For those with cable hookups

[mikejaner]

I just wanted those who haven't tried it, that adding a cable amplifier really helps the picture when you have cable. I know this is kind of obvious for some of you, but I figured I was getting a good picture with just some badly modulated stations here and there. Once I added a Radio Shack 4 way 7db amplifier, the picture has improved noticably on all channels. Especially the ones where bright text seems to have black strips run through them when stationary on the screen.

[mlbdude]

I added an amp once I started splitting the signal into two cards. Made a world of different for me.

[davey_fl]

what do they cost? My Svideo into PVR-250 looks great. But splitting the coax just before the cablebox so I can run a coax into my second pvr2-50 the picture is noticibly worse...

[TunaBoo]

The key is, use a very good splitter. Then you wont need to mess with amps in most cases. This may mean a $20 splitter, but its worth it.

[mikejaner]

$20-$50 depending if you split it 2 or 4 ways. I got my 4 way at RadioShack for $50.

[RedCoat999]

Mike Janer,
Do you have the Radio Shack page or product code so we can look up what you are talking about/
Thanks

[mikejaner]

Weird, they don't have the one I bought online, but they do have this one which looks to be similar in function. The one I got is metal like the little splitters, just bigger and with a power supply. I will look at the exact model when I get back home.

http://www.radioshack.com/product.as...5Fid=15%2D2506

[theMixxMaster]

I used to use a splitter/amplifier, and took it off while waiting for my card to be replaced(major stuttering bug). I have had NO problems now, with the new card. So, maybe my previous problem was either the card, or the amplifier was doing the damage. Who knows?

[Opus4]

I think I had better delete my previous comment about not installing the amp in-line to a cable modem... I see that the amp referenced above says it is bidirectional & will therefore work with a cable modem. Glad I followed this conversation & found out about that. Good to know, in case I need to use one.

- Andy