Has your cable TV been experiencing a poor signal reception that you can hardly watch any channel in peace?
Cable TV can be characterized by signal problems that can leave you frustrated. However, if you incorporate a signal booster, you will not only improve your TV signal but also enable it to receive more channels.
With a cable TV signal booster amplifier, you don’t even need to change your antenna in order to receive channels that broadcast from miles away.
The only thing you need to do to enjoy this incredible experience is to select the best cable TV signal booster amplifier. For this to happen, there are some things to consider.
Factors to consider when buying a cable TV signal booster amplifier
Keep in mind the following when selecting this device:
- Gain: A proper booster amplifier will provide equal or higher levels than the signal loss, typically between 10-30dB.
- Noise level: Look out for an amplifier with lower noise levels of 2dB and below, as it will provide better signal amplification.
- Indoor/outdoor use: Consider the best amplifier for your living space. Some amplifiers are made for indoor use, while others can be mounted outside as they are weather-proofed to prevent any damage.
Best cable TV signal booster amplifiers – our top picks
These are the best options available in the market today:
| Signal Booster | Ouput Ports | Coaxial Cable | Gain (dB) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antronix VR900B/AC | 8 | No | +4.5 | |
| PCT 8-Port Amplifier | 8 | No | +2.0 | |
| Antronix MRA4-8 | 4 | Yes | +7.5 | |
| PCT MA2-8PN | 8 | No | +4.5 | |
| Channel Master CM-3410 | 1 | Yes | +15 |
1. Antronix VR900B/AC Bi-Directional Cable Amplifier
The Antronix VR900B/AC is the best bi-directional cable splitter and amplifier that you can find out there. With dimensions of 6.0 x 3.8 x1.4 inches, this splitter can easily fit behind your TV or wall unit.
When it comes to performance, the Antronix VR900B/AC can distribute a strong signal to 8 devices at the same time! Besides, its output and VoIP ports are compatible with digital and standard cable TV.
One thing you’ll love about this bi-directional cable amplifier is its unique mounting brackets. Why? Well, you can easily use them to mount them inside or outside your house in a vertical or horizontal direction.
If you are planning on getting a cable TV signal booster for outdoor use, you’d be glad to know that the Antronix VR900B/AC comes with powder-coated aluminum housing.
This casing provides corrosion resistance against rust and salt fog. This can only mean that you won’t need a replacement unit anytime soon.
- It has a signal gain of 18dB
- It comes with 6 kV power-surge protection for all ports
- Can operate in -40 degrees to +140 degrees temperatures
- It comes with a self-reset circuit to cushion against short-circuits
- It has a 5-year warranty
- May be expensive for some people
If you own several TVs and you are looking for the best cable TV amplifier that will provide a powerful signal with minimal loss, then this amplifier is the right fit for you.
2. PCT 8-Port Bi-Directional Amplifier/Splitter/Booster
The PCT 8-port bi-directional amplifier and splitter is one of the best you can get. With dimensions of only 6.8 x 5 x 4.1 inches, this device can be installed almost anywhere without looking like an eyesore.
Regarding the ports, it comes with 8 amplified output ports and 1 modem bypass port. It is compatible with your digital TV and the standard OTA antenna connections.
On each port, the amplifier provides a boost of + 2dB to allow the connection of longer cables while keeping the signal strength strong. It is highly recommended for indoor use.
- Its signal gain is 14dB
- The bypass port provides continuous service for vital applications
- Reduces cable pixilation occasioned by low signal levels
- It comes with 6kV power surge protection for all ports
- It does not include a coax cable
- It is expensive
If you are looking for a cable TV great signal booster for indoor use, this PCT 8-port bi-directional amplifier and signal booster is an ideal choice.
3. Antronix MRA4-8 Amplifier for Cable TV and Internet
The Antronix MRA4-8 is another powerful amplified coax splitter that is compatible with both standard and digital cable TV. Its dimensions are 4.6 x 2.9 x 0.8 inches, meaning it can easily fit on a wall.
The device comes with four ports that provide a gain of about +7.5dB each. It performs incredibly well and provides a steady and high-quality signal.
The Antronix MRA4-8 can be mounted indoors and outdoors as its housing is covered with nickel to withstand harsh climatic conditions.
- It has a self-resetting circuit as a safeguard from short-circuits
- Comes with 6kV power surge protection
- It comes with several accessories, including a 36-inch coaxial cable and power supply
- Has a 5-year warranty
- It has a noise level of 3dB
If you own four or fewer TVs that have poor picture quality, the Antronix MRA4-8 amplifier and splitter ticks all the boxes.
4. PCT MA2-8PN Cable Antenna Amplifier
Another reliable product from PCT, the MA2-8PN is a powerful cable TV amplifier that is compatible with systems from many cable TV providers. Once installed, one thing you’ll notice instantly is how powerful this device is at preventing signal loss.
With regards to size, its dimensions are 4 x 4 x 1.25 inches. This makes it a mini compact amplifier that is easy to install. It comes with 8 ports that give a cable TV signal boost gain of +4.5dB each.
It can be installed indoors and outdoors, but the power supply should be used indoors only.
- Delivers a total signal gain of 10.5dB
- It is efficient for small rooms
- Very affordable
- It is easy to install
- It does not come with accessories
If you are looking for a mini amplifier that can offer the same steady cable signal as bigger amplifiers while taking up little space, then the PCT MA2-8PN Cable Antenna Amplifier Slimline may just be the right product for you.
5. Channel Master CM-3410 Distribution Amplifier
The Channel Master CM-3410 is another mini cable signal booster that works seamlessly with cable TV. It only measures 5.8 x 8.5 x 2.2 inches. The device has 1 port to improve the cable signal for one TV.
Incredibly, the gain provided by the port is 15dB making it one of the best cable amplifiers in the market. It can be installed indoors and outdoors as it is weather-proofed and well-coated for corrosion resistance.
- Its noise level is about 2dB
- It comes with 6kV surge power protection
- Effective for small living spaces
- It has a dual DC/AC power supply
- It has a 1-year warranty
If you live in a small or medium house and have a single TV with a poor signal and few channels, this mini amplifier is the right fit for you.
Do cable signal boosters work?
Cable signal boosters work, as long as they are installed appropriately.
These devices will not only provide a better signal reception but also receive more channels on your TV.
Why do you need the cable signal boosters?
As a cable TV owner, you may have realized that you can only enjoy so many channels on an unsteady signal.
The signal gets worse if your home is out of range from your nearest signal towers due to geographical reasons or hindrances such as tall buildings.
Cable signal boosters improve your signal reception and enable your TV to receive more channels.
If you also own several TVs and they share the same cable connection, the signal tends to get poor and inconsistent due to signal rerouting.
The picture quality is compromised as grainy and blurry images begin to appear. Having a cable TV signal amplifier makes it possible for multiple TVs to share the same signal without losing picture quality.
How the signal booster works
The booster pulls in the weak TV signal and enhances it through signal gain. This improves the signal and makes it steady.
This improved signal can then pick up more channels that are clear and have a high picture quality.
Their signal gain capability also reduces signal loss brought about by rerouting or long distances. The booster further provides bi-directional signal gain by retracting the signals that are sent back to the cable company.
For the cable booster to work effectively, you should connect it appropriately. Make sure to install the cable signal booster before any other accessory to allow a clear path to your TV.
This means it should be situated close enough to the point where the cable is close to your home. As long as you choose a good product, you will definitely enjoy more channels in HD quality.
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