Is there a huge difference between using RG6 vs. RG59 for running interconnects like component, composite, etc.. If so which is better and why. Thanks in advance.

BOZ

If you rephrase your question to is there "a noticible difference", the short answer is no. The long answer depends on the length of the runs.

RG59 will have more signal loss than RG6, but short runs (<20') shouldn't be a problem. The longer you go, the more loss you have.

SamG

I'd like to add that the frequencies involved also matter; i.e., the higher the frequency, the greater the loss/distance difference.

For audio and video, there's very little difference for most reasonable distances.

Larry
www.fineelectricco.com

If you use RG 6 for interconnects make sure you use a cable with a solid copper core.

Why not use RG540
It's loss rate at 1ghz is 0.5 db for every 100 feet

Which reminds me of another difference. RG6 is physically fatter than RG59 in most cases. Nothin' like 540 though!

A guitar?

Your funny

Check out (QR 540 Cable) AKA RG540. It's what the cable company pulls down the street. Its a Thick cable with a 12 or 14 gage solid copper core. When you work on estate home with pull's over 1000 feet... you have to learn these things. HDTV and I were just having a little fun...

Speak for yourself TheatreInstaller. I don't see anything fun about having to deal with 540. It weighs a zillion pounds per spool and it costs a fortune. But it does solve some problems on larger properties with lots of TVs.

I'd much rather strap on the Ibanez! :)

The major differences are that, as mentioned, there is RG6 that is not solid copper; that should be avoided.

Other than that, most RG6 is intended for use with crimp-on F connectors, and it uses aluminum foil and shield, or two of each, to keep RF interference out of the cable. If you do not have RCA or BNC connectors that can crimp to this, you will have to use F connectors and adaptors. The F part of the adaptor almost certainly means a free service call down the line when the connection fails!

If you can get RG6 with solid copper and copper shielding, then you can solder it to RCAs and BNCs...if there are any made for wire that large.

In practical terms, consider this: I quit using RG59 for antenna systems in 1985 because we were starting to use UHF as well as VHF. I went to RG6. I still will use RG59 for FM (at 100 mHz) runs of up to a hundred feet.

Since video is so much lower in frequency, the loss characteristics have less effect; they also have less effect for shorter runs. Use RG59 with copper shield and you will do well.

try mit silver rg59. silver clad core and mit makes great end for ir, rca, bnc, etc