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How Does a Cable TV Splitter Work? Basic Guidelines Before You Use It

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How does a cable TV splitter work_

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A cable splitter is precisely what the name suggests – it is a device that splits the signal using cables! It is an excellent choice when you aspire to buy a new set and would like to access cable on your old television and new television without having to buy a new subscription altogether.

What Does a Cable Splitter Do?

When you have more than one television set at home, a cable splitter can come in handy. You can split the signal into many outlets, and everyone at home can watch TV on different sets. Apart from Televisions, you can also use a cable splitter to split the signals among multiple devices without compromising the signal’s quality.

To choose a suitable cable splitter, one should know the number of devices you will be connecting it to as there are options of getting 2-way, 3-way, and all the way up to 16-way cable splitters. So depending upon your preferences and devices, you can invest in the cable splitters that serve your purpose.

How Does a Cable TV Splitter Work?

Cable TV Splitter

Now that we know that the cable splitter is convenient, let’s see how it works:

  1. It comes with an input into which the signal enters
  2. It will have two or more output ports through which the signal exits. You will know the amount of signal to come out of a port by reading the number mentioned on that particular port. You must know this because this helps you determine whether you are getting the strongest signal for your requirements

Never compromise on the number of outlets or output ports in a cable splitter. This is one of the key reasons behind the signal loss.

What are the Common Types of Cable Splitters?

To get the best out of your splitter, you must use the one that’s suited for you, and to do so, you must learn about the different types of splitters available in the market today: 

  1. Balanced cable splitters: These splitters have an even number of output ports, and the strength is balanced among these ports. They all suffer the same amount of signal loss.
  2. Unbalanced cable splitters: These splitters have an odd number of output ports, and the strength is unbalanced. A few ports may suffer more signal loss than the rest. 
  3. Resistor cable splitters: Resistor splitters divide only 50% of the signal among the output ports. The remaining 50% is lost. That’s why, even though these are cheap, we advise against buying them.
  4. Transformer cable splitters: These splitters work to divide the signal equally among the ports.
  5. High and low-frequency splitters: Digital cable signals use a 5-1000 MHz band. Satellite TV signals use a 2-2300 MHz band. High-frequency splitters can be used for almost all cable TV signals because their range is pretty extensive. However, you cannot use low-frequency splitters for satellites since their range does not cover it.

Now, one thing that you must remember and be careful about is that cable TV splitters are different from satellite TV splitters. Using one for the other may cause more signal loss and reduce the strength drastically. This will affect picture quality. To help you get the best cable splitters for your TV, here are our top picks:

Top 3 Best Cable TV Splitter 

1. Extreme 3 Way Coax Cable Splitter

Extreme Broadband Manufacturing BDA103HB

One of the leading choices for getting a three-way coax cable splitter among the buyers is this one by Extreme. Buyers are impressed with its exceptional performance as it works well with TV, broadband and other such connections. If you are looking for a budget-friendly 3-way cable splitter, this can be your suitable buy.

Key Features and Specifications:

  1. The cable splitter features a universal mounting which allows the users to mount it anywhere regardless of the location. One can also mount it horizontally or vertically as per the requirement.
  2. There are no additional hardware or screws required for mounting.
  3. The splitter comes with sealed F-ports making it suitable for indoor and outdoor use.
  4. The SMD PCB component insertion technologies are used to make this splitter, enhancing its overall electrical and mechanical performance. 

2. Antronix CMC2003H-A 3-Way Horizontal Splitter

Antronix CMC2003H-A 3-Way Horizontal Splitter

If you are looking for a premium quality digital splitter that is robust, durable, and efficient, you can opt for this 3-way cable splitter. These splitters have been designed for two-way broadband networks. The splitter offers low intermodulation and 40dB port-to-port return band isolation. This feature helps prevent signals from distorting neighboring port signals. 

Key Features and Specifications:

  1. This cable splitter features coupled F-ports that help in blocking AC surges and preventing hum modulation.
  2. It is 6 kV ring wave surge protected and is 
  3. This 3-way cable splitter works well with Comcast, Xfinity, RCN, Optimum, Wow, COX, Spectrum and other cable providers.
  4. The splitter offers flat 1002 MHz Bandwidth with minimal insertion loss.
  5. This Antronix 3-way horizontal splitter employs high “Q” surface mount technology components that provide consistent performance over time.
  6. The ports given on the splitter are SCTE compliant with 1-inch spacing.

3. Antop 3 Way TV Signal Splitter

Antop 3 Way TV Signal Splitter

Want to opt for a fancy 3-way cable splitter that does the job? Get your hands on this ANTOP 3 way TV signal splitter that is just perfect for splitting the coaxial cable signal, be it cable, antenna or satellite, to three destinations. Packed with all features and excellent shielding, this can be your perfect pick for a TV signal splitter.

Key Features and Specifications:

  1. This cable splitter offers low insertion loss and high return loss for the signals.
  2. It is resistant to corrosion and also offers maximum signal transfer.
  3. This cable splitter features a precision zinc die-cast and 18K gold-plated chassis that enhance its overall performance.
  4. The frequency range for this splitter is from 5 to 2050MHz and is compatible with all digital ready RF signals.
  5. As it features a high shielding structure, there is less digital noise and better signal quality.

Concluding Remarks

We hope this guide helps you get a clear understanding of cable TV splitters and its functions so that you know which one to pick. Make sure to follow a guide while installing cable splitters as it can make your work easy and quick. We would love to hear your comments about our suggestions, let us know in the comment section below.

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