need an amplifier

[stevenl]

Well a 3way feeding a 4 way has the same loss as an 8way splitter so it would just save you a splitter, A DC is a "Directional Coupler" It has 2 outputs on a DC-6 for instance 1 output (the through leg) has 0db of loss, The other output the "tap leg" has a 6db loss, so that is the leg you would feed the modem, and the "through leg" you would feed the 8way or 6way splitter. On the digital band a 100ft of RG6 cable should lose about 5db so if you have about 10db hitting your house -10 for the 8way -5 for the 100ft of cable to the tv you should be hitting your tv with -5db which should be plenty on the digital band. Most boxes can work to -15 just fine sometimes greater we did a test with the SA2100s and had about -20 hitting it with no pixelation. If your picture is staying black, or pixelating perhaps your cable is losing more then it should or you really do need an amplifier but be sure the one you get is 2-way capable and includes 5-50mhz for return and 55-1000 for foward. and that the Amp is AFTER the DC(or 2 way) whatever is feeding the modem, You dont want to run the modem through the amp.

[branchbouncer]

What type of amp did you purchase

[branchbouncer]

you set up should look like this


cableTVamps.com | Choosing An Amplifier

[obeythelaw]

you set up should look like this


cableTVamps.com | Choosing An Amplifier

Thanks for that diagram link. My setup looks like #1 except I kept my 3 way rather than use a 2 way. The amplifier I got was a RadioShack 1 to 4 bi directional cable tv amplifier. If they had an 8 port I would have gone with that but they didn't have one. So far so good.