I'd like some advice on this issue as I'd prefer the best recording
possible.
- Prometheus Xex
Sorry, I haven't been to this newsgroup for a few says and only just
now saw your post.
I'd be happy to provide any information I can but it might be better
if you could be a bit more specific as to what you need.
In general, most of the problems people have with analog video
recording doesn't involve the quality of the signal at all, but the
inefficiency of the internal wiring system in one's home. Cable
companies are usually pretty good at ensuring good signal levels are
coming to each of the homes they serve. And, they consistently monitor
such things. The majority of signal problems occur from the ground
block in (where the cable attaches to the home and inside the home
itself.)
Good quality coax cable (RG-6, Quad Shield) should be used with good
quality F-Connectors, PROPERLY installed. Splitters used (and there is
always at least one) need to be of good quality, properly shielded and
used in a configuration that minimizes signal loss. A splitter needs
to be in the proper frequency range that matches the ranges provided
by the local cable company.
Cable TV signal needs to flow through lines that are completely
sealed. I've always found a good analogy is to think of it as water
flowing through a hose. Water, or cable signal, cannot be allowed to
escape -- anywhere. Any opening whatsoever can allow cable signal to
leak or seep out and away from its intended destination -- the TV or
TV tuner card. (In the case of cable TV signal, the slightest opening
can also allow signal from local over-the-air TV signals to seep IN to
the cable system causing such things as ghosting.)
Many people who internally wire their own homes to add additional TV
outlets never seem to grasp the absolute importance of installing good
quality connectors, properly and TIGHTLY. This is rarely possible
using store-bought (Radio Shack, Wal-Mart, etc.) connectors and
crimpers. Not only will the quality be suspect, purchasing the proper
connectors and tools can be very expensive, especially when one
considers these items will rarely be used again. For this reason I've
always believed it best to simply pay the cable company the one-time
fee to install additional wiring. They'll use the proper equipment
PROPERLY to get the job done at a cost far cheaper than the average
layman can were s/he to purchase the same quality tools and equipment.
Splitters are another source of lost or improperly directed signal
most people fail to consider with any degree of importance. But it IS
important. One must understand spllitting a signal SPLITS the signal.
That is to say, it cuts it in half, or 1/4, or 1/8, or 1/16 depending
on how may splitters have been installed and where they've been
installed.
Splitters can also vary in quality as well as frequency range. Like
good quality F-connectors, splitters must be shielded so as to keep
cable TV signal in and not allowed to leak or seep into the
atmosphere. While spllitters can be purchased just about anywhere, the
quality of a store-bought splitters can be equally suspect. I'd
recommend just stopping a Cable TV Tech on the street and asking for
one. S/He will always have a supply of cable-quality splitters which
adhere to the proper standards and frequency range. (Of course, you'll
want to slip the Tech a few dollars for assistance you've been given.)
One additional area that seems to go unnoticed but can occasionally
provide a problem is the grounding of the cable system. Many people
don't even know their cable system is attached (grounded) to the same
grounding post as is their internal electric system. Sometimes the
ground connection can become oxidized and produce interference often
in the form of hum bars - those wide but faint bars you see on your TV
screen that move somewhat slowly from bottom to top. It's important
to note that hum bars can also be the result of other poorly-shielded
appliances operating inside the home -- a refrigerator, a microwave
oven or even the TV itself. But sometimes it's the degraded quality of
the ground wire where its attached to the ground block. Cleaning or
removing the oxidatoin from these connections can sometimes eliminate
this kind ofTV interference and improve reception or the quality of
the picture.
I've just given some general information here, written quite
impromptu, in the hope it gives you some information to work with. I
hope you find it helpful.
f