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View Full Version : coaxial digital cable same as video RCA cable?

gychang
08-08-2008, 08:27 PM
I need to connect the hometheater receiver to DVD player, but no optical connection. Just "coaxial digital cable" plug.

1. can I use the old VHS - TV connection cable (has combination of red-white-yellow. RCA pair with video)?

thanks,

gychang
Cadillac Kid
08-08-2008, 08:31 PM
Coaxial Digital Cables are 75 ohms and usually have gold plated connectors. I would get one at Radio Shack and be done with it. In a pinch the standard RCA will work,
SpruceMoose
08-08-2008, 08:34 PM
it will work if the cable has a wide enough bandwidth to pass all the data. some will, some wont. try it and see.
whoaru99
08-08-2008, 09:06 PM
Actually, just about any cable with RCA ends will work over a short distance.

It is very common to use a video cable since it has the same recommended 75 ohm characteristic impedance and you don't dinged for the "digital" label.

Plain old RG-59 or RG-6 coaxial cable makes excellent cable for digital audio.
RichPA
08-09-2008, 02:32 AM
It certainly won't hurt to try the old video cable, but some of those that came with VCRs, etc., are not of very good quality. But give it a shot.
ShaneC
08-09-2008, 03:59 AM
Been there and done that. Works fine for me.
Markw
08-09-2008, 08:08 AM
Virtually any cable will pass a digital audio signal. It's only when you get into long runs that you might run into a problem. The best way to find out is to try what you currently have laying around.
whoaru99
08-09-2008, 08:12 AM
It's been demonstrated that a coat hanger (metal, of course) will work. I don't advocate it though because it's a bit unwieldy to work with and not well shielded. ;)
markn2wae
08-09-2008, 07:03 PM
An F-connector cable will work for video using 2 "F-to-RCA" adapters as both cables are rated for 75 Ohm impedance.

I recommend the crimp type of cable rather than the cheaper molded ends for longer runs, I have run digital\video\AC-3 signals at least 30 feet with no problems using quad shield RG-6 cable with the adapters.

If you choose to use "what you have around" and something is not working or working erratically, try another cable first.

Mark T.:banana:
whoaru99
08-09-2008, 08:46 PM
One thing is for sure, it doesn't seem to critical.

I'm using some Rat Shack video cables, and cheap ones at that, to go from my computer music server digital out, split two ways with a simple "Y" cable, then 25ft to my main system and 50ft to my bedroom system. No problems with drop outs, clicks, pops, etc.