Understanding Coaxial Cables

Understanding Coaxial Cables

When you’re a kid, you don’t really give much thought to how your TV works. You turn it on, sit on the couch, and are rewarded with hours of free entertainment and great picture quality. However, as you get older and you’re in the one in charge of the television set and antenna, you realize it takes a bit more than that to get a decent picture.

One of the most important parts of your television and antenna setup is the cables, and more specifically, the coaxial cables. These TV cables are essential for any device that wants to pick up a signal and get all of the available channels, and knowing all about them can ensure you have the right one working for you.

This simple guide to coaxial cables will show you how they work, what they do, and why they’re the best TV aerial cable to use. Nothing beats having a quality picture on your set, and with the help of this cable and the right antenna, it’s certainly possible.

What Is A Coaxial Cable?

Coaxial Cable

A coaxial cable, sometimes called a coax, is a special format of electrical cable. The name coaxial has to do with the conductor that works inside the cable and the outer shield made with a geometric axis.

These electrical cables feature the inner conductor and a layer of insulation in the form of a tube, with another tubular shield or sheath over the top. The purpose of these outer sheaths is to protect them and provide insulation but also direct their fields.

The coax cable was first invented in 1880 by a British engineer and was used to send high-frequency electrical signals from one point to another, all the while preventing loss. There are many applications where you’ll find a coaxial cable in use today, including on radio transmitters, data busses, broadband internet cables, and especially in a TV antenna.

The difference that these accessories have to others is the size of the cable, as it gives a more precise conductor line. Therefore, it’s especially helpful with transmitting signals that are required in smaller spaces just like your television set and antenna.

Another major benefit of a coaxial cable is that the electromagnetic field it uses to transport signals only exists in the area between the conductors. Therefore, you can use them next to other metal objects without experiencing interference or loss of signals, again making them ideal for your television signal.

How Do They Work?

The inner workings of the TV aerial cable are quite complex, but understanding how they work can teach you a lot about your set and antenna. The signal that is carried through these cables is both being sent through the wire in the center as well as the metal jacket due to the fact that both of the conductors are making their own magnetic field.

When you get two charged magnetic fields like the ones working opposite each other in a coaxial cable, they end up canceling each other out. Therefore, you can use them near other electronic equipment and metal parts without any interference or loss of signal.

Do They Impact Your Picture Quality?

Turning On The TV

When you have a good coax connected to your TV, it shouldn’t have any major impact on the picture quality. These cables either work well or they don’t, and if you’re having problems with your set then you might want to check this out first.

Many people make the mistake of upgrading their antenna or TV or calling in help from the cable company when the solution could be as simple as your coax. Do a quick check to make sure it’s not showing signs of erosion, damage, or other issues that are obvious, and this could be the fix you were looking for.

Coaxial is the best aerial cable you can use because they guarantee a better picture. Not only that, but you’ll find other things are more compatible with them as well. Your VCR, DVD player, antenna, and TV set could all rely on this one type of cable, which indicates just how practical it is.

Pros And Cons Of A Coaxial Cable

The best thing about using a coaxial cable or purchasing parts that use them is that you’ll find they are most common. You won’t have any issues with compatibility as this is the format that most electronics work with and there’ll be no need for an adaptor or conversion methods.

The only real downside to these cables is their size, with some people finding them a little chunky. As you’re not able to adjust the size without doing damage to the inner wires, you have to leave them as they are and accept them.

Some might say that coaxial cables are difficult to install, but all it takes is a bit of preparation. As the most widely used TV antenna it makes sense for a television set owner to understand their makeup and how to install them, so when any problems arise you can quickly resolve them.

Getting The Picture You Deserve

TV Mounted On Wall

With so many Americans now making the move to cut their cord and instead rely on the free signals they get, you need to have your setup perfected. Starting with the simplest accessories like your cords and cables mean you can save a lot of money from upgrading your TV unnecessarily.

Learning all you can about how your television set and antenna work will pay off in the long run for the signal and picture you get. As a television owner and someone who cares about the quality of their picture, knowing just a little about these important cables and how to fix them will do you a lot of good.

Resources:

WikipediaItStillWorks

Leave a Comment: