[TheGSRGuy]

I've been living in various high-rise condo buildings in downtown Chicago for several years now. I question if the wiring is any good since many of these buildings are 30-40 years old. The Comcast/RCN installs are obviously recent and typically very crude.


Hence I'm wondering if a cable isolator (to block ground loop hum) is a 'best practice' for me in these places?


Holland Electronics has one for around $13 that's well-regarded. The Jensen VRD-1FF is almost quadruple that but is regarded even higher.

 

[Brad Horstkotte]

Personally I think they're snake oil

 

[olyteddy]

If it ain't broke, don't fix it. Do you get a spark when you hook up the coax? Do you have a visible hum bar in your analog picture? If not, what do you need an isolator for?

 

[TheGSRGuy]

I was under the impression they also offer surge suppression.

 

[kenglish]

Are you talking about a "Surge Suppressor"-type, like usually has power outlets and phone jacks included?

Or, do you mean the "Ground Isolators" that have RF connectors on each end?


The "Ground Isolator" is a good idea if you have a clean sound system, and then get hum when you connect the Cable TV line to your set. It breaks the DC and low-frequency path on the shield.

 

[egnlsn]

The Holland CISP (Cable Isolator with Spike Protection) has spike protection.

 

[Brad Horstkotte]

Disregard my comment, I misread your question, and thought you were referring to cable elevators.