splitter for composite video

Sep 13, 2006 3 Replies

I'm assembling the pieces to put an "eye in the sky" via a 2.4GHz mini-cam in a radio control model airplane. The 2.4GHz receiver has composite a/v RCA outputs. The video will be going to a camcorder (old Hi-8 with only a viewfinder) and a new mobile 5.6" LCD monitor. I've used a simple Y on audio connections in the past, no problem, but never tried it on video. Will this degrade the signal substantially, and I should be looking for a distribution amp/splitter? Not a big expenditure, but if it's necessary I'd like to get it ordered ahead of time.... TIA


My experience has been, you can split once with little or no loss. Split it twice and you've lost it

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Composite video is traditionally terminated in 75ohms, and simply paralleling two inputs *can* result in the incorrect levels. The correct way is to only terminate the end device and 'bridge' the line with the other(s) at high impedance. However many devices now auto terminate or have AGC circuits which compensate - at least in part.

*Sleep with a photographer and watch things develop Dave Plowman dave@davenoise.co.uk London SW To e-mail, change noise into sound.

Maxim and others make cheap video buffer chips to drive multiple monitors.

Service to my country? Been there, Done that, and I've got my DD214 to prove it. Member of DAV #85. Michael A. Terrell Central Florida

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