30-Nov-2007 23:01

Currently cable plugs into modem, which plugs into switch, which plugs into PC and has wireless. I would like to plug cable into splitter, with one going to the router and one going directly into the TV. The cable carries analog TV, as well as the digital signal the set top boxes decodes.

sbiddle

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Reply # 97744 1-Dec-2007 00:11

I would recommend not doing this. Despite the FTA channels being available you run the risk of injecting spurious RF interferenace back into the TCL network by connecting any unauthorised devices. If you do cause problems as a result TCL will hunt you down. There have been plenty of problems lately with the TCL network caused by dodgy wiring including problems affecting an entire node in Upper Hutt earlier in the year which caused all cable modems to drop out continually and took months to track down.

timmmay

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Reply # 97745 1-Dec-2007 00:15

Why would they put the analog signal on the cable if we're not meant to use it?

Nety

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Reply # 97758 1-Dec-2007 08:36

You are... though one of their analog STB's which you can rent for $9.95 per month if you already have digital TV. Incidentily if you do have a digital STB from them you can tap into the output side (that is going to the TV) and tune into the analoug channels. Handy if you want to be able to record 1,2,3 Prime etc while you are watching a different channel in digital.

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timmmay

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Reply # 97768 1-Dec-2007 09:20

I don't have digital TV, I had it and all the channels until I realised I only watched friends and boston legal. I don't really need TV, it's used 99% as a monitor, I just figure since I have one I might as well hook it up! I have a simple wire aerial working ok at the moment, but I don't get all the channels.

ZollyMonsta

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Reply # 97778 1-Dec-2007 11:01

timmmay: I don't have digital TV, I had it and all the channels until I realised I only watched friends and boston legal. I don't really need TV, it's used 99% as a monitor, I just figure since I have one I might as well hook it up! I have a simple wire aerial working ok at the moment, but I don't get all the channels.

If you don't really need a tv, then why do you want to split the cable? If you want to use the 'FTA' TV signals off cable then you should use a TCL analogue set top box or install a decent antenna on your roof. By splitting the cable yourself and plugging a non-tcl approved device into the cable network you are causing ingress and noise which will not only affect your broadband, but also broadband and tv of everyone else in your area! If you do this, don't be surprised if TCL come knocking on your door when a fault is traced to your house.

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timmmay

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Reply # 97864 2-Dec-2007 02:21

How much does a TCL analog set top box cost? I just watch an occasional program, so it's not critical, but I have this massive TV so I just figured it'd be nice to watch the news and stuff occasionally.

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Reply # 97897 2-Dec-2007 15:18

A TV Technician explained a way to stop RF interference to a network happening. Install a 2 Way 'F' Type Splitter Amplifier (which will also give an improved RF signal) that has been tested by a TV technician as follows:

They test it by (incorrectly) putting an RF signal into the TV Out connector and measure if any signal leaks out of the Antenna Input. Many Amps do cause some RF interference however some brands do not allow any signal out via the Antenna Input if an RF signal is accidently/incorrectly put on the TV Out.

It would be better to get Freeview Satellite TV or, wait for Terrestrial TV next year when all channels will be available with some Terrestrial channels in HD format. Why bother with RF when HD is less than a year away.