Antenna and analog AV cables connect TVs, set-top boxes, satellite receivers, DVD players and older games consoles, and suit anyone keeping legacy equipment in use. The main types are coaxial antenna cables, composite RCA, component video, SCART and S-Video leads. No products are listed here at the moment, so the guidance below is general.
How to choose antenna and analog AV cables
Connector type. Check the sockets on both devices before anything else. Antenna cables normally end in an F-type or a Belling-Lee (IEC) plug, while analog AV leads use RCA, SCART or mini-DIN connectors, and the wrong plug simply will not fit.
Signal type. Composite carries the whole picture on one yellow RCA plug and gives the softest image. S-Video separates brightness from colour, and component video splits the picture into three signals (red, green and blue plugs) for a cleaner result. If both devices have component sockets, use them in preference to composite.
Cable length. Buy the length you need, with a little slack for the bend at each plug. Analog signals weaken and pick up interference over distance, so a very long lead often gives a noisier picture than a short one.
Shielding and build. Good shielding keeps out interference from power cables and routers, which shows up as ghosting, lines or a snowy picture. For antenna runs, a coaxial cable with a solid copper core and a dense braid or foil screen holds the signal better, and gold-plated plugs help mainly by resisting corrosion.
Compatibility with digital equipment. Most modern TVs have few or no analog inputs. If you want to connect an analog source to an HDMI-only screen, you will need a separate converter box in addition to the cables, as a plain adapter plug does not convert the signal.
Brands and what to look for
- Branded AV accessory makers: usually publish the cable type, conductor material and shielding, so you can compare leads on facts rather than packaging.
- Specialist antenna cable makers: often supply coaxial cable with a stated screening quality, which matters most on long runs to a roof aerial or dish.
- Unbranded and generic leads: are common for short composite and RCA connections, where signal loss over a metre or two is small.
No brands are shown for this category at the moment, so check the product listings as items are added.
Frequently asked questions about antenna and analog AV cables
What is the difference between composite and component video cables?
Composite sends the entire video signal through a single yellow plug, while component splits it into three signals carried on red, green and blue plugs. Component keeps colour and brightness apart, so the picture is sharper and has less colour bleed. Both usually need separate red and white plugs for stereo audio.
Can I connect an analog AV cable to an HDMI TV?
Only if the TV has analog inputs or you use a converter. An analog to HDMI converter box changes the signal into a digital one, and it normally needs a power supply. A cable with an RCA plug on one end and an HDMI plug on the other will not work on its own.
What is a coaxial antenna cable used for?
A coaxial antenna cable carries the broadcast signal from a TV aerial, wall socket or satellite dish to a TV, decoder or receiver. It has a central copper core surrounded by insulation and a metal screen that blocks interference. Matching the connector at each end, usually F-type or Belling-Lee, is the key point when buying.
Does a more expensive analog AV cable give a better picture?
Not always, because analog quality depends mainly on the signal type and the source. Moving from composite to component makes a visible difference, whereas a costlier composite lead changes little over short distances. Better shielding is worth paying for on longer runs or where cables pass close to power leads.
