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TV Amplifiers

CONTENTS
Preamplifiers | Booster Amps | Distribution Amps | Attenuators

There are 3 types of TV signal amplifiers (amps) for specific applications.

AMPLIFIER Performance Use
Preamp High Gain
Low Noise
Weak
Antenna Signals
Booster (Power) Amp Moderate to
High Gain
Long
Cable Runs
Distribution Amp Low to
Moderate Gain
Replace
Signal Splitters


PREAMPS

Preamps increase signal power, but not signal noise (as much). Signal improvement depends on the preamp Noise Figure (NF) and gain. Additionally, the closer the preamp is to the antenna, the better the signal improvement.

NOISE FIGURE
Noise figure is a measure of the noise an amplifier introduces (adds) to signal noise. The less noise the lower the noise figure, and the greater the signal improvement. Published noise figures are often based only on the amplifier (chip substrate), not the housing connections and internal cabling loss. Published noise figures vary from 1.5 to 4 dB or more. The noise figure of the entire preamp housing unit will be 1 to 2 dB or more higher than the published specification.

FREQUENCY and GAIN
Some preamps have an adjustable gain, others are fixed gain. Gain varies from 10 to 30 dB. Most preamps cover the VHF and UHF frequency bands. Some cover VHF-Hi and UHF, some only UHF.

FILTERs
FM Trap -- Some preamps have the option to switch in an FM Trap to filter out the commercial FM radio band which is between RF channels 6 and 7 (VHF band). The filter is needed when an FM signal is strong enough (a close FM transmitter) to overpower the preamp, preventing TV reception or reducing performance. Some FM traps slightly reduce RF channel 6 reception (VHF).

Cellular 4G/5G Filter -- These preamps have the option to filter out cellular 4G and 5G mobile communication in the UHF band. The filter may be needed if you're close to a cell tower.

PREAMP SUMMARY

Parameter Options
Frequency
Band
• VHF / UHF
• VHF-Hi / UHF
• UHF
Gain • 10 to 30 dB
• Fixed or Adjustable
Noise Figure • 1.5 to 4 dB (amp)
--- 3 to 6 dB (unit)
Filters • FM Trap (VHF)
• Cell Filter (UHF)


OUTDOOR PREAMPs
Outdoor preamps are 2 separate units, an amplifier mounted close to or on the antenna, and a power unit inside the home. The power unit supplies power to the amplifier through the coax cable, and uses standard house current (110-120 Vac). The cable run between the power unit and antenna can only contain a ground block, or if necessary a cable connector (barrel). There CAN NOT be any signal splitters / combiners, impedance matchers or other accessaries. These devices block DC power and could be damaged.

Preamp System -
Antenna Preamp ClearStream JUICE UHF VHF Antenna Amplifier.
ClearStream JUICE UHF VHF Antenna Amplifier.
Gain (VHF):
Gain (UHF):
Noise Figure:
17.5 dB
19 dB
1.8 dB

INDOOR PREAMPs
Some indoor antenna preamps are attached to the antenna, some are detachable. Some preamps are connected in the cable between the antenna and television. The preamp power comes from house current (110-120 Vac) or a USB connection (USB 2.0, 3.0, and 3.1 are 5 Vdc, 500 mA max).

Indoor Antenna / Preamp
Indoor Preamp
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BOOSTER AMPLIFIERS
Booster or power amps are high gain amplifiers (20 dB or more) used to overcome long cable runs and/or signal splitter loss. Some are fixed gain, some have an adjustable gain. The amps are powered by 110-120 Vac standard house current.


DISTRIBUTION AMPLIFIERS
Distribution amps are fixed gain amplifiers (3 to 8 dB) with multiple outputs. These amps are used instead of signal splitters to overcome signal loss. The amps are powered by 110-120 Vac standard house current.

VHF / UHF Distribution Amps

8-Output TV CATV Distribution Amplifier.
8-Output TV CATV Distribution Amplifier.

Gain:
Noise Figure
4.5 dB /port
2.7 dB

ATTENUATORS
A very signal strong signal can overwhelm (saturate) a TV receiver, causing signal distortion (inhibits reception). An attenuator can reduce the signal to an acceptable level. Signal attenuation varies from -3 to -10 dB or more. Some attenuators have a fixed reduction, some are adjustable.

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