External splitter box

bdav · 01-05-2005, 22:52

I was outside today, trying to hardwire an ethernet cable, and noticed that the little box thingy on the outside of the house, usualy sealed with a funny wire/plastic moulded thing, was hanging open. I dont think the NTL Eng opened it last time he was here. It was a bit fluffy in there, and contained what looked to me like a splitting bar thing. I have slow bb speed, and bad TV signal, which i have been told is due to low downstream signal levels. Could this be the cause?

Thanks in advance!

quadplay · 01-05-2005, 22:58

It's a possibility. Best bet is to report it to Faults on 0800 052 2000.

EDIT: It's called an Omnibox, by the way...

bdav · 01-05-2005, 23:03

Whats an omnibox?

quadplay · 01-05-2005, 23:18

The "little box thingy on the outside of the house" is properly known as an Omnibox.

bdav · 01-05-2005, 23:19

Is it just a splitter though???? or does it do something else?

Halcyon · 01-05-2005, 23:21

The amount of these I see on my way to Uni that are left half open with wires hanging out is remarkable. You'd think people would take better care of them.

For all those that are thinking of getting NTL, If you do get the opportunity to choose the placement of your box, I'd go with somwhere where no one can open it up. I have mine in my garage out of the weather and no one can get to it without asking me first.

Mal · 01-05-2005, 23:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by Halcyon

For all those that are thinking of getting NTL, If you do get the opportunity to choose the placement of your box, I'd go with somwhere where no one can open it up. I have mine in my garage out of the weather and no one can get to it without asking me first.

If you've got a terraced house, you've not got much choice.

With terraced houses, the box is basically open to the street and any knobhead who wants to kick it in as they pass by. It happens all the time near us. If you've got a garden between the house and the pavement, it means that they have to make a conspicuous detour to get to the box, so you're okay.

bdav · 01-05-2005, 23:33

It didnt look kicked in, just slightly ajar, so pulled it open to have a look. Will check all is tight and rust free tomorow.

jonbr · 03-05-2005, 14:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by bdav

I have slow bb speed, and bad TV signal, which i have been told is due to low downstream signal levels. Could this be the cause?

We've had a couple of instances of low downstream signal levels. In our case both caused by the addition of large numbers of customers onto our section of the cable. The fix is to tweak the amplifier to your line.

Call ntl, they send an enginerr out for this and it only take a few minutes to resolve.

spike7451 · 03-05-2005, 17:35

Was your B/B fitted after the tv or visa versa?
If it was ,it could be that the engineer did'nt adjust the tap & port in the cab to compensate for the split signal.That could be the cause of the poor speed & pics.
For the omnibox (or ETB) best bet is to close it up & secure it with a plastic zip tie.NTL might level a charge for the call out.
M

sweaty · 03-05-2005, 22:31

They normally put it on the front of houses, not inside to enable easy disconnection if you dont pay your bill!!

Graham M · 03-05-2005, 22:38

If you dont pay your bill, they will switch your services off from remote, no need to come to your house/street/area to do anything.

sweaty · 03-05-2005, 22:47

You still get channels 1-5 and some freeview packages, plus the box is still there. All involuntary collections should have the omni/cabinet disconnected. The box is then useless, the customer has to either get sky/pay the bill or retune the telly thru the ariel. I do this everyday!!

robocop_uk10 · 08-05-2005, 09:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zeph

If you dont pay your bill, they will switch your services off from remote, no need to come to your house/street/area to do anything.

yes thats correct as such but what they also do now is if you dont pay your bil;l they send someone out to collect your stb ect and if you dont give it to them they will go to the cab that your address gets its signals from and disconect all your servives from there aswell. this is also so people can not have chipped/cloned equipment on the lines ect

rob the instalier

08-05-2005, 10:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by robocop_uk10

yes thats correct as such but what they also do now is if you dont pay your bil;l they send someone out to collect your stb ect and if you dont give it to them they will go to the cab that your address gets its signals from and disconect all your servives from there aswell. this is also so people can not have chipped/cloned equipment on the lines ect

rob the instalier

Might i add

Rob