VideoEase Audio-Video Hub Application Guide VideoEase Audio-Video Hub p/n 500200 Application Guide Version 1.
VideoEase Audio-Video Hub Application Guide Purpose The purpose of this document is to explain how to apply the VideoEase Audio-Video Twisted Pair Distribution Hub under different operating conditions and to discuss issues not covered in the Installation Guide that comes with this product. Function of the Audio-Video Hub The function of the Audio-Video Hub(500200) is to allow up to two (2) baseband video and two (2) audio sources to be distributed to eight (8) locations via twisted pair cable.
VideoEase Audio-Video Hub Application Guide Video-Only Distribution (1 or 2 channels) The Audio-Video hub may be used to distribute one (1) or two (2) independent video channels to a maximum of eight (8) locations. For example in the CCTV security surveillance field, this hub could be used to distribute a monitor output from a video multiplexer to eight (8) different viewing locations. MuxLab’s CCTV Baluns (500000 or 500009) are used to convert each camera and mux-monitor output to twisted pair.
VideoEase Audio-Video Hub Application Guide Composite Video and Stereo Audio Distribution There are many applications that require a single video and stereo audio source to be distributed to multiple locations. An example would be of an auditorium where audiovideo presentations are frequently given to large numbers of people. In order to ease viewing, multiple AV monitors could be installed throughout the auditorium connected via twisted pair instead of coaxial cable.
VideoEase Audio-Video Hub Application Guide S-Video Distribution S-Video is being adopted by schools, hospitals and other institutions as a cost-effective alternative to the more costly VGA and RGB high-resolution video systems. The Audio-Video Hub allows up to two (2) video channels to be distributed to up to eight (8) locations and therefore is perfect for S-Video distribution since it requires two (2) video channels; luma and chroma.
VideoEase Audio-Video Hub Application Guide Reverse Polarity Sensitivity The Audio-Video Hub works in conjunction with four (4) models of MuxLab VideoEase Baluns; the CCTV Baluns (500000 & 500009), Stereo Audio-Video Balun (500001), Dual Audio-Video Baluns (500012) and S-Video Baluns (500016 & 500017). It is important to note that the Audio-Video Hub is reverse polarity sensitive and that the baluns are pincompatible with the hub.
VideoEase Audio-Video Hub Application Guide Compatibility With Third Party Balun Vendors The Audio-Video Hub will work with any third party vendor baluns that have the same pin-configuration and signal polarity as MuxLab’s VideoEase baluns. In order for the cabling solution to function correctly, it is necessary to ensure that the signal polarity of other vendors’ videobaluns match up with the MuxLab baluns listed above.
VideoEase Audio-Video Hub Application Guide Equivalent Replacements to Avaya™ Systimax™ Parts The following table presents the Avaya Systimax products that are functionally equivalent and compatible with MuxLab’s Audio-Video Hub and VideoEase Baluns: MuxLab Part 500000 500009 500001 500012 500016 500017 500200 Description VideoEase CCTV Modular RJ45 Balun VideoEase CCTV Screw Terminal Balun VideoEase Stereo Audio/Video Balun VideoEase Dual Audio-Video Balun VideoEase S-Video-Only Balun (Q1 02) VideoEase S
VideoEase Audio-Video Hub Application Guide Increasing the Number of Ports via Cascading Hubs Several Audio-Video Hubs may be cascaded in order to distribute a baseband audio video source to up to sixty-four (64) destinations. There are two ways to achieve this; a) using the Looping Output on the rear of the hub or b) connecting additional hubs to the Output Ports on the front of the hub creating a hierarchical topology.
VideoEase Audio-Video Hub Application Guide be connected to the Input Port of another hub. In the example below, nine (9) hubs (one primary and eight secondary) may be used to distribute an audio-video source to up to 64 monitors.
VideoEase Audio-Video Hub Application Guide Picture Problems During the installation of the Audio-Video Hub, various picture problems may result. It is important to know what is causing these problems and how to correct them. Total Absence of Signal This problem is almost always due a loss and/or lack of continuity in the connection between the AV equipment and the Audio-Video Hub. Check the continuity of the twisted pair link.
VideoEase Audio-Video Hub Application Guide crosstalk between the camera and the monitor are all some of the causes. In these cases it is best to replace the existing cable with a new one. Loss of Color and Image Detail Loss of color or image detail may occur if twisted pair cable length exceeds the distance specifications. As one approaches the maximum specified distance, the physical limitations of the cable and baluns will become apparent, mainly due to signal propagation delay and attenuation.
VideoEase Audio-Video Hub Application Guide Ground Loop Problems Due to the fact that the Audio-Video Hub and video baluns feature DC-continuity, one must be careful about ground loop problems. One of the symptoms of ground loop is the image may have horizontal bars moving up the screen or there may be flickering. If there is a serious ground loop problem, then higher than normal current will flow between the source and destination equipment.
VideoEase Audio-Video Hub Application Guide Transmitting 24VAC and/or Audio In The Same Cable In regard to CCTV applications, 24VAC and/or audio may be passed on separate twisted pairs under the same Cat 5 cable jacket as the CCTV video signal without affecting picture quality. In regard to 24VAC, the voltage level will drop in strength as the cable length increases. If the voltage drops too low, the camera may not operate.
VideoEase Audio-Video Hub Application Guide Extending Distance via Parallel Twisted Pairs The Audio-Video Hub is specified to support up to 2200 feet in color via a single Cat 5 twisted pair and up to 2500 feet in black and white. If the distance required exceeds the maximum specified distance, it is possible to extend the distance further by paralleling additional twisted pairs, provided spare wire pairs are available and provided the additional pairs are the same length as the original one.
VideoEase Audio-Video Hub Application Guide Multiple AV Signals Under One Cable Jacket Multiple AV signals may be transmitted under a single Category 5 cable jacket. As long as the cable is rated Category 5 or better, the number of pairs may be 4, 25, 50, 100 or 200). The rating of Category 5 ensures that performance is adequate enough to prevent CCTV signals from interfering with each other under the same cable jacket.
VideoEase Audio-Video Hub Application Guide Scan Converters In regard to the use of scan converters with the 500200, it is recommended to test the scan converter with the 500200 before using it. Some scan converters generate better quality composite video output than others and therefore when used with the 500200, better results may be achieved depending on the model of scan converter. MuxLab has tested two (2) models of scan converters with the 500200; GrandTec XP Pro and SB-3800 PC to TV Converter.
VideoEase Audio-Video Hub Application Guide A Case Study The following images illustrate a demo installation performed by FM Electronics (Cle Elum,WA) at a US west coast school. The images were provided courtesy of Mr. Fred Marion. The installation involved distributing an audio-video source (VCR) to one overhead projector and one audio-video monitor. The Audio-Video Hub(500200) was installed in a local wiring closet.
VideoEase Audio-Video Hub Application Guide Photo 5: Close-up image of the rear panel of the Audio-Video Hub (500200). The input of the hub is connected to the audio-video source equipment. Photo 6: Close-up of the Cat 5 cable exiting the overhead projector and feeding through an opening in the floor to return to the wiring closet. Conclusion The Audio-Video Hub is suitable for many applications.
