[Mee-n-Mac]

We have a similar problem with the upstairs cable in "Mee's" condo. I inserted a DVD recorder between the cable and the box and it's insertion loss was enough to cause all manner of freezes and drop-outs at random intervals. The signal level issue arouse because the splitting of the cable in the condo wasn't done with much thought about losses. Each divide by 2 splitter causes a power reduction of slightly more than 50% (yes, kinda obvious I know). So long runs that have 3 splits end up with at most 12.5% of the original power level, just due to splitters. We'd be better off with a 4 way splitter, installed where the cable comes in. This means running the cable lines differently but we'd have ~20% of the original signal level instead of the 12.5%. So if you can, I'd advise people to look at how the cable is split and distributed. You might find some "free" power.

ps - Anyone had any problems with signal boosters and high-speed internet ? I'd be concerned that the amplifier might stop or reduce the signal going back out onto the cable (ie - you have to be careful where in the line you place the booster).