michael1@ihlpf.ATT.COM (00704a-Pula) (02/18/88)
Hi, I've got a question that hopefully someone can set me straight on. My folks have been getting crummy reception on 2 of their 4 TV sets. Their antenna (outdoor chimmney mount) is 20+ years old. Last year They asked me to wire the house for complete antenna hook up and VCR compatability. So it goes something like this: |--------- TV 1 ------- |--------- TV 2 outdoor antenna -->| VCR |----------->|--------- TV 3 ------- |--------- TV 4 appropriate UHF & VHF splitters have been used and a good quality cable also. BTW, splitter is one of those Radio Schlock distribution amplifier types. QUESTIONS: 1). Is this a big NO-NO? 2). Is the antenna too old or weak to pull in signals? 3). Are cable runs too far? 4). Any recommendations on a good antenna? 5). Any other relevant comments? suggestions? Thanks in advance, Mike -- ------------------------ | Mike 312-510-6449 | | ihnp4!ihlpf!michael1 | ------------------------
maxwell@ablnc.ATT.COM (Robert Maxwell) (02/20/88)
In article <3732@ihlpf.ATT.COM>, michael1@ihlpf.ATT.COM (00704a-Pula) writes: > > Hi, I've got a question that hopefully someone can set me straight on. > > My folks have been getting crummy reception on 2 of their 4 TV sets. > Their antenna (outdoor chimmney mount) is 20+ years old. Last year > ^^^^^^^^^^^^^ > QUESTIONS: > 1). Is this a big NO-NO? > 2). Is the antenna too old or weak to pull in signals? After 20 years, corrosion where the elements connect electrically has probably adversely affected the antenna. A new one is probably called for. > 3). Are cable runs too far? You don't say if you used coax or twin-lead, or the length of the runs. In a normal house, you shouldn't have to worry about length of runs using coax. > 4). Any recommendations on a good antenna? Depends on TV station signal strength and transmitter locations in the area. > 5). Any other relevant comments? suggestions? > Your setup with the VCR upstream of the TV sets means that if the VCR is playing, nobody can watch anything else at the same time. -- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- R. M. Maxwell AT&T DP&CT | I speak for nobody- Maitland, FL ablnc!delilah!bob | not even myself. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------