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Care of AV Wires: Audio & Video (A/V) Cables

The purpose of this page is to provide information on audio and video wires and their respective characteristics. We will discuss some tips on caring for and properly handling your AV cables, and then we will discuss what you want to look for when you're ready to buy or purchase new AV wires.

Let us first say, the main thing that you can do to extend the life of your AV cables is to get them off the ground and protected. This is extremely important as one small dent or break in your audio or video wires can produce a noticeable drop in listening or viewing quality. The main causes of cable failure are:

• Tripping over or stepping on wires
• Stepping on the connector elements
• Setting something heavy on the cables (like a chair leg, etc.)
• Corrosion of connector elements
• Internal breaking or damaging of wire inside the sheathing

Though it is possible for the wires to break or tear inside their sheathings, the majority of audio or video cable failure occurs at the junction of the internal wires and the connector elements. When this occurs (if you take off the connector, you'll find a snapped wire or two), as long as there is nothing wrong with the connector, you should be able to repair the cable. The best rule you can learn if you want to extend the life of your AV cable: "pull on the connector, not the wire, to disconnect it."

On the other hand, if the wire inside loses its original characteristics (shape, density, etc.), then it will not function as intended either. Since audio performance is dependent on the resistance of a wire, and resistance is a material property of the wire (meaning it is dependent on the wire's physical characteristics), changing these characteristics (shape, density, etc.) thus changes the performance of the wire.

The point of all this talk is: protect your AV wires. Otherwise the audio and video performance of your cables will suffer. And if you're paying for good quality A/V cables (which we suggest you do, as you'll definitely have a better experience), you don't want this to happen.

When shopping for AV cables, we would suggest you give mid-range cables a shot (Monster cables are a good beginner's choice) and see if you can tell a difference in your listening or viewing experience (we're sure you will). Make sure you get audio or video wires with solid, heavy-duty connectors (tight fitting connectors are a must). Gold-plated connectors don't tarnish but if they are repeatedly plugged and unplugged then the plating will rub off. Thus, they should only be used in a stationary home system (i.e., they are not for the musician). Also, be sure that the wire is of a reasonable thickness (more than 1/8 inch thick).

Learn about other pieces of electronic and satellite equipment: