What is the best splitter for cable television? Crab for TV antenna. Signal amplification methods

For many families, it has become common to have several televisions in the apartment. Distribute the signal received from TV antenna A device called a TV cable splitter allows you to connect multiple TVs.

With its help, you can watch several programs simultaneously, while the signal quality remains at the proper level. Before purchasing such a device, we recommend that you read the information in this article.

There are several types of devices, each of which is responsible for specific capabilities of the splitters.

Depending on the assigned tasks, the following are used:

• splitter;
• diplexer;
• coupler

You should familiarize yourself with each of them in more detail.
Splitter, also known as a TV signal divider between several devices. By the way, people call it TV crab . Depending on the number of connectors, the splitter divides into 2, 3 and 4 TVs.

In the latter case, an amplifier is required, otherwise the signal will be weak.
The diplexer has another more understandable name - adder. In other words, a splitter combines several signals from different antennas and produces one more powerful one.

It can be used in a home where there is satellite TV and a regular TV antenna. Also used to combine frequencies from different ranges.

Modern splitters are in most cases universal and can work as both an adder and a divider.
TV coupler is used in apartment buildings. Part of the signal from the common antenna goes to one of the apartments, and the other goes through a coupler further.

One of its varieties is a blocker. It is used to limit paid channels.

How long do we connect TV?

In any specialized store, a sales consultant will select a good antenna splitter for 2 devices.

A good signal level for 3 TVs will be provided by a divider or adder from well-known brands, so you shouldn’t skimp on it.

In order to achieve good quality images for a splitter for 4 TVs or more, you need an amplifier (active splitter).

Depending on the number of connected monitors, the minimum required power changes.

How to choose a TV signal divider for 2 TVs

When choosing equipment, first of all you need to find out at what frequencies television channels are broadcast. You can obtain this information using a TV with a frequency detection function or a device that picks up signals of different ranges.

Also, it is necessary to take into account the number of connected TVs and the cross-sectional diameter of the antenna cable.

One important parameter is attenuation, which is expressed in decibels. You can find its value on the case. The lower its value, the better it will affect the quality when watching television programs.

Preference should be given to devices that have mounting holes in their design. A device hanging on the cable alone produces a worse TV signal than one mounted on the wall.

If there is cable distribution and ducting in the apartment, use a compact size splitter.
Depending on the type of cable, you should buy a splitter with a threaded connection or screw terminals. There are devices in stores designed to connect them to a cable using soldering.

They transmit the television signal better, but require special skills.

How to connect a TV divider to a TV

You need to calculate how long the cable will be needed. It is recommended to take the distance with reserve. The measurement should be taken from the place where the central wire ends.
If you need to combine signals from several antennas, you need to connect the antenna cables to TV signal combiners. Then, through the adapter, you need to install a divider.

If there is only one antenna, then only the last device is used.

TV crab installation

At the junction of the cables and the branching device, fixation is carried out with special nuts that come complete with the divider or adder.
The other ends of the cables must be fitted with plugs. To do this, each wire must be stripped of insulation so that the central wire of the cable protrudes from it.

It can then be connected to your TV. After turning it on, you should search for channels and check the quality of the resulting sound and image for noise.

If the condition is satisfactory or poor, then you need to install an amplifier. In the age of digital technology, the question of how to connect TVs to a computer or other device is becoming increasingly common.

This will allow you to view photos, videos, website pages on a large television screen. Walking past shelves of monitors in a computer store, you may notice that they all play the same video or image.

An HDMI splitter is used for this purpose.
Let's look at how to connect an active hdmi signal splitter to 2 TVs.

To do this, you will need a device with two outputs (OUT). If you need to connect more monitors, you should purchase an HDMI splitter with 4, 8 or 16 outputs (OUT).

Connection is quite simple. The HDMI cable from a computer or laptop must be connected to the input (IN), and the cables from monitors must be connected to the outputs (OUT).

DIY antenna splitter

Anyone can make a splitter on their own. But before you begin development, it is important to know that such a device is applicable to an analog television antenna.

It is impossible to make such a divider or adder for digital TV.

Cheap Chinese devices have large losses in transmission quality, so it would be reasonable to improve them. To do this you will need a cable and a ferrite ring.

You can assemble the antenna splitter in a small metal box, and you should pay attention to the location of each connector.

In addition, the quality of the transmitted signal from a homemade splitter can be affected by a poor connection between the plug and the socket. Also, it is worth paying attention to the cable resistance.

It would not be amiss to make grounding homemade device and cable insulation.

How to boost the signal

For TV with bad image and sound, an excellent solution would be to use an amplifier. Thanks to it, you can significantly improve the quality of the transmitted image and sound.

It must be installed in close proximity to a splitter or antenna. When purchasing an amplifier, you should pay attention to the gain values ​​in dB, acceptable noise level, signal attenuation, and the presence of a power supply.

Depending on the required ranges, different types of amplifiers are used. Not every frequency can be captured qualitatively using one or another amplifier.
The wiring diagram of devices also affects the signal.

The following schemes are used:

• with an amplifier in front of the splitter input;
• with several at each entrance;
• combination.

Antenna amplifiers come in meter and decimeter sizes. A certain model will be suitable for a specific situation. Therefore, before purchasing, it is recommended to consult with the seller or a television repairman.

The latter has the necessary equipment with which you can accurately determine what the power of the antenna, divider or adder should be.
IN modern society When most apartments have several TVs, a splitter is indispensable. Anyone can connect the devices themselves, but before doing so, it is recommended to consult with a specialist.

When purchasing a splitter, you need to be careful and study its characteristics.

In order to choose the right splitter for a satellite dish, you need to pay attention to the following aspects: frequency of received channels, number of signal reception points, quality and performance characteristics of the antenna cable.

The advantage of a satellite splitter lies in its ability to maintain the high-quality level of the incoming signal for several broadcasters simultaneously.

The splitter is especially relevant for residential apartment buildings, cottages, hotels, sports complexes, where connections are made to two, three or more broadcast points simultaneously.

Due to their small size, the splitters can be installed anywhere: in a plasterboard niche, a metal panel box, or a built-in closet.

Included satellite television includes the following devices:

1. Satellite antenna;
2. Tuner;
3. Signal amplifier;
4. Convector;
5. Lightning protection;
6. Coaxial cable;
7. Adapter with F-connector.

How the satellite system works

The antenna is installed in accordance with the requirements of the operator and manufacturer, as well as taking into account the satellite coverage area. All information can be found on the operator’s website, in the “Satellites” tab.

In order to configure, you need to know the exact coordinates of the signal access point.

After tuning the satellite, the convector is attached to the antenna mirror so that the received signal is concentrated in the center. To connect a satellite dish to the receiver, it is permissible to use only a television cable with an F-connector.

If desired, you can install good lightning protection. This device has a budget price, but is capable of protecting equipment from powerful lightning strikes and electromagnetic effects. Lightning protection is installed in the gap of the coaxial cable, closer to the receiver.

If the power grid in your area is weak, and you plan to install an extensive satellite system using a crab (hotel, school, hospital, etc.), it is better to purchase a voltage stabilizer with an external power supply.

How to choose the right splitter

Before purchasing a crab, you need to know the frequency limits of all received channels. To do this, go to the “Menu” of the TV and find the “Frequency Range” tab, then select the highest indicator. The antenna splitter must have a readable frequency range greater than that stated by the TV operator.

Important! The splitter must be selected taking into account the number of broadcast points. The number of outputs must correspond to the number of receiving devices. For example, for 2 TVs you need to purchase a splitter consisting of two outputs, and for 3 TVs - of three.

A device designed for 4 TVs will cost less than one for one reception point, so it makes sense to purchase a crab that has a large number of plugs and connect to it as needed.

Each transmitting device has such a characteristic as signal attenuation. The lower the decibel value, the better the picture on the screen. You can see the indicators on the packaging or in the instructions.

Crab mounting options for TV antenna

You can place a bunch of splitters in the following ways:

1. In the wall, having drilled a highway. In this case, it is necessary in advance, even at the repair stage, to think over the layout of televisions and cables;
2. Attach to the wall. This option is suitable if you are installing equipment in a non-residential premises;
3. Tape the cable with electrical tape. The option is temporary and not particularly reliable, but it is suitable if you are planning a global renovation in the future;
4. In a plastic outer box. A splitter for one or two TVs, due to its small dimensions, can be mounted in a box. Installation is very convenient, and this system is also easy to replace or repair.

Difference between splitter, combiner, splitter

When purchasing, pay attention to similar equipment:

1. A splitter is a device with which the incoming signal from one point is evenly distributed to several televisions;
2. Combiner – several low-power signals are formed into one, but high-quality one;
3. Separator – designed to separate signals from different ranges for several subscribers. The disadvantage is that it jams and reduces the signal output power.

In order to make the signal more powerful, use a satellite system with an amplifier, which is installed at the input of the splitter. The more subscribers, the more powerful the amplifier should be.

Helpful information. Connecting the antenna cable to an old-style TV is done using a signal splitter that has two inputs: with the meter and decimeter range. At the same time, find out in advance what TV format your old TV supports.

Connection method

For different types cables have their own installation methods - using soldering or screw terminals.

If you do not have soldering experience, then it is better to purchase a set of screw clamps for cables of any diameter.

When choosing a small cable diameter, remember that only a threaded crab is suitable for it, and fastening is carried out using self-tapping screws.

The most convenient to use is considered to be a crab with coaxial inputs/outputs, to which you can connect using a television plug. If you have minimal soldering skills, then purchase plugs with screws.

In order to choose a high-quality cable, you need to pay attention to its service life. It is also important to take into account the resistance and signal attenuation rates.

A technician who professionally installs satellite dishes will be able to determine the quality of the wires by eye - they should have polyethylene or polyvinyl chloride external insulation, and more expensive models should have a moisture-proof filler. The cable, broadcasting on the UHF and microwave bands, is equipped with foil that protects the signal from electromagnetic influences and interference.

Let's look at the instructions on how to choose the right cable:

1. Take a sample of the cord and read the markings on the outer insulation. It is best to purchase a cable with a copper central core (copper-bonded steel). Copper is an excellent conductor and withstands temperature changes;
2. The outer insulation should be rigid, but not break when bending. If, when twisting the cord, you see that the outer sheath is crumbling, this indicates that the cable is of poor quality. Most likely, the outer shell is made of rubber, which turns into dust over time;
3. Assess the tightness of the braid underneath the outer insulation. High screen density guarantees high-quality transmission of not only images, but also sound. A standard cable has three or four types of different layers, each of which has its own functions: protective, transit, water-repellent, insulating, etc.;
4. Before checking the level of signal attenuation, you need to know the final cable length and the frequency at which the channels operate. Based on these data, you should select a cable. But the principle remains the same - the lower the attenuation level, the better the channels are broadcast.

Additional Information. Each cable model has its own working life, during which all its operational properties are preserved. If when checking technical characteristics The signal attenuation level was revealed to be 70%, which means that the service life of the cord has expired and it is time to replace it.

Today, RG-6 brand cords are the most in demand; they are characterized by durability, strength and versatility. The old PK-76 model is so outdated that it barely supports digital TV standards.

How to connect the crab correctly

In order to get high-quality television, you need to correctly install the satellite system.

The progress of the work can be divided into the following points:

1. First of all, you need to choose a place to install and mount the splitter, as well as the future location of the TVs. For clarity, draw a diagram on paper;
2. Next, you need to measure the distance from the splitter installation point to each TV. Consider corners, slopes, thresholds, etc. Mark the results on paper, then add the distances to get the total cable length. Play it safe and add a few meters of extra cable;
3. Go shopping: You will need a splitter, plastic boxes (there are different kinds fasteners, such as mounting brackets), plugs that match the diameter of the cable, and the cable itself. The number of plugs must be equal to the number of TVs;
4. Cut the cable to the required size and use a knife to remove the outer insulating layer. After this, move the foil and bend it back, and then cut off the winding of the central core in a circular motion;
5. Clean the center rod of any debris and install the metal nut from the plug. Press it firmly until the top of the plug completely engages the thread;
6. Having received a monolithic structure, you need to insert the plug into the splitter and screw it all the way. Connect all cords and secure the crab;
7. Connect the output cable to the TV. Once you are sure that there is a signal, screw the TV plug all the way in.

Safety precautions when operating electrical equipment

Before a long trip, you must take the following fire precautions:

1. Disconnect the cable from the receiver by simply removing the plug;
2. Turn off the receiver;
3. Disconnect the TV cable.

In order to get a high-quality image, you don’t need to have a lot of money; it’s enough to purchase average equipment price range for an affordable price. After time, you will be able to purchase additional “modules” separately or improve the system, for example, purchase a memory card.

Kit including satellite dish, cable, operator SIM card costs about $100, but you will receive high-quality satellite TV for many years. You can enjoy interactive TV and also study foreign languages absolutely free.

For those who live in the country, an option with a simple antenna and an inexpensive amplifier is suitable. A set of a simple antenna, cable and receiver will cost about $30, but this budget option is perfect for periodically watching TV shows.

Video

Nowadays, it is not uncommon for a family to have two or more televisions, each of which must be connected to an outdoor antenna.

If you have a public television antenna, the easiest way is to place an order to connect a second or third subscriber outlet from a standard branch box installed on the staircase. This eliminates mutual influence between the TVs, ensures good matching of the input impedance of the TV receiver with the feeder and does not reduce the signal level at the TV inputs.

However, this requires significant consumption of coaxial cable. If, however, an individual outdoor antenna, then there is no junction box. However, you can make a junction box yourself.

Rice. 1. Branch boxes with resistors.

In Fig. 1,a is given circuit diagram splitter box for two outlets from the subscriber cable of the collective antenna, a. in Fig. 1, 6. - for three branches.

The box is installed in a convenient place in the apartment, its input is connected to an existing cable from the breakout box of the collective antenna, and the outputs are connected TV cables with TVs. One TV is connected to each output.

If for some reason the TV is not connected to one of the outputs (for example, it was taken to the Dacha or sent for repairs), you need to connect a 75 Ohm resistor to the plug intended for connecting to the antenna socket of the TV. Otherwise, a mismatch will occur, and the images on the screens of other TVs will begin to double. For the same reason, you should not make extra taps in the box, and if there are any, you need to connect a 75 Ohm resistor to each of them.

As can be seen from the diagram, a box with two outputs contains three resistors, a box with three outputs contains four resistors. The number of resistors will always be one more number exits. All resistors in the box have the same resistance, which depends on the number of outputs and is determined by the formula:

where n is the number of outputs of the junction box. The exact values ​​of the resistor resistances found using this formula should not be selected; you can take the nearest standard value: 24 Ohms for two outputs, 36 Ohms for three, 43 Ohms for four, etc.

The design of the junction box is quite simple. The body of the box is made of sheet copper, brass or even tin from a tin can. The braids of all cables are soldered to the box body, and the central cores are soldered to resistors. Resistors can be OMLT type with a power of 0.25 W.

The box is closed with a lid made of the same metal, which is soldered to the body of the box at several points. After this, the box is attached to the wall.

The disadvantage of this method of signal branching is that the signal voltage at the input of each TV is reduced by the same amount as the number of devices connected to the box, due to the loss of signal energy in the resistors of the box. Typically, shared antennas provide a sufficient signal level at the subscriber taps of a ladder distribution box of the order of 1 mV. Therefore, when this signal voltage is reduced several times by a splitter box, a sufficient level remains to obtain a good image on the TV screen.

The question often arises: why are resistors needed in the box, leading to a decrease in the signal level at its outputs. If, for example, the antenna sockets of three TVs were directly connected to the feeder, it would be greatly mismatched with the load: after all, the input impedance of each TV at the antenna input is 75 Ohms, the input impedance of three parallel connected ones is 25 Ohms, or three times less than the resistance required for feeder coordination.

As a result, a significant part of the signal energy will be reflected back into the feeder and will not reach the TV input. Moreover, if the feeder is not accurately matched to the antenna, which is usually inevitable, the reflected signal will again be reflected from the antenna and arrive at the TV inputs with a delay, which will lead to ghosting and multi-contour images. If there are resistors in the box, it is easy to calculate that with any number of taps with TVs connected to them, the feeder remains consistent with the load.

It also happens that when using an individual antenna, one TV connected to it works well, but when a splitter box with two or three TVs is connected to it, the signal level at their inputs is no longer sufficient, the image contrast on the screens becomes weak and noise is visible. In such conditions, it should be between the antenna feeder and the splitter

Use the new box to turn on the antenna amplifier. It should be recalled that in the case when the signal level is insufficient even. to operate one TV, you need to use a more efficient antenna, and with a long feeder, the antenna amplifier must be installed on a mast close to the antenna.

Rice. 2. Branch box option.

Another version of the splitter box, similar to those used in public antenna networks, is shown in Fig. 2. This box can be used to connect two TVs to an individual outdoor antenna.

A box of this type ensures that the feeder is matched to the load, regardless of whether televisions are connected to both outputs, and also slightly attenuates the signal at the outputs relative to the signal level at the box input. The box contains two identical coils of bare copper silver-plated wire with a diameter of 1 mm.

The coils are wound on a mandrel with a diameter of 4 mm and contain 3 turns. After winding, the coils are removed from the mandrel and stretched into a spiral with a pitch of 2 mm (the distance between the turns is equal to the diameter of the wire).

Nikitin V.A., Sokolov B.B., Shcherbakov V.B. - 100 and one antenna designs.

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For regular customers of our online store there is a system of discounts, which are calculated automatically according to the coupon number assigned to you personally.
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In our online store you can find almost any equipment that you may need to receive satellite and terrestrial television. We have tried to make the ordering process convenient for anyone. If you plan to order not one item, but several, then you can use the store search and pay attention to the accompanying equipment. If you want to pick up equipment for receiving satellite TV, then you should go to the tab menu "Satellite TV", if to receive terrestrial or cable TV, then " Terrestrial television" etc. If you have questions during the ordering process, you can use the online chat, which is located on each page of the online store, or request a call back.
We hope that in the online digital TV store you can spend a minimum amount of time ordering the required equipment.

A TV splitter is a special antenna divider. They are used in cases where there is more than one TV in the room and the signal needs to be distributed consistently between different consumers. A television splitter with an amplifier can serve a large number of devices at once (from 3 and above).

And if we talk about such devices, in general, they are necessary for frequency separation of channels. And also such devices additionally have built-in protection against incorrect pulse voltages and currents that may arise in the cable cores during a thunderstorm. The splitter also protects against interference from power transmission lines and contact networks of electric vehicles.

The best splitters are those that include transformers with high resistance and higher frequency. But they are quite expensive and technologically weak. Typically, they are only able to split the signal in two directions. When you need more, then good decision will become a splitter with resistors connected in series.

There are television crabs with 2, 3, 4, 6 or 8 outputs under the F connector for general and satellite television. They are characterized by high throughput.

Popular TV splitters:

1. RTM type SAH 204F. 2-way splitter (isolation 28 dB, pass loss 3.6 dB).
2. TLC type SAH 306F. Directions - 3 (isolation 28 dB, transmission loss 5.8 dB).
3. Tbtec type HST 0408/F. 4-way splitter (isolation 32 dB, pass loss 7.2 dB).

The power division ratio can be equal (in most cases) or unequal.

How to choose

When choosing a television splitter, you must be guided by the following parameters:

• what frequency are the received channels;
• how many TVs are planned to be connected;
• cable cross-section by diameter;
• How experienced is the installer?

Action plan during the selection process:

1. Using the menu of your TV, you need to find out the frequency of all received channels. Having determined the channel with the highest frequency, you should make sure that the upper limit of the splitter’s range is greater than this indicator.
2. Count all available television devices, and also think about the prospects. Based on this, you need to choose a splitter with a number of outputs that exceeds the number of household appliances.
3. In addition, you should evaluate the attenuation of the splitter, the unit of measurement of which is decibels. This value can be found on the device body or in the included instructions. The lower this indicator, the more valuable the device is.
4. Appearance and dimensions. If the separator is in a visible place, it is important that it looks aesthetically pleasing. And if it is located inside the cable box, then it would be nice to pick up a small splitter.
5. How to pin. Of course, it is possible for it to simply hang on the wires. But it’s better to fix it on the surface - it will be more reliable and prettier. This means you need to check that it has holes for fastening.
6. There can be many connection methods. You need to focus on the type of cables used, as well as whether it is possible to solder.
7. When making a purchase, it is important not to confuse a splitter with a diplexer or coupler.

If you take these points into account, then no further problems should arise during operation.

How to connect

Exist various ways connections:

• a splitter with a screw clamp can be combined with cables of any diameter and does not require soldering skills;
• a device with threaded connections is compatible only with thin cables, but also does not require soldering;
• a device with coaxial sockets can be connected to any cables using regular antenna plugs;
• splitters that require soldering.

And the connection technology itself includes several simple steps:

1. Decide on the appropriate surface and attach the separator to it.
2. Remove the plugs from each connector on the antenna splitter.
3. Using a coaxial cable, connect the input to the TV and the jack.
4. Connect a common TV cable.

The whole process takes about a quarter of an hour.

It is important, when buying a splitter “for growth” (perhaps more TVs will appear in the future), temporarily drown out the excess unused outputs with a resistor that will absorb excess voltage in the circuit (up to 75 Ohms).

When the image is no longer satisfactory

It happens that after introducing a splitter, the image quality on several TVs deteriorates. Some people get out of this situation by connecting a Polish antenna with an amplifier. And the second solution to the problem is to purchase a television splitter with an amplifier. The last method is good if before this the TV showed without any complaints and, in fact, there were no complaints about the antenna.

But a TV technician can give you more precise advice in this situation. It has devices for measuring signal strength. This is important to do because the image may also be distorted if there is too much signal in the background.

There are 3 ways to implement additional devices that increase signal strength:

1. At high rates To transfer the splitter load, you can use one intermediate amplifier at the input to the splitter.
2. If overload is likely, it is better to give preference to separate amplifiers at each output. And it is set independently at each output.
3. Combined reinforcement. One is placed at the entrance and additional separate ones at the exits.

Splitters are widely popular devices these days. If there is more than one TV in the house, then you cannot do without such a device. Some craftsmen make such devices themselves. Someone, wanting to save money, buys Chinese splitters. But the safest thing to do is buy this item from a trusted manufacturer, and use the services of a teleworker for installation.