Whether you’re trying to run your antenna to multiple TVs, or you’re simply wanting to reduce the amount of coaxial cable clutter in your home, an antenna splitter is a convenient solution. However, there are a few things to consider before you install one of these devices.

First, you’ll want to know how to wire an antenna splitter properly. The key is to make sure that each of your TVs or other devices gets the signal from the same antenna, without any interference.

1. You will need to feed the antenna into the splitter’s input port, and then attach two more coaxial cables to its output ports.

2. Then, you will need to connect each of these cables to a TV set or other device.

3. You will need to buy an antenna splitter that has enough input and output ports for the number of TVs or other devices you want to distribute your signal to.

4. You will need to ensure that the input and output ports on your antenna splitter match the impedance of the devices you want to distribute your signal to.

5. You will need to make sure that the antenna splitter you purchase is rated for the frequency range you’re using.

A coaxial cable is a 75-ohm cable, so you should look for an antenna splitter that’s rated for a similar impedance.

6. You will need to determine if the device you’re connecting to a splitter will support HDMI out (most do).

7. You will need to use a separate coaxial cable for your internet signal, because an antenna splitter can only handle RF signals.

8. You should always check with your ISP before you start rewiring.

9. You should also draw a schematic of your wiring layout before you start.

Getting your wires arranged correctly will save you time and hassle in the future.

This step will be especially important if you’re using a distribution amplifier to boost your signal.

It’s important to know that splitting your signal in half will weaken the strength of each output by roughly 50%. This is known as insertion loss, and you can minimize it by choosing a distribution amplifier that includes terminators on any outputs you’re not using.

In addition, line loss is a concern when you’re running long cords from the source to your receiver, but you can limit this by using good cables and other equipment.

10. You can also use a Diplex to combine satellite and antenna transmissions into a single cable, which is an inexpensive option that works well for most situations.

The Diplex is a good solution for homes that have several televisions, but don’t want to deal with the hassle of running coaxial cable between each of them. Its input and output ports have threaded F connectors, making it easy to plug in the coaxial cables you’re using.

Finally, you can use a passive antenna splitter for your antenna to share with multiple tuners, like your VHF radio or GPS. This is a simple way to reduce the amount of coaxial cable in your home, but it can also cause signal degradation if you’re not careful.