Best Coaxial Cable for DSTV Installations: RG6 vs RG59 (Signal Quality Guide)

🔌 The cable connecting your dish to your decoder is more important than you think – here’s what you need to know.

You’ve spent R2,000 on a new Explora decoder. You’ve paid for professional dish alignment.
Your LNB is brand new. But your picture still pixelates and you lose signal during rain.
What’s wrong?

The culprit might be your cable. The humble coaxial cable is often overlooked,
but it’s the highway that carries the satellite signal from your dish to your decoder.
If that highway is narrow or damaged, your signal suffers – no matter how good the rest of your system is.

In this guide, I’ll explain everything about best coaxial cable for dstv installations.
You’ll learn the difference between RG6 and RG59, why rg6 vs rg59 for dstv matters,
and how to choose the right cable for your setup. If you’re wondering “what cable is used for dstv installation”,
you’ve come to the right place.

For cable replacement services, read our
LNB and cable replacement guide.
For installation requirements, see installation requirements.
And for a complete installation guide, read how to install DSTV.

🔌 Why Coaxial Cable Quality Matters for Your DSTV Signal

The coaxial cable is the unsung hero of your DSTV system – and often the weakest link.

What the cable does:

• Carries the satellite signal from your LNB to your decoder
• Must preserve signal strength over distance (signal loss = attenuation)
• Must reject electrical interference (shielding quality matters)
• Must withstand weather, UV rays, and temperature extremes

Problems caused by poor cable:

• Pixelation and freezing (signal loss)
• Complete signal loss (E48-32) on long cable runs
• Intermittent signal that comes and goes
• Water ingress leading to corrosion and signal problems
• Electrical interference from nearby power cables

📊 RG6 vs RG59: What’s the Difference?

The two most common coaxial cable types are RG59 and RG6.
For dstv cable type selection, the difference is critical.

RG59 (Older, Thinner, Lower Quality):

• Diameter: Thinner (approximately 6.1mm)
• Centre conductor: Often copper-clad steel (CCS) – higher signal loss
• Shielding: Single or double shield (poorer interference rejection)
• Signal loss: Higher – loses signal faster over distance
• Best for: CCTV, analog video, short runs only
• For DSTV: NOT RECOMMENDED – will cause pixelation and signal loss

RG6 (Modern, Thicker, Professional Choice):

• Diameter: Thicker (approximately 6.9mm)
• Centre conductor: Solid copper (best signal) or copper-clad steel (acceptable)
• Shielding: Dual or quad-shield (excellent interference rejection)
• Signal loss: Lower – maintains signal over longer distances
• Best for: Satellite TV, cable TV, high-frequency signals
• For DSTV: HIGHLY RECOMMENDED – the professional standard

📊 RG6 vs RG59: Complete Comparison Table

📦 Types of RG6 Cable: Which One Should You Choose?

Not all RG6 cable is the same. Here are the variations you’ll encounter when buying best coaxial cable for dstv.

By centre conductor material:

• Copper-clad steel (CCS): Steel core with copper coating. Cheaper but higher signal loss. Acceptable for short runs (<20m).
• Solid copper (Cu): Pure copper throughout. Lower signal loss, better performance. Recommended for all DSTV installations.

By shielding level:

• Dual-shield (2 layers): Good for most residential installations. One foil + one braid.
• Quad-shield (4 layers): Best for interference-prone areas (near power lines, radio towers, complexes). Two foil + two braid layers.
• Recommendation: Quad-shield for coastal areas, complexes, or long cable runs.

By jacket material (for outdoor use):

• PVC (standard): For indoor use only – degrades in sunlight.
• UV-resistant PE (polyethylene): For outdoor use – withstands sun exposure.
• Recommendation: UV-resistant for any cable that runs outside.

🔌 F-Connectors: Compression vs Screw-on – Which Is Better?

The connector at the end of your cable is just as important as the cable itself.
Poor connectors cause signal loss, water ingress, and intermittent problems.

Screw-on F-connectors (cheap, unreliable):

• Screw onto the cable – no special tool needed
• Poor connection – signal loss over time
• Not weatherproof – water gets in, causes corrosion
• Can come loose with cable movement
• NOT RECOMMENDED for DSTV installations

Compression F-connectors (professional, reliable):

• Crimped onto the cable using a compression tool
• Secure, permanent connection – no signal degradation
• Weatherproof when properly installed
• Won’t come loose
• HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for all DSTV installations

How to identify:

• Screw-on connectors have a visible seam and can be unscrewed by hand
• Compression connectors are smooth and cannot be removed without cutting

📉 Signal Loss (Attenuation) Over Distance

All cables lose signal over distance. The longer the cable, the weaker the signal.
This is called attenuation.

Typical signal loss per 30 metres at satellite frequencies (2GHz):

• RG59: 6-8dB loss (significant – will cause pixelation)
• RG6 standard: 3-4dB loss (acceptable)
• RG6 quad-shield: 3-4dB loss (acceptable)
• RG11 (for very long runs): 2-3dB loss (best for >50m)

When to use signal amplifiers:

• Cable runs over 50 metres
• Multiple splitters in the system
• Weak signal area + long cable run
• Professional assessment recommended

📏 How Much Coaxial Cable Do You Need for DSTV?

Planning your cable length is important for budgeting and ensuring you don’t come up short.

Typical cable lengths by installation type:

• Wall-mounted dish, decoder in same room: 10-15 metres
• Roof-mounted dish, decoder downstairs: 15-25 metres
• Dish on one side of house, decoder on opposite side: 20-30 metres
• Two-story house, dish on roof, decoder downstairs: 15-25 metres
• Extra View (additional decoder): Add 10-20 metres per additional point

Pro tip: Always buy 5-10 metres more than you think you need.
It’s better to have extra coiled at the decoder end than to come up short.
Coiled excess cable (service loop) is also useful for future re-termination.

🔧 Professional Cable Installation Tips

Here are the professional secrets for dstv cable type installation.

• Keep away from electrical wiring: Maintain at least 15cm separation from power cables. Cross at 90° if necessary.
• Avoid sharp bends: Minimum bend radius 5cm – tighter bends damage the internal conductor.
• Secure every 50cm: Use UV-resistant cable clips on exterior runs.
• Create drip loops: Before entering the building, let cable dip down then up – water runs off the loop.
• Seal all penetrations: Use silicone sealant around cables where they enter walls.
• Leave service loops: Extra 30-50cm of cable at each end for future re-termination.
• Use compression connectors: Never use screw-on connectors for outdoor connections.
• Weatherproof outdoor connections: Wrap with self-amalgamating tape.
• Label cables: For multi-room setups, label which cable goes to which room.

❌ 5 Common Coaxial Cable Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using RG59 cable: Higher signal loss and poorer shielding. Always use RG6 for DSTV.
2. Screw-on F-connectors: These are unreliable and degrade over time. Use compression connectors with a proper crimping tool.
3. Running cable parallel to electrical wiring: Electrical interference destroys satellite signals. Separate by at least 15cm.
4. Not weatherproofing outdoor connections: Water ingress causes corrosion and signal loss. Always use self-amalgamating tape.
5. Sharp bends or kinks: Damages the internal conductor. Maintain 5cm minimum bend radius.

📋 SABS Standards for Coaxial Cable

The South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) sets quality standards for coaxial cable used in South Africa.
Using SABS-approved cable ensures you’re getting a quality product.

What to look for:

• SABS mark on the cable packaging
• RG6 designation clearly marked
• Impedance: 75 ohms (standard for satellite TV)
• Frequency range: Up to 3GHz (satellite signals up to 2.15GHz)

For complete standards, refer to SABS regulations for MATV and satellite systems.
Always buy from reputable suppliers – cheap “no-name” cable often doesn’t meet specifications.

🌍 Regional Considerations for Coaxial Cable

Your location in South Africa affects the type of cable you should use for rg6 vs rg59 for dstv.

Gauteng (Johannesburg, Pretoria, Midrand):

• Urban areas with electrical interference – quad-shield RG6 recommended
• Summer thunderstorms require good weatherproofing
• Gauteng installation services

Mpumalanga (Secunda, Ermelo, Middelburg, Standerton):

• Mining areas can have electrical interference – quad-shield RG6 recommended
• Highveld thunderstorms require robust weatherproofing
• Mpumalanga installation services

For location-specific services, see our pages for
Secunda,
Ermelo,
Middelburg, and
Standerton.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Coaxial Cable for DSTV

✅ Final Thoughts: Choose the Right Cable for Reliable DSTV

The best coaxial cable for dstv is RG6 quad-shield with solid copper centre conductor and UV-resistant jacket.
It costs a bit more than cheap RG59, but the investment pays off in reliable signal quality and fewer problems.

Remember: the cable is the highway for your satellite signal. A narrow, damaged highway causes traffic jams (pixelation).
Invest in quality cable and professional installation – you’ll enjoy glitch-free viewing for years.

Ready to upgrade your cabling? Request a free quote from ServiceLink SA.
We’ll connect you with verified, accredited installers who use professional-grade RG6 cable and compression connectors.

For more help with DSTV cabling, explore our related resources:
LNB replacement guide,
installation requirements,
how to install DSTV,
dish installation guide,
extra TV point installation.
See our service areas page for coverage in your region.