RG6 and RG59 cables are two of the most commonly used types of coaxial cable. Both cables can be used for many different types of applications, including transmitting audio and video signals over a wide variety of distances. While both are very similar in general design, there are some key differences between them that make them suitable for different applications.
RG6 VS RG59
What Does RG Mean?
RG stands for Radio Guide and is used to denote different types of coaxial cables. The number that follows the RG designation indicates the type of cable. The larger the number, the thicker the center conductor is, and therefore, generally speaking, higher frequencies can be carried with less signal loss.
What Is RG6 Cable?
RG6 is a type of coaxial cable, also referred to as “coax,” that is designed to transmit audio and video signals. It has an inner conductor made from copper, which is surrounded by insulating material and then shielded with aluminum or copper braid. This shielding helps reduce external interference and signal loss.
What Is RG59 Cable？
RG59 is another type of coaxial cable, similar to RG6. It also has an inner copper conductor which is surrounded by insulating material and shielded with aluminum or copper braid. However, the conductor used in RG59 cables is thinner than that used in RG6 cables, resulting in higher signal loss over longer distances.
Are RG6 And RG59 Connectors The Same?
– No, RG6 and RG59 connectors are not the same. RG6 cables use F-type connectors, while RG59 cables typically use BNC connectors. F-type connectors are more popular for consumer applications and can provide a better connection than BNC connectors.
Advantages Of Using RG6 Cables:
- Low signal loss
- High frequency range & bandwidth
- Better shielding against interference
- Compatible with different connectors
Advantages Of Using RG59 Cables:
- Low cost and easy to install, especially over short distances.
- Available in multiple shield types and sizes.
Disadvantages Of Using RG59 Cables:
- Lower frequency range and bandwidth.
- Signals tend to attenuate faster over longer distances.
Disadvantages Of Using RG6 Cables:
- Costly compared to other types of cables, plus more difficult to install since it has complex shielding methods.
Comparison Of RG6 vs RG59
| PROPERTY | RG6: | RG59 |
| Cable Type | Coaxial | Coaxial |
| Impedance: | 75 Ohm | 75 Ohm |
| Frequency Range: | 5MHz to 3GHz | 0.5 MHz to 1 GHz |
| Conductor Gauge: | 18 AWG | 20 AWG |
| Shielding | Quad shield or Tri shield | Single / Dual / Triple shield (depending on variant) |
| Dielectric Foam: | Solid Foil | Airspaced / Foam Filled |
| Outer Jacket | PVC | PVC |
| Signal Loss & Quality: | High bandwidth and low signal loss, making it the better choice for transmitting HDTV signals. | Low frequency range & higher signal loss – not suitable for TV or HD/UHD video transmission. Recommended mostly for CCTV systems within short distances of up to 200 feet. |
| Cost: | Generally costs more than RG59. | Cheaper, so better if low distance (up to 200ft) signal transmission is required on a budget. |
| Bandwidth: | Can support up to 18GHz bandwidth, making it suitable for HDTV & UHD applications. | Supports limited bandwidth of 1 GHz, so not suited for HD/UHD transmission. |
| Attenuation: | Low attenuation as compared to RG59. | Higher attenuation of signal, resulting in weaker signals over longer distances. |
| Lengths: | Normally available in 1000ft and 500ft lengths, although custom lengths can also be ordered. | Mostly available in 500ft and 250ft lengths, but custom lengths can still be requested from the manufacturer. |
RG6 Vs RG59: Which To Choose?
RG6 is the preferred choice for most applications that require reliable connection and transmission of signals, especially in HD/UHD applications. If a short-distance signal run is needed, then RG59 would be a more economical option than RG6. For strong interference protection and longer runs, RG6 is the better choice overall.
Applications
For TV Antenna:
– RG6: Recommended for long distance (more than 200ft) signal transmissions.
– RG59: Not recommended as it has low frequency range and higher signal loss.
For CCTV Systems:
– RG6: Not suitable due to expensive cost unless being used for HD/UHD video transmission over a long distance.
– RG59: Suitable for low cost transmission within a short distance (up to 200ft).
For Digital TV:
– RG6: Recommended for HD/UHD video transmission over a long distance.
– RG59: Not suitable due to low frequency range and higher signal loss.
For CCTV Cameras:
– RG6: Not suitable due to its expensive cost, but can be used for HD/UHD video transmission over a long distance.
– RG59: Suitable for low cost signal transmissions within a short distance (up to 200ft).
For Outdoor Or Burial:
– RG6: Recommended for outdoor or underground installation due to its quad/tri shielding and solid foil dielectric.
– RG59: Not recommended as it is less durable.
FAQs
Are RG6 The Universal Coaxial Cable Good For Most Applications?
Yes, RG6 cable is the universal coaxial cable that is suitable for most applications due to its high frequency range and bandwidth. It is also better shielded against outside noise interference, making it reliable even over longer distances.
Is RG59 Suitable For All Applications?
No, while RG59 can be used in some applications, it is not suitable for HDTV/UHD applications. This is because it has a limited bandwidth of 1 GHz and higher signal attenuation, resulting in weaker signals over longer distances.
Is RG6 More Durable Than RG59?
Yes, RG6 is more durable than RG59 due to its quad or tri-shield design, which provides better protection against external interference. It is also more resistant to outdoor and underground installation due to its solid foil dielectric layer.
RG59 – An Old-Fashioned Cable Still Used For Radio Antennas. Why?
Yes, RG59 is still used for radio antennas due to its low cost and easy installation. It is also available in multiple sizes, meaning it can be fitted in different applications depending on the type of antenna being used.
What To Look For In A Cable For Radio Antennas?
- Low cost.
- Easy to install.
- Variety of sizes and shield types are available.
- High-frequency range and bandwidth for reliable radio transmission over longer distances.
- Shielding against noise interference, providing better signal quality.
Can I Use RG59 Instead Of RG6?
In some cases, you can use RG59 instead of RG6. This is especially true if the signal run is only a short distance (up to 200ft) and if there is low interference protection needed. However, for HDTV/UHD applications, it is recommended to use RG6 due to its higher frequency range and bandwidth.
Is RG6 Digital Or Analog?
RG6 is an analog cable that is designed to transmit signals from a source to a destination without any digital conversion. It has a frequency range of up to 3GHz, allowing it to carry more information and provide better signal quality than its digital counterpart, RG59.
Is It Necessary To Use Shielding For Radio Antennas?
Yes, it is necessary to use shielding when using radio antennas.
Can I Use The Same Coax Cable For Tv And Internet?
No, it is not recommended to use the same coax cable for TV and internet as they require different types of cables.
Is Rg59 Coax Good Enough For 1080P Channels?
No, RG59 coax is not suitable for 1080p channels due to its low-frequency range and higher signal attenuation. It is recommended to use RG6 cable instead for HD/UHD video transmission over a long distance.
Do I Need An Amplifier If Using RG6?
It depends on the length of the cable run, as well as the amount of interference present. In general, if the cable run is more than 200ft in length or if there is high interference, then it is recommended to use an amplifier along with the RG6 cable.
Can I Use RG59 For Satellite TV?
No, due to its limited frequency range and higher signal attenuation, it is not recommended to use RG59 for satellite TV. It is better to use RG6 coax cable, which has a higher frequency range and provides better signal quality over long distances.
Is RG6 Waterproof?
Yes, as long as the connectors are properly sealed, RG6 coax can be used in outdoor environments and will remain waterproof. It is also more resistant to underground installation due to its solid foil dielectric layer.
Is RG59 Waterproof?
No, RG59 is not waterproof and should be used indoors only. It does not have the same type of shielding as RG6 so it will not provide the same level of protection against external interference or moisture.
Can I Use Both RG6 and RG59 Coax Cables In The Same Application?
Yes, you can use both RG6 and RG59 in the same application as long as they are both compatible with the device. However, it is important to remember that RG6 offers better signal quality and protection than RG59.
Can I Use A Combination Of Coax Cables For Radio Antennas?
Yes, you can use a combination of coax cables for radio antennas. For example, you can use RG59 for shorter runs and RG6 for longer or more complex antenna systems. The type of cable used will depend on the application and environment as well as the signal requirements.
Is Satellite Cable the Same As Tv Cable?
No, satellite cable is different from TV cable. Satellite cable typically has a higher frequency range and bandwidth for better signal transmission over longer distances. It is also usually more expensive than TV cables.
Are All RG6 Coax Cables The Same?
No, not all RG6 coax cables are the same. Different manufacturers will use different materials and designs in their cables, which can affect the performance of the cable. It is important to choose a cable that is suited for your application and environment.
Conclusion
Overall, when comparing both cables, RG6 is the better choice for high-quality and long-distance signal transmission due to its wider frequency range, higher bandwidth, and lower signal attenuation. It is especially suitable for HDTV and UHD applications, while RG59 is better suited for low-distance signal transmission due to its cost-effectiveness and still acceptable quality within short distances of up to 200 feet.
