There are many coax cables out in the market. Worse, they all kind of look alike. However, as there are many different kinds of coax cables developed for many different purposes, it is natural to be confused or at a loss on which coaxial cable you should be using to make sure that your audio and video signals are at their best quality.
In order to help you tell the most common coaxial cables apart, and hopefully understand what makes up the best coaxial cable for your digital TV, we will be giving you a quick rundown on what a coaxial cable is for, and giving you a guide on what exactly you should be on the lookout for in identifying the best coaxial cable for digital TV.
What Is A Coaxial Cable?
The first step in identifying the best kind of coaxial cable for your digital TV? Knowing what exactly coaxial cables are. So, what exactly is a coaxial cable?
It is a heavy-duty, shielded type of cable that is widely used for both commercial and residential purposes. It works by carrying data into the centre conductor, while the surrounding outer layer of shielding helps resist signal interferences, reduce EMI, restrict attenuation loss and prevent damage from outside or environmental factors.
Coax cables are easy to tell apart from other cable types as they have distinctly thick and round due to the presence of their interior insulation layer. However, while they are distinct and easy to identify among other types of cables, coax cables are typically similar-looking to each other.
One significant difference between such coax cables, though, is their size or thickness. Additionally, there are differences in the impedance rating and air spaces within coaxial cables. These factors are crucial in determining what kind of coax cable is most useful for your needs.
Book Your Same-Day TV Installation Today
Most Common Kinds Of Coaxial Cables And Their Uses
Three of the most common kinds of coax cables are the RG-6, RG-59 and RG-11 cables. Each cable serves a different purpose. Here’s what each cable type is used for:
RG-6 Coaxial Cables
An RG6 coaxial cable is best used for connecting a TV set or set top box to a TV aerial, satellite dish or satellite receiver. It is also used for the internet and digital video. RG-6 cables are made with a different kind of shielding and have a 75-ohm impedance, making them more effective for carrying GHz signals.
RG-11 Coaxial Cables
RG-11s are coaxial cables for HDTV. It provides more air space for signals to transfer, making it adept at transferring strong HD signals at high speed using a low loss RG-11 cable could mean better overall signal quality.
RG-59 Coaxial Cables
This cable works best for CCTV systems as it is extremely convenient to work with.
The Advantages of Coaxial Cables
Coaxial cables offer the following benefits:
- Cheaper to purchase
- Easier to install
- Made from durable materials
- Flexible and can easily expand
- Can support a higher bandwidth
The Disadvantages of Coaxial Cables
Here are the following drawbacks you might want to consider:
- Weaker long-distance transmission
- Single cables are responsible for signal transmission for entire networks and failure with this cable can shut down the network.
Determining The Factors That Make Up The Best Coaxial Cable For Digital TV
Now that you understand the basics of how a coaxial cable works, it’s time to break down the elements that make up a coaxial cable that is best for digital television.
Shielding
Following the notion that more shielding is equal to better TV signal quality, it is logical to prioritize shielding in the list of things you should consider in determining the best coaxial cable for digital TV.
The shielding resists all kinds of external interference such external interference, or “noise,” in turn, creates poor TV signal quality.
There are two common kinds of shielding varieties for coax cables. The braid shielding and the foil shielding. Most RG-6 cables, which are most commonly used for digital television, typically have both.
The foil shielding protects the centre conductor from high-frequency electromagnetic interference or EMF, while the braided part blocks out low-frequency interference. Coaxial cabling with both means having a pretty powerful shielding system around your cable.
If you’re looking to further protect your TV system from signal interference, you may also consider springing for a quad shielding system, which surrounds your cable with an extra layer of foil shielding and an extra layer of braid shielding.
Cable Lengths
While a signal loss is pretty much unavoidable, having a much shorter coaxial cable makes way for less of it. To put it simply, the shorter your cabling is, the less chance you have of having degraded incoming antenna signals.
If keeping your coaxial cabling short is not an option, you may want to consider investing in a TV signal booster.
Impedance
Impedance is the term used to express the ratio of voltage to current within a cable of infinite length. It is the amount of resistance the waves encounter within the coaxial cable. Using a coax cable with too much or too little impedance can cause issues with your TV’s signal quality.
However, as impedance would require a whole discussion in itself, it is best for you to know that a coaxial cable with 75-ohm impedance is best for TV aerials, internet connection and digital video signals.
Get Fast-Service Aerial Repairs and CCTV Installations
Insertion Loss Rate
If you plan on splitting, or tapping, your antenna signal by connecting a splitter to your coax cable, this will automatically degrade the incoming signal. Additionally, inserting something, like a splitter, into your antenna cable could cause insertion loss.
If you plan on inserting a splitter onto your coaxial cable, be sure to find one with a low insertion loss.
Connector Quality
Many coax cables come with nickel-plated connectors. They’re cheap and will definitely get the job done. However, if you don’t mind spending a few more bucks to make sure that the impedance of your cable stays true and accurate, you may want to splurge on a brass or gold-plated connector. Such connectors have anti-corrosive properties that protect them from oxidation.
Connectors such as o-ring seals or special kinds of coatings make them waterproof which are suitable for outdoor use.
Speaking of connectors, it would be best to know the particular kind of connector you would need. There are several kinds of coaxial cable connectors in the market, but the most compatible for any of your domestic wiring needs would be FType connectors. They are used with cable television, satellite television and even cable modems.
Final Thoughts
Here are a few tips to remember before you go out (or go to your favourite online shopping website) to purchase your coaxial cable:
- It cannot be stressed enough how important it is to find a coaxial connector with the right ohm impedance, as well as the connector on it. Getting it wrong could result in signal losses and poor TV picture quality.
- As mentioned above, cable lengths could affect the incoming tv signal quality. Find out if the length you need is just right or if, you will need to get a signal booster.
TV Installation
If you working with a coaxial cable on your own is too overwhelming or risky, contact AerialForce today and we’ll be able to offer you our professional and expert TV installation service.
Our highly-skilled local engineers can visit your property within the same day!
Contact us today to book your appointment, or call us on 0330 173 0805.
