Despite the fact that the market is constantly replenished with various technologies that improve video and audio equipment, there are traditional devices that do not require upgrades and provide good signal transmission. One of these technologies is the TV socket. In order for it to work normally, you need to figure out how to install a television outlet, how to connect a television cable to the outlet, and in what sequence all operations should be performed.
How to choose a TV outlet
Modern TVs are versatile and functional devices that transmit a video signal and are a separate part of multimedia systems. You can watch hundreds of TV channels, videos, photographs, use the Internet, and also connect game consoles to them.
At the same time, due to the heavy load exerted on the router while the TV is running, a wireless connection is far from the most reliable option, so many people prefer to use the classic version - a standard socket for an antenna.
The choice of modules that can be built into the wall is quite extensive. The most common brands are Schneider Electric, IEK, Gira and Legrand. Products manufactured by these manufacturers are distinguished by thoughtful appearance, use of durable materials, and ease of installation.
Television equipment is installed a little differently in comparison with standard electric points, and therefore it must be approached competently. Even sockets and cables, which are the main components, are different here.
There are different options for the design of the socket for the antenna cable, even among models from a certain manufacturer, but the operation of the device does not have any fundamental differences.
Before connecting the antenna outlet, you should figure out what types are on the market and how to make a choice in a given situation. In order not to experience difficulties in the available modifications, manufacturers mark three main categories:
- simple;
- terminal;
- checkpoints.
The category names are fully consistent with the functionality of each device.
When making a standard circuit using a single self-operating module, a simple socket is required. It has fundamental differences from the terminal, and therefore, when visiting a store, you should indicate the type of device you need.
If there is one TV in the room, to which you need to bring a single cable, this scheme option is the only solution. If there are several appliances in the house, but they work through a standard splitter, simple sockets can also be used.
The design of the bushing is significantly different. This antenna outlet is more like a T-piece with two parallel outputs and a single input. The outputs have different purposes: one of them connects a video device to the TV, and the second is for a cable that connects to another TV or a loop-through socket. In this case, the scheme with pass-through modules always provides for the use at the end of the terminal socket.
If a large number of loop-through modules are used in a chain, this can negatively affect the signal strength. To avoid this problem, it is recommended to use no more than four pieces.
What is the difference between the antenna cable
To ensure a good TV connection, in addition to choosing the right outlets, you should purchase a coaxial cable. Unlike a simple two-core or three-core wire, such a cable uses a single core through which a television signal is transmitted, as well as a protective screen that protects the flow from exposure to electromagnetic fields.
Visually, it looks like a thick elastic wire with a round cross-section, which in most cases is surrounded by black or white PVC insulation. When installing the cable indoors, it makes no difference what color the outer insulation has.
As an example, there are several of the most common types of cable that are used when laying wires under plaster or other types of finishes:
- RG-6 (also suitable for outdoor installation);
- SAT 50;
- RG-11.
When buying a cable, you should pay special attention to the strength of its sheath. If the product will be delivered to the place of use on its own, during transportation, you should try not to bend it, as you can break the integrity of the braid.
Connection diagrams
Two standard connection schemes are used - serial (which is also called "loop") and parallel ("star"). There are also several other laying technologies, but they are all different variations and combinations of the two solutions. By themselves, they are similar to conventional electrical circuits, but they are distinguished by a lower voltage.
Parallel
This technology provides for the use of several independent lines. This option will not work if there is only one TV in the apartment. If there are video receivers in almost every room, to connect them together to one cable, which will go from the terrestrial antenna or shield, you will need a special signal distributor - a splitter or splitter. The distributor is a kind of switching organizer, in which one input is designed to connect an antenna cable to it, and through the outputs the received signal is transmitted to televisions.
The advantage of this connection technology is a high-quality signal, the power of which is often reduced due to the use of loop-through sockets. During installation, the splitter can be fixed to any convenient place, making it easier to organize branches throughout the apartment later. If one of the sprout cables eventually breaks, the network will not work less efficiently.
It also provides for the possibility of using a "star" circuit, upgraded by an amplifier, due to which the signal attenuation is reduced. With a standard power supply, it is envisaged to use two or three receivers, but since there are often more of them, it is better to install an amplifier to compensate for the resulting disadvantage and, as a result, get a better signal.
When using a parallel connection, simple or terminal sockets are used. The latter should be installed to eliminate interference if one of the TVs does not turn on very often. The main difference from the simple ones in this case is the presence of a wave resistance that balances the signal.
Consistent
This scheme is notable for its low cost, but the quality is inferior. Previously, it was widespread, but with the introduction of new digital technologies, its popularity has declined, since they mainly work over a parallel connection.
The loopback circuit can be used only in one situation - if the apartment has analog TV, and no changes are planned in the near future.
The pass-through modules use special filters that muffle the television signal after it has been reflected. The absence of such a filter is easy to determine, as characteristic ripples appear on the screen. When choosing such products, you need to pay attention to two main characteristics:
- Attenuation per pass. The parameter must be in the range from 1.5 to 5 dB.
- Attenuation per branch. 10 to 15 dB.
Better to buy devices with lower rates.
With an increase in the total number of connections, the signal quality is noticeably reduced, even if an amplifier or a modern automatic control system is installed in the network. Therefore, if 4-5 receivers are installed in the apartment, a parallel circuit will be the more optimal solution in any case.
You should carefully read the agreement concluded with the provider. Often, companies limit users in the number of points set, for each additional there is a penalty.
Installation procedure for a standard TV outlet
Before installing, you should lay the cable and disguise it under plaster or in a cable channel.
- A hole is made in the wall with a drill.
- A socket is inserted into the hole, from which a cable no more than 15 cm will come out.
- The socket housing is disassembled into parts.
- The cable is inserted in the direction of the arrow and then secured with a special clamp.
- The design is checked by a tester to eliminate the risk of a short circuit due to inadvertent contact between the sheath and the conductor.
As a result, there will be no unprotected connectors or wires on the wall.
Star connection
- The splitter is installed first, and only then the sockets.
- Each output of the splitter is connected to a cable, ending with the installation of a terminal or simple outlet.
- When installing simple modules, do not forget that they do not include the use of filters.
When using such a scheme, it is worth tracking the frequency, since in accordance with the standards it should be in the range of 40-1000 MHz.
