Trying to split aerial connection into two

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allio

636 posts

Ultimate Geek

#57199 5-Feb-2010 15:19

Hello! I've recently set up Freeview on my HTPC, but unfortunately certain family members aren't yet capable of using it and insist on having an aerial plugged into the TV itself so they can use its tuner. Unplugging and replugging every time I want to watch Freeview is quite the chore.

I imagine I need something like this. However, my problem is that my aerial connection is a cable coming straight out of the antenna and terminating in a male jack (which plugs directly into the tuner/TV/whatever), and I have a feeling the input on that splitter is female. My cable is also not F-type (threaded) but rather plain coax.

This should be so simple but is making my head spin. What do I need? What about one of these and one of these? (link may not work due to stupid DSE site).

mm1352000

1145 posts

Uber Geek

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#296439 5-Feb-2010 15:42

So the inputs on your TV/VCR/PVR and computer are both female coax (ie. they accept male coax and they are *not* f-type)? I think the item in the 3rd link is probably what you need but I would wait for a consensus before buying.

For what it's worth you should be aware that splitting the cable will lead to some loss in signal strength. Computers are renowned for having higher signal strength requirements than TVs etc... I don't think you'll have any problems as long as it's only a 2 way split with a reasonable aerial and cable lengths.

allio

636 posts

Ultimate Geek

#296443 5-Feb-2010 15:50

Every input I have is female coax (VCR, TV, PC with HVR 2250). Right now the aerial is plugged into the VCR, which has its own splitter cable with male jack (plugged into either the TV or the PC). I'm trying to remove the VCR from the equation and have the aerial go into a dedicated splitter, with male-male cables leading from the splitter into the TV and into the PC. I have nothing F-type in my whole setup. At least I don't think I do... are they incompatible or could I be jamming coax on to F without realising it?

I did know about signal loss, but I'm hoping I'll be ok. The signal seems very strong and it's already semi-split as it is, coming from the VCR.

Thanks for the advice. Does anyone have any thoughts on the most elegant way to do what I need? There's actually a DSE just down the road from me so I'll potter down and see if they have anything useful.

richms

23073 posts

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Subscriber

#296613 6-Feb-2010 14:32

VCRs usually have a net gain after going thru them, they need an amplifier in the so that they dont send the modulated output back up the antenna.

Richard rich.ms

allio

636 posts

Ultimate Geek

#297641 10-Feb-2010 13:04

Quick update, the splitter from DSE plus a female->female adaptor did the trick. The signal is definitely a bit reduced and now Freeview Prime, HD test and a couple of others don't have enough signal to display without dropping out. The main channels are however fine, so as an interim solution this is acceptable.

Thanks for the help.