Antenna cables connect a TV, set-top box or recorder to an aerial socket or antenna, and suit anyone replacing a worn lead or moving a TV to a new spot. The small range here covers coaxial antenna leads from HAMA, INLINE and LIBOX, in lengths from 1.5 m to 5 m.
How to choose an antenna cable
Length. Measure the route from the wall socket to the TV, including any detour behind furniture, and add a little slack. Our range includes 1.5 m and 5 m cables: the shorter one suits a TV placed next to the socket, the longer one a set across the room. Avoid buying far more than you need, because every extra metre adds a small amount of signal loss.
Connectors. Most aerial leads for TVs have a coaxial plug at one end and a socket or plug at the other, so check the connectors on the TV, the decoder and the wall plate before ordering. If a plug meets a plug where a socket is needed, you will have to buy an adapter. Satellite equipment uses a different screw-on F connector.
Shielding. A cable with a braided screen, often combined with foil, blocks more interference from mains cables, routers and mobile phones. This matters most when the lead has to run alongside power cables, since interference shows up as pixelation or dropouts on digital channels.
Signal type. Antenna cables for TV are normally 75 ohm coaxial cables. A lead made for aerial TV is not automatically suited to satellite frequencies, so read the product description if you are connecting a dish. An HDMI or audio cable cannot take the place of an antenna cable.
Antenna cable brands we carry
- HAMA: a German accessory maker known for AV cables, adapters and TV mounts, so its antenna leads sit alongside matching connection accessories.
- INLINE: a German brand known for computer, network and AV connection cables, often chosen for straightforward replacement leads.
Also in our range: LIBOX.
Antenna cable FAQ
What cable do I need to connect a TV to an aerial?
You need a coaxial antenna cable with plugs that match your TV and your wall socket. Check the connector at each end before buying, as a mismatch means an extra adapter. Measure the distance to the socket so the length is right.
How long can an antenna cable be?
There is no single fixed limit, but signal loss increases with length. Household connections are usually short, and cables of 1.5 m to 5 m, as in our range, cover most living room layouts. For much longer runs, a well-shielded cable or a signal amplifier is worth considering.
Does a better antenna cable improve picture quality?
It can, but only when interference or a weak connection is the problem. Digital TV either decodes cleanly or breaks up, so better shielding helps if you see pixelation near other cables or devices. If the signal from the aerial is poor to begin with, a new lead will not fix it.
Can I use an antenna cable for satellite TV?
Not always. Satellite dishes normally use coaxial cable with F connectors, designed for higher frequencies than terrestrial TV. A standard aerial lead with TV plugs will often not fit directly, so check that the cable description states satellite use.
