In the year 2000, when cable services went completely digital, we no longer needed a coaxial cable to hook the TV with the cable. All that’s needed now is a set-top box to start getting cable entertainment. Does that mean cable TV splitters are obsolete and you can’t hook up several screens to the cable at home? No! These splitters are very much available and widely accepted.
If you are new to cable splitters and would like some guidance on how to set them up, tag along.
Introducing Cable TV Splitters
A cable splitter is a piece of equipment that connects multiple TVs, PCs, video game systems, and other devices to a signal source. Splitters come in a variety of types but they all generally work the same way. A splitter is connected to one input and then multiple outputs. It readily works with all types of TVs, even your Apple TV.
A signal that goes through a splitter is divided so that other connected devices are also able to share the cable connection. This makes the signal weak. This might also disrupt the picture quality but it’s something you would have to deal with.
Types of Cable Splitters
You will find a variety of cable splitters on the market to create a Social TV-like experience at home. These are your options:
Basic Cable Splitter
This is a small metal device having 3 attachment ports. If you know how to program Cox remote to TV, you will it to be a piece of cake to attach this basic splitter to your cable box.
A basic splitter helps you route cable to different rooms in the house. Your home cable installer might have already screwed this splitter at the end of the cable to let you hook more than one TV.
HDMI Splitter
HDMI splitters work well with smart HD TVs. They convert the HDMI auto and video signals into coax and send over 100 ft. of distance. They work similarly to an HDMI cable.
Active Cable Splitter
With an active cable splitter, each divided signal goes to the port with a small level of amplification. This splitter works best with long cables. It boosts signals and compensates for any loss incurred during the distance.
Diplex Splitter
This splitter combines satellite signals with antenna signals. Its main function is splitting cables into the direction of the device. The cable connects to the diplex which then is divided into several directions.
How to Set Up a Cable Splitter?
Setting up the splitter with your TV is easy. Before getting started, here are the things you need:
- Cable splitter
- Coaxial cable
- Pliers
- Your TV ports guide
Follow these steps to connect the splitter to your cable TV or any other device:
Step 1: Disconnect the Cable Line
Disconnect your cable line from all devices it is currently attached to. Refer to your TV guide to find the main cable line and other ports.
Step 2: Attach the Splitter
After disconnecting the cable line, attach it to the input end of the splitter to the cable.
Step 3: Connect the Coaxial Cable
Take the new coaxial cable line to the output end of the splitter and then connect it to the input port of the device you are connecting to.
Measure the length of the coaxial cable as per your need before buying it. The length usually depends on the number of devices you would like to connect with your cable TV splitters.
Step 4: Tighten Them Up
Use pliers to tighten the connections on the cable. Be careful not to damage the cable or the splitter.
Step 5: Start Viewing on Multiple Screens
Once you connect all devices to the splitter, turn on your cable receiver so that all devices receive the cable. Now you can start watching cable on multiple screens.
Before Buying a Cable Splitter, Read This
Depending on the location of your TV, if you are buying a coaxial cable above 50 ft., get an amplified cable splitter. Otherwise, you will experience signal loss.
Also, in order to get optimal signal strength from the splitter, purchase the one with the number of outputs required. For instance, if you are going to connect only one device with your Cox Contour TV using a splitter, don’t buy a 5-way splitter. Get the one with a single output only.
In case you have a splitter with 2 outputs and you are using just one, for the time being, add a terminator cap to the port, not in use. This will reduce signal degradation. It’s also advised to get quality cable TV splitters to avoid the weak signal problem.
Conclusion
Split signaling is still a compelling way to share cable on multiple devices. It’s best not to invest in the most expensive splitter because this doesn’t always warranty the best performance. Try to minimize the split to keep the quality of the signals intact. And most of all, enjoy the experience.
