( 
)The difference between a splitter and a tap.
The guide address tv and rf distribution for indoor residential and multiple dwelling installations and not commercial cable tv distribution.
A splitter is basically what you think it is, it splits the TV/RF signal evenly (typically) among ports and have substantial signal loss..
Taps (also called a DC -Directional Couplers) are more complex and come in a number of configurations and values. They are used in a loop thru cable design to distribute television to multiple locations with the least amount of cable requirements. Taps come in two basic styles, drop taps (wall mount) and wall taps (for inside a box). Taps are always wired in an in/out/tap configuration.
Wall taps are configured to fit inside a standard electrical box and typically have only one or two ports that are easily matched up and secured to a wall plate with collar nuts. Taps are resistance rated so you run them in series (loop thru) to multiple location along a signal path; The value reflects the resistance on the tap port, the rest of the signal is passed to the out port. By loop thru I mean in series - for example : you have 35db of signal from your amplifier, then in series you can run a 30 value tap for the first drop, 28 next, 24 next... there will be loss (which varies with the length and type of cable, fittings, splices, etc.) so you proceed with lower values as needed until your last drop. This way the signal to each drop (wall plate) is optimal and won't overdrive or have weak signal to the tv or settop box. Because of the cable loss and signal requirements of various systems a loop thru cable design must be engineered with proper tap values calculated for each outlet. Taps can have multiple tap ports, and port with different values. There are taps that allow a return path for some frequencies typically used for for data data transfer; This return path allows the use of PPV (pay-per-view) orders, VOD (video on demand), or other interactive and data services.
copyright(2007) David Mull
The guide address tv and rf distribution for indoor residential and multiple dwelling installations and not commercial cable tv distribution.
A splitter is basically what you think it is, it splits the TV/RF signal evenly (typically) among ports and have substantial signal loss..
Taps (also called a DC -Directional Couplers) are more complex and come in a number of configurations and values. They are used in a loop thru cable design to distribute television to multiple locations with the least amount of cable requirements. Taps come in two basic styles, drop taps (wall mount) and wall taps (for inside a box). Taps are always wired in an in/out/tap configuration.
Wall taps are configured to fit inside a standard electrical box and typically have only one or two ports that are easily matched up and secured to a wall plate with collar nuts. Taps are resistance rated so you run them in series (loop thru) to multiple location along a signal path; The value reflects the resistance on the tap port, the rest of the signal is passed to the out port. By loop thru I mean in series - for example : you have 35db of signal from your amplifier, then in series you can run a 30 value tap for the first drop, 28 next, 24 next... there will be loss (which varies with the length and type of cable, fittings, splices, etc.) so you proceed with lower values as needed until your last drop. This way the signal to each drop (wall plate) is optimal and won't overdrive or have weak signal to the tv or settop box. Because of the cable loss and signal requirements of various systems a loop thru cable design must be engineered with proper tap values calculated for each outlet. Taps can have multiple tap ports, and port with different values. There are taps that allow a return path for some frequencies typically used for for data data transfer; This return path allows the use of PPV (pay-per-view) orders, VOD (video on demand), or other interactive and data services.
copyright(2007) David Mull
Guide created: 07/16/07 (updated 07/24/09)
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