Open House H816BID Bi-Directional Whole House Video Distribution Amplifier Review

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(More customer reviews)I was going to replace a cheapie Radio Shack amplifier and several splitters with this one splitter/amplifier. Well, the reception as worse that the original configuration. I ended up returning to the original setup. In that application I was hoping to use it just didn't work. I would thick twice before purchasing one.

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Open House H816BID 1 X 6 Powered Video Amp Review

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(More customer reviews)Once I plugged this in, I noticed a definite improvement on my analog cable signal (signal that doesn't come through a box). And since that was my greatest concern, I would have been happy there. But I also noticed a significant difference with how digital and HD looked afterward as well. What I noticed most was the lack of 'blockiness' that tends to occur with fast moving video images. While there is still some, I think this device eliminated any blockiness that existed due to the signal being split out.
I cannot speak to the long cable runs as my longest run is only about 50 feet, but that run does look great.
My only hangup is that it's pretty clear the manufacturer wants you to use their utility boxes for wiring. Anything else will require some imagination. So if you keep all your RG6/cat5 hubs in a cabinet, you may find this a little frustrating to mount.
Otherwise a great piece of equipment.

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Channel Vision Coaxial Tap Splitter - 6DB Line Tap - 2 Way Review

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(More customer reviews)I bought this tap to replace a 9dB PDI "Mega Tap".
Unfortunately with this splitter installed the SNR on my cable modem, installed on the -6dB leg, swings wildly by at least 4dB (38 to 34). Before with the PDI tap the SNR was very stable and higher (38.8 to 39). A back and forth comparison today confirmed these results.
I think the advertised attenuation values are pretty close. I was at about 8dBmV with the -6 tap and now 5dBmV back on the PDI tap.


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RF AMPLIFER BI-DIRECT Review

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(More customer reviews)This amp helped my tv reception and made my modem work faster. The TV stopped pix elating on the weaker TV channels. It also increased the power levels for the modem so the noise to power ratio levels were better and it didn't drop the internet any more.
I am running 6 Comcast cable on demand boxes, and one cable modem (a SB5100 modem)
I am happy with this product and will be buying another one to help one of my friends system out.

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4-Port Bi-Directional Cable TV Splitter Signal Booster/Amplifier with Active Return Zero Signal Loss and VoIP Telephone Bypass Feature Review

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(More customer reviews)I had some major cable signal issues throughout my house, and despite a new ground line, splitting the main drop without an amplifier would make it impossible for some of our outlets to receive the signal they needed. I had a early-2000s era Radio Shack amplifier, but it wasn't really intended to be used in conjunction with a cable modem. I had to find a better option, but I didn't want to spend $$$ on some of the active return amplifiers being offered.
After some research I settled on this PCT model, since it was lossless, compatible with modems, and didn't introduce any extra noise. Installation was fairly simple and having a power adapter that uses a coax cable made it easy for me to get the right size. I didn't opt to use the Bypass Feature, but it's nice to know it's there. After installing, I noticed marked improvements in signal level, SNR, and upstream power. Does this translate to better, faster, internet? No, but it's certainly more stable, and now all outlets in my house are capable of transmitting digital signals now that Comcast has turned off analog signals.
Running solid for a month with no issues, and the 5-year warranty will ensure my happiness for some time (just make sure to buy from a qualified vendor).

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8-Port Bi-Directional Cable TV HDTV Amplifier Splitter Signal Booster with Pa... Review

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(More customer reviews)The PCT VB-8P is the sister product to: PCT MA2-8P 8-Port Bi-Directional Cable TV HDTV Amplifier Splitter Signal Booster with Passive Return Path - B000WDR94U 8-Port Bi-Directional Cable TV HDTV Amplifier Splitter Signal Booster with Passive Return Path.
Before we start here let's outline product suitability:
Satellite TV - NO, NO, NO
Standard Cable - YES
Digital Cable - YES
HDTV (via Cable) - YES
Cable Phone Service - YES
Cable modems - MAYBE, it may not be the best choice, but it is the least expensive option to try out. If your Return Path Signal is the problem, you may need a different amplifier.
Outdoor Antenna - YES. It will amplify a signal for distribution, but may not be the best option - you should look at other reviews.
We are only providing general guidelines here - you should look through all the reviews for more specific information on hat other people are doing. Bottom line - if you have a lot of connections and you need to get rid of lossy splitters, this is DEFINITELY the way to do it.
The PCT VB-8P amp is a great product. It has all of the same capabilities and great performance of it's sister product, the PCT MA2-8P, referenced above. You can directly interchange the two amps because the basic circuitry inside the amplifier is the same. So for basic signal amplification and distribution, they work EXACTLY the same, and either amplifier will work well. If you have a grainy TV picture or are getting pixilation (squares) showing in your digital cable you probably need an amplifier.
The main difference between these two amplifiers is in the bypass feature. As more and more homes move to cable based phone services, this creates a new challenge for supporting cable phones, while boosting overall home cable TV performance and signal strength. Before the VB-8P you could have a problem with trying to boost the signal and connect your cable or VoIP based phone to the amplifier at the same time. If the amplifier lost power or failed, the signal needed for your cable or VoIP phone would be blocked by the amplifier, because the amplifier was not working.
Now that is no longer a problem. The PCT VB-8P makes it possible for the cable signal to pass through to the amplifier in the event of a power outage or amplifier failure. When the power is on and everything is working normally, the cable signal is being boosted on all the amplifier ports, just like the PCT MA2-8P. However, in the event something goes wrong, this amplifier has one special port on it with a "bypass" feature.
When the power goes out or the amplifier chip fails, the bypass port automatically goes into bypass mode. When in bypass mode, 7 of the 8 ports on the amplifier will lose signal, as they would on a non-bypass amplifier. The difference here is the 8th port. On the 8th port the signal gets passed through as if there was no amplifier in place at all. This allows anything connected to that one port to operate properly (as long as the cable phone equipment is working) without power to the amplifier. All E911 and other services associated with your cable phone will continue to work properly.
SO if you have any concern about connecting your VoIP, Vonage, or other phone router to the amplifier, this product is what you need and will work great with those systems.


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Electroline EDA-FT08300 8-Port TV Signal Booster/Amplifier with Active Return Path (Retail Package with 5-Year Warranty) Review

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(More customer reviews)NOTE: ELECTROLINE RECENTLY DISCONTINUED THE Electroline EDA FT08100 8-port TV Signal Booster/Amplifier with Active Return Path AND REPLACED IT WITH THE Electroline EDA-FT08300 8-Port TV Signal Booster/Amplifier with Active Return Path (Retail Package with 10-Year Warranty), AN UPDATED MODEL.
The Electroline EDA-FT08300 is the NEW workhorse of the Electroline product line. It provides bulletproof performance and reliability with GUARANTEED compatibility to all cable services.
How does it work? The EDA-FT08300 incorporates two high quality amplifiers inside one package. One amplifier boosts the forward path (for TV reception and modem downloads) while the other amplifier boosts the Return Path (used for interactive services and modem uploads). By having both high quality amps in one package it becomes the perfect solution to problems with cable modems and TV reception inside your home. It is the only product on the market that can handle the full power required to support cable modems, and it's design (inherited from the EDA-FT08100) has a proven track record of over FIVE years of favorable operation and reviews.
This is not so much of a review as some guidance to understanding whether or not this product is for you. CableTVamps has sold the EDA-FT08100 product since it was first introduced by Electroline back in 2005. We are Electroline's longest running retailer, so we have a lot of experience with the use of Active Return amplifiers.
First, if you are using a Satellite system - just walk on by. None of Electroline's products are for use with satellite TV, and you should not expect it to work when hooked up to your satellite system. The product will get damaged if connected to satellite, and will block the satellite signal.
Second, if you have an ANTENNA and are looking for an HD amplifier, this is not a good choice. The FT08300 should only be used for Cable TV. There are lower cost options for pure HD amplification like the Electroline EDA-2800 Eight Port Cable TV HDTV Signal Booster/Amplifier (Retail Package) or Electroline EDA-2400 Four Port Cable TV HDTV Signal Booster/Amplifier (Retail Package). In addition an Active Return amplifier should never be used with an antenna.
Third, Active Return is generally only needed when you get up past 4 connections. When you have fewer connections, the Return Path Insertion Loss (which is your cable modem's enemy) is generally not a problem. Cable converter boxes and TVs are not as sensitive to return path problems, so in general you can get by with a less expensive product unless you already have problems with your interactive services (pay per view, On Demand). When you have a cable modem and a bunch of other connections, The FT08300 provides a guaranteed way of resolving TV picture problems and keeping your cable modem happy.
We always suggest to our customers to do a little homework and see if they need The EDA-FT08300. The way to find out if you need EDA-FT08300 active return is to get your cable modem's signal levels. We can't share any links in our review, but if you Google CABLETVAMPS CABLE MODEM you can find our User Forum page with detailed instructions on finding out the health of your cable modem. If your cable modem signal levels are healthy without this amplifier installed, you will probably not notice any major improvement in internet speeds or reliability.
The FT08300 is safe to use with all of your cable services - you just take out your splitters, hook up everything to the amp, plug it in, and enjoy faster Internet and a better TV picture.
Lastly you need to keep things in perspective. If the picture or cable modem problems are caused by cabling issues inside your home, an amplifier might not help. In order to achieve the best results the amplifier must be installed as close as possible to where the cable comes into the house - before splitters and cabling have a chance to degrade it. We have generally found that amplifiers help in most situations - but if your purchase does not help resolve your problems we can help you - just email us.

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8-Port Bi-Directional Cable TV Splitter Signal Booster/Amplifier with Active Return Zero Signal Loss and VoIP Telephone Bypass Feature Review

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(More customer reviews)For quite a while I had been contemplating getting an active return amplifier. I have cable modem issues from time to time, but a very good TV picture due to a previous amp I purchased. I read that the Electroline is the best out there, but after taking a look at the $120 price tag I had to think twice. There are a number of other products with an Active Return label on them, but I wanted to be sure I got a good one, and that it worked as expected. Taking full advantage of Amazon's return policy, I decided to buy both and compare them.
Both amplifiers are solidly built. The Electroline is quite large compared to the other amp I have 4 PORT CABLE TV / HDTV / DIGITAL AMPLIFIER INTERNET MODEM SIGNAL BOOSTER INTERNET AMP, but it looked very solid with a nice grey matte finish. The PCT VC-9U is slightly smaller with a glossy white finish. It has 9 output ports, and I will get into those in a minute. For mounting, The PCT does have a neat advantage that the Electroline does not, which is the ability to mount it vertically or horizontally. The PCT has 2 sets of mounting brackets (I will try to post a photo later), and this made it easier for me to mount the amp on the cieling of my garage, with 2 screws into the bottom of the joist.
I hooked up the Electroline first and connected it up to my cable plant. Everything worked just fine. My picture was just as good as before, but now my cable modem synced up faster and seemed to be quicker, or maybe I was just expecting it to be faster :). When I pulled the power to see what would happen, I lost everything - cable modem and my TV picture. I left it installed for a couple of days, and during that time I had a problem where the picture got some white bars in it. After contacting the seller, I was told that I probably had a bad power supply and that it was a common problem. I would have to return the amp for replacement. How convenient.
When the electroline broke I put the PCT in place. The difference here was that I had a choice of where to connect my cable modem. The PCT comes with 9 ports, not 8. The 9th port is a non-amplified port labeled MODEM. First I tried the MODEM port. The cable modem actually worked a bit better than with my old amp, and I think this had something to do with the return path. My old amp had a 7dB return path loss, while the modem port on the PCT has a 5dB loss. The modem did seem to connect without a problem. Since they advertise that everything will still work if the power fails, I pulled the plug on the amp - and my modem did not miss a beat. It stayed connected. Of course if the power is out, who is going to be surfing the internet? It was a nice test though, and if I had a VOIP phone I guess it would have kept working. With the amp unplugged, the TV got very fuzzy and the digital cable went out altogether.
I did not see any performance difference between the electroline and PCT. My only measure was simply looking at the picture and judging how it looked, and seeing how the cable modem reacted. No real difference between the amps that I could tell. Because the Electroline was broken I had to return it. The PCT at half the price was working great, so I just decided to keep it. I ultimately decided to connect the cable modem to one of the other ports that were amplified. A power failure will knock out the cable modem. No big deal. I don't have a VOIP phone, so I am not worried about the power thing. The TV picture was great, and the cable modem worked fine either way. I still have a couple of ports available for expansion.
SO my take on this - if you can spare the money, the reviews say the electroline is the way to go. Since the PCT is a new product no one else has commented on it yet. But at half the price and the same performance (along with the 9th port) the PCT VC-9U seems to be a slam dunk on the bang-for-the-buck side.

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