CATV Causing Ground Loop Hum

JDFx
JDFx Posts: 36
in Troubleshooting
Hey all.

I ran into my first ground loop (been lucky 'til now). I've identified it to the cable TV (it goes away when I disconnect the cable).

In my research I found that it was recommended to get a Jensen CATV Ground Isolator (VRD-1FF). However, I also found numerous instances of people using one of these ended up with problems with their cable TV (i.e. missing channels, pixelation etc...). Given the price of the device I'd prefer not to buy it until I'm confident that the chances of it causing a problem are minimal.

Has anyone used one of these with Cablevision service in the northern New Jersey area? If so, did you run into any issues with missing channels?

Fortunately, my cable modem has it's own run from where the cable enters the house so I don't have to worry about it affecting that.
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Comments

  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Posts: 7,658
    Hello,
    What is probably causing that kind of problem is a restricted bandwidth of the cable isolator. It may or may not be a problem with your system due to the assigned frequencies used by your cable provider. I would recommend contacting the Jensen Company for a recommendation. Another approach is to ask your cable company to provide a local ground at your house connection, which would solve the problem at no cost to you.
    I hope this is helpful, Ken.
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  • specd_out
    specd_out Posts: 505
    edited August 2014
    This isnt directly related to your cable provider but it may help. When I had a hum with directv I went out and found my grounding block. the wires where loose and corroded. Cleaned it all up and tightened it down. It didnt get rid of the hum but it reduced it a lot
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  • JDFx
    JDFx Posts: 36
    I checked the ground for the cable today and it was grounded to the electric meter. Everything was tight.

    What I couldn't find was any actual ground for my electric service. I expected to see a ground wire running to a rod in the ground but, nothing.
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  • polk500
    polk500 Posts: 1,171
    Kenneth Swauger wrote: »
    Hello,
    What is probably causing that kind of problem is a restricted bandwidth of the cable isolator. It may or may not be a problem with your system due to the assigned frequencies used by your cable provider. I would recommend contacting the Jensen Company for a recommendation. Another approach is to ask your cable company to provide a local ground at your house connection, which would solve the problem at no cost to you.
    I hope this is helpful, Ken.

    Hello,
    I had the same problem took Ken's advise and problem solved.
    I had called in the cable company and they couldn't fix it the Jensen isolator worked well.

    Cheers
    Roger

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