This is the 4-port version of the Motorola Signal Booster, combining that product's high-quality 15 dB cable/antenna drop amplifier with an integrated 4-port splitter so you can use this device with up to four TVs (or a cable modem and three TVs) without having to buy a separate high-bandwidth signal splitter.
So who would benefit from a cable amplifier like this? Anyone who is having difficulty receiving a solid and reliable cable TV or cable modem signal is a candidate for the BDA-S4. But first check with your cable company to make sure they have done all they can to get a high quality cable feed into your home, with high quality cables, splitters and connectors. If they've "been there, done that," and you still notice frequent outages of your cable internet service, or pixilated (distorted) images on live or recorded TV shows from cable, then you may very well need a drop amp like this one.
This four-output amplifier is particularly helpful if you are splitting a cable signal coming into your house to multiple rooms for multiple TV feeds (and this is perfectly legal to do, per the Cable Act of 1992). Whenever you split a cable signal, you lose approximately 3 dB (decibels) of signal strength. Split a signal enough times and it can cause you to lose your cable modem feed or get sporadic distortion on your digital cable channels. Insert a cable amplifier like this into your cable feed as close as possible to where it enters the home and it will boost the signal enough to survive multiple splits and, in most cases, will allow you to enjoy a glitch-free cable TV signal throughout your home as well as a solid high-speed internet connection.
Why is this amp's "two-way" or "bi-directional" capability important? A two-way amp/splitter with "return" feed support is necessary in order to properly support a broadband cable modem (for data upload and download) and to enable interactive cable services such as PPV (pay per view) and interactive guides. A one-way amplifier will boost overall signal reception, but it will not work with a modem or interactive cable services. The BDA-S4 works perfectly with both.
The BDA-S4 won't work miracles. Again, always check your incoming signal, cable and connector quality first. But if you've done all that and are still having trouble, this little cable signal amp can be a real life-saver. It also works fine for OTA (over the air) HDTV signal amplification but only if you have a decent signal to begin with. A full review of the Motorola Signal Booster is available on Big Picture Big Sound's web site. Our writer's cable reception in Manhattan went from spotty to near perfect with this simple little amp. Highly recommended. Motorola Signal Booster 4-Port BDA-S4 Cable Modem TV HDTV Amplifier
This amplifier is well made, durable and meets all of the requirements for professional use. It's is widely used in the cable industry (contrary to some of the reviews here). There are several companies that make these and they all meet the frequency requirements (5-1000 MHz) for modern HFC cable systems. It is provided and installed by cable guys and it costs $40-$50 on average.
First of all this device should only be used for your TV service. Do NOT amplify the modem line. You need to use the splitter to split one line to the modem and the other should feed the amplifier and the rest of your outlets. This amplifier will increase your modem upstream return level. Read the print on the amplifier : RTN(return) -8 dBmV. Your upstream power level will increase and your modem will have to work harder to communicate out. Also it will sometimes decrease your upstream signal-to-noise ratio (SNR).
The amplifier is not a do-it-all miracle device that will solve all of your problems. It simply amplifies the incoming signal. It does not filter the noise. This means your incoming signal needs to be clean and at acceptable level before the amplifier. So if you have 4 or more TVs (on average, but this may vary) you will most likely benefit from this purchase. If you have more than that you should buy the single port version (cheaper) and use an 8 way splitter. In fact if you buy a single port version and use a 4 way splitter you will get the same signal levels.
However if you have problems I strongly recommend calling your local cable co and get a tech out. If you are a DIY person, make sure you do some research first and use quality equipment (like this amplifier), RG6 60% braid shielded or better cable (quad shield is better), compression fittings (like PPC, Thomas&Betts) and not crimp fittings (don't apply pressure on the coax), splitters that do not have glue on the back cover and are rated 5-1000 MHz. By investing more money and getting quality equipment it will help you have trouble-free service and will most likely save you some money in the long run.
PS If you can get a power inserter (it looks like a regular splitter but it's not) you can use it to back feed the power on one line so you don't need to have a power outlet right next to the amplifier (make sure you connect it to the "REMOTE POWER" (sometimes "DC IN/RF OUT") port on the amplifier). - Amplifier - Cable - Digital Cable - Coax Booster'
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