I've searched for a few phrases;
splitting signal degrade
splitting signal digital
things like that.

Right now I'm subscribed to basic tv so I get 2-28, but have a digital box in the living room (so I get basic digital there) and an hd box in my parent's room (they get basic hd).

My question is; my room has an outlet which is currently used for the modem for the internet. If I get a splitter, will I be able to get channels 2-28 if I just plug the coax straight (after the split) into a TV, and how much degrading do you think there will be for my internet signal?

It is possible but it depends on the level of signal going to the internet already. If the signal is just OK then by adding a splitter (dwon't get into the discussion about splitter quality as there are many posts on that) the signal could worsen to the point where your internet modem will not longer be online of it may cause speed issues due to low quality signal. Best bet is have Shaw come out and install an outlet for you to ensure levels will get checked and things will be done right.

A 2-way splitter drops the signal by 3.5 dB (in half). It's usually not a good idea to split a broadband connection as it should be the first split as the cable comes into the house. Make sure the splitter is rated 5-1000MHz minimum.

See: http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=3327

And: http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=73890

Hmm, alright. Is there any way that I can check the signal strength on the line I have right now at this outlet?

Hmm, alright. Is there any way that I can check the signal strength on the line I have right now at this outlet?
Kind of,,
Unplug the the modem and unscrew the coax from the back of the modem. Plug the modem back in, wait a minute, then open IE, type in 192.168.100.1,, i believe thats the ip address from the modem,, correct me if wrong,, that will open a diag page, now plug the coax back in,, and one of the pages shows you a dB reading of the cable input.

When I try to do that, the 192.168.100.1 page is blank.

That IP may only work for specific modems (Motorola). If you have a STB, you can check by moving it to your connection for signal strength (S/N Ratio) and also confirm the link (post 1 STB Diagnostics, Post 5 modem).

http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=21274

Ah.. clever idea! Will do that when my folks are away. Thanks, 57!
With a bit of searching I should be able to find the 'suggested' signal strengths that I need before I can split, right?

At least on my Surfboard cable modem, Shaw has disabled those diagnostic screens (perhaps a firmware update of some sort). The http://192.168.100.1/signal.html page essentially comes up blank.This page displays status information.

Page not available.
Only time I've ever seen anything different is when there's no connection...which of course doesn't help me with a signal level. Oh well.

install a splitter and call your isp and ask them what your modem levels are.

if they are in spec, your set. if there not you should call them out to fix it for you.

go down to a shaw office and ask for a splitter, amp and cables, they'll give it to you for free