2-way splitter or A-B switch?

[CSULB71]

I have broadband internet, along with cable (including HD channels), coming in to my computer's internet modem on 75 ohm coax cable. I want to "split" the signal so I can separately feed the internet modem and an HDTV I will be buying soon. Which would be better for the least amount of signal loss direct to the HDTV (no cable box), a 2-way splitter or an A-B switch?

[jagabo]

An A/B switch would be the least signal loss (only one load at a time). Of course, you could only use one device at a time this way.

But this is a pointless question. Unless your signal is very low to begin with there will be no noticeable difference between the two. If your cable service is digital there will be no loss of quality at all unless the signal drops to the point where the HDTV (or cable box) can't decipher the data any more. In which case it will show very gross artifacts or nothing at all. Cable signals entering the house are usually designed to serve several devices. Use a splitter.

[CSULB71]

Using one device at a time with an A-B switch won't be a problem. There are already two 2-way splitters in the line (no choice about that) before the modem, so I don't want to degrade the signal (it is both digital and analog) any more than necessary.

[edDV]

Using one device at a time with an A-B switch won't be a problem. There are already two 2-way splitters in the line (no choice about that) before the modem, so I don't want to degrade the signal (it is both digital and analog) any more than necessary.

I split the splits and have no degradation. But this varies by what you get from the pole. If you split and see errors, have the cable company adjust attenuation or equalization out in there amp on the pole. Since this is external to your house it won't cost you a service call so long as you can show their levels are off.

[CSULB71]

Good point about having the cable company adjust the signal if I notice degradation. I'll try a 5-1,000 MHz splitter and see what happens.