In connection with the advent and popularization of digital and satellite broadcasting, the question increasingly arises of which television cable is better to choose. The relevance of the issue is more than justified, because the quality of the signal directly depends on the conductor.
When switching to satellite or digital television from analogue, quite often users encounter problems in the process of setting up individual channels. The picture quality leaves much to be desired. Naturally, this result runs counter to consumer expectations from modern equipment.
The main reason for failures and defects is the technical inadequacy of the old line in comparison with new signal reception technologies. That is why everyone should know how to choose the right cable for a TV.
Now we will carefully study the main features, and also give specific recommendations for choosing a conductor for satellite television. We will also dwell on the operating features, but let's start with the structure of the television cable.
How does a television cable work?
Analyzing the structural features, it is possible to say with a high probability that absolutely all models have approximately the same concept of internal structure:
- The inner conductor is made of solid wire, copper tubing, or multi-strand material. The quality of the material determines the signal reception distance, as well as the permissible bending indicator.
- The dielectric layer acts as a conductor clamp.
- The external conductor is braided. Often made of foil and thin wire. Quality affects the level of protection against external factors, such as electromagnetic interference.
- The inner sheath provides protection for absolutely all structural elements of the cable.
Thus, the types of television cables differ little in structure. Of course, there are certain features, but mainly they manifest themselves in the quality of the material from which this or that element is made.
Which TV cable is better to choose? The answer to this question directly depends on your goals. For example, if the signal distance is minimal, then there is no point in overpaying for an expensive coaxial cable conductor. In general, television cables and their varieties are universal, as they are suitable for satellite, digital and analogue broadcasting.
What to look for when choosing
Anyone can lay the wire and then connect the television equipment. To perform such work, no special skills or extensive work experience are required. It is much more difficult to choose a coaxial conductor, taking into account the specifics of television broadcasting. Even experts sometimes make mistakes.
If we take into account exclusively the external characteristics: thickness, color, etc., it will not be possible to determine the internal composition with absolute certainty. As a result, there is a high probability that the purchase will not live up to expectations. To understand which television cable is better, you should proceed from the initial data and markings. There are several types: RG 6 cable, SAT-50, SAT-703. They all differ in their structure.
RG-6 cable (internal)
SAT-703 cable
Before you go to the store, figure out what indicators a cable network should have. Therefore, you first need to clarify a few important points:
- supported signal format – digital or analogue broadcasting;
- type and number of connected television devices;
- laying area – large house, apartment;
- location of the signal source - roof, balcony, entrance;
- total network length.
Regardless of the manufacturer, each cable must have a resistance value of at least 75 ohms, otherwise problems will arise with the reception of a modern television signal. Now let's talk about the main selection criteria.
Outer shell
In the process of manufacturing the outer shell, polyethylene is used - for the white shell or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) for the black one.
Until recently, experts unanimously stated that for installation on the street, that is, when the antenna is located on the roof of a house or on a balcony, only wires with a black sheath are suitable. Today, no one uses such critical assessments anymore, so sometimes a television cable with a white sheath is chosen, for example, SAT 703. This model is universal because it is suitable for installation both indoors and outdoors.
Be sure to consider the thickness of the outer shell. Of course, the thicker it is, the more secure the connection will be.
However, in this case, the flexibility of the structure is significantly reduced - therefore, the bending radius is significantly limited. Of course, this point also needs to be taken into account when drawing up a laying plan for cable television: calculate all the turns and angles.
Central vein
As practice shows, when manufacturing the central core, companies prefer copper or an alloy of other metals that have the proper strength. To make the final product even more durable, the alloys are sometimes additionally clad with copper.
There is no evidence that copper core is of higher quality than other metal alloys. Accordingly, it is also not advisable to talk about the difference in signal transmission. However, experts strongly recommend choosing high-quality cables with a copper central core. This type is considered more resistant to various damages.
It is imperative to take into account the thickness of the central core; this parameter varies in the range of 0.3-1 mm. Here you can be guided by the principle, the thicker the better. The fact is that this characteristic is associated with a damping coefficient, in other words, an inverse relationship. When choosing a core, consider the cross-section of the wire.
Cable thickness and length
A cable with a small diameter is much easier to install. In addition, a thin wire can be hidden in a box without any problems. However, this will raise questions about the quality of the signal. A cross section of 3.5 millimeters is the smallest parameter for use at home.
If you take a model with a smaller cross-section, you will only be able to configure the main channels, since the action of the wire will be limited. To watch TV channels with a more progressive resolution, you should buy an auxiliary device, for example, a special set-top box. However, their cost is much higher than the price of a cable with a suitable cross-section.
As for the length, to prevent problems during the installation process, you should first purchase a cable with a reserve. It's better to have it a little longer than shorter.
First of all, the reserve is useful in case a certain area is damaged during operation; naturally, this negatively affects the quality of the signal. It is possible that the damaged area will have to be eliminated.
The second reason is a change in the position of the equipment. Even cosmetic renovations can result in an unexpected rearrangement of furniture and interior items. It is clear that along with this you will have to change the location of the equipment, including the TV. The larger length will allow for rearrangement without replacing the cable.
When choosing a cable, you need to take into account the length of the network - the longer it is, the thicker the wire model should be. If you are looking for a high-quality option for an antenna located on the roof, it is more advisable to purchase a cord with a larger cross-section.
Moreover, before purchasing a competitive model, be sure to check whether there are additional conditions that should be taken into account during the installation process. This information is especially necessary if you plan to make your own antenna.
When choosing a television cable, be sure to remember that there are no special digital models designed to receive broadcasts of the same name. Such rumors are deliberately promoted by manufacturers for marketing purposes.
Modern cable is a broadband wire with a frequency of 5-3000 MHz. Satellite dishes and digital TV broadcasting are included in the specified period.
Manufacturer
The market offers consumers a wide choice. This applies to those. parameters, as well as manufacturers. Naturally, it is more advisable to buy products from trusted companies, which have a wide range of advantages. First of all, Belden, Cavel, Mediaflex should be highlighted.
However, this is still a minor factor. First you need to decide on the main criteria: sheath, core, length and thickness, and only then look at the name of the manufacturer.
To avoid premature wire failure, adhere to the following recommendations:
- When choosing an antenna cable to your TV for residential connection, you should buy a model with high wave capacity.
- For outdoor installations in regions with extreme weather conditions (abnormal heat, excessive temperature fluctuations, increased precipitation, too low temperatures), choose wires with special impregnation.
- During the installation process, you should not make too many solders and connections, as this will negatively affect the quality of the signal. Laying a single wire is the optimal solution.
- You should not use home-made splitters; it is more advisable to acquire a proprietary device. In addition, splitters and signal amplifiers should be located in accessible places - it is possible that a breakdown will occur over time, and repairs will be carried out accordingly.
- During the installation process, follow the manufacturer's recommendations. This is especially true for the bending radius and the distance between fasteners.
- Under no circumstances should a coaxial cable be laid close to electrical appliances - this can become a catalyst for interference.
The expert advice offered will help you make the right choice. As a result, you will achieve the highest possible quality of connection to television equipment.
For high-quality television broadcasting, not only sufficient power of the incoming signal is important, but also the quality of the antenna wire. A high-quality television cable will ensure the transmission of a powerful signal without loss. It is necessary to choose the right wire for your TV to ensure that you receive a strong enough TV signal to enjoy your favorite TV programs without interference.
Almost any antenna wire has a special marking. Here you can find basic information about the product.
Almost all television wires have the same design. The basis is the internal conductor (central core), which is covered with an insulating layer. A shielding layer in the form of a braid is located on top of the insulation. The structure is protected by a hard shell of insulation.
Cables with this structure are called coaxial.
The high frequency current of the television signal flows through the central core. The higher the frequency of the signal, the closer to the surface it will flow. This means that at high frequencies the current loss for cables of different cross-sections will be the same. To reduce these losses, space technologies use a gold surface layer to prevent signal loss.
For home use, copper or steel conductors are used. To reduce signal attenuation, the steel core of the cable is coated with a thin layer of copper. A coaxial cable with a steel core is cheaper, but is not able to transmit the signal from a satellite dish without large losses.
A copper vein can easily transmit a television signal of any nature, including a signal from a satellite dish.
The shielding layer or braid protects the cable from external electromagnetic interference. The quality of the TV signal directly depends on the strength of the interference.
The material for making the shielding layer is aluminum foil. The braid is made of thin copper or aluminum wire.
For a shielded wire, a value called the shielding coefficient is determined, which describes the degree of protection of the cable.
The internal insulating shell protects the internal conductor from damage and also insulates from contact with the shield. It is made of plastic. PTFE is used in especially high-quality wires.
The outer protective shell protects the structure from mechanical damage, dust, moisture, and other external influences. It is made from polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, or other insulating materials.
Cable selection
When choosing a cable, you must follow some recommendations:
- The required characteristic impedance of the television wire is 75 Ohms. Cables with a different characteristic impedance do not match the TV tuner and, as a result, cannot transmit high-quality images.
- Choose a coaxial cable with a diameter of at least 6mm. Thinner cables are flimsy and can be easily damaged.
- The shielding coefficient of a high-quality shielded wire is at least 60 dB. To achieve the best degree of protection, it is better to choose a cable with a coefficient of at least 90dB.
- Study the cable carefully. If the product has an unpleasant odor or is missing markings, then this is most likely a fake.µ
- Try bending the cable. It should be easily deformed, but “wrinkles” should not appear on it. If they appear, then you do not have the highest quality cable in your hands.
We present to your attention some brands and models of coaxial cables:
It is recommended to buy DG 13 television cables - they are durable, reliable, and have many other advantages. If you are not able to buy such an expensive television cable, then you can choose a cheaper option from the list.
For an overview of coaxial cables, see the video below:
Compound
After purchasing a suitable cable, you need to connect it to your TV.
This stage is no less important than the choice of wire, since even the most expensive and high-quality product will not transmit a good signal if the connection is made incorrectly.
Plug installation
It is recommended to buy plugs from the same store where you buy the cables. Ask the seller to help you select the appropriate components.
The most common type of plug is the F-plug. It is designed to transmit both analogue and digital television signals.
Connecting the plug to the antenna wire is very simple:
- Using a utility knife, make a circular cut of the top protective layer up to the screen shell, a couple of centimeters long;
- After removing the outer shell, carefully bend the shield or braid back. Fold part of the foil again so that not the inner, but the outer part of it contacts the plug;
- Remove the insulating sheath of the center wire;
- Place the plug on the cable and twist it clockwise until it stops;
- Cut off any excess wire.
Plug installation is complete.
It is also useful to watch the video on how to connect a television plug to a coaxial cable:
Sometimes the quality of the TV signal suddenly decreases. In such cases, it is necessary to identify the causes of signal deterioration and eliminate them.
- If the cable is damaged, you first need to find the break point.
Next, divide the cable into 2 parts and perform the same operation with each part as when putting on the plug. Buy special attachments that fit onto the cable and connect the damaged parts. - You can extend the cable in the same way. It is recommended to use a cable of the same brand and model for extension.
- Signal quality may also decrease due to sharp turns of the television wire.
Do not bend the cable sharply 90 degrees. Be sure to bend the cable within a certain radius.
Be sure to watch the video on how to connect a television cable:
Connecting multiple TVs
To connect several devices to one antenna at once, splitters are used, which are otherwise called “crabs”.
How to connect multiple TVs to one antenna via a video splitter:
Crabs are recommended for use in areas with strong television signals, i.e. close to television towers, since when a crab is connected, the signal strength decreases sharply. For example, if you connect 2 TVs to one antenna, the signal loss will be about 30%.
The number of outputs on the crab must strictly equal the number of connected devices. If there is a free exit on the crab, the signal quality will still drop.
Amplifiers
To amplify the television signal, special devices are used - amplifiers.
The device should be close to the TV or antenna.
Most often, amplifiers are used to compensate for signal loss due to the use of crabs.
Connecting the TV to the antenna via a video amplifier:
As you can see, choosing and installing a good television wire for an antenna requires taking into account many nuances. But it’s worth it, because with the right choice of TV cable, broadcasting will proceed without interference. We hope that the article on television cables will help you make the right choice.
To connect your TV to a cable connection or antenna, you need to buy a special cable, process its ends and put on special plugs. If all the preparatory steps for connecting the TV are carried out incorrectly, analogue channels, like digital ones, will show a low-quality picture with a poor image and interference. This will happen because the antenna cable for the TV is losing signal somewhere or the installation was made incorrectly.
Selecting a TV cable
Selecting high-quality and necessary materials for connecting a TV is the most important undertaking. Even the most advanced and modern signal source and correctly installed plugs cannot guarantee a high-quality image if the wrong TV cable is used. Therefore, the question arises of how to choose the right television materials to connect to.
How to choose an antenna cable for your TV?
Before you go buy everything you need, you should understand the principle of operation of high-frequency current in a cable. In a home power network, current flows in the wire over its entire cross-section. The TV signal flows through the antenna conductor in a completely different way. Everyone knows how water is spun in a washing machine: the higher the speed, the stronger and faster the water is removed from the laundry under the influence of centrifugal force. As an example, we can also cite one of the moments of childhood when we were riding on a carousel, and how this force pressed us into the back of the chairs, pushing us out.
The antenna cable for a TV works in the same way, or more precisely, the signal current that moves in it. The higher the frequency signal, the closer to the surface of the cable it is distributed. If a current with a frequency of 1000 MHz is passed simultaneously through a 10 mm copper wire and a copper tube with a wall thickness of 1 mm, then the losses will be the same. Therefore, in military and space technologies, thin layers of gold or silver are used to produce antenna cables, which prevent severe signal losses. This is a very expensive method and is not used at home.
Due to the fact that the TV signal in the cable is small, it is impossible to measure its frequency at home without expensive equipment. Only after connecting the cable will it be possible to determine the quality of the transmitting signal.
Antenna cable for TV. Which one is better to choose?
Today, the electronic goods market offers various materials for connecting to a signal source, the cost of which varies over a wide range. All of them differ from each other not only in price, but also in quality of execution. The most popular and widespread is the coaxial antenna cable for TV, which is represented by different manufacturers and brands. This cable is successfully used for working with analog and digital television signals and even for high-frequency satellite antennas. The cable marking indicates the amount of signal loss.
Choosing the right material
What is the best antenna cable for TV? Experts advise that when purchasing it, pay close attention to the markings on the surface of the cable. It must have a characteristic impedance of 75 ohms. All television devices are designed for such parameters.
The diameter of the cable sheath cannot be less than 6 mm. The core and braid must be copper. Cables of the SAT 703B and DG 113 brands have these characteristics. But the RG 6U brand has a steel central core, which is electroplated with copper, aluminum foil is used for the screen, and a copper alloy is used for the braid. This antenna cable for a TV is a budget option. Thus, it becomes clear what material should be taken to connect to the signal source.
Connection process
To connect to the TV, you do not need to invite special workers. Everything can be done on your own if you follow the recommendations.
The analog and digital signal in the cable is only thousandths of a volt, so connecting the antenna cable to the TV is not dangerous for humans. It can be easily cut, and the other end can be included in the device. It is also absolutely safe if a short circuit occurs between the core and the screen film.
Install the plug on the cable
Plugs sold can be of three types depending on the diameter of the cable. Therefore, when purchasing this device, you need to check that it fits the antenna wire. Most experts advise purchasing an F-plug, as it matches signals coming from analog and digital sources.
How to connect an antenna cable to a TV? This technology is very simple. First, you need to separate the cable itself, wrap the screen film, you don’t have to do this, but the plug holds tighter in the first case, and screw on the connector.
In order for everything to work out neatly, you should carefully cut the top layer of the cable with a stationery knife, being careful not to damage the screen film. The incision should be several centimeters long.
After the cut, the upper part is folded back and cut off, as it is no longer needed. The foil and braid are wrapped back.
There is one secret that many people do not know: aluminum foil is treated with a thin layer of plastic on the inside for strength; it is impossible to clean it. If you put a nozzle on it, the contact will be very poor. To prevent this from happening, you should fold the turned foil (its half) back. Thus, the conductive layer will be on the outside.
There are cases when the diameter of the plug is larger than the wire. Therefore, how to make an antenna cable for a TV so that the attachment does not fall off and the signal quality is not impaired? To do this, wrap the end of the cable with electrical tape, then the plug will not go anywhere on its own.
Then the insulation of the core is removed, a nozzle is put on the foil or electrical tape, a part of the unnecessary core that exceeds 3 mm is bit off with pliers, and that’s it - the cable for connecting to the TV is ready.
Sometimes the design of the TV or its location does not allow you to connect the antenna directly. In this case, there are plugs on sale that are bent at 90 0, which are perfect for any position.
Old types of attachments
Before the advent of all-metal plugs, attachments of a different design were used. They also did not need soldering, but they were put on a little differently. First, the upper metal part was unscrewed from the plastic base. Then the main body was put on the antenna cable for the TV, the winding with the screen was trimmed and the rest of the plug was screwed on top.
If you don't have any attachments on hand
It often happens in life when you need to find something, but it’s not there. It happens that you urgently need to connect your TV to the antenna, but you don’t have a plug at hand. Is it possible to get out of this situation? Of course, you can, because the cable can be connected without an attachment. To do this, remove the top cover of the cable, 5 centimeters long, unscrew the screen, remove the insulating material and bend the core into a loop. It is advisable to wrap the foil with electrical tape.
To prevent the wire from falling out of the socket, fix it with matches or toothpicks.
Bad signal
There are times when there is a sharp deterioration in the image quality of the picture. There can be various reasons for this, the most common of which is cable damage. How to fix the antenna cable for a TV if a break has been found? After all, here you cannot do as with an ordinary wire: twist the break together and insulate the twisted area.
To get out of this situation, there are special metal connectors on sale, similar to the plug that is connected to the TV. Having found the location of the damage on the cable, it is divided into two parts. Each part is cleaned as described above (as when preparing the wire for putting on the nozzle). After preparing the cable parts, they are inserted into the connector and tightened with a special nut.
If the length is not enough
Wire extension occurs in the same way. Many people have found themselves in a situation where they moved furniture with a TV or re-hanged it if it was wall-mounted, and now there is not enough cable to connect. That’s why the question arises about how to extend the antenna cable for a TV.
In the same way, take a connector and increase the required length. However, there are a couple of “buts” that you need to know:
1. When extending the cable, it is advisable to buy exactly the same brand of wire that is currently available. Under no circumstances should you use a cable with less markings. Otherwise, the signal quality will deteriorate.
2. When extending and connecting a television cable, even if everything is done carefully, the image quality may drop somewhat. No matter how well the connectors are screwed, a break in a solid core will still affect the signal for the worse. But this also depends on the transmitting source: if it is strong enough, then breaking the cable and its subsequent connection will not affect the quality of the picture.
Connecting multiple televisions
Connecting several televisions to a network or antenna that transmits an analog or digital signal is not difficult. The only thing is that you will need to put on not one plug, but several. For this purpose, you can buy a special splitter, popularly called a “crab” or “splitter”.
This device has one input for the antenna and several outputs for other wires. In order for the “crab” to function correctly, all its outputs are connected to television devices. If there is a pair of outputs, then connect two devices, if there are three, then to three TVs. There should be no free exits. If there is an unused connector left, you should put a plug on it, but the signal quality will decrease. Therefore, it is necessary to purchase a “crab” with as many outputs as required to power the devices.
Experts emphasize that when connecting a cable through a “splitter,” the signal quality will still be lower, even if some TV does not work. This occurs due to the loss of current in the “crab” itself and the additional wire. There is even such a table:
Two TVs are connected - signal loss - 30%.
If the incoming analog or digital signal is already weak, then the image quality will drop sharply due to the connected “crab”. Thus, the more devices are connected, the worse the television picture will be. However, in cities where there are signal sources nearby, which in addition pass through special amplifiers, such problems practically do not occur. Residents of rural areas may encounter similar difficulties, and only if they still have not a satellite dish, but a simple analog antenna.
Amplifiers
If suddenly after connecting the “crab” the signal became worse, then you can put a special device in front of it - a television signal amplifier. Such a device is separately powered to the electrical network. It should be placed as close to the antenna or TV as possible. There are models of such devices that have several outputs. They are installed if you need to connect a certain number of television sets.
Bottom line
In conclusion, I would like to add that knowledge of how to choose an antenna cable for a TV and the ability to install it correctly are the most important points in connecting the antenna to the receiver. To do this, you should buy a good and high-quality wire. Nowadays, in many houses and apartments, television cables are hidden in the wall, in the Western style, with only a special outlet for the antenna. And this is very good, since the cable is not noticeable and is safe and sound without damage.
If this cannot be done, then it is recommended to at least close the wire in a special plastic box. After all, if it gets damaged, the image quality will drop. It is better to avoid this, so as not to later pull a new cable or install connectors, which can also affect the loss of signal.
A necessary attribute of a modern apartment is not only electrical wiring. No less relevant is the cable network for connecting television equipment. Especially in light of the trend to install this equipment in all rooms of the apartment, so that each family member has the opportunity to watch programs independently of others. To implement this feature, you will first need to select an antenna cable for your TV.
This is not difficult to do. The choice of antenna cables is not as wide as the power ones used for laying electrical wiring. But it still doesn’t hurt to know something about them.
Coaxial cables
The main difference between cables used to transmit television signals and others is their design. Based on the location of the conductive parts, they are classified as coaxial. This means that the cable is symmetrical about the horizontal axis throughout its entire length. And the better this symmetry is maintained, the better the characteristics of the cable line.
In the center of the cable there is a current-carrying core covered with an insulating sheath. Monolithic copper core, sometimes made of twisted copper wires. Sometimes the wires are tinned.
In modern antenna cables I use only a monolithic core. The cable is not subject to mechanical deformation in operation; it is usually firmly fixed along the entire route. It is not economically feasible to make it flexible.
The same applies to tinning: such complications are relevant only for laying cable products in rooms with an aggressive environment, forcing copper to intensively oxidize at the joints.
On top of the central core insulation is a shielded sheath. It acts as the second conductor of the line, and current, as is known, flows through at least two wires. The screen is covered with an insulating shell that protects it from environmental influences and mechanical damage.
In Soviet-made coaxial cables, the screen was made of thin copper wires woven in a special way. Modern ones most often use thin aluminum foil. The disadvantage of the second method is the ease with which the foil can be torn. To maintain contact in cases of such damage, a thin tinned copper wire is laid parallel to it. It will maintain contact by closing the torn piece of foil. And they tin it so that a galvanic couple does not form between copper and aluminum, leading to oxidation of the metals in contact with each other.
But using foil for the screen shell solves two problems: the cables become thinner, and connecting them is easier. There is no need to unravel the intricate pattern of copper wires, twist, tin and solder. Everything is solved by using standard connectors, splitters or plugs. Although the wicker shell does not prevent this from happening.
Some cables combine the use of a tinned braided screen with aluminum foil underneath.
Features of coaxial cables
Why do we need coaxial cables to transmit television signals? The signals that pass through them are high-frequency - tens and hundreds of megahertz. But this is not the only reason to use such a design. The power and amplitude of the signals are too low - from microvolts to millivolts.
If you run such a signal through ordinary wires or cables, then interference from neighboring power lines will be superimposed on the signal. Moreover, any click of the switch or plug at the moment of connection to the outlet, due to the creation of a small electromagnetic pulse, will cause interference in the cable. The pulse will arrive at the input of the TV receiving device. If its amplitude is too large, the semiconductor devices of the input stage will fail.
Coaxial cable is protected from such interference. The high-frequency signal field is located only inside it, between the central core and the screen. It cannot get out, but it is also more difficult for interference to get inside.
Characteristics of coaxial cables
Of all the characteristics of a coaxial cable that makes it suitable for installing a television network, you only need to know the characteristic impedance - 75 Ohms. More precisely, if a cable is sold in a store as a television cable, then its characteristic impedance is equal to exactly this value. Which is easy to check either by the inscriptions on the shell, or, having found out its type, look up the parameter in a reference book or on the Internet.
Why 75 Ohm? We are accustomed to the fact that the resistance of a cable line varies depending on its length, and its high value leads to negative consequences. And here - any television cable, regardless of the thickness of the central core or screen material, has the same resistance.
Attenuation (decrease in signal magnitude in terms of voltage and power) in any cable that carries a high-frequency signal depends on the frequency of that signal. To be able to calculate this attenuation using Ohm's law, we introduced its characteristic - wave impedance.
For a coaxial cable, the characteristic impedance depends on the geometric dimensions of the core and screen and the insulation material between them.
But this is not the determining factor in choosing a cable with a characteristic impedance of 75 Ohms for connecting television receivers. To keep attenuation in the line to a minimum, the output of the signal source and the input of the receiver must also have the same resistance as the line. If this is not done, then, in addition to reducing the level of the useful signal at the receiver input, multiple reflections of the signal from the ends of the line will be observed. This will appear on the TV screen as a multi-contour image.
Historically, at the beginning of the development of television, it was optimal to manufacture cables with a characteristic impedance of 75 Ohms. And now there is no turning back.
There is another factor for choosing a television cable. You should not choose it with a thickness of less than 3.5 mm. Here, the correctly selected wave impedance will not help - the attenuation will be large.
Connector selection
In ancient times, to connect coaxial cables to television receivers, plugs were used, to which the cores were connected only by soldering. Now the process has become more convenient, a soldering iron is no longer needed.
There are two types of modern plugs. In the first, the central core is connected to the corresponding terminal of the connector with a miniature screw. The screen is crimped using the connector grip. To connect, the end of the antenna wire is cut with a ladder so that when connecting the central core, the screen is exactly under the clamp, and a layer of insulation remains between them. Not a single wire from the screen should touch the central core.
The second type of plug is much more convenient. The central core is plugged into the central terminal or used instead of the central terminal of the plug; the screen is bent back and, when assembling the plug, is tightly pressed into it. Such a connector is called an F-connector, and the plug is called a “transition socket F - TV NB plug.”
If you need to connect the two ends of the cable to each other, you should also not rush and pick up a soldering iron. For this purpose, there are connectors - plugs F. Cables are connected to them according to the same principle as described above. And the plugs are connected to each other using special connectors that have threads on both sides.
F-connector connector, colloquially called a “barrel”
F plugs are a universal connection method. Some household equipment already contains connectors for connecting the antenna cable using them.
TV signal splitters
To connect multiple TVs to one cable, you must use splitters. For what? And all because of the same input and output impedances of signal sources and receivers. All of them must be consistent with each other and with the cables used to transmit signals. This role is performed by the splitter.
The splitter is a passive element. This means that part of the signal is lost. With high-quality splitters, the amount of attenuation introduced into the transmission path is small. You can expect anything from cheap crafts.
Satellite and digital television appeared a long time ago, high-quality television broadcasting in every home is no longer a rarity, but nevertheless, few people know which cable is best for a TV. It is this that ensures the quality of the received signal. If you switched from analogue television to satellite or digital, you may have noticed that often the channels were not received at all, the image became blurry, and various sound and visual interference arose. The reason for this is most often an incorrectly selected cable that does not meet the new signal requirements. Therefore, you will have to change the cable.
To carry modern television broadcasting into homes, it is used coaxial tv cable b, however, choosing the right one is not so easy. First of all, it is necessary to determine what requirements are put forward for the cable network, namely:
- type of TV signal received (analogue, digital TV broadcasting);
- number and type of televisions;
- place of use: TV cable in the apartment or in a big house;
- location of the TV signal source (dish, panel or antenna);
- system length.
TV broadcast cable structure
At the moment, there are quite a few models of television cable, but their internal structure is identical:
- the inner central conductor is made of single or stranded wire or copper tube; the conductor material ensures the range of the telesignal and the possibility of deformation;
- the dielectric layer (insulation) is designed to ensure the immobility of the conductors; most often made from various polymers; signal attenuation and characteristic impedance depend on the interlayer material;
- braid - outer conductor; made from foil, aluminum film or metal wire; provides protection from external electromagnetic influences;
- the outer sheath is designed to protect the entire cable structure from various external influences;
Television cable - which one to choose
The modern format of television broadcasting involves the use of a cable with a resistance of more than 75 Ohms. This is a universal requirement for all television cables, but other criteria should be taken into account in each specific case.
Outer shell structure
The cable can be black or white. This depends on the material of the outer shell. Polyvinyl chloride (black) or polyethylene (white) are often used. Previously, there was an opinion that for external television it was necessary to use a black cable so that it could be clearly visible on a white wall, but now this is not at all important, therefore cables with a protective sheath made of polyethylene are used for both internal and external work. More important is the thickness of the protective shell: the thicker it is, the better. But if the cable is too thick, the bending of the structure will be significantly limited - sometimes this is important, so this also needs to be taken into account.
Characteristics of the external conductor
The outer conductor must have two shielding layers - one layer does not meet the transmission requirements of modern television broadcasting. Previously, simple braided wire was used as a material, but such a cable will not be able to provide a high-quality satellite or digital television signal. To do this, you need to take a cable whose main screen is made of metal foil and which has an additional braid. It is made from an alloy of various metals to reduce possible interference from household appliances.
Characteristics of the central core
The central core is most often made of copper or an alloy of other strong metals, which is necessarily clad with copper to ensure high strength. Experts recommend using cables with a copper core, although there is no evidence that copper transmits signals better than alloys of other metals. However, metal alloys significantly increase the diameter of the cable, which is not noticeable when using copper. For a television cable, the smallest possible diameter is important because it is convenient to lay. For home use, a cable with a core diameter of 3.5 mm is quite suitable. More is possible, but not less.
You can choose an inexpensive cable with a core diameter of less than 3.5 mm, but then you will have to buy special equipment to improve the signal quality, so you need to take the choice of core cross-section very seriously.
Manufacturer
At the moment, the market is crowded with various manufacturers of television cables, since it is very profitable, but not everyone produces a cable that conducts the signal without interference. Before buying a television cable, read reviews about each manufacturer on the Internet, and also consult with sellers.
Length of cable
It is impossible to predict in advance all possible interference when laying the cable, so it is necessary to take it with a reserve. It is best to take a cable twice as long as the expected installation length, since some section of the cable may be damaged and will need to be replaced. But mechanical damage occurs rarely, but rearranging furniture is much more common. If the cable does not have a reserve length, then the TV will be chained to one place, and there can be no talk of any rearrangement.
The thickness of the cable itself also depends on the length. The longer the network, the thicker the cable should be so that there are no external influences on it. In addition, you should remember that the antenna cable needs a larger cross-section to prevent interference. Some cable models require certain installation conditions, which is very important to consider if you decide to install television yourself.
Can't be named best tv cable, although one common marketing ploy is the so-called “digital special” cable, which supposedly only receives digital television broadcasts. Satellite and digital television operates at frequencies from 5 to 3 thousand MHz - it is the frequency that determines whether the cable will receive the signal, and not the “specialty” of the cable itself.
Where to buy television cable in Moscow wholesale
AVS Electronics is a manufacturer itself coaxial television cable, at the same time, a partner and official distributor of well-known brands of this range of cable products. For example, you can always order in bulk from us and buy television cable SAT 703. There is always a large assortment of RG 6 television cables, which you can buy in bulk at favorable and cheap prices.
More detailed information about the technical characteristics of the television cable, its analogues and availability can be obtained from the specialists of AVS Electronics.
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