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RG6 and modulation or Cat5 and baluns

963 Views 6 Replies 5 Participants Last post by indil377, Oct 9, 2006

Rick Sass

Discussion Starter · Oct 7, 2006

I need to distribute SD video and stereo audio to four SD displays, with composite video inputs only and stereo analog inputs. One of the sources will be ComCast cable. I tried using a ChannelPlus modulators over RG6 but unfortunately Comcast does not have any unused channels - ChannelPlus suggested I run another RG6 to each display along with a VCR at each display location - not the most elegant solution but it does work.

I then looked at using a composite video and stereo audio matirx switch from CalRad along with their A/V baluns (3 each) that I could put inside a single gang box and then use passthrough RCA connector plates. The A/V signal would then be run over Cat5 between the sources and the displays.

Keeping in mind I will only be viewing SD video at these displays, would the video look the same as that run over RG6? I have viewed video over RG6 and it isn't that bad. Would Cat5 be any worse or better?

Using Cat5 baluns would be a more streamlined solution and look better - I just haven't seen video over Cat5 to compare.

Thoughts, suggestions, ideas would be apperciated.

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Chris_006

· #2 · Oct 8, 2006

For casual viewing, yes, it would work. It will not produce the same video that RG6 does.

RG6 is the standard for video transmission.

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Targus

· #3 · Oct 8, 2006

Quote:

RG6 is the standard for video transmission.

...Except in broadcasting and post production.

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indil377

· #4 · Oct 8, 2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick Sass
I need to distribute SD video and stereo audio to four SD displays, with composite video inputs only and stereo analog inputs. One of the sources will be ComCast cable. I tried using a ChannelPlus modulators over RG6 but unfortunately Comcast does not have any unused channels - ChannelPlus suggested I run another RG6 to each display along with a VCR at each display location - not the most elegant solution but it does work.

I then looked at using a composite video and stereo audio matirx switch from CalRad along with their A/V baluns (3 each) that I could put inside a single gang box and then use passthrough RCA connector plates. The A/V signal would then be run over Cat5 between the sources and the displays.

Keeping in mind I will only be viewing SD video at these displays, would the video look the same as that run over RG6? I have viewed video over RG6 and it isn't that bad. Would Cat5 be any worse or better?

Using Cat5 baluns would be a more streamlined solution and look better - I just haven't seen video over Cat5 to compare.

Thoughts, suggestions, ideas would be apperciated.

We used cat5e for this application for the first time. The video was fine. We used cat5e only because the conduit was not large enough to handle the runs of Canare 3c we needed. If I had my choice, I would run coax. JMO.

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Targus

· #5 · Oct 8, 2006

Quote:

I just haven't seen video over Cat5 to compare.

I have, on a 'scope, and it looked horrible.

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Audio Authority

· #6 · Oct 9, 2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by indil377
We used cat5e for this application for the first time. The video was fine. We used cat5e only because the conduit was not large enough to handle the runs of Canare 3c we needed. If I had my choice, I would run coax. JMO.

Matt,

Did you use some of the Extron pieces we talked about before? Was there a discernible difference from traditional Coax?

Trent

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indil377

· #7 · Oct 9, 2006

Looked fine. They were short runs of about 40' or so. We did run a piece between 2 different classrooms about 200' long with a 1024x768 @ 75hz signal. It looked a little soft but I haven't had time to mess with the adjustments on the tx and rx modules.

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