[P Zero]

My sparky is just about to install the data and tv cabling in our flat, and I want to run a cable from the virgin media incoming box on the wall to a central cupboard from where I will distribute the signal to the rest of the flat.

Can I use the coaxial cable you typically see in analogue and digital terestrial installations as a substitute for the type you see in virgin media and satellite installations?

[Mister Gonzo]

My understanding is that normal freeview/terrestrial arial co-ax tends to be RG59, where as cable and Sky uses CT100 - anyone else care to comment?

[Trollslayer]

CT100 is fine, the foam type is better than the semi air spaced.
This is fine - Satellite TV Cable FT100 > Maplin
Just make sure you fit the connectors properly as twist fit connectors aren't that good but for better ones you need tooling.

[MitsiTurbo]

As trollslayer suggested, the FT100 is better than the CT100, but I would have to disagree about the twist on connectors. If the right size is used and installed properly then they will be fine. You cannot use normal RF distribution cable for the digital 'drops' from aerial or dish.

[-Sp-]

It's not all about the spec of the cables it's also about the dielectric and shielding. I'd always go with a foam dielectric cable as there more robust in installation. an RG 6 should work fine for RF satalite or cable install.

[hornydragon]

Ideally you want Copper over copper Foam filled coax and the right end for the cable also note you need 75Ohm cable not 50Ohm as used in microwave comms etc

[ZippyCat]

With digital TV you really need to be using a double-shielded coaxial such as CT100, CT125, WF100 or PF100; do not use RG59 or RG6 as these are vastly inferior. Personally I would use either the WF100 of PF100 as these have foam dielectrics making them must more robust. RG59 is only really suitable for base band video signals such a CCTV and RG6 is more akin to the old analogue days.