cable TV cable spec help

[hairyben]

I've asked in HC&HF here as it's more of a technical question wheras the TV forum seems more media based...

Client of mine has a virgin media TV decoder box on a length of (probably) CT100, has recently experienced problems with on-demand services, virgin media have been round and blame the cable not being RG6.

Is this virgin media being tosspots as usual or can cable spec really be the cause of the problem?

[VEX]

Yes and No.

Technically there is no really difference between WF100 and RG6, infact some RG6 can be far worse that the WF100.

I would ask for a technical explanation of what the difference makes.

What is the problem he is having.

V.

[VEX]

The problem is you 'Probably' statement!

Just because it looks like it, doesn't mean it is!!!!

Can you get a good look at it, low frequency ingress can cause a massive problem on cable tv systems.

V.

[hairyben]

RG6 spec cable allows "return signals" wheras other cables don't, is the line I've been given.

[hairyben]

VEX said:

The problem is you 'Probably' statement!

Just because it looks like it, doesn't mean it is!!!!

Can you get a good look at it, low frequency ingress can cause a massive problem on cable tv systems.

V.

It's unlikely not to be as its a cable I'd have installed about 8 years ago, guy only phoned me the other night as he's had problems with the box, had virgin out, and this is their diagnosis.

[VEX]

hairyben said:

RG6 spec cable allows "return signals" wheras other cables don't, is the line I've been given.

That's bks.

If there is a problem it will be noise on the system interfering with the return path (around 100mhz and below)

But where it is coming from will be the difficult one to find.

Did they test with a proper return path meter or just talk bullst.

If they use a meter the should be able to trace the problem back up the line.

V.

[megaphone]

I smell BS.