Entertainment Center: TVs, Stereos, VCRs and DVDs - Coax Distribution Amps

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sinTAKS
04-05-05, 10:26 AM
I just bought Leviton Distribution amp to feed coax to 5 locations in my home. It has an attenuator that allows you to adjust the strength of the signal from -5db to +15db. I have a few questions regarding it's use:

1. What is the optimal db level of a coax line?
2. What happens if I overpower the line? Will the picture just distort or is there chance for damaging, say, a cable set-top box?
3. Is having the amp overkill?

Any thoughts are most appreciated.

kuhurdler
04-05-05, 11:54 AM
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Blizzard
04-05-05, 02:25 PM
I don't think you can tell if the amp is overkill without know more information, like the length and type of cable, input signal strength, etc. But I wouldn't worry too much about it, it isn't like you are designing a radio transmitter.

I would try it without the amp and see if the different cables work with your TV's or equipment. If they don't, put the amp in and start increasing the dB gain until they all work. I don't think overdriving the signal would damage anything, but there really isn't any reason to use more power than you really need.