I am working on a project that this may be what I need. Client has exercise equipment with built in digital tuners but they can only get about 15 channels and they would like more.

I suggested a couple of options, but they want to be able to use touch screen controls on exercise equipment, not a separate remote.

The client got me in contact with the manager of their gym that told me how they are doing this. They are using a Comcast MDTA multiplexor to convert signal to something that the exercise equipment can tune to.

Has anyone used this before? If so any issues or things to consider.

This would be intended to be used on the exercise equipment, but there are also 8 other small TV's that we are using the "wallet" sized standard definition cableboxes that we could probably stop using.

Yes, But it would be cost prohibitive IIRC they lease it for around $250/month and it does notdisplay in HD without a Cable box (defeats the purpose for you). At that rate, it would be cheaper in the short/long term to modulate the signal for 5-10 of their favorite channels. Its not like they watch 295 channels while exercising :)

Ohh! and if i also remember correctly you had to have a minimum of 15-18 TV's before they would even consider installing one, and im SURE they wouldnt even consider it at a residential location. when I wired a small gym they ahd to add 3-4 TV's to the job to get the unit, at the time it was 12TV's (small gym) and we had to wire for four more to get them past that threshold.

Good Luck! i hate treadmill TV's

I have a great contact at Comcast who understands the clientele that I work with and can get things done. He is checking on this for me so I should know more by the end of the week, I will update when I have more info.

I must say that Comcast is not easy to deal with normally. Ever since I was able to work with the individual that I work with now, my life has been much easier. One time a customer needed a new remote, they tried to call Comcast and gave up, they called me. I was close by and made a call, within 15 minutes I had the remote in my hand and was on my way to the house.

I know this is little off track, but wanted in a round about way to thank him.

Munson,
I would like to get info in how to set up wiring for the MDTA system. Please send contact info of Comcast rep. Thank you

What do you do for headphone listening at a gym? Suppose six-eight diff channels are avail?

Wow bringing up old post!

Never ended up usings this, Comcast would not install in a residential site. Also, my contact at Comcast is local to my area only, would not be useful anywhere else.

My solution:

Use a 27db (or whatever) tap before the MDTA to feed signal to three Tivos.

Use a cable card & tune each Tivo to specific channels (HBO etc).

Feed the three Tivo outputs (RF CH 3) into a Blonder Tongue modulator tuned to say, CH 18, 19, 20.

Make certain to notch filter those original channels from the MDTA.

Insert Tivo signals into main feed.

This is all very interesting. My company does asset recovery and we have a line into Comcast for retired MDTAs, amplifiers, nodes, top set boxes and remotes...even an internet hub. All tested working under our R2 certification.

However, We are mostly an IT company and don't know the value of these items. Where does one go to find out how much these are worth and who is interested in by retired cable TV network equipment?

Retired CATV equipment?  I'm sure your local electronics recycling outfit would be more than interested.  Or the local boat anchor company.

He's actually serious. These things are as valuable as a stack of 1947 Hudson front quarter panels. That is, if you can find the ONE person in the universe who cares, you might be able to sell them!

Otherwise, check the SOLD listings on ebay and any other sales site you may know of. Be careful not to look just at the FOR SALE portion. What an item is "for sale" for is irrelevant. The only thing that matters is what it actually sold for.

To our other members: Don't hassle the guy for resurrecting an old thread. He's got a totally different goal, and hey, what's more appropriate in a thread about equipment that is obsolete than working out how to make a few bucks while dumping it?

the ONE person in the universe who cares, you might be able to sell them!
royal1688