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I am running new coax to reroute it so it doesn't run across my family room. I am curious what is the purpose of using a coax jack face plate instead of using a face plate with a flexible opening to just run the original cable directly to the box from the antenna? Something like this...

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Commercial-Electric-Flexible-Opening-Cable-Wall-Plate-White-5028-WH/206456258

I would think the less connections in the line the stronger signal? Thanks for clarifying this!

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  • Technically, yes, but practically, it will make little difference. Face plates are good for clean cable routing through a house while pass-throughs are good when you want to change the type of cable (ex. upgrading your AV equipment from component cable to HDMI) – Hari Ganti Mar 31 '18 at 5:14
  • I agree with @HariGanti that the loss factor is nil if you’re using professional grade crimped on coax connectors, installed correctly, and quality barrels (or wall plates). There is A LOT junky video/coax accessories sold in big box stores tho, watch out. Be sure to tighten all connections just past finger tight too. – Tyson Mar 31 '18 at 15:04
  • It's for when you're not using the cable. The connector looks professional and finished. The cable dangling out a hole in the wall (gussied up with a cover plate or not) looks trailer-trash. – Harper - Reinstate Monica Mar 31 '18 at 18:44
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Every join in the cable reduces the signal strength.

At 1200 Mhz satellite cable frequencies it's about 1dB for a F connector pass-thru at UHF and VHF frequencies the loss is less.

That's probably not going to harm your TV reception noticeably. a wall plate or skirting socket is going to look better than just a wire coming out of the floor/wall, but yeah, usually you're looking at the front side of the telly, not the back.

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