Video amplifiers

Can you use those little in-line TV signal amplifiers for a composite signal?

craiggsmith wrote:Can you use those little in-line TV signal amplifiers for a composite signal?

The amplifiers I believe you are referring to only work on RF signals. The amp you want needs to be designed to boost the composite signal, which is unmodulated. These are sometimes called "Distribution Amplifiers", like THIS one. (No endorsement, just an example.)

A video amplifier should not be needed. Correct cabling (RG-59, RG-6 coax) with the proper connectors should be sufficent. For lengths beyond 200', use CAT5/6 and video baluns.

OK, thanks!

michaelfish wrote:A video amplifier should not be needed. Correct cabling (RG-59, RG-6 coax) with the proper connectors should be sufficent. For lengths beyond 200', use CAT5/6 and video baluns.

There are cases where an amplifier/splitter is a good idea. We are going to use one for our webcasting setup as the video will come in from the camera and go out to three places:

1. Webcast Communicator
2. Preview monitor
3. Library for inclusion into the building CCTV system

Aaron Z

Aczlan wrote:There are cases where an amplifier/splitter is a good idea.

I was commenting on the "in-line TV amplifier"

On the other hand, the proper way to get more video signals from one composite source is to use a Video Distribution amplifier.

The word splitter can be confused with a "Y" cable, which should not be used for video, and amplifiers only boost signals. In-line TV amplifers are for boosting RF signals of television channels.

Mikerowaved wrote:The amplifiers I believe you are referring to only work on RF signals. The amp you want needs to be designed to boost the composite signal, which is unmodulated. These are sometimes called "Distribution Amplifiers", like THIS one. (No endorsement, just an example.)

Current "standard" meetinghouse plans use VDA's (Video Distribution Amplifiers) manufacatured by Emtech Electronics which have been great over years of use they rarely fail, and come in several diffrent form factors depending on your needs F, RCA, or BNC connectors.