It does sound like a bad power inserter. I'm wondering if it was bad when you received it, or did something cause it to go bad after you got it. The power transformer has a device that protects it from a coax short, but the power inserter might not survive a short in the coax going to the 7777.
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I'm assuming connecting a regular splitter in the place of the power inserter would fry the TV?
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It might damage the TV and fry the splitter. A power inserter contains a capacitor that keeps the voltage out of the TV but allows the signals through.
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The PCTMPI1G power inserter has markings on the label to show the correct way to connect the cables. The side marked “To Amp” should never be connected to the TV. This port will have 12VDC on it, and it is possible that older TVs can be damaged by that voltage. Newer TVs should be protected, but not all may be protected.
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http://www.channelmaster.com/Amplifi...p/pctmpi1g.htm
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My question is this: I have read that certain amps don't need power inserters, but I think the 7777 requires a power inserter. Am I correct?
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yes
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My next question (this is born of my desire to get this working before tomorrow): Is there any work around given that I don't see how I'd get a replacement in time?
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Only if you have a tech friend who could make one from parts from a local Radio Shack. A power inserter is also known as a power injector or bias Tee:
https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl#q=bias+tee
Emergency solution would be to buy a preamp like a Winegard LNA 200 or a RCA TVPRAMP1R from a local Walmart, Home Depot, or BestBuy.
A local Radio Shack might have a preamp.
What channel do you need right away? Can you get it without the preamp if you have a temporary short coax line directly from the antenna to a TV?