View Full Version : From RG-59 to RG-6
jojogabosh
05-20-2006, 10:33 AM
I currently have RG-59 coax cable and want to know if my reception will improve if I switch to RG-6 cable. I have 1 1000 MgH 2 way splitter after cable comes in from outside and then one 3 way splitter 1000 MgH going to 3 TVs only one HD. All runs are fairly short <25 ft. Reception seems fine with current cable, but I am being fairly obsessive and want the best PQ possible. I am trying to resolve some grainy PQ issues and want to know if the cables would be causing this. I am fairly new to HD world and would appreciate any comments
thanx JJG
jojogabosh
05-20-2006, 11:26 AM
One more thing. From previous posts some people recommend RG-6. What does it clear up, what difference will I notice, what should I be looking for that might be an improvement over RG-59 cables that I am using?
JJG
On shorter runs like yours RG-59 should be fine. See the HDTV FAQs on "poor SD PQ" and "Cables/Splitters"
jojogabosh
05-20-2006, 12:46 PM
Thanks, am I correct in assuming that improvements would be to only analog channels and not digital channels. Digital you either have a signal or no signal.
JJG
mjones73
05-20-2006, 01:13 PM
Yes you are correct.
Splicer
05-23-2006, 09:15 AM
The difference between RG-59 and 6 is the RG6 can carry/transfer more information with less attenuation. Unlikely for less than 25' you wll see any difference in pic quality.
The thing that sticks with me is your comment that you are having problems with grain...initially it sounds like a signal level problem seeing as how you have a 2way (3.5db loss per leg) feeding a 3 way split (3.5 db loss 1 leg, 7db loss the remaining 2 legs) which in reality is 7db loss on 1 leg and 10,5db loss on the remaining 2 legs...thats a good chunk of signal loss especially if the signal is already low coming in.
The ONLY difference RG 6 would have over 59 is IF you have long runs of 59 you would have a higher loss of signal than if RG6 was used...but under 25' you are looking at fractional losses that really should make no difference.
My advice would to be to have the cable co come out and get some signal level readings to verify you are getting the correct signal level. If signal is adequate then check/change all fittings (connectors) as that would be the next logical course of action. You can have connectors that 'look' perfect but still be bad.
Hope this helps.
