Help in identifying a mystery wall socket

Question

I am trying to identify a mystery wall receptacle that I have in my house (built in the 60s, USA). I have one in the living room next to a fireplace, another in a bedroom. It looks somewhat like the C8 socket, but is more rectangular and rough-looking.

Does anybody know what this is?

EDIT: added opened picture

A duplicate of this question, I believe: https://diy.stackexchange.com/questions/29430/what-type-of-outlet-is-in-the-picture — jwh20, May 12 '19 at 18:48
As the flat wire is now exposed it is a tv antennae connection and this is a duplicate of the other question — Kris, May 12 '19 at 18:52
Thanks everyone, I think this is indeed the same socket as the other question. — Daniel S., May 12 '19 at 18:54

score 18 · Accepted Answer · answered May 12 '19 at 19:11

18

Thanks for providing the "opened" picture, which clearly reveals that this is 300 ohm TV (and/or FM radio) antenna twinlead.

Not quite as obsolete as a buggywhip, but pretty close.

answered May 12 '19 at 19:11

Ecnerwal

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+1 for "twinlead". That was indeed the type of antenna lead wires. – Michael Karas May 12 '19 at 20:22
Are HD antennas not roof mounted, and signal over this wire? – JTP - Apologise to Monica May 13 '19 at 01:57
2

The original TV antennas this stuff was common for *still work with HDTV* if you have them (you don't actually need a "HDTV Antenna"), but most modern antennas use a 75 ohm coaxial feed rather than twinlead. It's shielded by design, which reduces interference pickup. It's also a LOT easier to find hardware for, these days. – Ecnerwal May 13 '19 at 02:07

Help in identifying a mystery wall socket

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