OK, I have been working on trying to get a clue about this cable RF distribution thing for about a week now. The idea about getting some books seemed hit-or-miss after searching for SMATV on Amazon. Some of the books are ancient (1980s-90s) and the newer books are $100. I'll be reviewing manufacturer reference guides, catalogs and looking for library reads unless someone recommends an author or book.
The idea of putting most of the working parts in a rack outside of the living room sounds great. But maybe someone could clue me in on the following:
I want to place video sources like DVD recorders in the living room in order to change media. Whether I use the integrated modulators with agile processors in the back room, or use add-on modulators in the living room, I plan to send cables back to the equipment rack so those signals can be viewed by any TV or recorder.
Let's say the cable length is 50 feet between the viewing area and the equipment rack. And, I want three DVD signal sources. But I would like a small as practicable footprint in the living room. Is this do-able?
How much power would a DVD recorder or VCR produce?
I looked around on Sat Guys and on AvsForum for places that focus on this stuff but didn't find too much. Presumably dishretailer.com is out of the question for an amateur. Is there some place else to chat about stuff like this?
What I'd like to avoid is buying a bunch of stuff and then find out it is crummy residential stuff that is limited in capacity or feature....
Is there a preferred method of measuring signal level without spending $500 on a meter?
I'm working on trying to do a design.
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