[Kritiker]

What are the pros and cons of using one amp (to feed all legs) versus using two amps (to feed two separate legs) when feeding multiple video destinations (some anaolg boxes/TVs, some digital STBs & PVRs)? The amps in question are Motorola BDA-K1/RAs with active return (15dB forward gain and 10dB reverse gain). Using two amps instead of one seemed like a good idea initially but now I am not so sure.

Here are the two configurations I am considering where S is a 2-way (-3.5dB) splitter. The first splitter splits off the cable modem.

# cable modem
#/
S
#\
# AMP -> more splitters downstream (additional 14dB+ loss)

# cable modem
#/
S # AMP -> more splitters downstream (additional 10.5dB+ loss)
#\#/
# S
## \
### AMP -> more splitters downstream (additional 10.5dB+ loss)

Thanks.

 

[Kritiker]

Is there a better place for me to post this question or is this the appropriate place for questions about coax cable wiring?

 

[Tunksy31]

Instead of adding splitters and amps why not just use a Distribution Amp like this one that you can get from Sayal Electronics. Have your fist split from your feed with a normal splitter then go into your amp then to your outlets from there. Depending on how many outlets you have in the house will depend on how many cable amps you need. If you need more than one amp you will need to add another port on the splitter to power it. These will help keep your splits to a minimum and your d-mark area clean.

 

[Kritiker]

Thanks for your suggestion.

I am considering a single distribution amp such as you suggest. That would be more or less equivalent to the first configuration I described, an amp just after the first split and then the rest of the components downstream, either via the 8 outlets on the amp you suggest or the splitter arrangement that I currently have.

The advantage of my current arrangement is that I can feed a slightly stronger (3.5 dB in two cases and 7dB in another) signal into some analog components. I am also able to feed 9 components (the main TVs have an analog feed (I will eventually eliminate this.), a PVR and a non-PVR DCT for use when the PVR is recording two programs and we want to watch a third.). The disadvantage of my current arrangement is that I have the clutter of all the splitters and short cable segments joining them and the additional (small) losses due to the extra connectors.

My question remains. Is it better to have
- a single amp, such as you suggest or such as I have, to feed everything downstream or
- a split with two amps, each feeding half of the downstream components.

I am having a devilishly difficult time finding anything, anywhere, that deals with this question. I am currently leaning back toward having just a single amp but am still curious.