Any television receiver must be connected to a signal source. Regardless of what type of television broadcasting (satellite, broadcast or cable) is used in a house or apartment, the presence of a signal for high-quality image largely depends on the connecting cable used. A coaxial type radio frequency television cable is used to connect the television to a receiving antenna. It is on the characteristics of the coaxial cable that the level of the received signal depends, as well as the absence of interference, which significantly affects the image quality in the television receiver.
Therefore, before proceeding with the installation and connection of the television antenna, it is necessary to study the description of the coaxial cable for the TV and determine the possibilities of its application.
Types of cable products for TV
The modern cable market is widely represented by various models. Therefore, when choosing the necessary connecting cable, you need to be well-versed in some of the nuances of its application.
Depending on the purpose, the connecting products can be divided into the following types.
The most common is the coaxial cable for the TV. Any television receiver is equipped with a special connector for connecting such a cable. And while digital television is replacing analog broadcasting, coaxial cable is very often used to connect both indoor antennas and outdoor receivers.
Composite cable appeared with the development of video technology. Such a cable consists of three wires, one of which transmits a video signal, and the other two - an audio signal in stereo format. Connection is carried out in accordance with the color scheme on the pins and socket of the television receiver.
A component type cable transmits a digital satellite television signal. The connection is also made according to the colors of the contact pins.
High-resolution video signal is transmitted via special cables of the HDMI and DVI brands. Cables of this type have become widespread with the development of computer technology. The first is translated as a high-definition multimedia interface.
Connector Design
Structurally, the coaxial antenna cable for the TV is arranged on the same principle as other types of cable products.
The cable consists of the following functional parts:
- Central core, which is designed to transmit a signal;
- a dielectric made of polyethylene or fluoroplastic, which provides insulation of the inner core and its immobility;
- aluminum foil and braid deposited on top of the dielectric layer simultaneously serve as a conductor and protection against interference;
- the outer sheath of the coaxial cable is designed to protect against the effects of precipitation and sunlight.
The coaxial cable for the TV has a circular cross section, with a diameter of four to eight millimeters.
The main models of coaxial cables
Modern manufacturers produce a large number of different models of coaxial cables for a TV. Therefore, before deciding to arrange a home television network, it is necessary to familiarize yourself with the most common variants of models and their characteristics.
The most widespread in the domestic market of cable products are the following types:
- RG-6U.
- RG-59U.
- SAT-50.
- SAT-703.
- DG-113.
Please note that inside the building you can use white cables, and external networks must be mounted with black connecting conductors.
RG-6U Cable
Due to its good technical characteristics and low price, the coaxial cable for TV RG-6U has gained the most popularity in laying home television networks. Its main disadvantage is poor resistance to changing weather conditions, which limits its use for outdoor installation. Often used to replace obsolete cable networks.
Specifications:
- impedance 75 Ohm;
- inner core made of copper;
- has double shielding;
- the insulation is made of polyethylene of a porous structure;
- copper braided aluminum tape is an external conductor;
- the shell can be made of black or white polyethylene.
The service life of this cable is up to eight years, but when operating in outdoor conditions, this figure can be significantly reduced.
RG-59U Cable
A cable of this type is also quite widespread, as it is capable of transmitting a high frequency signal over long distances. This property is due to the high strength of the cable, since the central conductor is made of steel coated with copper.
Such a constructive solution almost did not change the flexibility characteristics of the RG-59U cable, which is a big plus when laying long-distance networks. Like the previous connecting conductor, this cable has double shielding. The service life of a coaxial cable for an RG-59U TV is about ten years.
Cable brand SAT-50
Such a cable is often used to transmit a signal from a satellite dish to the receiver.
Main technical specifications:
- scope - antenna cable;
- wave impedance - 75 Ohms;
- signal transmission core made of copper;
- double shielding - aluminum foil in a copper braid;
- at home, the life of 15 years.
Coaxial cable SAT-703 is also designed to transmit satellite TV signal. It has better insulation, therefore it tolerates temperature extremes.
The main recommendations for choosing cable products
The choice of cable brand for the home broadcast network device depends on the television system of the transmitted signal. Since satellite and terrestrial broadcasting is carried out at different carrier frequencies, the cable must also correspond to the signal transmission method.
When deciding how to choose a coaxial cable for a TV, you need to pay attention to the following nuances:
- the minimum value of the impedance is 75 ohms;
- during the external inspection of the cable slice, there should be no delamination of the braid;
- the protective layer of the foil should be laid tightly and lap to avoid interference in bad weather;
- the signal transmission core must be made of copper or alloy;
- for operation of the coaxial conductor in difficult climatic conditions, it is necessary to use impregnated grades that protect the product from snow and rain.
Try to choose products from well-known manufacturers (Mediaflex, Belden, Commscope), this will guarantee a long-term and high-quality work of the television network.
Connecting a cable to a television receiver
Before connecting the coaxial cable to the TV, it is necessary to clarify its diameter, as well as which connector is installed on the device. To connect the signal conductor to the receiver, there are screw-type plugs, as well as crimp connectors.
The technology for connecting a coaxial cable to a TV using a screw plug is as follows:
- Strip off the end of the cable. To do this, carefully cut the insulation layer to a distance of 1.5 cm. This operation can be done with a sharp cutter, but better with a special tool.
- Release the protective sheath, while ensuring that the outer fibers do not touch the central core.
- Then remove the insulation from the central core. This action must be done very carefully so as not to damage the conductor, as this can lead to a break in the future.
- Next, insert the cut end of the cable into the screw plug. Turning the screw, the winding will be pressed firmly against the contact.
Crimp Connector
The screw connection is made without the use of a special tool, but the connection with a crimp connector is considered better. The tight contact obtained during crimping provides a more reliable signal reception. With a special tool, the question of how to crimp a coaxial cable for a TV is solved very simply.
Crimp Connector Technology:
- Slip the crimp ring onto the cable, and cut the insulation 6 mm from the edge.
- Bare the inner conductor, being careful not to damage it.
- Insert the central core into the connector, and then pull the crimp ring onto the connector pad.
- Using special crimping pliers, clamp the ring, while the transmitting core is pressed firmly against the connector pin.
- Remove excess conductor protruding from the connector.
Cable Guidelines
To obtain a stable signal, without extraneous interference, it is necessary to observe some rules for laying the connecting conductor:
- The coaxial cable for the TV must be located away from household electrical appliances.
- Laying the television cable near the power line is prohibited, as interference may occur.
- Try to lay the line of television broadcasting with a whole piece of cable. Soldering and twisting are not allowed, this leads to a weakening of the signal.
- If you cannot avoid cable breaks, use special splitters to connect it.
- Follow the manufacturers recommendations for the bending radius of the conductor.
Remember that in order to get a good image in a television receiver, do not neglect the quality of the laid coaxial cable. Observing the technology of laying the cable, it is not difficult to connect the TV to the receiving antenna independently.