Distribution Amplifiers

A distribution amplifier maintains image quality by isolating outputs from each other and maintaining proper impedance for each output. To see how to use one, you may want to look at this manual.

GOOD - Distribution Amp (click image to enlarge)	BAD - Y adapter (click image to enlarge)

'Y' adapters

'Y' adapters cause degradation of image quality because distortion and feedback from any downstream equipment effects all the equipment and the impedance required by this complex signal decreases very rapidly as shown by this formula:

1 / (1/R1 + 1/R2 + 1/R3 + ...) = RTOTAL

Feeding a camera output to 3 VCRs, a monitor, and a capture card using 'Y' connectors causes the required 75 ohm impedance to drop to 15 ohms:

1 / (1/75 + 1/75 + 1/75 + 1/75 + 1/75) = 15 ohms