Doubts about TV cable distribution

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 Question by Antonio Gomes posted 31 Jan 2005
 Doubts about TV cable distribution
Hi

I will try explain the CATV cable distribution in my house using the next diagram (??):
Input -----> A
|--> B --|--> C
|--> D
|--> E ------> F
|--> G
|--> H
|--> I

Ok, letīs try to explain.
- Input to A and B is a 2-way splitter.
- B to C, D, E is a 3-way splitter
- E to F, G, H, I is a 4-way splitter

A, C, D, F, G, H and I are located in separate rooms. They represent NOT only one TV point in the wall, but at least 2 (only one is used each time). For instance, A is something like that (a cascade of 2-way splitters):
A---------> TV point
|----> TV point
|--> TV point

My doubts are the following:
1- Is there any splitter that should be changed to a tap or T connector?
2- One of the outputs of the 4-way splitter is open (not used). Shoulf it be changed to a 3-way splitter?
3- Since A is a cascade of 2-way splitters and the TV points are not used at the same time can I change the 2-way splitters to T connectors?

Thanks and bye

Antonio Gomes
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 Answer by Dmitri Abaimov posted 31 Jan 2005
Dear Antonio,

It looks like the system is very much out of balance here: before it gets to F, G, H and I it gets spit two times more than A, which also has a TV. Actually, as far as I understand, you are going to have yet another splitter at EVERY end location. I would advise, if at all possible, to converge all the drops into a single location, where you can install 8 or 16-port splitter. This way the signal is going to be more evenly spread across the ports. This is, of course, assuming that there is not much distance difference between the drops.
OK, the actual answers:
#1: Yes, the way it's setup right now: ALL the splitters you've mentioned (except for the end splitters) should be taps.
#2 the unused port should be either eliminated by using smaller splitter or at least terminated with a 75Ohm cap.
#3 Not sure what do you mean, but the way I understand it: the signal is not going anywhere after the end points, such as A. So, you do not need a T, you need a splitter there.

Good luck!

Sincerely,
Dmitri Abaimov, RCDD

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