Just reaching out to everyone that’s added a booster to their set up. I have a two tuner set up right now thinking about getting the four tuner because I get so many conflicts in recordings now. But my question comes to the booster. Does anyone have one they recommend that made a night and day difference? I’m using no hardware booster right now and I’m getting about 100 channels and I think adding a booster I might be able to strengthen up my weak ones.
Reception is key. Amplifying a bad signal just means more bad. Amplifiers are, however, very useful in situations where due to very long runs or distributions (splitters) you are causing loss. So, for example, in my case, my antenna runs to an 8-way distribution amplifier splitter with those runs going out to the individual tuners (TVs and devices with tuners). I also terminate unused taps off the amplifier.
Not saying there aren’t “cases” where you’ll get (mixed) results by amplifying “trash”. But, it’s not really the best answer to anything. Work on getting good reception and then things like amplifiers become a good tool for your own known loss cases.
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cjcox is right. However, if you have an outdoor antenna, an amplifier might help. The best place for an amplifier is at the antenna. An amplifier at the antenna will preserve the signal that the antenna receives. It will not get you reception if the antenna does not receive the signal (will not get you extra stations that the antenna cannot receive). An amplifier near your tv will amplify everything, including the noise and interference that is on the wire. The signal degrades as it travels along the wire, so the longer the wire from the antenna, the more the signal degrades.
I have an outside antenna with an amplifier outside, right at the antenna. I have the Tablo internal amplifier shut off, because the signal is already amplified. The Tablo amp is unnecessary and might even cause signal overload. I use a Channel Master CM-7778HD, which has separate inputs for UHF and VHF (or can be used in combined mode), a switchable FM trap, and adjustable gain.
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I move things around and ended up repositioning the antenna in the attic. Reception seems the same, but the pixelation has disappeared. Saturday Night Live finally recorded, though the audio was off finally making progress. I don’t think I’m gonna get a booster after all. It’s all about the position in my situation.