Patent ID: 7739719

Claim:
A method for configuring a path of a cable TV system, wherein the path includes from one to a plurality of amplifiers for amplifying signals transmitted along the path to a receiver, the amplifier(s) having diplex filter network(s) for separating forward and return signals, the method comprising the steps of: determining a collective delay versus frequency characteristic of the path within the predetermined frequency band caused by the amplifier(s) with diplex filter network(s); and providing from one to a plurality of all-pass delay equalizers in the path, wherein a collective delay versus frequency characteristic of the all-pass delay equalizer(s) within a predetermined frequency band is substantially a mirror image of that caused by the amplifier(s) with diplex filter network(s), such that all frequencies within the predetermined frequency band are delayed by substantially the same amount and hence all frequency components of a signal occupying the predetermined frequency band arrive at the receiver in the path at substantially the same time.