There are many different types of coaxial, or "coax" cable, though some are more recognizable than others. Coaxial refers to any cable that has an inner core conductor, an insulating layer and a conducting shield layer. A coaxial cable often has the same type of connector at both ends. There are coaxial cables for both audio and video applications.
RF and RG
RG and RF cables are among the most common coaxial cables. They use a circular connector with a single pin in the middle that connects to a cylindrical port on a video device. The cylindrical port is threaded, and you usually connect the cable by twisting its connector in place. This cable's connector is often called "RF" (for Radio Frequency), but the actual commercial term is "RG" (Radio Guide). There are multiple types of RG video cables ranked by their electrical impedance, with 75 ohms being the standard.
Mono and Stereo Audio
Analog audio cable is recognized by its singular rod-like connector with a rounded tip at each end. These connectors come in different sizes: mini connectors are 1/8 inch in width, while large connectors measure 1/2 inch. A cable with a single black band across the connector is a mono cable, and its sound quality can vary depending on the port it connects to. For guaranteed stereo sound, use a cable with two black bands.
RCA and DIgital Coaxial
Analog RCA and digital coaxial cables are very similar, as they use the same type of connector. The connector is a thick rod-like pin surrounded by a metal ring. A digital coaxial cable always has a single connector plug, while the RCA cables can use one to three plugs. Digital coaxial cables are shielded similarly to RF coaxial cables for higher quality and are thicker than standard RCA cables. RCA cables can have little to no shielding, though it depends on the manufacturer.
Tags: coaxial cables, cable with, coaxial cable, connector with, cylindrical port, digital coaxial, same type