How to choose the right TV cable. Which television cable is best to choose for connecting equipment

Even the best antenna won't do its job if you're using a low-quality TV cable. And combined with its poor installation, problems with proper reception of television signals will certainly arise. As a rule, information about it is included in its specification or printed directly on the outer shell. However, we cannot always verify this data, and sometimes even this information is not always reliable! How can you figure out which TV cable is better? 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 (alignment). The outer conductor serves as a shield for the inner conductor.

How it works

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

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

Where is it used?

Coaxial cable is used for:

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

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

Coaxials, 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 television cable will also be correct based on the following characteristics:

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

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

Large diameter coaxial cables are designed to transmit higher powers. Their black outer shell indicates that they are for outdoor use because they are protected from damaging ultraviolet rays. Cable products with white coating are used indoors as they prevent combustion.

Marking

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

RK - radio frequency cable;
75 - conductor resistance 75 Ohm;
4.8 - diameter;
34 - the first digit shows the insulation group, heat resistance category. The second digit is the serial number of the development;
TU - technical manufacturing conditions.

But the markings of imported cables can confuse you. 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 cable - coaxial cable;
75 OHM - conductor resistance 75 Ohm;
ISO 9001-2000 - certificate of conformity.

Choosing quality

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

Purpose

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

The most commonly used polyvinyl chloride coating for cable cords. You can choose them for wiring in the apartment. The coating made of light-stabilized polyethylene distinguishes the cords for outdoor use. In addition, outdoor cables have a protective gel-like layer against weather conditions and sunlight. By removing a section of insulation, 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 removing the outer layer by hand. If the PVC or PE coating is weak and easily slides off the braid or foil layer, lengthening and stretching, this no longer guarantees sufficient cable strength.

Quality of the shielding layer

The shielding layer is aluminum or copper foil wound onto a dielectric. Its task is to protect the signal passing inside the cable from external electromagnetic waves that can cause interference. It also prevents the signal from leaking out to prevent it from weakening. For both conditions to be met, the foil must be glued to the dielectric layer. This can be easily checked by removing part of the shell and examining the shielding layer. If the foil moves freely along the dielectric layer, this means that it was not glued, which means that during installation, when you need 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 mesh made of wire with a diameter of about 0.12 mm. The higher the braid density (more wires), the higher the electromagnetic density of the cable. This is another barrier to protect the transmitted signal from interference.

At first glance, the density of the weave is difficult to assess. Pay attention to the interweaving of the 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, “airtight”. The signal will be under reliable protection.

Dielectric check

The dielectric is a polymer layer made mainly of polyisobutylene. It is important that this material is foamed in a physical way. Chemical foaming does not have a long-term effect - after a few years the dielectric will collapse. A fragile dielectric means there 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 the cable and determines its permissible bend 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. Cable wires are distinguished:

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 the cable wiring. To choose the right television cable, you need to see what class we are dealing with. It is enough to “clean” 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 adequate signal quality throughout the entire length to the receiving device.

Coaxial cores can be made of copper or copper-plated steel. Copper has better conductive properties and reduces resistance to electrical charges. Therefore, it is more often used in various types of 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 rigid, and after cleaning the top layer of copper the silver color of the steel clearly appears, then you have a copper-plated wire.

Let's sum it up

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

the thickness of the inner core exceeds 1 mm;
the shielding film is glued to a physically foamed dielectric;
has triple or quadruple insulation;
braid density of at least 64% (densely spaced wires with a thickness of at least 0.12 mm);
the coating of the outer insulating layer is adapted to the purpose of the cable;
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).

By choosing an antenna cable according to these rules, you can be sure that you are dealing with an excellent quality product that you can count on for both analog and .

Installing a television antenna can be done at home yourself, without the involvement of expensive specialists. For this procedure you will need a coaxial cable with the necessary components. How to choose a high-quality and optimal cable so that it will last for many years, and what parameters should you pay attention to when purchasing?

We offer expert advice and a selection of the most popular cable brands with descriptions, price categories and user ratings.

When choosing a coaxial cable, you need to consider a number of parameters:

Temperature resistance

Before choosing a cable, you need to consider where the cable will run. If the antenna will be placed somewhere behind the house or on its roof, then preference should be given to a cable that is resistant to temperature changes. The resistance of the wire to high moisture is also important. It is best to use a thick cable with a thicker central core for street wiring. Such a cable must be framed in dense top insulation.

Diameter

To place the antenna on a window or balcony, a cable with an outer diameter of 6-8 millimeters will be sufficient.
For street wiring, a thicker cable is suitable - 10 millimeters in diameter or more.
If we proceed from durability indicators, then it is better to immediately purchase a thick television wire.

Braid density

The density of the cable is an indicator of its long service life, but during installation sometimes you have to bend the wire in several places, so you should not take a cable with the most rigid insulation. A conductor in thin rubber, aluminum film or polyethylene dielectric, PVC is ideal. Good braiding should not be easily peeled or pulled off the wire, and it will not be easily scratched.

Copper vein

The priority is for cables with a copper core. There is no evidence that other alloys are worse or unreliable, but according to the advice of electricians, it is better to buy a copper product.

There are also copper-plated steel conductors, most often their production is based in China, you should not be afraid of this, the service life of such wires is in no way inferior to copper ones.

Good composition

You can determine the composition of a coaxial television cable by asking the seller to make a cut on the wire. Ideally, in a cross-section, the buyer should view a copper core with a cross-section of at least 1 millimeter in diameter, dense insulation, a layer of dense foil and braiding made of copper or tin, a screen made of aluminum or copper wire, and a dense outer shell made of PVC foam polyethylene.

Length of cable

This indicator should be purely individual. Before purchasing, you need to measure the distance from the TV to the proposed antenna. This distance should include all possible turns, notches and bends. The wire should not be close to both installations, it should not be stretched; a minimum reserve is required in case of reinstallation or stripping.

Cable accessories

When purchasing a cable, you must immediately buy splitters, connectors, plugs and adapters. Before purchasing, ask the seller to try them on the selected wire so that they fit exactly in diameter. Ideally, you should immediately stock up on corner adapters so that the bending of the coaxial cable is minimal.

How to connect the cable

Connecting the cable to a TV or antenna follows the following algorithm:

You need to screw the plugs on both sides of the cable. To do this, you need to make a circular cut at the end of the wire, retreating 1.5-2 centimeters from the edge. You only need to cut off the top sheath of the wire without damaging the braid;
Carefully bend back the foil and screen hairs. This method will release the inner layer of insulation. A circular cut is also made on this layer and the core is released from the protection. The distance from the bare core and the folded foil must be at least 2 millimeters;
The last step is to screw the plug clockwise onto the wire until it stops, and cut off the rest of the excess wire.

Do everything again on the other edge of the cable.

Popular brands

3C-2V

Resistance 75 Ohm.

copper-plated steel core 0.5 millimeters in diameter;
second screen-braid of 32 steel threads;
internal insulation - polyethylene dielectric with a diameter of 3 millimeters;
The outer insulation shell is PVC with a diameter of 5 millimeters.

The cable is excellent for installing terrestrial and cable television over short distances.

The price of the wire varies from 10 rubles per 1 meter. User rating −9.6.

DG 113

copper core 1.13 mm thick;
double reinforced braid made of combined aluminum and plastic foil;
a second layer of braid made of a combined material of tin and copper;
inner insulation shell made of polyethylene dielectric;
external insulation - PVC with a diameter of 6.6 millimeters.

The cable is practical, suitable for installing all types of antennas. Provides high quality transmission of high-frequency signal data without interference.

Price: from 65 rubles per 1 meter. Score: 9.9.

RG-58A/L

Characteristic impedance 50 Ohm.

multi-core base of 19 copper wires with a diameter of 0.12 millimeters;
first braided aluminum foil;
second braid of 48 copper threads;
internal insulating coating made of dielectric.
external insulation - PVC with a diameter of 5 millimeters.

Price: from 50 rubles per 1 meter. Score: 8.7.

RG 59

Cable resistance 75 Ohm.

copper-plated steel core 0.5 millimeters in diameter;
the first braid is made of thin aluminum foil;
screen made of 32 tinned copper threads;

The wire is suitable for transmitting signals from satellite and terrestrial antennas over long distances. It is possible to mount satellite antennas over short distances.

Price: from 20 rubles per 1 meter. User rating: 9.4.

RG-59+CU

Cable resistance 75 Ohm.

copper-plated steel core 0.58 millimeters in diameter;
the first layer of aluminum foil braid;
second screen-braid of 48 copper threads;
The external insulating coating of the cable is PVC with a diameter of 5.4 millimeters.

Price: from 25 rubles per 1 meter. Score: 9.1.

RG-6

Resistance 75 Ohm.

single-core copper base 1 millimeter thick;
the first braided screen is made of aluminum foil;
braided screen made of 48 copper threads;
internal insulation - polyethylene foam;
outer insulating shell - PVC with a diameter of 6 millimeters.

This brand of cable serves well when installing cable, terrestrial and digital television.

Price: from 10 rubles per 1 meter. Score: 9.6.

RG-6U

Characteristic impedance 75 Ohm.

copper-plated steel core with a diameter of 1 millimeter;
the first layer of aluminum foil braid;
the second braid consists of 48 copper threads;
internal insulation - polyethylene dielectric;
outer shell - PVC with a diameter of 6.8 millimeters.

The cable is designed to receive high frequency signals, but is not suitable for continuous current supply.

RG-6U+CU

Cable resistance 75 Ohm.

copper core 1 millimeter thick;
aluminum foil braid;
braid of 48 copper threads;
insulation from the inside - polyethylene dielectric;
external insulation - PVC with a diameter of 6.8 millimeters.

Universal model. It simultaneously transmits high-frequency signals and direct current. Transmission occurs with minimal current loss.

Price: from 15 rubles per 1 meter. Score: 9.8.

SAT 50

Cable resistance 50 Ohm.

copper wire with a diameter of 1 millimeter;
reinforced double braid made of combined foil, aluminum and plastic;
the second layer consists of a combined material: tin and copper;
internal insulation - polyethylene dielectric;

The cable performed well in installation both outdoors and indoors. The wire is suitable for any antennas and does not distort the transmission of high-frequency signals.

Price: from 30 rubles per 1 meter. Score: 9.8.

SAT 703

The characteristic impedance of the cable is 75 Ohms.

copper base 1.13 mm thick;
screen made of two layers of aluminum-plastic foil;
a second layer of braided tin and copper;
insulation from the inside made of polyethylene dielectric;
external insulation - PVC with a diameter of 6.6 millimeters.

This coaxial cable qualitatively transmits all television signals both on the street and in buildings

The cost of the cable is from 40 rubles per 1 meter. Score: 9.7.

RK 75

Cable resistance 75 Ohm.

copper base with a diameter of 1 millimeter;
the first braid is made of foil (thin aluminum);
screen made of 48 tinned copper threads;
Insulation from the inside is made of non-conductive polyethylene;
insulation on the outside - PVC shell with a diameter of 6 millimeters.

They use wire to install terrestrial and cable television on the street. Suitable for installing a satellite dish over short distances and for interior work.

The cost of the cable ranges from 12 rubles per 1 meter. User rating: 9.4.

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 or 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.

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

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

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

central vein,
polyethylene foam insulation,
external conductor screen made of aluminum foil and braid,
shell made of polyvinyl chloride.

The market offers a large selection of cable products of imported and domestic production, of different prices. The budget option increases the risk of low-quality television broadcast; the choice of expensive products is not always justified from a technical point of view. The performance characteristics of an expensive cable may not be much higher than that of an average-cost analogue. It is much more important to study the main technical parameters of the proposed purchase:

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

Marking on the outer covering

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

manufacturer,
brand in alphanumeric designation,
number of screen conductor cores,
quality,
wave resistance,
footage

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

Characteristic impedance

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

Center conductor

The conductor material has a direct impact on the signal. Manufacturers use copper, copper-coated or tin-coated steel to make it. The preferred option would be a copper core, which is guaranteed to provide excellent reception, but will be more expensive. A steel conductor has a lower price, but the transmission may not be the best. The material of the conductor can be easily determined by the cut; for a steel core it will be silver in color.

The thickness of the core affects the television image and its transmission range. A larger diameter will mean less resistance, which means a greater transmission range without interference or loss of stability. The downside of thickening is a decrease in flexibility.

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

Braid material and density (conductor-screen)

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

A sign of a quality product will be the presence of an aluminum foil screen under the braid. It protects conductors from mutual interference and internal interference. In technical documentation, the effectiveness of the conductor-screen is designated as noise immunity. For good antenna cables it should be at least 80%.

Shell quality

The outer shell is usually made of elastic plastic and protects the internal structure from damage. The insulation must be solid, resistant to external influences, and moderately elastic to allow bending without damaging the outer layer. It is not difficult to check it, just try to pick off the shell with your fingernail and if there is even a slight detachment of the insulation, then it is better to put such a product aside.

Diameter

In the store you can purchase products of different thicknesses. The value of this indicator has a direct impact on the permissible bending radius. A cable with a diameter of 6 mm usually has a bend of 70 mm; its counterparts with a smaller diameter bend with a smaller radius. This indicator should be taken into account if the laying perimeter is too complex, with a large number of 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 for connection to standard connectors and sockets, and installation is not much more difficult than working with a thinner analogue.

Which TV cable is better? - this is a question asked by people who want to connect television equipment themselves.

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

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

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

What does the cable consist 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 to keep the center core stationary. After the insulation comes the shielding layer and braid, which provide protection against interference. Therefore, it is important that they are made from quality material.

Aluminum foil or lavsan is used to make the screen, and copper or aluminum wire is used to make the braid.

The quality indicator is the shielding coefficient:

average 60–85 dmb;
high 90–100 dmb;

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

How to choose a cable

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

Popular options

Television cable is produced under different brands, the most common options are presented below:

RG-6U

RG-6U has good performance and an affordable price. The central core is made of copper. This cable is considered a good alternative to outdated RK cables. Suitable for connecting analog, digital, satellite television equipment.

The service life of the 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. Cost from 10 rubles per meter.

High-quality product, excellent signal transmission, suitable for satellite television. It withstands operation well 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 over fairly long distances. Just like SAT 703, it has double shielding and an internal conductor made of copper-plated steel. 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 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 coefficient, it starts from 90 dmb. Thanks to this, the signal quality is ideal, without interruptions or interference.

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

In apartments, it is best to use cords for digital television; they transmit more waves on any range than regular ones.
In areas with unfavorable weather conditions, it is recommended to use specially impregnated cable.
When laying, you need to make as few connections and solders as possible, since for this reason the signal passage deteriorates. It is best to lay a solid wire.
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.
When installing, you must adhere to the manufacturer's instructions about the permissible bending radii of the wire, as well as the optimal distance for fastenings.
Do not run coaxial cord near electrical wires as this may cause interference.

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