What is a TV receiver and how to install it

What is a TV receiver and how to install it

The TV shunt is a key component in the home television system, useful for distributing the signal to multiple points in the house. This article aims to clarify its functions, highlight the differences compared to the divider and provide a basic guide to its installation.

Definition and Function of the TV Differential

The TV shunt is a device designed to divide the television signal in different directions, thus allowing the signal to be brought to multiple rooms without significant loss of quality. Before analyzing its operation in detail and the differences compared to the divider, it is essential to understand the concept of DB (decibel) and their importance in the shielding efficiency of an antenna cable.</p >

Importance of DBs in Shielding efficiency

db, or decibels, indicate the shielding efficiency of an antenna cable. This parameter measures the cable's ability to protect itself from external disturbances. A higher value in DB means that the cable has a better ability to shield against noise. This feature is crucial for maintaining a high quality level of the television signal.

Difference between Differentiator and Divider

The shunt and the divider are both used to distribute the television signal, but they work in different ways and are chosen based on the specific needs of the system.

• The splitter is used to distribute the signal equally across multiple outputs, making it suitable when you want to bring a signal in parallel to multiple rooms, but with the risk of losing its shielding efficiency order on all outputs.

When to Use the Divider

If the need is to split an antenna cable to distribute it in multiple environments, such as bringing the signal to three different rooms, the splitter represents the appropriate choice. By connecting the main cable coming from the antenna to the input of the divider and using the outputs for the various environments, you will have an equal distribution of the signal, with a uniform loss of DB on the different lines, thus guaranteeing substantially identical reception quality on all connected televisions.

Understanding the differences and functions of shunts and dividers allows you to choose the solution best suited to your needs, ensuring the best quality of the television signal in every room of the house.

When is the TV shunt necessary?

It happens that you find yourself in a situation where it is necessary to split the main antenna cable on two different floors of a house. Often, this leads to a problem related to the loss of signal efficiency. For example, splitting the signal to send it on two different planes can cause a significant loss in decibels (dB) due to the distance that the second cable must cover, thus compromising shielding efficiency.

The solution: using the differentiator

An optimal solution in these situations is represented by the use of a shunt. This device has an external appearance similar to that of a divider, but operates in a slightly different way.

• Configuration: the shunt has one input (IN), two outputs (TAP) and a further output (OUT).
• Connection: the main cable is connected directly from the antenna to the input point (IN).
• TAP outputs: the two TAP outputs, which involve a loss of 10 dB each, will be used to connect the secondary cables. The latter can be directed to two televisions located on the same floor.
• OUT output: this output, characterized by lower signal loss (from 3 to 3.5 DB), is used for a cable directed to the lower floor. This cable will not suffer a significant loss of shielding efficiency and can be connected directly to a television or to an additional splitter, which divides the signal between different rooms.

Using a shunt, it is therefore possible to effectively manage the distribution of the TV signal in a house on several floors, minimizing signal losses and ensuring good viewing quality in the different environments.

Preparing the Cables for the Shunt

Let's start the installation process by preparing the four necessary cables. Each cable should be prepared by cutting about half a centimeter of the outer sheath to expose the copper wire. Immediately afterwards, we eliminate half a centimeter of external plastic without affecting the heart of the cable, then wrapping the gauze filament around the small plastic tube inside. This step is crucial to ensure an optimal connection.

Inserting Connectors

Continuing, we take the four screw type F connectors for connecting the cables to the shunt. It is essential to do this precisely to avoid signal problems. On the opposite side, the one intended for connection to the television, we apply the simple connectors following a similar process: cutting the sheath, exposing the copper wire, eliminating the external plastic and wrapping the gauze filament, then inserting the cable into the jack and secure it with the small upper screw.

Connection Closing and Testing

Once the connectors have been inserted, we use pliers to ensure the correct tightening of the jack terminals around the gauze filament, covering everything with a lid. This guarantees the protection and stability of the connection.

The final step involves checking the three output cables by connecting them one at a time to the TV. This test is essential to ensure the quality of the signal and correct installation. Happily, the images appear to be of good quality on all three channels tested.

Conclusions on the Differentiator and Divider: Which is the Best Choice

The decision to use a shunt or divider is fundamental and should be based primarily on the distance between the antenna and the television which is further away. The choice must carefully consider whether the distance between these two points is relevant, in particular if there are walls or obstacles that could degrade the quality of the signal.

When to Use the Shunt

In situations where the distance is significant or there is interference caused by obstacles, the shunt becomes the preferred option. Its use allows for more efficient signal transmission to the devices, overcoming any signal problems due to distance or obstacles.

Practical Implementation

After choosing to use a shunt, it is important to connect the output with the highest DB value to the first point of use. From there, based on your needs, you can choose to connect the cable directly to a television or, for greater flexibility, connect it to a splitter to distribute the signal to multiple devices.

• Shutter: Recommended for long distances or presence of obstacles.
• Splitter: Useful for splitting the signal into multiple outputs with minimal losses, suitable when the signal is already close to the receiving devices.

This guide offers a starting point for deciding which device to use based on the specifics of the signal reception system. Carefully considering your configuration is the first step towards an optimal television experience.