Most audio/video cables are technically coaxial cable, but the type most people associate with the name is RF or RG cable. This type of cable, with its thick size and threaded connections, is still used to connect cable and satellite TV, and older video devices such as VCRs. A cable must be in good condition to use it. Connecting the cable is one of the simplest ways to test its quality, but you can try another method if it appears to be faulty.
Instructions
1. Inspect the brass connections at both ends of the cable, checking them for corrosion or other damage. Make sure the center pin is not bent or split.
2. Connect the cable to your TV set's coaxial port and the output port of your other device, like the VCR. Turn on both and see if the recorder's signal goes to the TV.
3. Check the TV set's input channel if you don't get a signal, to make sure that's not the problem. The TV needs to be set to the first or main TV input channel.
4. Disconnect the cable from the TV and other device if possible. You can't perform the next step if this is a cable built into a wall, where you can't reach the other connection.
5. Set a multimeter to a scale more than 75 ohms but considerably less than 1,000, then connect the meter's leads to the center wires at the cable connector ends. The meter should show a reading between 50 ohms and 75 ohms.
Tags: input channel, other device