Does anybody know of a cable tv/internet distribution panel? Something thats similar to an electrical breaker box? I want to run all the home runs for cable tv I put in the bedrooms upstairs down into my attatched garage into some type of panel that I can open and connect them all to the main cable line. Like a splitter but better, maybe one that has a built in amplifier……..anyone? Bueller? Bueller?
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Check out some of the manufacturers that offer structured wiring systems. (Pass & Seymour Legrand, Leviton, etc.) They offer exactly this kind of product.
There are a number of video distribution blocks. Various decent brands are Leviton, Channel Plus/Open House, OnQ. You can find some at places like Home Depot, Lowes etc. But you will find a much larger selection by going online and searching for sites that sell "structured wiring".
regards,
Dennis
As the other posters have mentioned, any of the companies that provide structured wiring solutions have cable distribution panels, some with even more than one input.
It's also worth noting that if you plan to use digital cable, cable modem or satellite, the distribution panel should be bi-directional. Bidirectional allows the cable, modem or satellite box to both send and recieve data. These services won't work with a standard panel. The term "Drop amp" seems to net good results on Ebay as well.
Don't forget that most of these amps are powered, so you'll need a outlet in the structured media panel (Levitron makes a 120 volt "power distribution block) or nearby.
Check out the 'Terk' brand stacked multu-switch. I bought mine at Circuit City.
I currently have four TV's connected to it, all being fed from one satellite dish. It is capable of handling up to eight TV's. Requires a 110 outlet to power some of the electronics in it.
I actually have a multi-LNB satellite dish (the oval one as opposed to the round ones) that has four coax leads coming off of it. All four coax's are connected to the multi-switch.
Works great. Have had it installed for a year with no problems. I think it was about $150.00.
Simple to install. Mount it on the wall, plug in your coax feeds, plug it into an electrical outlet and you're done !
http://www.futurehomesystems.com/v200.shtml
Course, it's far more expensive than the 16 way amplified splitter I got free from the cable tv installer...
I have the Pass&Seymour one. They have multiple blocks to pick from with varying output connections. Basically it is just a splitter. There is a separate signal booster. With that, you need their power distribution block. I installed two outlet boxes in the bottom of the panel to provide 120v power.
And, even thought they claim that their signal booster will work with cable modems, it does not work with mine. Figure on have to run one splitter before you get to the audio distribution module to go to the cable modem.
If you plan on using any security cameras or baby monitors or what not, be sure you keep that in mind too. You may want a separate block for that.
Pass&Seymour is available at the Lowe's around here, though they don't have every item. There is also audio distribution modules (speakers) and you can run Ethernet cable to the box. I don't use the P&S routers though, and it is somewhat cumbersome mounting regular routers and hubs. Basically you need a shelf just below the boxes to hold your cable modem, router, and LAN switches.
Be sure to use good connectors and high quality co-ax.
As much as I hate recommending the Home Depot, they do sell the Leviton low voltage panel and accessories. You can use whatever accessories you want for signal distribution, but for a low cost rough-in panel to terminate your home runs this works well. It has a rough-in accommodation for ac so you can install a powered amplifier and router/bridge inside the panel.