Is it legal to split analog cable in Michigan?

[yoda313]

I'm tempted to get a cheapo capture card and run it along with my fusion card to capture more shows at the same time (I do have two drives, though 1 is 80gb and the other is 160 so I wouldn't have unlimited recording space, just more choices for limited extra recordings).

I think I've read that some states let you split analog cable legally. Is this true? How do I find out for absolute fact?

I have paid for 3 rooms legally, one to the room with my computer in it. I'd be tempted to split it and install an extra cheap capture card to do multiple recordings.

So anyone know the answer? If its no I'll stop talking about it right now. (oh and mods you can lock this if you think its too risky a topic....)

[gadgetguy]

As far as I know it is. When I built my house I wired every room in the house for cable and my cable is split about 12 ways (I have a booster installed). I've had their technicians in several times to address high speed internet problems and they've never made a negative comment about it. If they make any comment at all it's usually about how nicely the cables are terminated on my backboard.

Edit: I don't think it's so much a legal issue, as a contract agreement with your provider.

[yoda313]

Edit: I don't think it's so much a legal issue, as a contract agreement with your provider.

Thanks

I'll see if I can find something about COMCAST.

[BJ_M]

i hope it is ok -- cough cough ....

[mattypj]

Just do it, can they find out anyway?

[Dv8ted2]

As far as I know it is. When I built my house I wired every room in the house for cable and my cable is split about 12 ways (I have a booster installed). I've had their technicians in several times to address high speed internet problems and they've never made a negative comment about it.

Usually the techs will say that the cable modem needs a dedicated line.

[gadgetguy]

The incoming line hits a splitter for the cable modem first, the other side goes to a filter, then to my booster and then splits 12 ways.

[MeDiCo_BrUjO]

With Brighthouse in Orlando, I have two digital boxes and you can split analog cable as many times as you want for free.

[thecoalman]

Laws vary by state Yoda. there was an article in the local paper a few years back about this. Here in PA you can split the cable as many times as you want providing it's within the same dwelling. In NY it's illegal.... So unless there is a law specifically allowing or forbidding it in your state I's assume you're in the clear.

[adam]

I don't think so coalman. I can't find any law in NY or in any other state that makes cable splitting per se illegal. The only reference to cable splitting that I can find in any law pertains to the unlawful receipt of telecommunications service, which certainly can be accomplished by splitting cable. But if you are paying for the cable service to that room, and the provider doesn't charge a separate service fee for each each individual connection in that room (some may) than you aren't receiving unauthorized service and there's nothing unlawful about it. Now your provider may still have a policy disallowing any kind of splitting of the signal but this is a contractual issue.

[sitlet]

its my understanding that once the cable enters your house, you are allowed to split it as many times as you want. of course, the more you split it, the bigger booster you will need, and are therefore prone to more signal problems. i have a single line coming in, sent through a booster, then split into 9 rooms. i sometimes have problems with the first few channels, but otherwise its fine. i dont have a cable modem or digital cable so i cant comment on how it would affect those

[Guest]

I have paid for 3 rooms legally, one to the room with my computer in it. I'd be tempted to split it and install an extra cheap capture card to do multiple recordings.

I hope by this you mean you pay for 3 cable boxes The only time my bill has increased is when I added a Comcast DVR box. I pay for one line. They did not question that this was my second DVR.Some of the 9 jacks had poor signal when we moved in. The guy that came out just said I needed an amp($50 one time) if I wanted to split it that much.Nothin bout having to pay for more lines I would seriously rethink your package. Plus,if you call Comcast and tell them you want to cancel your cable/internet for the likes of Direct TV,they will decrease your bill considerably.I got like 40% off and I wasnt really considering a switch. If you are not running these lines thru a tuner,I would request going down to a one line charge.


Please dont tell me you called them up and let them know how many devices are connected to your wireless router,so you could be charged appopriately


edit- I don't know about the legality,but they cerrtianly go out of their way to look the other way.I think it akin to car dealers. They will charge the shit outta you if you let them.

[yoda313]

@ Dr. gee - that was for first time installation. Never had cable before so it was like $8 per room - one time charge, normal flat fee for the rest of the time (one charge fee, the per room was just to get the cable in).

And no I don't have cable boxes. Its just the wire - basic cable no plus features or anything.

But if you are paying for the cable service to that room, and the provider doesn't charge a separate service fee for each each individual connection in that room (some may) than you aren't receiving unauthorized service and there's nothing unlawful about it. Now your provider may still have a policy disallowing any kind of splitting of the signal but this is a contractual issue

Thanks adam. That sounds reasonable. I don't know about fine print for comcast here but from what others have posted about comcast and other cable companies it sounds like I could go ahead and split it. I am legally paying for the cable, its coming in and being paid.

Thanks for all the tips and suggestions.

[thecoalman]

I don't think so coalman. I can't find any law in NY or in any other state that makes cable splitting per se illegal.

Perhaps you're right, I did a quick search and came up with nothing too. I'm just repeating what I read few years back and I'll empasize years. Maybe the laws have changed but that was what the article said at the time.

[Guest]

so,you paid for the wiring to 3 rooms.you are not paying for 3 lines. I wouldnt worry bout splitting it up. Hell,call Comcast and ask them. I think they get pissed when you have a black box.

[yoda313]

No black box just wires. I think I'll probably just go ahead and split it. I'll probably pick up a decent amp though. Also I'm thinking of getting a cheap usb capture device on ebay so I can do dual capping on my pc (I do have two harddrives so I can record seperately).

Thanks for all the advice and suggestions.