RG6 Cable: The 75 Ohm Standard for Video and Broadband
A single type of cable carries satellite, terrestrial television, cable broadband and audio to a subwoofer. The reason is that all of them are 75 ohm systems.
Quick Answer
| Attribute | RG6 | RG59 |
|---|---|---|
| Impedance | 75 ohm | 75 ohm |
| Centre conductor | About 1 mm copper clad steel or solid copper | Thinner stranded |
| Attenuation at high frequency | Lower | Higher |
| Typical use | Satellite, cable, MoCA, long runs | Short analogue video runs |
| Bend radius | Stiffer | More flexible |
RG6 is the right default for anything modern. RG59 remains adequate for short analogue runs and patch cords.
Construction and Variants
Centre conductor
Copper clad steel is stronger and suits aerial installations; solid copper conducts better.
Dielectric
Foam dielectric gives lower loss than solid polyethylene, which is why most modern cable is foam filled.
Shielding
From single foil to quad shield, which combines foil and braid layers. More shielding matters in electrically noisy environments and for satellite or broadband signals.
Plenum and outdoor ratings
Special jackets exist for air handling spaces and for UV and moisture exposure.
Connectors and Installation
F type connectors
The standard for television and satellite. Compression fittings outperform twist on ones and are the professional choice.
Preparation
Strip carefully, avoid nicking the centre conductor and make sure no braid strands touch it.
Bend radius
Kinking changes the impedance locally, which shows as signal problems at specific frequencies.
Length
Attenuation increases with length and frequency. For satellite and broadband, keep runs as short as practical and use a suitable cable grade.
Real-World Applications
- Satellite dish to receiver.
- Cable broadband entry to a modem.
- Terrestrial aerial distribution.
- Subwoofer line level connection.
Related Guides
For subwoofer use, read subwoofer RCA cables. For line level stereo, see RCA to 3.5mm. For speaker level wiring, start with speaker wire gauge.
FAQ
Is RG6 better than RG59?
For modern services yes, because it has lower loss at high frequencies.
Do I need quad shield?
For satellite and cable broadband in a noisy environment it helps. For short indoor runs, standard shielding is usually fine.
Can I use RG6 for audio?
Yes, for line level and subwoofer connections, since both are 75 ohm systems.
Why does my signal drop on some channels?
Often a poor connector, a kinked cable, or a run that is too long for the frequency in use.