How much signal does a splitter cost?
A splitter divides the signal between its outputs, so each TV gets less. Solid Signal puts the loss at about 4 dB for a 2-way splitter and 8 dB for a 4-way splitter, and notes that unused ports cost the same as used ones (Solid Signal). Use a splitter with only as many outputs as you have TVs.
If your stations are close and strong, a splitter may cost you nothing you'd notice. If some channels were already weak, they're the ones that break up after you split.
Does the cable run matter?
Yes. Coaxial cable loses signal over distance, and thinner cable loses more. Winegard's amplifier manual lists about 6 dB of loss per 100 feet for RG6 cable and 8 dB per 100 feet for RG59 (Winegard manual). Long runs to far rooms add up, so use RG6 and keep runs as short as practical.
Should you use a distribution amplifier or a preamplifier?
They fix different losses.
- Distribution amplifier: installed indoors, where the line splits to your TVs. It makes up for splitter loss (Antennas Direct). Many have several outputs built in. Channel Master's 34-series manual, for example, lists less gain per output as the port count goes up: 15 dB on a 1-port model, 11.5 dB on 2 ports, 8 dB on 4 and 4 dB on 8 (Channel Master manual).
- Preamplifier: mounted at or very close to the antenna. It boosts the signal before cable loss, which helps with long runs and distant stations (Channel Master).
Your city page says which kind, if either, is likely to help where you live.
Can too much amplification cause problems?
Yes. Strong signals plus extra gain can overdrive a TV's tuner, and Solid Signal warns of exactly that (Solid Signal). Channel Master says unnecessary amplification can make reception worse. Add an amplifier only if channels break up after splitting, then rescan on every TV.
Is there a way to skip the splitter?
A network tuner connects to the antenna once and sends live channels over your home network to TVs, phones and streaming players through an app. HDHomeRun, for example, lets you watch on any supported device on your local network (SiliconDust). This avoids splitter loss and running cable to every room, but each tuner in the device can show one channel at a time. Some network tuners can also record, which our DVR guide covers.
What should you do after connecting every TV?
Run a channel scan on each TV. Each one keeps its own channel list. Our setup guide has the steps by brand.