Thin TV cable. How to choose an antenna cable for your TV? Old types of nozzles

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In about why the signal jumps has already been mentioned in order to avoid some problems when receiving digital television it is better to use a high-quality television cable when installing the antenna, which one is better to choose and why I will try to explain.

Cable device

I usually work with SAT 50 cable, and to make it less clear why I prefer it, and which of the characteristics are most important, let's look at the design of a coaxial cable. The figure above shows what it consists of.

1. Outer shell. Durability depends on its quality.
2. Braid. The most important parameter. External conductor. The resistance, the quality of shielding, that is, protection from external electromagnetic interference.
3. Foil. Inner screen.
4. Dielectric. The most important parameter. The impedance and attenuation of the signal depend on the material and quality.
5. Central vein. Internal conductor. The signal transmission range, the bending radius depends on the material.

Previously, it was accepted that the black wire was for outdoor installation, now it is not so critical, for example, the SAT 703 cable, having a white color, can be used for both indoor and outdoor work, and the strips on it serve for ease of wiring so as not to get confused when laying cables, where is cable TV, where is on-air, etc.

Still, I recommend that if you want to buy a durable wire, then take it with black insulation or look at the characteristics of the one you are interested in before purchasing. As already mentioned, I consider it the best - SAT 50, although the RG 6U with a black protective shell is not so bad.

The braid can be made of copper, aluminum or copper-plated conductors with different braiding densities. The more conductors the braid contains, the higher the protection against external interference. For example, the RG 6 television cable has 48, and the SAT 703 has 64 conductors. It should also be noted that the copper braid provides more best parameters, however, its use increases the price of the cable.

In front of the dielectric is a layer of aluminum foil on a polyester substrate. The use of double shielding greatly improves the performance of the coaxial cable.

The center conductor can be made of copper or copper-clad steel for added strength.

The use of polyethylene foam (PEE) as a dielectric reduces polarization losses and reduces signal attenuation. When choosing a television cable, it is better to opt for this one.

Choosing a cable

The most common today, perhaps, is the RG-6U cable, with quite satisfactory characteristics. It can be purchased in many stores, and it is most often offered with an outer shell. white color and although the sellers assure that it can be used as a street one, it is better to look for it with black insulation. As a television it is not the best, mainly due to the rapid failure when used outdoors and the greater attenuation coefficient. So with a longer cable length, for good reception TV signal, it is better to look for a better one.

The best in terms of price-quality characteristics, in my opinion, is the SAT 50 television cable, this is an analogue of the SAT 703 wire, which has almost identical parameters, but SAT 50 is somewhat cheaper.

Characteristics of Sat 703:

1. The diameter of the central core is 1.13 mm.
2. Cable thickness - 6.6 mm.
3. The minimum bending radius is 70 mm.
4. Maximum current - 8 A.
5. Frequency range from 5 to 2150 MHz.
6. Wave impedance - 75 ohms.
7. Attenuation at a frequency of 862 MHz - 18 dB / 100 m.
8. Shielding factor -> 80 dB.
9. Linear capacity - 52 pF / m.
10. Operating temperature range from -40°С to +80°С.
11. Permissible operating humidity - 100%.
12. The minimum installation temperature is -5 0С.
13. Service life - 15 years.

As already mentioned, these cables have almost the same parameters. The difference between them is in the thickness of the central core, in sat 50 it is 0.02 mm thinner and has an aluminum braid instead of a copper-plated one.

Even best antenna won't do the job if you're using a TV cable Low quality. And in total with his illiterate gasket, problems with the right way television signals will arise for sure. As a rule, information about it is included in its specification or applied directly to the outer shell. However, we cannot always verify this data, and it happens that even this information is not always reliable! How to understand which TV cable is better here? All you need is basic knowledge and a little observation - below we offer 7 practical ways.

A coaxial cable consists of several components that determine its properties and quality. It consists of two conductors, the axes of which are combined, that is, they coincide. This is the principle of coaxiality (coaxiality). The outer conductor serves as a screen for the inner conductor.

How it works

The standard structure of a coax is as follows: a metal core (usually a strand of a copper conductor), a dielectric made of polyethylene or Teflon (rarely), outer conductor: braid of interlaced wires (option - an additional metallized layer, foil and copper braid), PVC sheath.

1. inner conductor, affects the quality of signal transmission;
2. dielectric - a layer of plastic;
3. metallized layer (combination of copper with polyester or combination of aluminum and polyester);
4. metal braid, the denser its weaving, the higher the quality;
5. outer shell for protection against moisture and radiation, on it you will find the manufacturer's marking.

Where is used

Coaxial cable is used for:

• signal reception - TV, FM radio;
• signal transmission: 1.8 MHz to 3 GHz;
• for high-frequency connections between devices;
• in data networks, in measuring instruments.

What is the best cable for TV? Definitely quality. Quality is a parameter that cannot be neglected, especially when it comes to reception. digital signal. There is such a relationship: if you have good reception, but an unimportant signal, the transmitted image will be distorted. Conversely, a quality transmission will not make up for poor quality reception.

Coaxes, as they are often called, are characterized by generally accepted criteria:

• resistance (Ohm);
• the amount of signal attenuation (losses at 10, 100 and 1000 MHz, indicated in dB per 100 m);
• permissible power or maximum operating voltage (kV);
• wave propagation coefficient.

Choosing a TV cable will also be correct according to the following characteristics:

• cable cord diameter (mm);
• flexibility;
• dielectric material;
• material of execution of the outer insulating layer.

The most common coax for use in an apartment is flexible and has a diameter of 6 mm. And this is justified: problems can arise with rigid cables if their laying requires small bending radii.

Large diameter coaxes are designed to transmit more high power. Their black outer shell indicates that they are for outdoor use, because they are protected from damaging ultraviolet radiation. Cable products with a white coating are used indoors, as they prevent burning.

Marking

When you buy a domestic product, as a rule, there are no difficulties with its designation.

• RK - radio frequency cable;
• 75 - conductor resistance 75 ohms;
• 4.8 - diameter;
• 34 - the first digit shows the insulation group, heat resistance category. The second digit is serial number developments;
• THAT - specifications manufacturing.

But labeling imported cables can be confusing. Meanwhile, here is the definition of Western standards:

• DELINK - manufacturer;
• SAT-752 - name;
• Cu / Cu - material of the central conductor and braid (Cuprum - copper);
• 1.13 - thickness of the central core;
• 0.12 * 64 - thickness and density of the braid;
• Cu-foil - full copper;
• Coaxial cables coaxial cable;
• 75 OHM - conductor resistance 75 ohms;
• ISO 9001-2000 - certificate of conformity.

Choosing quality

So, how will you check the quality of the cable? According to the following seven signs!

Purpose

External insulation not only resists external influences and mechanical damage- what it is made of, in many respects determines the properties of the cable wire.

The most commonly used PVC coated cable cords. You can choose them for wiring in the apartment. Light stabilized polyethylene coating distinguishes cords for outdoor use. In addition, outdoor cables have a protective gel-like layer against weather conditions and sunlight. By removing the insulation section, you can see if there is a gel-like lubricant underneath that protects the inner surface of the cable from moisture.

Outer shell strength

Just try peeling off the outer layer by hand. If the PVC or PE coating is weak, easily slips off the braid or foil layer, lengthening and stretching, this no longer guarantees sufficient cable strength.

Shield layer quality

The shielding layer is an aluminum or copper foil wound around a dielectric. Its task is to protect the signal passing inside the cable from external electromagnetic waves that may interfere. Also, it does not allow the signal to penetrate outside, so that it does not weaken. For both conditions to be met, the foil must be glued to the dielectric layer. This is easy to check by removing part of the shell and examining the shielding layer. If the foil moves freely along the dielectric layer, it means that it was not glued, which means that when laying, when it is necessary to bend the wire properly, the film will slightly open the dielectric and create an unprotected "gap" through which signals will penetrate.

Braid density

The most common braid is a copper or aluminum wire mesh with a diameter of about 0.12 mm. The higher the density of the braid (more wires), the higher the electromagnetic density of the cable. It's another barrier to protect transmitted signal from interference.

At first glance, the density of weaving is not easy to assess. Pay attention to the interweaving of hairs, at what angle? If they are laid freely, longitudinally, then we are dealing with a thin braid. And vice versa, if they form a dense mesh that covers the entire wire, then the braid coating is dense, “tight”. The signal will be under reliable protection.

Dielectric test

The dielectric is a polymer layer made mainly of polyisobutylene. It is important that this material is foamed in a physical way. Foaming by chemical means does not have a long-term effect - after a few years, the dielectric will collapse. A brittle dielectric is a 100% risk of displacement of the central core and loss of coaxiality. You cannot use such a wire for.

Unfortunately, the nature of such foaming is difficult to analyze without special tools. But is it possible to check whether the dielectric is dense and whether it is well “welded” both to the core and to the foil (screen)? This is of key importance when bending a cable and determines its allowable bending radius.

Coax class

The cable class characterizes the degree of electromagnetic leakage. The higher the class, the greater its density and resistance to external interference. Higher tightness is achieved by choosing the type and number of screens and braids used. There are cable wires:

• two-layer - two layers inside: foil + braid;
• three-layer - foil + braid + foil;
• four-layer - braid + foil + braid + foil.

Of course, the greater the number of layers, the greater the electromagnetic density, the higher the class and quality of cable wiring. To choose the right TV cable, you need to see what class we are dealing with. It is enough to "clear" it layer by layer, reaching the dielectric.

Core type and thickness

The type of inner core and its thickness are directly related to the signal attenuation in the cable. Low attenuation cables maintain consistent signal quality all the way to the receiver.

Coax cores can be made of copper or copper-plated steel. Copper has better conductive properties and reduces resistance electric charges. Therefore, it is more often used in various types cables. In turn, the diameter of the wire increases the active conducting surface and reduces the resistance to these charges.

If the core is soft and does not change color after a small scrape or cut, you can be sure that you are dealing with copper wire. However, if the center wire is hard, and after cleaning the top layer of copper, it clearly shows silver color steel, then you have a copper-plated wire in front of you.

Summing up

If the time has come to choose, it is better to choose the cable that fulfills all the conditions mentioned:

1. the thickness of the inner core exceeds 1 mm;
2. the shielding film is glued to the physically foamed dielectric;
3. has triple or quadruple insulation;
4. braid density of at least 64% (tightly spaced wires with a thickness of at least 0.12 mm);
5. the coating of the outer insulating layer is adapted to the purpose of the cable;
6. the maximum attenuation at frequencies of 862 MHz and 2150 MHz is respectively lower: 21 dB and 32 dB (parameter for 100 meters of wire).

When choosing an antenna cable according to these rules, you can be sure that you are dealing with a product excellent quality, which can be counted on by performing both for analog and for .

What is the best TV cable? - such a question is asked by people who want to connect television equipment on their own.

There is a wide range of cable products on the market, but very often they are of poor quality, since poor raw materials were used in the production. As a result, the antenna cable does not pass the signal well or other problems occur.

When choosing a television cable, it is important to consider not only the characteristics and type, but also on what television equipment it will be used, since satellite and terrestrial TV operate on different bands.

1. Coaxial- the most common type of television cable. Each TV is equipped with a coaxial cable connector. But today this connecting element is considered obsolete, as more modern developments have appeared. Experts recommend using it to connect antennas home type, as the signal will be very good.
2. Composite– used to connect video equipment to the screen ( game consoles, players). This cable is only suitable for transmission analog signal. The connection is made in accordance with the colors of the cords and connectors of the monitor.
3. Component - modern development, suitable for transmission satellite signal. Connection also occurs in accordance with the colors.
4. HDMI, DVI- designed to transmit a signal high resolution, therefore, if the television equipment has an HDMI connector, then it is recommended to connect through it, since the quality of the broadcast picture will be ideal. As well as HDMI and DVI cables are often used in computer technology, for connecting game consoles.

What is the cable made of?

The design of television cables is almost identical. All have a center core, which is hidden behind the insulation. The insulating sheath is necessary in order for the center core to be in a stationary state. After the insulation comes a shielding layer and a braid, which provide protection against interference. Therefore, it is important that they are made of quality material.

For the manufacture of the screen, aluminum foil or lavsan is used, and for the manufacture of the braid, copper or aluminum wire is used.

The quality indicator is the screening factor:

• average 60 -85 dmb;
• high 90–100 dmb;

All elements of the television cable are hidden under a PVC sheath; it serves to protect the cable from possible damage.

How to choose a cable

1. The first thing you need to pay attention to is the cut of the cable. If there is no foil or lavsan, this is a clear indicator that the cable is of poor quality. If there is foil in the cord, but it peels off, then this also indicates that the product is of low quality.
2. The cable must be made with the highest quality insulation, so if it is bad, then precipitation (rain, snow) will fall under it, as a result of which, this is hello to the destruction of the connecting element.
3. You need to give preference to popular manufacturers who have proven themselves well. good brands are considered: Commscope, Cavel, Belden .
4. The diameter of the cord must be at least 7 mm.
5. Flexibility - good cable should be flexible, this will simplify its installation, and also help to avoid kinks.

Popular Options

TV cable is available under different brands below are the most common options:

RG-6U

For RG-6U good feature And affordable price. The central core is made of copper. This cable is considered a good alternative to outdated PK cables. Suitable for connecting analog, digital, satellite TV equipment.

The service life of RG-6U is 8 years, but when used outdoors, it often fails earlier. The advantage of this cable is that it can be freely purchased at any specialized store. The cost is from 10 rubles per meter.

Quality product, excellent signal transmission, suitable for satellite TV. Well withstands operation in outdoor conditions, as the cord is resistant to changes in weather and temperature.

The central core is copper, the wire is equipped with double shielding. Service life: 15 years. Price: from 30 rubles.

RG 59U

Another popular connecting element, ensures the transmission of high-frequency signals at quite long distances. Like the SAT 703, it is double shielded and has a copper-clad steel inner conductor. Thanks to this equipment, it is very durable, but at the same time it has good flexibility, which is important when laying.

Service life: 10 years. approximate cost: 25 rubles.

Cable DG 113

This option is more expensive than the previous wires. The characteristic presented by the manufacturer is almost identical to the sat 703 wire, but there is one significant difference - DG 113 has a higher shielding factor, it starts from 90 dmb. Due to this, the signal quality is perfect, without interruptions and interference.

Service life: 10 years. Price: from 70 rubles.

1. In apartments, it is best to use cords for digital television, they pass more waves on any range than ordinary ones.
2. In areas with adverse weather conditions, it is recommended to use a cable with special impregnation.
3. When laying, you need to make as few connections and solderings as possible, since for this reason the signal transmission deteriorates. It is best to lay a solid wire.
4. Do not use homemade splitters, it is better to buy branded ones. Also, splitters and amplifiers must be installed in accessible places, this is necessary for ease of maintenance and repair.
5. During installation, you must follow the manufacturer's instructions on the permissible bending radii of the wire, as well as on optimal distance for fasteners.
6. Do not run coaxial cable near electrical wires, it may cause interference.

The above recommendations will help in choosing a high-quality coaxial wire that will provide excellent connection to television equipment, without interference and damage. Read also.

Customers often complain about weak signal television at bad weather conditions. This may be due to poor quality tv cable. Sellers often complete equipment from products that are not of high quality. This reduces the cost of equipment, and sellers can make a big markup.

In order not to fall for tricks, you need to know which wire to choose. This is what we will talk about in our article.

Types of cables

There are four types:

TV cable which is better

We'll figure it out the most common option television wire - coaxial. It is produced under various brands. But, they all have a wave impedance of 75 ohms. With the help of such a television wire, you can connect several TVs. So, what brands are:

• RG-6 cable. Produced under the Russian brand. Manufactured in China. It has a copper or steel central vein, the thickness of which is 1 mm. The central vein in the shell, which is made of foamed polyethylene. The device itself consists of a screen, which is made of foil, copper or aluminum braid and protective shell which is made of PVC. The thickness of the entire wire is 6–6.8 mm. This brand is used to connect digital, cable or conventional television. The price for such a cable is small, only 10 rubles per meter. You can buy in the online store.
• Cable PK-75. This brand is similar to the previous one. Produced in our country. Copper central vein, the thickness of which is 1 mm. Screen made of copper or double aluminum lavsan and tinned copper. The cable has a single shield. Most often used for cable television. If there is double screen, then you can connect satellite television inside the building.
• RG-5 cable. This brand of cable is distinguished by its thickness, which is 0.58 mm. Outer diameter - 6 mm. The cable is designed to transmit any kind of signal. It also broadcasts satellite TV. Provided that the distance is no more than 190 m. Due to its thinness, the cable cannot catch a signal at a distance of more than 190 m. The picture will be of poor quality. and the signal is weak.
• Worth noting: Model RG-5 and other similar variants are used for one device. Due to its thin structure, it often breaks. It is the most difficult to mount in sockets and connectors.

Foreign television wires

Let's highlight several options that are produced outside of our country:

The coaxial version has many brands that differ not only in characteristics, but also in price.

How to choose the best TV cable

When choosing a cable for a TV, you need to decide which signal you need to catch. That is, what kind of television will be:

• Digital.
• Essential.

If you choose a device for on-air television, then digital will work with interference or will not work at all. In this case need to pay attention to the following features:

So, we have considered which cable for the TV to choose. In order for the cable to work well, it is necessary to choose it correctly. You can choose a cable for cable TV according to the following criteria: section 6.5 mm, with two screens and a well-known brand. You can buy the device in the online store.

Until now, the signal to many TVs in our apartments is supplied by cable. Neglecting its choice can negatively affect the image even if it is correctly mounted. To avoid such troubles, it is not enough to measure the length required for connection. Before buying, you should find out how to choose antenna cable.

IN technical documentation television or antenna cable may be designated as coaxial (coaxial). The term characterizes the principle of its operation, when both conductors (the central core and the braid) provide translation in one direction over the entire width of the section (the “standing wave” effect), which reduces radiation losses to a minimum.

Its design is standard and in most cases includes four layers:

1. central vein,
2. polyethylene foam insulation
3. outer conductor screen made of aluminum foil and braid,
4. PVC sheath.

Presented on the market big choice cable products of imported and domestic production, of different cost. A budget option increases the risk of low-quality TV broadcasting, the choice of expensive products is not always justified with technical point vision. Performance characteristics expensive cables may not be much higher than those of an average-priced counterpart. It is much more important to study the basic technical specifications proposed purchase:

• resistance and attenuation
• core material,
• the composition and density of the braid,
• shell quality,
• diameter.

Marking on the outer cover

Many of these criteria can be determined from the information placed on the shell. It is applied every meter, and its presence is mandatory. According to the standard, the data is specified in the following order:

1. manufacturer,
2. mark in alphanumeric designation,
3. number of cores of the screen conductor,
4. quality,
5. wave resistance,
6. footage.

On the sheath it might look like this: CABLETECH RG-6U/48 HIGH QUALITY COAXIAL CABLE 75 OHM 0.66 M. More detailed information can be retrieved from the technical documentation that comes with the cable.

Wave impedance

Any television device used in everyday life is designed for a wave impedance of 75 ohms. The purchased TV cable must have the appropriate resistance. If this indicator is higher, then the quality of the broadcast will deteriorate significantly or it will be unsuitable for transmission. television signal. Along with resistance important characteristic is the attenuation at the appropriate frequency and length. The lower this indicator is, the better the broadcast will be.

Center conductor

The conductor material has a direct effect on the signal. Manufacturers use copper, copper-plated or tin-plated steel for its manufacture. Preferred Option there will be a copper core, which is guaranteed to provide excellent reception, but will cost more. A steel conductor has a lower price, but the broadcast may not be the best either. The conductor material is easy to determine by the cut; it will be silver in the steel core.

On the TV picture and the range of its translation is affected by the thickness of the core. A larger diameter will mean less resistance, and means a greater transmission range without interference and loss of stability. back side thickening is a decrease in flexibility.

A single-core cable is usually used to connect the antenna. If it is supposed a large number of bends horizontally and vertically, then you can use stranded with greater flexibility and resistance to metal fatigue. In this case, the signal quality may suffer.

Braid material and density (conductor-shield)

The best material for its manufacture is copper. It is most effective for protecting the signal from external electromagnetic interference. Next important indicator there will be a number of fine hairs in the braid, intertwined in a certain way. The greater their number, the less external interference the structure passes and the better the television broadcast. Maximum number such strands in a braid can reach up to 100.

sign quality products there will be a screen made of aluminum foil, under the braid. It protects conductors from mutual interference and internal interference. In the technical documentation, the efficiency of the screen conductor is referred to as noise immunity. For good antenna cables, it should be at least 80%.

Shell quality

The outer shell is usually made of flexible plastic and protects internal structure from damage. The insulation must be integral, resistant to external influences, moderately elastic in order to allow bending without damage to the outer layer. It is not difficult to check it, just try to pick off the shell with your fingernail, and if at least a slight delamination of the insulation is observed, then it is better to put such a product aside.

Diameter

In the store you can buy products of different thicknesses. The value of this indicator has a direct impact on the allowable bending radius. A cable with a diameter of 6 mm or more usually has a bend of 70 mm, its counterparts of a smaller diameter bend with a smaller radius. This indicator should be taken into account if the laying perimeter is too complex, with big amount bends and narrow openings. But for wiring from the antenna to the TV, under standard conditions, a thickness of at least 6 mm is recommended. It is better suited to connecting with standard connectors and jacks, and installation is not much more difficult than working with a thinner counterpart.