OPEN HOUSE H838BID 3 x 8 Video Distribution System with Infrared Engine

by Linear

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 10.5 x 8.2 x 5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B00013BNWK
• Item model number: H838BID
• Average Customer Review: 3.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank:
  • #27 in Electronics > Accessories & Supplies > Audio & Video Accessories > RF Modulators
• Date first available at Amazon.com: July 7, 2004

Product Description

The H838BID is for cable feed with a pay-per-view box that amplifies the incoming signal and provide outputs to 8 television locations in the home. This video distribution system has two modulator inputs to add locally generated (modulated) channels from DVD, Sat, VCR or cameras. Every TV location in the home receives every cable or antenna channel and every modulated channel. In addition, it has a built-in IR engine for 5-volt targets that will allow remote control of the video equipment from any of the 8 TV locations when IR targets are installed. The H838BID model is bi-directional and has a return path for cable modems and pay-per-view boxes. Compatible with digital cable.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Solid Video Distribution on a Budget, April 15, 2008

By 

B. Seehafer (WI, US) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: OPEN HOUSE H838BID 3 x 8 Video Distribution System with Infrared Engine (Electronics)

The Open House line of networking/telephony products is an excellent entry level line if you're looking to network/wire your own home.

I've been consistently using them since 2001 and have had little to no problem with the entire line.

Per the other reviewers comments about power surges, I've never had that issue with any of the 3 (1 HHR and 2 BID's) I own. I've also only used them in new construction where the grounding of the electrical system is adequate.

Note, if you have a box from your cable company that requires two-way communication back to them (eg... Pay Per View, On-Demand) then you must have the H838BID and not the H838HHR. The BID model is bi-directional which means the cable box can talk back to the cable company computers.
If you are looking for just the cable splitter aspect then the HHR model is fine, and works well for DirectTV or Dish where the communication is one-way only. That being said you can find 8-way cable splitters much cheaper than these around the net.

The OpenHouse products also perform signal amplification which is why they cost more than your standard splitter. You can also inject a second video feed (eg. Security Camera) into your cable lines using Open Houses channel injector. This will allow you to view your security cameras on Channel 1.
All-in-All I haven't found another integrated system that comes in near the $ value for what you get from the Open House products.

3.0 out of 5 stars ok but sensitive to surges, February 9, 2008

By 

vspa (Fortville, IN) - See all my reviews

This review is from: OPEN HOUSE H838BID 3 x 8 Video Distribution System with Infrared Engine (Electronics)

This worked great for our HD cable on Insight. Unfortunately, like the other reviewer the first thunderstorm to go by and it was dead.

5.0 out of 5 stars Good seller, July 28, 2007

By 

Linda - See all my reviews

This review is from: OPEN HOUSE H838BID 3 x 8 Video Distribution System with Infrared Engine (Electronics)

Exactly what was ordered and quick shipping. Lightning can affect these hubs, so make sure you invest in a good surge protector. We've learned the hard way: This is the fifth hub we've purchased.