This is our DIRECTV 1×4 splitter. You would be forgiven if you thought it was just like any other splitter. Oh no, my friends, this splitter is special. You can tell by the bright green label found on this and other AT&T equipment. What makes it so special?
“The answer may surprise you.” (OK, probably not. But hey, that’s what they say on those promos for the 11pm news, so I thought I’d try it.)
First, a little history
The bright green labels have been used on DIRECTV equipment since 2009 to signify equipment that’s optimized for whole-home viewing. It takes a little more than just your standard gear to work with whole-home and that green label is there to let the tech know at a glance that the dish, SWM, and splitters he’s using are up to the task. These days, it’s hard to find a piece of equipment that isn’t set up for whole-home viewing but it was a problem in the early days.
You’ll find those bright green labels on more than splitters. They are on pretty much every piece of AT&T/DIRECTV equipment now. Everything from dishes to receivers has that same lime green label.
Here’s the lowdown on what you get with that green-label splitter
Green label splitters cost more than other splitters of their type. But, there is a lot more to a green label splitter. For example:
Superior build quality
AT&T’s splitters are a lot more expensive but they’re worth it. Unlike other parts that look similar, the connectors and the electronics inside are built to a higher standard overall, and AT&T’s splitters include rubber boots that will keep your connectors corrosion-free for a longer period.
Signal passthrough
Many satellite splitters are designed to pass only the 950-2150MHz signals used for your average satellite TV. They specifically block the lower-frequency signals that are used for antenna TV because those signals can be much stronger than satellite signals. Green-label splitters allow signals on the 475-625MHz and 2.3MHz frequencies to pass through. You need this information to pass through the splitter or your DIRECTV system just won’t work.
Power pass/DC Block
AT&T’s green label splitters are designed with power in mind. In order to use a SWM system you need to power the dish or the multiswitch. Green label splitters allow that power to pass through one port on the splitter (the red one) while blocking it from the other ports, keeping all your other receivers safe.
Weather boots
It’s a small difference but you’ll get weather boots on every green-labeled splitter. Obviously they aren’t needed inside, but these splitters are rated for indoor or outdoor use. Having them come with weather boots means they are ready to install. It’s a small thing but it really helps installers who are on a time crunch
Grounding or bonding
Green-label splitters come with two ground screws. That means they can be part of the grounding system for your outdoor equipment. Or, due to their construction, they can be screwed to a metal board. Then that board can be bonded to the whole-home ground. Either way works, and with these splitters you have options.
Terminators
Every AT&T green-labeled splitter comes with terminators. You get one terminator for every output port, less one. In other words, the four-port version gives you three, while the eight-port version gives you seven. Terminators are inexpensive, but I will say that AT&T terminators are really high quality. I use them whenever I can.
Get DIRECTV accessories from Solid Signal
When you look at all the benefits you get from a green-label splitter, it’s no wonder that they cost a little more… they’re worth it! You’ll find the best DIRECTV accessories when you shop at Solid Signal.
