Video Patch Cables
Video patch cable is an essential component to carry signals from a video patch bay to the output device. They are suitable to carry both analog and digital components of the video signals. Generally these video patch cables are compatible for connection with televisions of all kinds, including LCD and plasma televisions, and they are provided ports for receiving their connectors from video devices.
Video patch cables are coaxial cables. They have a thin central conductor which is surrounded coaxially by another cylindrical connector. This kind of coaxial connection is very essential in reducing the interference in the transmitted signals, so that clear signals are produced at the output. The space between the central and the coaxial cylindrical conductor is filled with a dielectric medium, which could be plastic. The thickness of this dielectric medium plays an important role in the overall conductivity of the video patch cable.
These cables are patch cables. That means, they contain braided copper-tin alloy. This is useful in two ways. Number one, it provides better flexibility. Flexibility is an important aspect in video patch cables because these cables generally have to pass through duct holes in television stands so that they can be connected to the videos. Secondly, these tinned copper braids provide excellent shielding effect. They protect the cables from getting outside interfering signals so that the transmission is clear. At the same time, these copper tin braids will disallow the internal signals from leaking out. Good quality video patch cables can provide for about 97% of shielding by using copper tin braids in their bodies.
The video patch cables used currently are made compatible with 75 ohm patch bays, which is a standard for American videos. They can maintain good signal integrity with a constant impedance of 75 ohms. The thickness of their gauge could vary from 24 to 26 AWG (American Wire Gauge). The connector is well-designed for maintaining contact too. The video patch cables have male connectors on both ends, while the interface (television or video) are provided with the female interface. The coaxial connection helps them to stay much better in contact with the interface. There are different metal alloys used for making the connectors. The body can be made of brass or nickel, while the main connecting region is plated with beryllium or gold. The connector material must provide good conductivity, and at the same time, must resist corrosion due to external environmental conditions. Lengths of video patch cables vary according to their utility. You can find lengths ranging from 1' to 6', and the price will depend on the length. However, it is not advisable to have a cable of very great length, because it will be more susceptible to interference and signal loss, and hence the picture quality will be drastically affected. At the same time, esthetics has to be kept in mind. Video patch cables do not need to be color coded, since they are to be fitted in a single female port. They are therefore available in a range of colors, with different kinds of outer finishes.
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