Antenna Cables, what you need to know!

Uninterrupted power supply coupled with strong signals is the sole aim of any superior quality antennas. To help boost the strength of the antenna, antenna cables are used. Almost every other day a new product is initiated in the market which leaves behind the old redundant technology. This also holds true for antenna cables. The mere name of antenna cables conjures up an image of a giant steel grill attached to a black and white tube TV. But in a broad sense antenna cables are used in a wide array of antennas viz., tv antennas, rod based antennas, indoor and outdoor antennas, mobile phone and car antennas.

One of the foremost purposes of any antenna cable is to deliver a good international quality level output. As far as television signals are concerned these are distributed by way of coaxial or fibre-optic cables with antenna cables playing a vital role in transmitting the signals.

History behind Antenna Cables.

The history of pioneering antenna cables goes back to cable-TV systems which were introduced in the United States roughly in the 1940’s. The exclusive plan of introducing such a system was to enhance the reception of commercial and military networks, broadcasting systems in remote and hilly areas; through the application of antenna cables. With the passage of time during 1960s cable television systems was usurped in large metropolitan areas in an effort to improve the reception quality which was hindered by tall buildings.

Types of Antenna Cables.

Normally there are two types of major antennas which are utilized for cellular radio transmissions viz., Omni-directional and directional. Omni-directional antennas broadcast radio waves of identical strength in all directions and receive signals from all directions as well through the use of antenna cables, whereas directional antennas broadcast and receive signal strength only in one direction. These cables come in various shapes and sizes. For example, low-loss antenna cables recommend low loss at 2.4 GHz and come with reverse SMA connectors and a proffer standard connection which is being used in WLAN antennas.

RF or “F” type connectors which are attached to the coaxial cable are usually the oldest means of television signal transmissions.  It is through RF cables that both audio and video signals are combined into a single wire pair.  Unfortunately RF cables suffer heavy quality loss across great distances.

Then there are composite cables which are a triple wire pair of micro coaxial cables they contain RCA type connectors on each end.  They are usually color coded and come in yellow, red and white to provide a standard color code of understanding within audio and video enhancements.

Use of Antenna Cables today.

Now-a-days Digital Video Interface (DVI) and High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) cables are being used by HD televisions which contain the highest quality cables. Both cables have indistinguishable video superiority, HDMI signals have been known to transmit superior quality audio levels comparatively.

Antenna Cables buying tips:

• Ensure antenna cables are hand crafted and are waterproof.
• They bear the exclusive guarantee
• Make sure the cables come with a type N-Male connector.
• Choose the cable length aptly, did you know when you coil cables you get signal loss.
• Choose gold plated connectors for best quality signal strength.

About the Author

Sophie Milch currently manages purchasing and inventory control for Comnauts.com. Sophie keeps herself busy by making sure our inventory is filled with quality products, the latest and the greatest. Sophie holds a B.Sc. in Mathematics from the University of Waterloo and is frequent contributor to several technology blogs and magazines. When she’s not working; in typical nerd fashion you can catch Sophie twittering friends, beating down Murlocs in World of Warcraft and watching re-runs of the X-files.