DIYbanter - View Single Post - TV signal Amplifiers . What do u look for when buying one ?

Tony Hwang

wrote:
On Nov 15, 9:00 pm, Tony Hwang wrote:

IbeDavid wrote:

Motorola has one thats 12 db. for $10 . Another brand is 20 db for
$18. Theres a bunch of specs on the back of both..but i have no idea
what they mean. When buying one, what do u want in one when price is
really secondary ? Looking for a clearer picture from distant tv
signals. Thanks .

Hi,
How do you receive the signal, with external antenna array on a tower or
little rabbit ears indoor? Signal amp. boost signal as well as noise
level. Theory wise betwee 12db and 20db is very different since db is
exponential expression. 3 db is 2 times. If I were you I'd improve
antenna, if you must use amp, it better be mounted on the mast, not at
the TV end. Power to the amp can be fed thru coax.

Also I hope what you're trying to receive is digital, because NTSC is
scheduled to be turned off in Feb 2009. Not sure how much good an
amp will do with ATSC, as it's digital and you either have a perfect
picture or big break ups, not the usual snow, ghost, etc issues.
Hi,
Digital by nature has more redundancy(via software, hardware). Signal
format is signal is different (modulation method), it's still RF carrier.