Cable TV has been around for decades, but with the advent of streaming services and more advanced technology, many people choose to ditch their old TV cables in favor of something more modern.
However, there are still some great reasons why you shouldn’t get rid of these old TV cables.
This guide will highlight why it’s still worth keeping your TV cables and how they can still be beneficial in this day and age.
Let’s move on…
Old Ethernet cable can give you faster speed
Ethernet cable connection speeds are generally faster than wireless connection speeds since Ethernet cables provide a direct connection between two devices.
In contrast, wireless connections traverse an antenna, which creates latency and reduces speed.
In addition, Ethernet cables can also carry more data at once than a wireless connection.
COX says,
“Wired connections typically offer speeds up to 10 Gbps, while wireless connections typically offer speeds up to 850 Mbps.”
This is because wired connections are more reliable and secure than wireless connections and are less prone to interference and latency issues.
However, these are the reasons you should reconsider before getting rid of your old Ethernet TV cables:
- Ethernet connections are generally more reliable than wireless connections, providing a more consistent connection.
- Ethernet connections are faster than wireless connections, providing faster transfer speeds for large files and streaming.
- Ethernet connections offer greater security, as they are not vulnerable to interference from other networks or devices.
- Ethernet connections are easier to set up and manage, as they typically require only one cable and a router.
Remember, older Ethernet cables lack the bandwidth capabilities of modern cables which can result in slower speeds and reduced performance. If you are trying to connect a device to a lightning-fast internet connection, consider using Cat6 cables rather than older cables like Cat5 and Cat5e.
You can use them as “PoE”
Yes, you can use them as PoE (Power over Ethernet).
This means they can power devices such as IP cameras, phones, and other network devices with data and power over a single Ethernet cable.
Although it is not a new technology, it is still not widely used by homeowners.
I’m not sure whether you are familiar with this or not!
However, “Power over Ethernet” (PoE) is a technology that allows a single cable to provide data connection and electric power to network-attached devices.
It is useful for powering devices such as security cameras, wireless access points, IP phones, and other networked devices without having to plug them into a wall outlet or run additional cabling.
You can use (PoE) in a variety of applications, such as:
- Networking equipment, such as switches, routers, and access points.
- IP phones, security cameras, and video conferencing systems
- Wireless access points and Wi-Fi Hotspots.
- Building automation systems and many more.
Remember, Ethernet cables are limited in the amount of current they can transmit. The maximum power that can be transmitted over an Ethernet cable is 100 watts.
This is sufficient to power many low-power devices such as IP phones, wireless access points, and security cameras, but not powerful enough to power more demanding devices such as servers or desktop computers.
You can use them as “EoC”
And lastly, you can use an old coaxial cable to run “Ethernet over coax” with an adapter.
Coaxial cables can handle high-bandwidth video signals, so you can easily use them for online gaming, video conference calls, and more.
Even though you may have upgraded to a newer TV and cable setup, your old TV cables may still be useful for other purposes.
If you ever need to troubleshoot a connection issue, having an extra set of cables can be helpful.
However, your old TV cables may be necessary if you switch back to an older setup.
F.A.Q.s
Q: Can using old TV cables affect picture and sound quality?
It depends on the cable quality and the devices involved.
High-quality old TV cables can still deliver decent picture and sound quality for standard-definition content.
However, for high-definition content or modern devices, using outdated cables may result in reduced picture clarity or audio performance.
In such cases, upgrading to newer cable types like HDMI can significantly improve the overall viewing experience.
Q: Are there any compatibility issues when using old TV cables with new devices?
Compatibility issues can arise when using old TV cables with new devices, especially if the newer devices only support modern cable standards.
However, many devices offer backward compatibility with older cable types, ensuring they can still function with your old TV cables.
In some cases, using adapters can help bridge the gap between old and new cable standards.
Q: Can using old TV cables impact power consumption?
Indirectly, using old TV cables might have a minor impact on power consumption.
For example, if you’re using longer cables than necessary, there might be slightly more power loss over the length of the cable.
However, the difference is usually negligible, and the main power consumption depends on the devices and their efficiency.
Abdul Kader, a handy guy and experienced founder of a TV repair shop in Gulshan, Dhaka, Bangladesh. He is mainly an expert in understanding and repairing different types of issues with Smart TVs and providing helpful insights on how to keep them in good working order. Read his Full Story.