RG-59

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RG-59/U is a specific type of coaxial cable, often used for low-power video and RF signal connections. The cable has a characteristic impedance of 75 ohms.

It is often used at baseband video frequencies, such as composite video. It may also be used for broadcast frequencies, but its high-frequency losses are too great to allow its use over long distances; in these applications, RG-6 or RG-11 is used instead. In cases where the transmission distance is too great for these media, such options as UTP (unshielded twisted pair) or fiber optic can be used.

RG-59 coaxial cable is commonly packed-in with consumer equipment, such as VCRs or digital cable/satellite receivers. Manufacturers tend to include only RG-59 cables because of its low cost (when compared to RG-6). However, given the short lengths provided (usually 4-6 feet / 1.2-1.8 m), this is generally sufficient for its typical use.

RG-59 is frequently used to synchronize two digital audio devices, such as ADAT optical devices. This is called word clock.