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[Scott <catfather AT donpoo.net>]

On Dec 19, 2005, at 8:15 PM, Tom Caswell wrote:
> Here's my setup:
>
>      Wall -> Surge Protector -> Splitter -> TV and Tivo.
>
> I split the signal because I want to be able to watch something  
> else if the Tivo is recording a show.  I've tried inserting a Radio  
> Shack CATV amplifier into the setup according to instructions.  The  
> TV becomes unwatchable.  Was the signal too high or did I possibly  
> install it incorrectly?  The signal is very clean if I go straight  
> from the wall into the TV.

Did you put the amp before the spliter or after? It should go before  
the splitter:

        Wall -> Surge -> Amp -> Splitter -> TV & Tivo

For what it's worth I've used similar or the same Radio Shack amp you  
have. I didn't think it did a great job. My current house has 5 rooms  
wired with CATV and 1 drop for RoadRunner. With those kinds of runs  
the installers added an external/internal amp. The amp has one device  
that goes external and inside the house has a power brick and a cable  
that plugs into the wall. Powered from inside the signal is amplified  
across all lines by the device on the outside of the house.

Regarding your splitter, make sure it is rated to 1000MHZ which is  
what is used in high end DTV setups. A cheap splitter won't help  
matters. If you get lucky that's all you may need :)

--
Scott <catfather AT donpoo.net>
AIM: BlueCame1