Differences in coaxial cable construction

î CATV cable construction

Broadband CATV (or MATV) signals typically use a series 59 or series 6 type coaxial cable, or drop cable. These cables use either a copper or a CCS center conductor. The dielectric is always a foamed insulation. The shield construction is always an aluminum foil + aluminum braid.

 

They are designed for above 50MHz, with high strength, low weight and low cost the primary factors. Cables used in outdoor environments typically utilize a polyethylene jacket material. The distribution trunk cable is series 11 type or larger typically hard-line cable utilizing a corrugated copper outer conductor.

î CCTV cable construction

CCTV cable is based upon standard RG-type designs, utilizing copper conductors. The dielectric is either a foamed or solid insulation. The shield construction is always a high percentage copper braid. These cables are not typically associated with an industry standard, so there are much variation among available designs. Typical cables specify nominal electrical values only.

 

î PRO Video cable construction

PRO video cables are loosely based upon the standard RG-type designs, utilizing copper conductors. The dielectric is either a foamed or solid insulation. The shield construction is always an aluminum foil + high percentage tinned copper braid.

 

They are designed for maximum bandwidth, minimum return loss, and minimum attenuation loss. The cable are very tight requirements on all electrical attributes and are used for both analog and digital video in broadcast, post-production, and other critical video application.