The Role of Coaxial Cables in TV and Satellite Systems

09.12.24 ● 5 minutes

Why are Coaxial Cables essential components in cable TV and satellite systems?

In a world driven by technology and entertainment, the role of Coaxial Cables in TV and satellite systems is crucial.

These cables help our Televisions to transmit the signals that bring us programmes such as; news, sports, movies, and many more.

In this article, we look into coaxial cables, their history, design, and the role they play.

As well as highlighting their harmony with set-top boxes, modems, and dish installations.

A Brief History of Coax Cables

Coaxial Cables date back to the early 20th century, when engineers such as Oliver Heaviside and George Ashby founded this technology.

Coaxial Cables, often called "Coax Cables," entered the limelight during World War II, primarily for military communication applications.

Their design, features a central conductor, an insulating layer, a metallic shield, and an outer insulating layer. These made them ideal for transmitting high-frequency signals across extensive distances.

The Anatomy of Coaxial Cables

The structure of coaxial cables is crucial to their role in cable TV and satellite systems.

What are the key components of TV/Satellite Coaxial Cables?

Central Conductor - At the core of the coaxial cable is a solid or stranded wire that carries the electrical signals. In cable TV and satellite systems, this conductor carries the audio and video signals.
Insulating Layer - Surrounding the central conductor, is an insulating material that prevents signal interference or leakage. Typically, materials such as foam or plastic make up this insulating layer.
Metallic Shield - To protect the signal from EMI, a metallic shield made of aluminium or copper, encases the insulating layer. This shield also helps maintain the cable's impedance.
Outer Insulating Layer - The final layer is another insulating material that provides additional protection and insulation for the cable.

Coaxial cables efficiently carry a wide range of analogue and digital signals, including TV broadcasts, internet data, and telephone service.

How do these fit into the TV ecosystem and their compatibility with set-top boxes and modems?

Coaxial Cables are the lifeline of cable television systems. They play an important role in delivering a wide array of both analogue and digital signals which includes:

TV broadcasts
Internet data
Telephone services

Here's how coaxial cables seamlessly integrate into the cable TV ecosystem, alongside their compatibility with set-top boxes and modems:

Signal Transmission - Cable providers transmit television signals, comprising audio and video data, directly to homes through a network of coaxial cables.
Reliability - Renowned for their reliability, coaxial cables ensure that viewers receive uninterrupted and crystal-clear signals, even in adverse weather conditions.
High Bandwidth - Coaxial cables boast the capacity to carry high-definition (HD) and ultra-high-definition (UHD) signals. This guarantees viewers sharp and detailed images for an enhanced viewing experience.
Two-way Communication - An essential feature of Coaxial Cables is their ability to facilitate interactive cable TV services. This includes video-on-demand (VOD) and pay-per-view (PPV). This is by enabling two-way communication between the viewer and the cable provider.
Compatibility with Set-Top Boxes - Set-top boxes, are vital for decoding and displaying cable TV signals. Set-top boxes connect to Coaxial Cables which act as the signal travels from the provider to the set-top box. This subsequently converts it into a format suitable for display on the television.
Modem Connectivity - Many cable TV systems offer internet services, and coaxial cables are fully compatible with cable modems. These modems utilise the same cable infrastructure to deliver high-speed internet access to households. In turn, this allows them to enjoy both cable TV and internet services through a single coaxial connection.

Coaxial Cables in Satellite Systems

Beyond TV/Satellite, Coaxial Cables also play a pivotal role in satellite systems. They ensure that households can access an array of channels and services.

Here's how these cables seamlessly integrate into satellite TV, alongside their compatibility with satellite dish installations:

Signal Reception - Satellite dishes, strategically mounted on rooftops or other suitable locations, capture signals from orbiting satellites. Coaxial cables then transmit these signals to the satellite receiver housed within the home.
Signal Quality - Coaxial cables are vital in maintaining the strength and integrity of signals. This ensures that the data received is high quality, and ideal for conversion into high-definition or standard-definition TV signals.
Versatility - These cables are impressively versatile, capable of carrying signals from multiple satellite receivers to various televisions within a household. This flexibility facilitates multi-room viewing, catering to the diverse preferences of family members.
Durable and Weather-Resistant - Satellites are often exposed to harsh environments, therefore cables in satellite systems are designed to be weather-resistant and durable. This ensures consistent performance, even in challenging environmental conditions.
Compatibility with Dish Installations - Coaxial cables are the backbone of satellite dish installations. They serve as the direct link between the satellite dish and the satellite receiver. These cables are designed to handle the frequencies for satellite signal transmission, which guarantees a seamless connection between the dish and the receiver.

In Summary:

The significance of Coaxial Cables in TV and Satellite Systems underscores their enduring importance in our modern world.

These unassuming cables operate modestly, guaranteeing the precise and reliable delivery of our beloved shows and channels to our screens.

As technology continues to advance, Coaxial Cables will continue to evolve, remaining a fundamental component of our entertainment infrastructure.

They seamlessly integrate with a variety of devices and installations, such as set-top boxes, modems, and satellite dishes.

For more information, get in touch with our friendly team!

Is Satellite Cable the Same as Coaxial?

Is Satellite Cable the Same as Coaxial? With so many different cables on the market, sometimes it’s easy to get mixed up! We’re often asked whether certain cables are the same, or if they can be used in place of another for the same application.In this guide, we’re here to break down satellite cables and coaxial cables – what they are, and whether they can be used for the same installations.What is Coaxial Cable?Coaxial cable, or coax cable as it is often known, is a type of cable that has two conductors sharing the same central axis. The conductors are surrounded by insulating shielding and sometimes braided metal mesh to prevent signal interference.There is a multitude of different types of coax cables, and each has its own electrical characteristics depending on the specifics of the core materials, sheathing type and other factors.Coaxial cables are sometimes sold with clear markings and identifiers on the seller’s website that can tell you exact what the cable is used for, but on other occasions you may need to do some deciphering from the code on the cable sheath to find out exactly what coax type the cable is.Is Satellite Cable the Same as Coaxial Cable?Essentially, they are the same thing, though coaxial cable could be considered more of the umbrella and satellite cable a category of cables under that umbrella – but that’s only if you define the cables by their use, not their type. Not every coax cable is a satellite cable, but most satellite cables are coaxial cables.Satellite coaxial cables are typically thicker than most ordinary coaxial cables, and can carry higher frequencies up to 2GHz or more, with impedance of 50 Ohms. Standard coax rarely goes above 1 GHz and has impedance of 75 Ohms.Can I Use Satellite Cable for TV Aerial?Satellite TV and aerial can use the same coaxial cable, but the connectors may need to be changed for the compatibility to match. The aerial connectors compatible with TVs and other devices are F-type connectors, which are not the same as satellite connectors.If you’re looking to change to an F-Type connector from a satellite connector, take a look at our handy guide.How To Change Satellite Connectors to F-Type ConnectorsRemove the connector and cable end from the satellite dish Remove the satellite connector from the coaxial cable with pliers Cut off about 12mm of the cable’s outer layer Bend back the braids and make sure none are left inside Remove the foil protection to reveal the final white foam layer Insert the coaxial cable into the F-connector Make sure the connector is tight and snip off any excess copper Insert the connector into your aerial You can also purchase a connector and adapter set that will do the same job.TV & Satellite Cable RecommendationsWe offer a wide range of TV and satellite coaxial cables here at Securi-Flex®.Our range includesCAI Platinum Coax Low Loss Coaxial Twin Low Loss Coaxial Low Loss Coax Extended Distance We would recommend all of these for TV and satellite applications, their cores and sheathings have all been designed for this purpose.For more information on TV and Satellite cables, get in touch with our dedicated team.

What Is Coaxial Cable Used For?

What Makes Up A Coaxial Cable?Coaxial cables are designed in a way that makes them the most suitable and efficient for their most common uses. The make-up of a coaxial cable is as follows:The core consists of an inner centre wire conductor A layer of insulating plastic is then wrapped around the core Wire mesh is then wrapped around the cable for added insulation The cable is finished in a rubber jackets or sheath, which prevents signal interference. Coaxial cables often feature sheaths that are UV, chemical, halogen and flame resistant as they’re commonly used in homes so need to be a safe choice for families. The ends of the coaxial cable will also feature a thin layer of copper that can be screwed into cable boxes and other receiving electronics.The multiple layers of coaxial cable often result in it producing a thick, round shape – usually, coaxial cables are available in black, white or brown.Coaxial Cable Uses & ApplicationsCoaxial cables are used predominantly for transmitting video, data and radio frequency signals, which is what makes them so great for use with TV and satellite connections. Traditionally, coax cables have been used to connect transmitters and receivers with antennas for cable television signals.The cables can be connected directly from the wall outlet to a television or cable box, making installation in the home easy even for beginners. They can also be used to connect VCRs to television sets, or connecting antennas to television sets too.Some common coaxial cable types include:RG6 Coaxial Cables – these are used primarily for television. Their impedance of 75 Ohm allows them to carry signals more efficiently. RG 11 Coaxial Cables – these cables are commonly used for HDTV purposes. Their high-quality signal translates to high-quality picture. RG59 Coaxial Cables – these cables are used mostly for CCTV systems as they can run over long distances and are easy to work with. RF Coaxial Cables – these are radio frequency cables and are the standard input cable for television – usually supplied with a pin, they can be plugged straight into the input on the device. Coaxial Cable Advantages & DisadvantagesAdvantagesCoaxial cables boast many advantages over other forms of transmission cables.They work well at high frequencies Can be used when there is poor attenuation Their shielding prevents interference They’re cost effective They can be cut to length, preventing any wasted cable from buying in bulk Transfer capacity of 10mbps These factors make them a great choice for common use in the home.DisadvantagesAlthough a great option, coaxial cables aren’t perfect for every installation. Some limitations of the cables that may make them unsuitable for certain projects include the following:The cables are bulky due to their many layers and cannot be made smaller.The coaxial screw for installation must match the unit – this can make installation and removal difficult and can require toolsOverall, the positives far outweigh the negatives, making coaxial cables a great cable for a wide variety of uses. For more information, get in touch with our friendly team, or explore our range of coaxial cables here.

TV and Satellite Coaxial Cable FAQs

There are always questions surrounding some of the most common types of cables. We’re here to break down and give you some insight and answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.What is the Best Satellite Cable?The best cable depends entirely on your specific use and which satellite TV service you use. For example. For example, RG6 cable is designed specifically for Virgin Media installations, whereas Twin Low Loss coaxial cables are designed for BSKYB - you would choose the cable specifically designed for your provider and installation, meaning no overall cable can technically be the best.What Type of Cable is Used for Satellite TV?Coaxial cable is predominantly used for connecting a satellite TV to the aerial.Is Coax Cable the Same as TV Cable?There are a number of different uses for coaxial cable, and satellite TV installations are just one of these. Coaxial cable is the umbrella term for a type of cable, and TV cables are one of the branches underneath this umbrella.What is Coaxial Cable for TV?Coaxial cable for TV is a cable that transmits radio frequency, audio and data signals to enable you to view picture, hear sound and tune your TV.What is Low Loss Coaxial Cable?Low loss cables deliver lower amounts of signal loss (or attenuation) in comparison to other TV and satellite cables. Their solid inner conductors and superior shielding help reduce interference and enhance performance.Which Coaxial Cable has the Least Amount of Signal Loss?Longer cables can often cause slightly more signal loss than shorter cables. High frequencies are also a culprit, so if you can lower both of these factors, there is a chance you can reduce your signal loss.What Causes Loss in Coax Cables?There are two main causes of loss in coaxial cables:Resistive loss: this is loss from the resistance of the conductors. It often happens when the current flowing in the conductors results in heat being dissipated.Dielectric loss: this is when the alternating electric field interacts with the insulating material and separated the central conductor from the surrounding shield.Can Coax Cables be Extended?Coaxial cables can be extended in order to span further distances.How Do You Extend Coax Cable?Coaxial cables can be extended using a specially made extender which joins two different lengths of cable.To extend your cable using this method, you can follow these steps:Disconnect all the connections to prevent yourself and your system from accidental damage. Prepare the coax - plug the first cable into the outlet where the connection is. Tighten this end to make the contact firm - you can do so with your finger or with pliers. Connect the other end of this cable to the coax extender. Now plug one end of the second length of cable into the extender too. Repeat this process as many times as you need, adding more cable and connectors until you reach the length of your connection. At the end of the connection, plug the other end of the second wire into your multimedia device. For more help or information, get in touch with our team.