Any television receiver must be connected to a signal source. Regardless of what type of television broadcasting (satellite, terrestrial or cable) is used in a house or apartment, the availability of a signal for a high-quality image largely depends on the connecting cable used. A coaxial type radio frequency television cable is designed to connect a TV to a receiving antenna. It is the characteristics of the coaxial cable that determine the level of the received signal, 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 market for cable products is widely represented by various models. Therefore, when choosing the required connecting cable, you need tonavigate some of the nuances of its application.
Depending on the purpose, connecting products can be divided into the following types.
The most common is coaxial cable for TV. Any television receiver is equipped with a special connector for connecting such a cable. And although 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 transmit an audio signal in stereo format. The connection is made in accordance with the color scheme on the pins and connector of the TV receiver.
Component type cable transmits digital satellite TV signal. The connection is also made according to the colors of the contact pins.
High-definition video is transmitted via dedicated HDMI and DVI cables. Cables of this type have become widespread with the development of computer technology. The former translates to High Definition Multimedia Interface.
Design of connecting elements
Structurally, the coaxial antenna cable for TV is arranged according to the same principle as other types of cable products.
The cable consists of the following functional parts:
- the central core, which is designed to transmit a signal;
- dielectric made of polyethylene or fluoroplastic, which provides insulation of the inner core and its immobility;
- aluminum foil and braid applied over the dielectric layer serve as both a conductor and noise shield;
- The outer jacket of the coaxial cable is designed to protect against rain and sunlight.
Coaxial cable for TV has a round section, with a diameter of four to eight millimeters.
Basic models of coaxial cables
Modern manufacturers produce a large number of different models of coaxial cables for TV. Therefore, before deciding to set up a home television network, you need to familiarize yourself with the most common model options and their characteristics.
The following types of cable products are most widely used in the domestic market:
- RG-6U.
- RG-59U.
- SAT-50.
- SAT-703.
- DG-113.
Please note that white cables can be used inside the building, and external networks must be mounted with black connecting conductors.
RG-6U cable
Because of good performance and low price, RG-6U TV coaxial cable has gained the most popularity in laying home TV networks. Its main disadvantage is its weak resistance to changing weather conditions, whichlimits its use for outdoor applications. Often used to replace obsolete cable networks.
Specifications:
- wave impedance 75 ohm;
- inner core made of copper;
- double shielded;
- insulation made of porous structure polyethylene;
- copper braided aluminum tape is the outer conductor;
- shell can be black or white polyethylene.
The service life of this cable is up to eight years, but when used outdoors, this figure can be significantly reduced.
RG-59U cable
This type of cable also has a fairly wide popularity, 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 center conductor is made of copper-plated steel.
This design 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 is double shielded. The service life of coaxial cable for TV brand RG-59U is about ten years.
SAT-50 brand cable
This cable is often used to transmit a signal from a satellite dish to a receiver.
Main specifications:
- scope of application - antenna cable;
- impedance - 75 Ohm;
- core that transmits the signal is made of copper;
- double shielded - copper braided aluminum foil;
- at home service life of 15 years.
The SAT-703 coaxial cable is also designed for satellite TV signal transmission. It has better insulation, so it tolerates temperature changes well.
Main recommendations for choosing cable products
The choice of cable brand for a home broadcasting 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 which coaxial cable to choose for your TV, you need to pay attention to the following nuances:
- minimum impedance 75 Ohm;
- during an external examination of the cable cut, there should not be a delamination of the braid;
- Protective foil layer must be laid tightly and overlapped to prevent interference in bad weather;
- signal wire must be made of copper or alloy;
- For the operation of a coaxial conductor in difficult climatic conditions, it is necessary to use brands with impregnation, which will protect the product from snow and rain.
Try to choose products from well-known manufacturers (Mediaflex, Belden, Commscope), this will guarantee long-term and high-quality operation of the television network.
Connect cable toTV receiver
Before you connect the coaxial cable to the TV, you need 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:
- Remove the insulation from the end of the cable. To do this, carefully cut the insulating layer to a distance of 1.5 cm. This operation can be performed with a sharp cutter, but it is better with a special tool.
- Release the protective sheath, while making sure that the outer fibers do not touch the central core.
- Then remove the insulation from the 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, you need to insert the cut end of the cable into the screw plug. By tightening the screw, the winding will be pressed tightly against the contact.
Crimp connection
The screw connection is made without the use of a special tool, but the connection with a crimp connector is considered to be of better quality. The tight contact obtained during crimping provides more reliable signal reception. With a special tool, the question of how to compress a coaxial cable for a TV is solved very simply.
Crimp Connector Technology:
- Place the ferrule on the cable, and cut the insulation 6mm from the edge.
- Bare the inner conductor being careful not to damage it.
- Insert the center wire into the connector, and then pull the ferrule over the contact pad of the connector.
- Using special crimping pliers, clamp the ring, while the transmitting core will be pressed tightly against the connector pin.
- Remove any excess wire protruding from the connector.
Cable recommendations
To obtain a stable signal, without extraneous interference, you must follow some rules for laying the connecting conductor:
- The TV coaxial cable should be kept away from household electrical appliances.
- Laying a television cable near an electric line is prohibited, as interference may occur.
- Try to lay a television broadcast line with a whole piece of cable. Soldering and twisting is not allowed, this will result in signal attenuation.
- If you cannot avoid cable breaks, use special splitters to connect it.
- Follow manufacturer's recommendations for conductor bending radius.
Remember that in order to get a good image in a television receiver, you should not neglect the quality of the coaxial cable being laid. Observing the cable laying technology, it is easy to connect the TV to the receiving antenna yourself.
