Degrading coaxial cable

[shep1968]

Hi there. I'm just about to buy a freeview HD pvr and new 32" flatpanel tv for my father. He has a modern aerial but the cable leading from it to the TV is very old, probably 40 years old. Due to the routing it is going to be next to impossible to replace. Does the cable degrade over time and is it likely to dramatically reduce picture quality?

 

[daveh75]

Yes through exposure to UV and pollution the insulation gradually breaks down and eventually becomes microporous (which you don't want because its surprising how much and how quickly water will travel through coax via capillary action)

Plus if its as old as you say it probably really isn't suitable for DTT.

Ideally you should be using good quality sat grade 'type 100' coax such as Webro WF100.

As for degrading pq, then its kinda all or nothing with digital.

 

[simonlewis]

Couldn't a new aerial be re-routed even if you leave the old one in place it only has to come from the roof down the wall and in through the wall to where the tv/pvr will be placed or is it more complicated like a block of flats for instance.