[jsmith99]

I've moved a VCR from the sitting room to a bedroom. That was when I discovered that the TV aerial, in the sitting room, wouldn't reach the TV's aerial socket!

I've managed to get it to reach by moving the (22" CRT ) TV to a not very good position. However, tomorrow I'm having a new 32" LCD Freeview HD set delivered, and I'm not sure the aerial will reach the socket.

I have a choice of two aerial extension leads:

1) Thick cable, male to male, with a female/female adaptor on one end. Plastic covered, with silver braid and a single wire core inside (one connector slides off fairly easily). A bit of googling shows this might be an RG-59 cable...or it might not. We found this while clearing out some cupboards, so I have no idea how old it is.

2) Thin black cable, rubber covered, currently connecting aerial output socket of VCR to the TV. It's been attached to the VCR for at least 10 years.

Looking at websites which sell them, both seem to be referred to as aerial coax cables, or sometimes "fly leads"

1) Is one of these better than the other to act as an aerial extension?

2) Could it be that the aerial output signal of a VCR is different to an aerial input signal, and so needs a different cable?

3) Would I be better to buy a new extension cable; if so, which type?

Note that it has to be an extension cable; the TV aerial comes down the wall inside a panel, and comes out at the bottom as a cable without a connector. Hence the original cable has to stay as it is.

Thanks in advance for any replies.

[Dr.OliverTwich]

I'd go for the 10-yr old vcr to tv fly-lead.

The cable with 'the connector that slides off easily' needs to be re-terminated properly before using it.... the connectors should be almost impossible to remove.

[spiney2]

Try them both. Whatever works ........

Normal "tv coax" is designed for UHF frequencies from a tv aerial, ie, 400-900 MHz. It's "fairly useless" for satelite.

"Satellite" coax has "reasonably lower loss" up to 2 GHz, for connecting to an lnb. Satellite cable has a solid foil screen - as well as a mesh - and the dielectric is different too (so it's more expensive!). If running co-ax inside a house, it's advisable to use this type of cable, especially if using "tv eye" .........

The "satellite cable" sold in DIY stores is "indoor interconnect" rg6, fine indoors, but NOT waterproof and not suitable for outdoors ......

(added) Because DTT is "broken" - it doesn't work properly - "standard practise" with aerial installation is now to use satellite cable - usually ct100 - even for tv aerials (to reduce impulsive interference). However, if you were previously getting Freeview ok with no problems, any you're not using "eye link", then the cheaper co-ax SHOULD be ok!

[jsmith99]

Thanks, Oliver. I'll use the vcr lead, and use the thick one to link the old TV upstairs to the VCR...it doesn't get used very much.

And spiney2.....do I take it that 'normal "TV coax"' ' is the thick lead, and "satellite coax" is the thin one? I've looked at satellite coax on Amazon, and the pictures seem to be of both types.

I'm afraid I don't know whether my DTT is broken, nor do I know whether I have "eye link", because I haven't the slightest idea what they are.

I haven't had Freeview before, so obviously I want the best connection I can get. I've been on virginmedia V+ for a number of years now, and I'm keeping this, on a reduced package, for Gold, the recording facility and catch-up TV.

Please don't think I'm ungrateful for your advice, I'm very grateful....it's my own fault I don't understand it

PS Since both the leads are old, I'm happy to go and buy a new one....I just need to be sure that I get the correct type.

[Chris Frost]

jsmith99,
Coax for TV and satellite uses can come in a variety of sizes, but the two main ones for domestic installation are RG6 sized (the thicker cable) and RG59 sized (the thinner one). Fly leads that come free in the box or that you might buy in a packet at the supermarket or local electronics store could be anything from half decent to pretty naff, so I wouldn't use them as a guide to size or quality.

RG6 sized cables are what is commonly used as aerial down lead from the roof to your livingroom. The old brown crappy TV coax was an RG6 size. Happily there are better grades of RG6 sized cable, and most of us in the aerial trade use satellite grade cable for everything. Unfortunately the old style TV coax is still available in builders merchants and on Eblag. You'd be surprised how many 1/2 million pound+ homes are wired with that cheap rubbish.

[spiney2]

If it works, that's what u want!

Oldest type tv coax is from the band1/3 days, before UHF. Suitable only up to 400 MHz.

Current stuff is UHF suitable, for 300-900 MHz.

Satellite cable additionally needs to work at "sat if" frequency, which is 1000-2000 MHz, but is also usable for terrestrial tv as above! This "does everything", but is more expensive.

[jsmith99]

I've been in this house for 33 years, and the aerial and cable were here before me, so I'm beginning to think that it doesn't matter too much what type of cable I use as an extension....I only need less than a metre.

Added to which, I'm about 10 miles from Crystal Palace as the crow flies, though I don't know where the traansmitter is. I think that's reasonably close for reception purposes....isn't it?

[jsmith99]

Right, TV was delivered and set up. Using the original aerial lead only, the set was at right angles to where we wanted it. I took out the lead and added the thick extension lead. Put it back in the set - and I've got a brilliant picture.

Thanks for all the answers to my questions.