Lay or extend TV cable - how it works
If you want to lay or extend your TV cable, you do not need a specialist. In our practical tip you will learn how you can easily get your cable to the desired length.
Extend TV cable - so it'll work
- With the coaxial cables that are used to transmit the television signal, you have to remove the insulation by about one centimeter. Then you see an inner conductor that you have to completely expose. You can use a cutter knife or a side cutter for stripping.
- The old connection on your receiver already has such an exposed inner conductor. This was attached to the receiver via an F plug. Because you already have a stripped cable, you only have to strip the new, longer piece of the cable.
- As soon as the two inner conductors are exposed, you can connect the cables with an F-connector. To do this, insert the stripped conductors into one side of the connector. To prevent them from slipping out of there, you should attach the cable to the connector with an insulating tape.
- Tip: If you have to buy a new coaxial cable for extension, you should pay attention to the electrical values. Resistance is particularly important, it should be between 65 and 75 ohms. Attenuation is just as important - the later quality of your television reception depends on it. For HD TV you should use a cable with an attenuation of at least 120 dB.
- Once you have attached the cables via the connector, you can cut the new cable to the desired length. Then strip the end again and use the F-connector to attach the cable to the receiver. The new cable should have the same outside diameter as the old one. The F plugs have certain inner diameters and therefore cannot accommodate every cable.
- Tip: Plan a little more cable length so that the cable does not hang up. If you have to attach the cable to your receiver via a corner, you should use an angle adapter for F plugs.
- It is best to route the cable loosely through a cable duct that you attach along the skirting boards or behind furniture on the wall. This allows you to extend or shorten the cable at any time.
3D television before the end? Samsung and LG back off
If there is no reception on your satellite receiver, there can be various reasons for this. In our next practical tip you will read what you can do if your satellite receiver does not receive a signal.