Whether you've tossed the cable to the curb or just supplemented it with an over-the-air antenna, you'll need good quality cable to connect your antenna to your TV. Coaxial cables cost a dime a dozen, but not all are made equal. Here are some of the best coaxial cables you should check out.
RG59 has the thinnest copper conductor. This means it is better suited for low bandwidth applications such as CCTV analog video streams. Since high definition television broadcasts require much more bandwidth, you should opt for RG6 or RG11 coaxial cables. The most commonly used coaxial cable for home television installations is RG6. That being said, you can also use RG11 coaxial cables, but they tend to be more expensive than RG6. The only real difference between the two is how far the cable can carry a signal without transmission degradation. RG6 is rated up to 600 meters, while RG11 is rated up to 1,100 meters. That being said, most homeowners wouldn't need coaxial cable capable of transmitting a signal 1,100 meters.
Part of Jeff Bezos' plan for world domination is to sell virtually everything under the sun under the AmazonBasics label. It's no surprise, then, that coaxial cables are one of many products bearing the AmazonBasics brand. The AmazonBasics coaxial cable has all the features you would expect from a quality coaxial cable, including RG6 gauge conductors and three layers of shielding.
However, what sets AmazonBasics coaxial cable apart is its CL2 rating. A CL2 rating means that AmazonBasics coaxial cables can be installed indoors and outdoors. This makes the AmazonBasics cable ideal for people who opt for a roof-mounted antenna. Additionally, the AmazonBasics coaxial cable has "grip caps" that make it very easy to screw the coaxial connector into your antenna or TV.
Like AmazonBasics cables, Mediabridge coaxial cables feature an "EZ Grip" connector. Anyone who has had the unfortunate experience of trying to connect a coaxial cable in a tight spot knows how difficult it can be to thread one in with one hand. Fortunately, EZ Grips make that headache a thing of the past. Plus, the EZ Grip caps can be removed, so you can store them in your toolbox and use them with other non-Mediabridge coaxial cables.
In addition, Mediabridge coaxial cables are UL certified. This means the cables are safe for use in the wall. Say goodbye to ugly black cables snaking all over your floor!
Cable Matters coaxial cables may not look like anything special, but it's what's inside that counts. All coaxial cables consist of a conductor wrapped in insulation and shielding. Data travels along the conductor from the signal source, in this case your antenna, to your TV. The shield protects this signal from electromagnetic interference. Electromagnetic interference can be natural, like a solar flare, or man-made, like a mobile telecommunications network.
Most coaxial cables on the market are triple shielded to protect against interference. However, Cable Matters coaxial cables are quad-shielded. This provides an additional layer of protection against electromagnetic interference to maintain the fidelity and integrity of the broadcast received by your TV. This is beneficial for those who live in high density areas such as cities, where there is a higher chance of a signal being interrupted by various electronic devices due to their proximity to each other.
Coaxial cables from The Cimple Co are also CL2 rated, meaning they can be used indoors or outdoors. However, the connectors of these coaxial cables have a double seal. It can prevent water, dirt, oil and other weather results from interfering with the signal.
Thanks to their durability and weather resistance, coaxial cables from The Cimple Co are backed by an impressive 10-year warranty. Plus, Cimple Co coaxial cables are made in the USA.
If you don't have an over-the-air HD TV antenna, you're missing out on a ton of free high-definition entertainment. Check out our guide on how to choose the best antenna for your home and how to install it. What coaxial cable do you use at home? Let us know in the comments!
ContentsWhat are coaxial cables?Types of coaxial cables1. AmazonBasics coaxial TV cable rated CL22. Mediabridge3 coaxial cable. Cable Matters Quad Shielded Coaxial Cable4. Cimple coaxial cable
