Which type of cable is most commonly used for television signal distribution in new residences?

The most commonly used cable for television signal distribution in new residences is 75-ohm RG6 coaxial cable. This type of cable is specifically designed to carry high-frequency signals, which makes it ideal for transmitting television and internet data. The 75-ohm impedance is optimal for minimizing signal loss and improving overall signal quality, allowing for clearer picture and sound.

RG6 coaxial cable is also equipped with better shielding compared to other types of coaxial cables, which helps protect against interference from external sources. This shielding reduces noise and maintains the integrity of the signal over longer distances, making it suitable for residential installations where the distance from the service entry point to various rooms may vary.

In contrast, other options, such as 50-ohm coaxial cable, are typically used in applications like radio frequency transmission where lower signal loss is needed but are not suited for residential television distribution. Cat6 Ethernet cable, while excellent for networking and internet connections, is not used for television signal distribution. Coaxial audio cable does not carry the necessary specifications for broadband video signals, which is why RG6 is the preferred choice in this context.