A Guide to Choosing the Right Connection
An AV cable carries audio or video signals between two pieces of equipment. The right cable preserves the signal exactly as it left the source. The wrong one, or a poorly made one, degrades it, causing picture loss, audio dropouts, or no signal at all.
Think of a cable as a highway for your signal. A high-quality cable delivers it cleanly. A poor one introduces interference, signal loss, and unreliable performance.
This guide covers the main AV cable types, what makes a quality cable, how to choose the right one for your job, and where to go when off-the-shelf doesn't fit. Pair it with our guide to AV connector types and AV cable colour codes for a complete picture.
What Makes a Quality Cable?
Every cable is susceptible to three things:
- Signal Loss (Attenuation): The signal naturally weakens over the length of the cable. Better conductor materials (like Oxygen-Free Copper) minimise this loss.
- Signal Distortion (Reactance): The cable's own physical structure can slightly alter the signal. Precision engineering ensures this is kept to a minimum.
- Noise & Interference: Stray electromagnetic signals from other devices can "pollute" your signal. Proper shielding is crucial to block this unwanted noise.
A well-shielded, durable cable with impedance-matched connectors will always deliver a cleaner signal and a more reliable performance.
AV Cable Types at a Glance
| Cable Type | Signal Carried | Typical Use | Practical Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| HDMI | Digital audio + video | TVs, projectors, AV receivers, displays | Up to 15m passive, longer with active or fibre |
| Coaxial (75 Ohm) | Analogue and digital video, RF, SDI | Antenna, cable TV, broadcast video | Long runs, well over 100m for RF |
| TOSLINK (Optical) | Digital audio (light) | Home theatre, soundbars, digital audio gear | Up to 10m typical |
| Speaker Cable (OFC) | Amplified analogue audio | Amplifier to speakers | Depends on gauge, longer runs need thicker cable |
| RCA | Analogue audio or composite/component video | Consumer AV, legacy equipment | Short runs, under 5m for video |
| USB | Digital data, audio, video | Computers, cameras, recording gear | 5m passive, longer with active |
Common Types of AV Cables
- Coaxial Cable (75 Ohm): The workhorse for many video standards, including standard RF (Antenna/Cable TV) and professional SDI signals. Even S-Video cables are essentially two mini-coaxial cables bundled together.
- Twisted-Pair Cable (100 Ohm): Modern digital signals like HDMI and DVI use sets of tightly twisted wires to transmit high-bitrate video with incredible accuracy and protection against interference.
- Audio Cables: Audio uses a diverse range of cables, including TOSLINK (Optical) for digital home theatre and high-purity OFC speaker cables for connecting amplifiers to speakers.
- Data Cables: Standards like USB and IEEE1394 (Firewire) are often used to transfer both audio and video, especially in computer and recording environments.
Choosing the Right Cable for Your Project
The best cable for the job depends on three things: the signal you need to carry, the distance between your devices, and the environment the cable runs through. A few quick rules of thumb:
- Match the signal first. A cable can only carry what the protocol supports. Use our guide to AV signal protocols to confirm what your gear is sending and receiving.
- Distance matters more than you think. Most digital cables (HDMI, USB) have practical length limits. For longer runs, use active cables, fibre, or signal extenders.
- Environment dictates jacket choice. Cables run outdoors, in plenum spaces, or buried in walls have specific Australian Standards (AS/NZS 3000) and fire-rating requirements. Don't assume a generic cable will pass certification.
- Shielding protects the signal. Anywhere you have power cables, fluorescent lighting, or motors nearby, shielded cable is worth the extra cost.
When Off-the-Shelf Doesn't Cut It
Standard cable lengths and configurations don't always match real-world installations. We build custom AV cables and assemblies to your exact specifications, branded for your business if needed. Whether it's a non-standard length, a specific connector combination, or a high-volume bulk run for a commercial install, our team can spec and build it locally.
Get in touch for a custom cable quote, or browse our AV solutions range to see what's already in stock.
Common AV Cable Questions
What's the difference between an AV cable and an HDMI cable?
"AV cable" is a broad term covering any cable that carries audio or video signals. HDMI is one specific type of AV cable that carries digital audio and video together over a single connection.
Can I use an audio cable for video?
Sometimes, but not reliably. RCA audio cables and RCA composite video cables look identical but use different impedance ratings (audio is unshielded, composite video needs 75 Ohm coaxial). Using the wrong one causes signal loss and picture quality issues.
Why do longer cables cause picture or sound problems?
Every cable has a practical maximum length. Beyond it, signal loss (attenuation) and interference become significant. For long runs, use thicker conductors, shielded cable, or active cable with built-in signal boosters.
Are expensive AV cables actually worth it?
For digital signals (HDMI, USB, TOSLINK), the difference between a budget and premium cable is often minimal as long as the budget cable meets the relevant standard. For analogue signals (RCA, speaker cable, antenna), build quality, shielding, and conductor material make a measurable difference.
What is an AV cable made of?
Most AV cables have a copper conductor (often Oxygen-Free Copper for better signal integrity), an insulating dielectric, a metallic shield (foil, braid, or both), and a protective outer jacket. The exact construction depends on the cable type and the signal it carries.
Ready to find the perfect cable? Our experts can help you match the right product to your exact needs.
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