can power cables cause video/audio interference?

[kendjet]

Hi all,

Is it true that running power cables (from plasma monitors, TV's, gaming consoles) right next to audio (e.g. RCA) or video (e.g. VGA) cables can cause audio and/or video interference? Or is this just a myth?

I just ran a few tests by braiding all these cables on purpose but I can't see/hear any audio/video deterioration...

Thanks in advance!

[neorichieb1971]

It potentially can. But usually doesn't.

But the marketing people will make you step on the safe side.

[syboxez]

If your video cables are well shielded, then there should be little to no noticable interference.

This, of course, doesn't change the need for good quality (preferable linear) power supplies when using any equipment outputting an analog signal.

[Ikaruga11]

How is that even possible?

[syboxez]

How is that even possible?

Say you have a power source with AC ripple at a similar frequency to audio for example. If the cables are unshielded and very close to each other, then it could interfere, and you would hear an audio buzz.

[Keade]

This is why VGA cables for PC (and other hardware), for instance, are usually rather short, expensive and bulky (often shielded I think).

As for the actual reason, IIRC the (potential) interferences are due to magnetic fields (see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnetic_ ... c_currents).

I would never look into cables more expensive that the "stock" cables unless I ran into problems, which I never did (my cables do not run the same path 'though, they are untied). The usual recommendation is to avoid setting power cables thight together with other kind (audio/video).