Need recommedation for OTA signal amplifier for split line

[Hansen]

The OTA cable from my attic antenna is currently split to go to two STB receivers for HD reception. One line goes directly into the STB (an HR10-250) and the other line goes to another area where it splits again with one line going to another STB (Samsung 360) and the other to the FM antenna for my HT receiver. The attic antenna I'm using is a UHF only antenna. I assume that I am having signal loss caused by the multiple splitting which I assume results in a decreased sharpness of picture for OTA HD (?). What would you recommend for a signal amplifier that does a good job at boosting the signal?

[veryoldschool]

The OTA cable from my attic antenna is currently split to go to two STB receivers for HD reception. One line goes directly into the STB (an HR10-250) and the other line goes to another area where it splits again with one line going to another STB (Samsung 360) and the other to the FM antenna for my HT receiver. The attic antenna I'm using is a UHF only antenna. I assume that I am having signal loss caused by the multiple splitting which I assume results in a decreased sharpness of picture for OTA HD (?). What would you recommend for a signal amplifier that does a good job at boosting the signal?
There are two basic types of amps. A pre-amp mounts on the antenna mast close to the antenna, with a power inserter at the other end [but before the splitters]. This keeps the noise level down to the minimum and gives you the gain you need.
The second type is a distribution amp that goes just before the splitter [again] to boost the signal for the splitter loss. This isn't the the best for noise as it will have more. Noise is the low level of your signal & gain is the high level, You want the two to be as far apart as you can for good Signal to Noise ratio.
What is best for your situation would depend on what or how much signal you get to start with. There is no "one thing fits all".
This may not be your answer, but hopefully will give you some ideas. :)

[Hansen]

Thanks. I see your point. Is there an easy (inexpensive) way to measure the signal level? What signal level am I looking for?

[veryoldschool]

Thanks. I see your point. Is there an easy (inexpensive) way to measure the signal level? What signal level am I looking for?
I guess I would look at the H/HR-20 signal strength to start with. It's not really a power reading [bit error] but it is a start.
Some questions: What type of antenna, how far away are the stations, how long is your coax, is it RG6 or RG59?
I use the "pre-amp" with a 100' of coax. I think mine is from channel master. 3dB noise figure & 20-30 dB gain. I would say you would be "safe" with this but if you're close to the stations, this might be too much gain.

Another thing: when you split your signals, it is better to split them at one place [3 or 4 way splitter] than the cascade the splitters. Balancing the signal power is what you want to do, otherwise you might have 50% to one receiver and only 25% or 12.5% to the others.
For your FM receiver, you might want to use an FM tap instead of a splitter as this will not drop the TV signal power, so you could split it to the to TV receivers [50%] and then "tap" the FM off, leaving the TV signal @ 50%.
Just so many things to think about....

[Hansen]

Thanks. I'm using a Radio Shack UHF antenna in my attic that I purchased about 3 years ago. I believe it is model number U-75R.

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2103088&cp=&sr=1&origkw=antenna+uhf&kw=antenna+uhf&parentPage=search

I do not know the specs on noise and signal. I have about 100 feet run to each STB using RG6.

Does the quality of the splitters make a difference in signal loss/degradation? I'm using pretty cheap ones (couple dollars each). If so, can you recommend a good quality brand splitter?

Thanks

[veryoldschool]

Thanks. I do not know the specs on noise and signal. I have about 100 feet run to each STB using RG6. Does the quality of the splitters make a difference in signal loss/degradation? I'm using pretty cheap ones (couple dollars each). If so, can you recommend a good quality brand splitter?
Thanks
Antennas don't have "noise", this is an amplifier issue. The 100' of cable will add to the noise of the amp.
That antenna [RS] looks to be a fair to decent one, for "normal" use. I'm 62 miles from the towers & use a bigger one. RS sells a preamp that isn't as "fancy" as what I have, but might do what you want. You might try it [cheap] & change one of your splitters to an FM tap. You may find this is all you need to do. Doesn't RS let you return things if they don't work out for you? Again if so you could do some "simple" testing to see if it works & if not then move up to the more costly units.
As for splitters, there all cheap, so I don't think you would gain much there, other than changing one to a "tap" for your FM receiver.