[rwilson1206]

Ive tried adding a splitter before, and I lost channels: If I add a splitter to my system, 4-way, then could I put a pre-amp near the MANT? It would still have the inline 18db amp as it enters the basement. I right now I am using the original 2 bay UHF at the top of the tower pointing toward youngstown to service my other two tvs. But since my MANT is picking up 47 channels, and maybe more once I add the dipole vhf to the mix, I suppose I would like to abandon the existing 2 bay altogether and hook up a 4 way splitter to the MANT. Keep in mind I would have the USVJ as well, both providing signal loss. I know you said in the past dont add a preamp to the system, but is there anything I can do if I add a 4 way splitter to the system? Also, what kind of seperation should be between the dipole vhf and the MANT?

One other thing, can you suggest a converter box for me, the Zenith DTT901 is cnet's best user rated box.

I am hoping to buy the USVJ, additional coax, 4 way splitter, dipole vhf, converter box and anything else I need soon from probably solidsignal.

A 4 way splitter has up to 11dB signal loss, I am primarily concerned with good signal for main tv, other 3 come secondary, although it would be ideal to have the same quality signal to all 4 tvs.

The MANT comes with the 18dB amp, but when I add the splitter it looses channels, and if I remove the amp entirely, the antenna doesnt work. So it has to have the amp, I added another 18db amp to the line once (antenna > MANT amp > splitter > 18dB amp) and I got no signal. The 18db has to be hooked up inside, because it plugs into the wall.

would I want MANT-Dipole antenna > 18db MANT > USVJ > 4 way splitter? I dont think that will work, I'm afraid the 4 way splitter will cause me to loose channels, and I dont know where I can add another preamp into the system, if I even need one...

Actually, I may be confused, I bought amps, Not preamps, but the way they are explained they almost seem like they are the same thing. I had two amps in the same line once, and it didnt work, but what about an preamp & amp in the same line? I'm afraid if I buy the preamp It wont work with the MANT, then im out 30 bucks. I may be looking at it wrong though, I know you said not to add a preamp, so maybe there is nothing I can do about the signal loss from the 4 way splitter. Maybe my secondary UHF is the way to go for the other tvs.

Another thing, I dont think I can use the USVJ to combine the MANT and the dipole until it enters the house, does the 18db MANT amp have to be hooked up before the line enters the USVJ, or can it be added after the USVJ combines the two?

thanks again