Looking for TV wiring help? It’s not uncommon to feel a little overwhelmed when it comes to all of the different cables involved with setting up your TV. At Gulf Coast Installations, we help many Floridians with the installation and setup of their televisions, audio systems, and entertainment systems. Sometimes we also get called in to help rewire entertainment systems when things go a little wrong with DIY. That’s why today we’re going to take a look at audio and video cables.
TV Wiring Help: Audio Video and Television Signal Cables
When it comes to TV wiring, there are a few different types of cable that you should be familiar with – audio-only cables, video only cables, and combination audio and video cables. The type of cable you need for your setup will depend on what you are connecting and the specific make and model of the item being connected and whether you are dealing with an analog or digital signal.
So, the first thing you need to do is to narrow down the type of cable that is best for your application by asking yourself a few questions:
Use
What will you be using your cable for? Does it need to be able to transmit both audio and video signals?
Length
What length of cable is going to be best for your needs? You don’t want a cable that’s stretched too tightly, but you also don’t want a cable that has feet of unused cable stacked in the corner either. Measure the distance you want to run the cable over and add a little wiggle room so that your cable isn’t pulled taught.
Budget
When you start shopping for audio and video cables, you will notice that prices can vary dramatically. This difference is due to the components that go into the cable. Different components result in a different quality of sound due to the conductive properties of the metal used. Common options include:
- Gold plated connectors
- Oxygen-free copper
- Silver
- Aluminum
Gold Plated Connectors
Gold is an expensive metal and when used in cabling, it’s used as a coating for connectors because otherwise, it would be cost-prohibitive. That said, gold is a poor conductor when compared to silver and copper, so it is not as popular as other cables that use better conductors.
Oxygen-Free Copper Connectors
Copper is the second most conductive metal which is why it is frequently used in audio cables. Compared to other conductive metals, copper provides a more balanced and warm audio experience.
Silver Connectors
Of all metals used in cabling, silver is the most conductive, and as such, it’s preferred by professionals. When used, silver creates a much brighter sound quality that is more present and less airy or echoey. Silver is extremely costly to use in cabling, however, so it’s not the prime candidate for the average person.
Aluminum Connectors
Aluminum is one of the most affordable options when it comes to cables which is why so many cheap cables on the market use aluminum. As you might expect, though, aluminum is not a great conductor and the quality of sound you get from this type of cable is going to lack clarity and the bright quality that you get from more conductive metals.
Other Options
There are a select few other options for conductive metals in cables but these are less frequently used. These include:
- Rhodium
- Nickel AKA naked brass
- Phosphorus bronze
- Beryllium copper
Comparing Cables
Once you have determined the specifics of the cable that you need, you are still faced with quite a large variety of choices of cable. So, how do you know which to choose in this situation?
Firstly, we recommend doing a little online research on each product that you are considering. See which is most highly recommended by reviewers who have purchased the cable. If there are negative reviews, pay attention to what those reviews say and how they compare to the majority opinion.
Secondly, we recommend talking to a pro. A professional is experienced with the different types of cables and with the reliability of different brand names, so their opinion can be very helpful when comparing multiple options.
Do You Need a Little Professional TV Wiring Help?
If you need professional installation and rewiring help with your TV and entertainment center, Gulf Coast Installations can help. Just give us a call today to set up an appointment with our skilled technicians at a time that’s convenient for you!
