Entertainment Center: TVs, Stereos, VCRs and DVDs - Component video cables: RG6 vs RG59?

I am looking to buy a short (~6') length of component video cable for my LCD TV (1080p). I see one that is RG59/U (http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10235&cs_id=1023501&p_id=320&seq=1&format=2), and another that cost 4 times as much that is RG6.

I hate to scrimp after spending >$1,000 on a TV, but I'm not sure if the "premium" will be worth the extra money.

Any opinions out there?

Thanks,
Guy

Just use the cheapest set you can find at the big box stores and you will be fine.RG59 and RG6 are cable < for wiring your home >types not component cables.

You shouldn't be using 59 anymore. It is pretty much obsolete for any kind of installation. RG6 is used for cable, satellite, and SDI. A 6 foot RG6 patch cord should cost less than $10. There is no reason to pay for any kind of "premium" cable, including that gold-tipped junk.

You shouldn't be using 59 anymore. It is pretty much obsolete for any kind of installation.

Thanks. I'll stick with the RG6. By the way, what is the stuff the cable company provides with their STB? I have a short lenght of component cable they gave me with an HD box, but the cable specs are not marked? The picture seems OK, but should I be looking to upgrade them?

Thanks,
Guy

The cable provided with a STB could be 59 'cause it's cheaper than 6.

Curious, though, why you're calling it component? Component commonly referes to the red, green, and blue RCA cables that carry analog component signals between devices.

Curious, though, why you're calling it component? Component commonly referes to the red, green, and blue RCA cables that carry analog component signals between devices.

The wires I need are the 5 wires with RCA jacks that carry video and audio from my STB to my LCD TV. A 3 wire bundle (red, green and blue) carry video and a 2 wire bundle (red and white) carry audio. I thought that the 3 wire bundle are called component cable. Is that incorrect?

Just use the cheapest set you can find at the big box stores and you will be fine.RG59 and RG6 are cable < for wiring your home >types not component cables.

If you look close at some Component cables
(reg, blue, green) they will be marked rg6 or
rg59, they just have rca plugs.
I've used both with good results, even used made up rg6 with f-connectors crimped on and rca adapters screwed on.

Now here's the strange thing we tried last friday: took 3 sets of composite video cables and used the three video rg59(yellows) for the
red, green, and blue and it didn't work. wil test some more today.

to the OP: if component rg59 works - you do not need to upgrade to a higher priced cable,
if it works , it WORKS!

fred

In most cases you can use regular RCA cables (whether it is red/white audio cables, yellow video cables, or even car audio patch cables) in place of component cables.

You are correct...component cables are the three cables (red, green, and blue marked) for video.


Usually RG6 and RG59 refer to coaxial cable used by regular basic or satelite TV services.

RCA audio cables are designed to handle 20kHz of bandwidth. RCA baseband video cables (composite, S-video and component) are designed to handle about 6MHz of bandwidth. RG cables are designed to handle over 2GHz of bandwidth.

Use the right cabling for the job and you'll insure good quality.

RG cables are designed to handle over 2GHz of bandwidth.

Which RG type cable handles 2 Ghz? Or, did you mean that either can handle 2 GHz?

Both will handle up to 3.5GHz, actually. All RG cable is designed to convey radio-frequency transmissions. The main difference between 59 and 6 is the distance at which each will carry the full bandwidth. Attenuation is greater at higher frequencies than it is at lower frequencies. A 3.5GHz signal on 59 is attenuated by 17dB. It's only 13dB for RG6.

This isn't an issue at 3 feet with a chunk of 59 or 6 between your VCR and TV, but at 100 feet this attenuation can come into play, especially with satellite and digital cable.