Splitting the signal lowers the quality of the signal. If you use one splitter, the signal loses 3 to 4 dB (decibels) of strength. If you only use one splitter, the signal doesn't lose much strength, and the signal retains a good image resolution. Each splitter you add to your coaxial cable lowers the strength and quality of the signal. Adding three splitters to a coaxial cable loses 9 to 12 dB of strength.
There are two basic types of splitters. They are resistive power splitters and hybrid power splitters. Resistive power splitters lower the signal strength when attached to the incoming signal, but this is the easiest and most common splitter. Resistive power splitters are inexpensive and easy to use. Hybrid power splitters keep a stronger signal without an amplifier, but they are more expensive and more complicated to use.
Find the input signal jack on the splitter. Screw the cable coming from the satellite, cable or antenna to the input signal jack on the splitter. Attach a coaxial cable to each of the output signal jacks on the splitter. Attach the other end of each cable to a TV, DVD or VCR. If you need more outputs, screw a second splitter onto the end of one of the cables coming from the output jack, and add cables for other devices.
Reduce signal strength problems by adding a signal booster where the original cable comes into the house. The signal booster adds strength to the signal even when you attach several splitters onto the incoming coaxial cable. Attach the coaxial cable where it comes into the house into the input signal jack on the signal booster, and attach a second coaxial cable to the output signal jack. Attach the splitter to the end of the cable coming out of signal booster.