HDSDI cabling and CAT-5 FAQ - Wolf Seeberg Video

HDSDI cabling and CAT-5 FAQ 

COAX For SD Video 

Wolf Seeberg Video Tel: (310) 822-4973 www.wolfvid.com 

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Canare LV61S nice flexible cable for non-digital use. Generally accepted as good 

enough for 90 or so feet for HDSDI digital video. (under the best of conditions it may be 

good for 300ft, but don’t count on it) 

Lentequip makes reels. $ 400 for 200 feet on a reel 

http://shop.lentequip.com/products/video-cable-reel-standard-definition 

they utilize Canare LV-61S for standard definition and L-3CFW (new for March 2010) 

for HD-SDI 

CRIMP PLUGS AND TOOLS MATRIX 

CANARE 75 ohm Connectors Cable Crimp Die Set 

Model 

BNC F RCA Stripper Tool 

LV-61S BCP-C4B FP-C4 RCAP-C4A TS-100E TS-4C TC-1 TCD-451CA 

Canare L-4CFB 75 ohm Digital Cables for HDSDI 

Filmtools sells it. Not sure how good it is. You got to investigate yourself. 

They say: Canare BNC RG59 Video Cables. 75 ohm. 18" to 100' lengths. 

Available in: Red, Green, Blue, Black, Orange, Yellow, Purple. 

Our Digital Cables under 50 feet use Canare L-4CFB 75 ohm Coax cable. 

50' and longer use Canare L-5CFB Coax Cable. The New DIGITAL Canare 

Cable is designed for digital broadcast use. 

http://www.filmtools.com/canbncrgcaba.html 

Both cables have new soft solid copper cores. 

http://www.filmtools.com/bncrgvidcab.html 

also for sale at 

http://www.fullcompass.com/product/279833.html 

300m at $ 260 

Pacific Radio in Burbank can make the same … give them precise specs. 

(crimp or solder?) what cables, what connectors. Byron 323-969-2035 Pacific 

Radio sales guy or Karl@canare.com Pac Radio’s WCoast contact. They use for L- 

4CFB and L-3CFB cable connector BCP-C4F cost @ $2.80 ea @ min 100 

http://shop.pacrad.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=l-4cfb 

Tech ref: 

http://www.wienschall.com/downloads/products/1592/Seiten%20aus%20Canare46.pdf


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we have heard this cable is really only good for a year at hard use. Wonder if 

that’s really true. 

Here another source: http://homeavcables.com/l4cfb-300m-black.html 

L-3CFW - for HDSDI 

Canare - supposed to be the best for long lasting quality, very flexible HDSDI cable. 

At Tecnec, green-colored available in a roll of 656 ft - @ $307.13 (= $.47 / ft). Also 

available by the foot @ $.55 / ft. 

sold by Lentequip in Toronto on 

nice plastic orange reels. Lentequip says it is better, and most of all longer 

lasting then the L-4CFW and the L-4CFB types with their plastic wrap inner shield. 

Note it has Dual Copper Braid shields, which makes it extremely flexible, it will not 

“kink”). Note: Cable strippers cannot be used with L-FW series coaxial cable and no 

crimper is necessary. Jacket colors: red, green, black (get black it lasts longer in UV rich 

sunlight). 

http://www.canare.com.cn/en/content.asp?ArticleID=415 

http://www.canare.com/ProductItemDisplay.aspx?productItemID=138 

This used to be hard to get in the USA till Markertec started stocking it. Or call Eddie at 

Canare the importer in NJ 973-837-0070. 

Lentequip sells it made up on reels (as in pix above): 

http://shop.lentequip.com/collections/frontpage/products/video-cable-reel-standard-definition 

LR-1SDI19 | Video cable reel 19m small, high def. for USD $295.00 

LR-1SDI61 | Video cable reel 61m = 200ft approx large, high def. for USD $395.00 

It is said that most average camera outputs and average monitor ins are good for 

220 ft of this cable. (Not sure about the various RED ONE outputs - they vary 

between model a lot it seems) 

Canare Catalog (bad): http://issuu.com/ambertechnology/docs/canare17a_min 

Markertek has it now: 

http://www.markertek.com/Cables-Connectors-Adapters/Bulk-Wire-Cable/Bulk- 

Digital-Video-Cable/Canare-Corporation-Of-America/L-3CFW-BLACK- 

300M.xhtml 

Applications * HD-Serial Digital Video * SMPTE 259M, 292M, 424M * 

Canare L-3CFW HDTV-SDI 22 AWG 75 Ohm Digital Video Coaxial Cable 984 Ft. Black 

Part #: L-3CFWBK-984


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984 ft List Price $580.00 WSV Price: $538.57 (540: 984=.548 $ per foot in 

house price) .548x200=$109 

Canare L-3CFW 22 AWG 75 Ohm Digital Video Flexible Coaxial Cable (656 Ft.) Green 

656 ft Part #: L-3CFWGN-656 List Price $378.00 Our WSV Price: $351.00 

Solid Copper Center Conductor (yet it is as flexible as the old stranded center Canaires, 

Foam PE Dielectric, Dual Copper Braid for Flexibility, Overall Diameter: 0.23", 

Cond. Material AWG: Bare Copper #22 Insulation O.D. (Inches): 0.122 

Available from TechNec: 

in 984ft roll The L-3CFBGN-984 is $244.65 

It is by the foot, 656 or 984ft Black, green, red, blue Cost is the same 

Per foot is $0.55 Delivery differs on color and length needed 

They have BCP-H31F Connectors in stock $7.96ea 

Matching Connector is BCP-H31F


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takes two 10 mm wrenches to fasten! No crimp, no stripper!! But the center has to be 

soldered. The outside back part holds the plastic sleeve much better than anything 

crimped. You can not yank it out no matter what, you have to apply more than 300 

pounds of force. One can debate I the ompressed 2 braided shields are as good a 

connection as a crimped shield. Only time will tell. Just don’t put the connectors into salt 

water. 

Pacific Radio http://www.pacrad.com/ can get this connector (according to Eddie). 

Phone: 818-556-4177 Burbank Store Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 5:30pm 

Saturday, 10:00am to 3:00pm 

Have inc: in catalog: 

http://store.haveinc.com/p-54687-canare-bcp-h31f-75ohm-bnc-male-l-3cfw.aspx 

price $8.32 1-99 over 100, $7.87 

Canare BNC connectors they say are high performance MIL-C-39012 True 75-ohm. Offering impedance matched 

performance characteristics and specifications that properly address the latest generations of high bandwidth digital 

video equipment. 

Canare catalog (not that good) 

http://www.scribd.com/doc/49069014/canare 

Connector 2 nd choice: Canare BCP-H31F (picture of crimp version) 

Solder AND CRIMP type 75 Ohm BNC plug for Canare L-3CFW 

http://www.markertek.com/Connectors-Adapters/Video-Connectors/BNC- 

Connectors/Canare-Corporation-Of-America/BCP-H31F.xhtml 

Markertek price $8.58 -- also Tecnec price $ ? 

This is a more traditional connector that needs the appropriate crimper. You can probably 

yank the cable off the connector with 100 pounds force. 

Features: 

• 75-Ohm BNC Solder Plug - True 75-ohm construction • DC to 2 GHz performance. 

• Gold Plated Contact Pin • Exclusive Elongated Body design allows better finger grip action 

• The Tubular (ferrule) section is Silver Plated to make Soldering easier • For use with Canare L-3CFW Flexible 

HD/SDI Cable

BCP-C Series Dimensions (crimp version in pix, not so good) 

Note: All of Canare crimp plugs, BCP-C, RCAP-C and FP-C, are the same 

procedure. 


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(Don’t consider Cat-5 for digital distro, there are no broadband passive Baluns available) 

Thin HD coax 

Gepco vdm 260 used by Nebeker for short lenth


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Steve Irwin from Playback technologies wrote in May 2010: 

HDSDI is sometimes fine for 99 ft thru regular RG-59 (some folks do it for 300 feet ed.). 

But you are “getting away with something” probably only for a short while. For a 200 ft 

run you need the special stuff. If there are only pix in the HD stream it is good for longer 

distances using RG-59 than when the stream also includes sound. 

There is digital spec'd coax cable from all the manufactures you already know, 

Belden, Canare, Gepco and others. 

RG-6U size cable [fat stiff] (Belden 1694A for example) is typically used for HD – not 

flexible http://bwccat.belden.com/ecat/pdf/1694A.pdf 

These Connectors are short-lived because everything is so stiff and fat and heavy. For 

cart wiring where signals are sent only a few feet Belden has mini digital coax to reduce 

weight and increase convenience. 

The flexible version is 1694F – still very fat and awkward. 

For digital distribution of HDSDI around a 

stage use Belden 1505F its flexible ( but does “kink” if not treated carefully). cost 

approx. $450 for 1000 feet - 60cents / foot, Paladin orange crimp 1611. Connector 

Kings 2065-2-9. Die: KTH 2261 probably? or with Neutrik NBNC75BJP9 connectors 

http://www.markertek.com/Cables/Bulk-Wire-Cable/Bulk-Digital-Video-Cable/Belden- 

CDT-Inc/BL-1505F.xhtml 

or 

Trompeter UPL2000-D20/B HDTV Digital 75 Ohm BNC Plug (Bag of 50) 

BNC Plug, 75 Ohm, Full Crimp, Straight, for Belden 1505F cable, 50 per pack 


Connectors/Trompeter-Electronics-Inc/UPL2000-D20-B.xhtml 

and Trompeter UPLR2000 Series 90 Degree BNC Connectors 


Connectors/Trompeter-Electronics-Inc/UPLR2000-D2.xhtml?UPLR2000-D2 

It is good for 220 ft. Recommended by Clairmont and Panavision. You need re-clocking 

line amps that need power to extend the cable run to several sections of 220ft. the AJA 

DA does it. (Some say the Decimator II has some kind of reconditioning if not reclocking 

in it) Best price in 2010 is US $556 + shipping for 1000Ft at Markertek. 

1694F is Belden's (RG6 size) maybe longer cable run, said to be OK flexible still but 

definitely a hassle – its fat. 

If you have not invested in the proper tools to terminate these cables yourself 

order them from Pacific Radio in California or even Markertek on-line. You must use 

these tools. Homemade connections often ruin the signal. Connections are critical and 

tricky with cheap cable.


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Steve Irwin writes in Sept 2010: I have recently switched over 

to Gepco flexible digital cable. Coils better than the Belden 

1505F and is available in RG-59 (VHD2000M) 

http://www.gepco.com/products/proav_cable/video/coax_hd_fle 

x_M.htm [ 1000 ft sales price $ 500] and RG-6 (VHD2001M). 

Branch Office & Distribution Center 1000 N. Lake Street, Burbank, 

CA 91502 Tel: 818-569-5222 Fax: 818-569-5226 Kurt Stein in 

sales KStein@generalcable.com www.gepco.com 

A west coast distributor is WESCO http://www.wesco.com/ 

I have been using Canare connectors for years and have switched back to Kings 

connectors for the Gepco. The Kings 2065-2-9 is the connector for this cable. 


Connectors/Kings-Brand/2065-2-9.xhtml $ 1.49 each or 

http://www.newark.com/kings/2065-2-9/rf-coaxial-bnc-plug-str-75ohmcrimp/dp/96B7245 

You must properly strip and prepare the cable ends and use the right crimp tools to get 

the best results. After you make a successful crimp you should be able to pull on the BNC 

connector with all your strength and not have it come off the cable. 

Belden has a great RG-6 size cable if you need something bullet proof for runs over 100 

feet. http://www.belden.com/pdfs/Prodbull/NP233.pdf 

Here's the master Belden coax cable guide 

http://www.belden.com/pdfs/03Belden_Master_Catalog/19Brilliance_Broadcast_Cable_\ 

Products/19.49_58.pdf 

Canare BCPC4F for Gepco VHD2000M 

http://store.haveinc.com/p-49475-canare-bcpc4f-bnc-male-for-l4cfb-1505avhd2000m.aspxhttp://store.haveinc.com/p-52469-gepco-1000-rg59-hi-def-75ohm-extra-flexiblecoax.aspx 

SKINNY CABLE: 

For short runs in the equipment rack 

Belden 1855A Overall Diameter: 0.159" Sub-miniature 59/U 

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CC4QFj 

AA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.belden.com%2Ftechdatas%2Fenglish%2F1855A.pdf& 

ei=nePzTuHzH-eWiQK5qfSnDg&usg=AFQjCNEhhDeyYkzCOGH5iCmnHZidbxz4AQ 

sold by 

http://www.markertek.com/Cables/Bulk-Wire-Cable/Bulk-Digital-Video-Cable/Belden- 

CDT-Inc/BL-1855A.xhtml 

or TecNec Part #: BL-1855A-FT-BE List: $0.57/ ft at 800-543-0909 

(they are large box houses, give dubious advice and ship often the correct stuff)

emersonelecronics.com 


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Trompeter UPLR2000 Series 90 Degree BNC 

Connectors $ 14.25 each 

for 1855A Markertec no: UPLR2000-D1 

Crimp trompeter tool TRP-CT4L $ 107 with die 

TRP-CD3-1 

Don’t know the Paladin No. 

Made by Trompeter Electronics Inc 31186 La Baya Drive 

Westlake Village, CA 91362-4047 Tel:+1 818 707-2020 

Tools that also work: Paladin 

Stripper 1258 LC CST Mini and crimp tool 2648 in 1300 series handle (both are good 

for SD 75 ohm RG174 cable from Belden also) may be called 1366 as a kit. 

9.xhtml 

BNC Straight Connectors for 1855 Canare BCP- 

B26 

Boot - CB02: Die Set TCD-35CA 

http://store.haveinc.com/p-54964-canare-bnc-male-3- 

0ghz-for-1855a.aspx 

or from Markertec: 

2065-11-9 Kings True 75 Ohm BNC Connector for 

Belden 1855A Coax staight $ 1.50 each • Frequency 

to 5 GHz • Full crimp design • Field installable • 

Meets or exceeds HDTV standards 

http://www.markertek.com/Connectors-Adapters/Video- 

Connectors/BNC-Connectors/Kings-Brand/2065-11- 

or 

2065-11-9 Kings True 75 Ohm BNC Connector for 

Belden 1855A Coax $ 2.00 

http://www.tecnec.com/Product.asp?cat=CABLESC 

ONN&subcat=VCONNECT&prodclass=BNCCON 

&baseitem=2065-11- 

9&search=0&off=0&showreturn=1 

• Use: KTH-5003 Die with KTH-5000 CrimpTool 

Frame


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• Use: KTH-2025 Crimp Die with KTH1000 Crimp Tool Frame 

Kings KTH-5003 Crimp Die for KTH-5000 (Belden 505A/1506A/1694A 

/1855A/8241/9209A) $ 30 

http://www.tecnec.com/Product.asp?cat=CABLEMGMNT&subcat=&prodclass=CRIMP 

TOOL&baseitem=KTH-5003&search=0&off=0&showreturn=1 

Cable to connector chart www.tecnec.com/Attachments/crimp-chart.pdf ( pretty good 

but incomplete. I think they have a better in house one) 

Skinny Cable other: 

Gepco VDM230 

http://www.tecnec.com/Product.asp?cat=CABLES&subcat=BULKCABLE&prodclass= 

VIDEOBULK&baseitem=VDM230-1000&search=0&off=0&showreturn=0 

or Gepco VMD250 

cool cable tester $ 300 

http://www.markertek.com/Tools-Test-Equipment/Cable-Test-Equipment/Trompeter- 

Electronics-Inc/010-0133.xhtml 

Designed to test for the proper assembly of BNC plugs with coax cables, this unit 

features a compact, rugged design. It tests for center contact pin height and 

continuity 

Kings connector warning: 

I've had this problem a lot. It is the barrel inside the BNC that becomes detached (and it isn't just 

Panasonic monitors that cause this), and it isn't anything to do with how you make the crimp. You 

are left with an ostensibly working BNC but no inside support for the twist-on connector. I 

absolutely won't use Kings connectors until they figure this out. I suspect this shows up for those 

of us who do a lot of connects/disconnects in the course of a days work. Ian 

2011 Belden connector NEWS: 

http://www.belden.com/07Markets/07_Enterprise/07_Enterprise_Featured_Product/Com 

pression_Connectors_and_Tools.cfm 

Belden says: new cable needs new connectors. The Belden product numbers are 1505F 

for the RG59, with a maximum run of 220 feet. The RG6 part number is 1694F and has a 

max run of 280 feet. Belden has a crush-proof dielectric, and can use any existing BNC 

termination. Belden introduced a single piece BNC connector that is much more durable 

then any other connector on the market, including Canare connectors. Keep in mind you 

must buy their new compression tool as well as a new stripper. These new connectors 

DO work with the stranded center flex 1505F cable. 

Canare has a 3-5 conductor snake sped'd for digital signals. .5 inch thick 

Cable # V3-3CFB or V5-3CFB 

http://www.canare.com/index.cfm?objectid=0BD9B0A5-3048-7098-AFCF21829FBEAB62 

use Canare connectors and boots for termination. 1000ft $ 1500.00


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Belden has up to 3 cables in some snake cables for SD video (1505A, 1855A, 1694A) but 

they have no 5 conductor digital cable. 

Belden has a 3 conductor digital cable 7794A not flexible. 

http://bwccat.belden.com/ecat/pdf/7794A.pdf 

Gepco makes a 5 conductor digital snake video SD cable #VS57000 

http://www.gepco.com/news/pr_prod_2007_0415b_vs57000.htm 

2010 notes: 

Pac Radio still has an assembly dept. They can make the cables for you. 

Canare has a 3,4 and 5 multi-channel RG-59 digital video coax. The V-#CFB cable 

series. 

Gepco makes a couple snake cables using RG-59 or RG-6 with 10 coax cables. Gepco 

also has a mini-coax version with 10,12 or 16 coax cables. 

Belden has a RG-59 digital video snake line as well. The 7788A to 7792A product series 

offering up to 12 coax cables. Belden offers a RG-6 version up to 10 cables with their 

7713A. Now that will be one heavy 100ft cable at almost 80lbs. 

Regards Steve Irwin 

============================================================ 

Cable for portable video-sound applications: (pre-chewed but not inhaled: researched but 

I have only a little reliable field feedback) 

To distribute SD video and audio for Video assist purposes this paper is much too 

complicated but CAT5 is good enough. Quality is secondary to convenience and cost. Go 

to Pac Radio and get what they have on the floor. You do the sales people a favor, they 

will make their quotas and get their commissions, forget all this research stuff. 

Anyway read on you geeks: 

Cat-5 solutions are for analog component video and audio signals through cheaper lighter 

weight Cat-5 cables were the best quality is not so important. Cat 5 was originally made 

for short haul computer-computer digital communication but is now adapted to this 

analog use. It has no shielding (there are exceptions) so you need transformers (called 

baluns) on both ends. All these transformers are built to a price and are unshielded and 

certainly do not pass low frequencies at high levels – but who cares, we are talking only 

for reference video and audio. 

Some older video equipment will not sync to signals coming out of a transformer. Often, 

especially in long cable runs with poorly supervised AC distribution (like different 

grounds from different outlets) the transformer isolation is a great big plus. Sound and 

video to/from video assist and the other way round is a good proven application of CAT5. 

60Hz and SCR dimmer noise and radiation from HMI cables would not get into the


Page 11 of 23 

cables because they are “balanced” by the transformers, but will get into the transformers 

at either end as they have no steel shield. In practical video assist use this and the quality 

loss of a good detailed analog signal don’t seem to matter. If you want pristine SD NTSC 

pictures stick with Coax, if you care about weight and price of cabling try CAT 5. If you 

want to keep 1000 ft handy in a small storage space, for that one time you need it, go 

with CAT5. For all intents and purposes Canare audio cable with the transformers at both 

ends would probably work just as well – who is the first to try it? 

CABLE: 

Gepco Cable manufacturer 

http://www.gepco.com/ 818 569-5222 or 894-3446 ask for Kurt Stein or Rick 

Fernandez - at Burbank. 

826 N. Lake St., Burbank, CA 91502 or Michael Yaffe & for samples. Main office: 

2225 W. Hubbard St., Chicago, IL 60612, 800-966-0069. Western Regional Sales, 

William Deiker Inside Sales, John Catheline Western Regional Sales 

Gepco CT504HD (Stranded Conductor) $0.45/ft. @ 1000' the sample sent to us had 

approx. 21 strands per conductor for 100 Mhz bandwidth (plenty for SD video) 

[Panavision uses this], 

It’s not as flexible as Canare and does not coil as nicely but seems manageable with a 

little educated care. If there are cable wranglers who do not know over-under…. 

I have a report from one reliable video guy and the mixer 9 in 2009) that they have been 

using this for 1.5 features in tough conditions and it’s holding up well and there is never 

interference for the sound guys feed (using Intellix Baluns) 

http://www.gepco.com/products/proav_cable/network/4pr_cat5Eheavyduty_M.htm or: 

http://www.gepco.com/news/pr_prod_2005_1007_ct504hdx.htm available at: 

http://www.markertek.com/Cables-Connectors-Adapters/Bulk-Wire-Cable/Bulk- 

Category-5-Cable/Gepco/CT504HD.xhtml 

Panavision uses this: http://www.fullcompass.com/product/318324.html 

Gepco CT504HD-BY-FOOT 

NOTE: Priced by the foot. Please contact your sales 

representative in order to specify the length of cable desired. 

Gepco's heavy-duty tactical Category 5e cable for portable or 

remote patching of Ethernet networks or digital audio/video 

formats that utilize Cat5e type interconnects. The CT504HD 

features exceptional durability through a unique double jacket 

construction and stranded copper conductors. The inner jacket of 

the CT504HD allows the pair to have proper physical spacing to 

achieve ISO/IEC Cat5e specifications, while the durable TPE 

outer jacket protects the cable from physical damage or abuse. The CT504HD is 

intended for use with Neutrik EtherCon connectors and is also available from Gepco as 

pre-terminated cable assemblies. 

Cat5 raw cable 

http://www.warehousecables.com/cables.php?q=Cat5e%20Bulk%20Cable&keywords=ca

le+and+%22cat+5%22+and+stranded+and+utp&search=action 


Page 12 of 23 

The CT504HDX with solid conductors (shorter life probably not as flexible though) 

http://www.gepco.com/products/proav_cable/network/4pr_4chan_cat5Eheavyduty_M.htm 

is intended for use with Neutrik EtherCon® connectors and is also available from Gepco 

as pre-terminated cable assemblies. The Catalog says it has solid conductors for lower 

attenuation but shorter lifetime and 350Mhz bandwidth. For our use… forget it. 

Belden has a Cat-5 (1305A) designed for media use for analog signals, which is used 

primarily by rental & staging companies for semi-permanent installations. Its cables are 

stranded with only (7x32) strands. This is a disadvantage compared to Gepco with many 

more strands. “Heavy jacket wall version for medium duty use (Product No. 1304A) or 

an upjacketed version (two thicknesses of PVC outer shell) for the harshest heavy duty 

applications (Product No. 1305A) – thicker walls and less likely to lie flat on the floor.” 

http://bwccat.belden.com/ecat/pdf/1305A.pdf 

http://www.belden.com/pdfs/prodbull/NP228.pdf 

http://www.belden.com/01Home/01_FeaturedProduct.cfm 

a note from Belden via Jeff’s new board: http://grou.ps/cinemasound/talks/1714993 

I received an email from Steve Lampen with Belden Cable: 

"I have been reading a number of posts on ETS's InstaSnake and various 

comments about Cat 5/6. We did tests results about 15 years ago, which I 

could easily send you. The results were, on the worst Cat 5 (now 5e) that 

we make (Belden 1752A patch cable) which gave crosstalk on unshielded 

pairs (worst case) of -95 dB at 50 kHz, and generally -100 dB on the rest 

of the audio band below that. Then we tried to test Belden 1872A 

(MediaTwist) now a Category 6 cable, and the crosstalk between these 

unshielded pairs was so low they were below the noise floor of our H-P 

(Agilent) 8714ET network analyzer. (Noise floor


Page 13 of 23 

Might be worth your wile to check out 

http://www.clarkwire.com/index.htm or 

http://www.clarkwire.com/DataTacAssembly_000.htm 

Their Cat5-FLEX cable is supple and coated like an XLR. 

It's $.50/ foot 

Connectors: 

Cat 5 traditionally is terminated by Telephone type RJ-45 connectors – 8 pin (they are 

real cheap and fragile and get dirty easy, but have a wiping action that is their only saving 

grace). Neutrik makes a shell for that connector so they last a little longer: 

Neutrik Cable Connector that fits Gepco but should fit Belden too: 

NE8MC at both ends 

http://www.greendotaudio.com/HTMLobj-935/NE8MC-B.pdf 

http://www.neutrik.com/fl/en/audio/203_283121/RJ45_Data_Connector_group.aspx 

the NE8MC-B-1 is the better water-resistant version 

http://www.neutrik.com/fl/en/audio/210_t2_1421214602/NE8MC-B-1_detail.aspx 

Neutrik CAT-5E Chassis Connector: NE8FDP 

http://www.neutrik.com/fl/en/audio/210_1518731540/NE8FDP_detail.aspx 

Neutrik Fem-to-Fem Inline Coupler: NE8FF 

http://www.neutrik.com/fl/en/audio/210_941824373/NE8FF_detail.aspx 

Waterproofing parts SE8FD 

Interesting FAQ: 

Cable colors: 

http://www.muxlab.com/assets/files/application_notes/EIA568.JPG 

http://www.neutrik.com/content/technicalsupport/faq.aspx?sublevelId=204_7 

Neutrik assembly instructions: 

http://www.neutrik.com/client/neutrik/media/downloads/Media_240701762.pdf 

Easy place to order Neutrik: http://www.mouser.com/neutrik/ 

Connectors from BTX http://www.btx.com 

CD-NE8MC Neutrik rugged cable mount nickel shell $1.72 

http://www.btx.com/ItemForm.aspx?item=CD-NE8MC 

CD-NE8MCB Neutrik rugged cable mount black shell $1.96 

http://www.btx.com/ItemForm.aspx?item=CD-NE8MCB 

Gepco and Pacific Radio make cables to your specs. We will eventually make some 

Baluns in Steel boxes with BNC and XLR connectors and the shitty RJ-45. Advantage of 

Steel is that the transformers do not pick up radiated magnetism from wall switches, 

HMI’s, HMI cabeling, SCRs, dimmerboard cabeling, Monitor magnetism etc… 

The baluns inside are the same junk as all the others “just good enough for government 

work”. We are waiting for Jensen to explore this market. Some folks say it’s not


Page 14 of 23 

necessary to shield transformers with steel, they are the enviable experts able to 

explaining away and forgetting the shitty images they provide every day – I used to hope 

they wanted to me look good as a result of them looking bad , “but Nooooooo” (as 

pronounced by John Belushi) – the sloppy operators tear down the reputation of all. 

Soooo for a while I thought the the professional groups like unions and such would be 

interested in “educating” up the mediocre folk so a high level of service provided by all 

would generate a higher average income for all --- But in fact they only care about their 

personal salaries and what they can get away with. Ahh it’s a sad world of 

opportunists….. smirk. 

Stranded cable : 

http://www.redco.com/shopexd.asp?id=1224

BALUN: 

(Transformer for both ends of cable) 


Page 15 of 23 

NOTE: Today August 2010 I measured some of my Baluns in the shop: I was 

appalled, most were wired wrong (by the manufacturer) and the transformers did not 

seem to be working: DC was continuous on many BNC in to BNC out at the other side of 

the cable!! Good lord there is a lot of research needed!!! I have also received several 

credible reports from the field that proved that BNC grounds from input to output were 

continuous and this of course caused havoc and ground loops galore when plugged into 

different mains and different ground. This was especially obvious on complex HD shoots 

with several SD monitor islands powered by unknown AC sources on stages that turned 

out to be poorly wired and grounds in conduit were not maintained. The balun isolation is 

supposed to take care of this, but since the balun boxes were badly designed and wired 

they did not do their job. Someday I will test some good ones and post it here. OUCH 

Intelix: 

Maybe AVO-A4-F 

http://www.intelix.com/applications/av_over_cat5.htm 

or Intelix AVO-V3AD-F they advertise 1000ft 

also Intelix SW-4601 baluns 

I have reports of one Intelix balun user (with Gepco cable) who is into his 2nd feature 

feeding sound dept. with video and getting audio and is blissfully happy, so is the sound 

crew that has a lot less cables to move in the tropical jungle island they are working in. 

For more information, go to http://www.intelix.com/products/balun_HD.htm 

We have some Intellix Audio products that are well built but only of mediocre technical 

quality (that is they perform to specs of the hotel industry OK – built to purpose and 

price), wonder if that reflects on their line of Baluns or if they really are all made by the 

same Chinese factory. 

The baluns Intelix AVO-V2A2, have a common ground for video. That’s not good 

wolf Aug 2011: the video connection in the antefix baluns are not transformers, they are 

some sort of coil ( to get rid of 60 Hz maybe) but do not isolate . ground is shared on both 

sides of the cable, you must use Isomax Jensen transformers at the in or output to 

eliminate ground-loops.

Intellix Balun A/V 


Page 16 of 23 

ETS: 

made by ETS in California 1-800-752-8208. There is a large choice: 

http://www.etslan.com/Video.htm 

Balun for CAT-5e to 2-BNC vid. and 2-RCA : ETS PV905 or AV905 . 

Also make audio Cat5 extension boxes that carry 48V. Their FAQ are not very 

illuminating, still other companies have even less info. 

www.etslan.com used with success on the set for video assist: ETS AV905 / 2 audio and 

2 video. folks likes ‘em for LONG runs because cat5 cable is CHAEP. We bought some 

early ones, and the boxes fall apart before you use them, but inside there are pin outs that 

may be good for customizing. Boxes have improved in 2010 I was told. Pix look OK with 

short cables. 

Also have a 4 video box with 4 BNC called SDS889 Quad Video Balun 

http://www.etslan.com/Video.htm 

ETS InstaSnake system for sound mixers 

http://www.etslan.com/pdfdocs/Audio/PA200_Series_InstaSnake.pdf : 

http://jwsound.net/SMF/index.php?topic=5997.msg46675;topicseen#msg46675 

I ran some tests at Location Sound with help from Mike Paul on the ETS InstaSnake 

system. We ran frequency response test using a straight through XLR mic cable to the 

Audio Precision analyzer using the calibrated white noise and generating a frequency 

chart. We then ran the same test but this time running signal through the InstaSnake. 

Comparing the two charts, there was no difference. So, my conclusion is that there is no 

degradation of the signal or frequency response penalty using the InstaSnake. I still need 

to do one more bit of testing on the vulnerability to induced noise on the CAT5e cable. 

So far, I have just done a very unscientific test by wrapping the CAT5e cable up in a


Page 17 of 23 

bunch and wrapping a 50 foot 115 v AC stinger around the whole mess and listening for 

any hums. No problem with that test but I would like to test it up against an HMI feeder 

cable being powered from a generator. I may have to wait until I have a job. Jeff Wexler 

http://www.etslan.com/pdfdocs/1.%20Audio%20Video/1.%20Audio/12.%20PA200%20 

Series%20InstaSnake.pdf 

The surprising thing is that there are no transformers of any sort in them [the ETS 

InstaSnake system]. They are simply wiring adapters that connect pins 2 and 3 of the 

XLR connectors to a pair in the CAT-5 cable. All the XLR pin 1 connections are tied 

together and to the shield contact of the CAT-5 connector. So, unless you use shielded 

CAT-5 cable, there are no shield connections (which could be a big problem, depending 

on the grounding status of equipment at each end of the CAT-5 cable run. Therefore, we 

ran no curves for frequency response, distortion, etc. 

Bill Whitlock, president & chief engineer Jensen Transformers, Inc. www.jensen- 

transformers.com 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 

Muxlab : Also said to be OK and used a lot in home installs: 

http://www.muxlab.com/products/ve_avd_2w_av_balun.html 

http://www.muxlab.com/assets/files/datasheets/VE_Quad_Video_Balun.pdf 

Or http://www.muxlab.com/ One opinion from the video Yahoo group: 

“I found using the Muxlab 500041 box [made for VGA] for CAT5 cable there is a lot of 

inference in the signal. That the CAT5 cable is not insulted enough to avoid power 

problems JEFF ” 

Wolf: we have run a 400 ft Cat 5e Belden using Muxlab at both ends from one stage to 

another and all is well. 

Cat5Balun Simple Balun and more complex ones from same manufacturer: 

http://www.celabs.net/images/specsheets/cat5balun.pdf 

Cat5 – VA, DVI etc boxes: 

http://www.avtoolbox.com/cat5transpage.shtml 

Cat5 pre-made boxes – large variety from Niles a respected Hi-Fi 

company: 

http://www.redco.com/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=139&cat=Niles+Audio+Audio%2FV 

ideo+Baluns 

Pre made cable


Page 18 of 23 

http://www.cat5ecableguy.com/cat5e_cables?b=1&gclid=CJKcidbJj5ECFRIUagoddmT 

UFw 

Phone: 951-699-2382 

Cat5 boxes custom made: a rugged, 

nearly indestructible system built by Steven 

Zuch in New York. The boxes carry a lifetime 

warranty due to failure of parts and 

workmanship. The 2 boxes sell for $475. He 

doesn't include the Cat5 cable. But he will build 

any length CAT 5 cable for you using Neutrik 

Ethercon (black) connectors and Belden 1304A 

tactical CAT 5 cable. The boxes are not user 

serviceable as evidenced by the security 

hardware. The cables are sealed in epoxy inside 

the boxes for better strain relief. Since the usual point of failure is at the cable exit, it is 

virtually impossible to pull or twist any of the 4 cables out of the box. He will 

accommodate your connector requests, cable length requirements, and even tech-flex 

cover the cables for a small additional charge. For additional information you can reach 

him at: Steven Zuch (646) 772-0420 szuch@optonline. 

Cat5 Connectors 

http://www.warehousecables.com/cables.php?q=Cable%20Connectors&keywords=conne 

ctor+and+rj45+and+%22cat+5e%22&search=action 

Cat5 Snagless Boots 

http://www.warehousecables.com/cables.php?q=Snagless%20Boots&keywords=snagless 

&search=action 

Cat5 Crimper 

http://www.tecratools.com/pages/datacom/datacom_crimpers.html 

And Glen Trew Audio in Nashville rents it: 

http://www.trewaudio.com/store/product.php?productid=885&cat=24&page=1 

and some interesting info 

http://www.trewaudio.com/remoteaudio/cat5_videoassist/ 

Pre made cable and boxes and adapters for $ 275 ( a reasonable price): 

http://www.remoteaudio.com/cables_adapters/cat5_video_assist/ 

Interesting FAQs: 

http://www.extron.com/company/archive.aspx?archive=whitepaper&artcatid=3 

Home Depot and Radio Shack and Fry’s carry Cat5 stuff!!! 

Twisted Pair White Papers


Page 19 of 23 

Sending A/V Signals Over Twisted Pair Cables: An Introduction 

A/V over twisted pair is the transmission and distribution of audio 

and analog video, as well as control signals over wiring traditionally 

associated with data networking and telephone systems. This wiring 

is commonly known as UTP, or unshielded twisted pair. Special 

interfacing equipment is required to send video and audio signals 

over UTP wiring. UTP-based A/V systems are appealing for many 

applications because they offer numerous advantages in terms of 

cost and implementation, and deliver performance comparable to 

systems using RGB coaxial cabling. 

Download White Paper 

Sending A/V Signals Over Twisted Pair Cables: Optimizing 

Performance 

Special system design and signal processing considerations are 

essential in order to ensure optimized performance. This paper 

details the two primary factors that affect twisted pair A/V system 

performance, cable length and skew, and offers guidelines on how to 

properly calibrate signals and select the best equipment and UTP 

cable for high performance transmission of signals in a twisted pair 

A/V system. 

Download White Paper

CAT5 Network Cable Wiring 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TIA/EIA-568-B 

See modular connector for numbering of the pins 

Pin T568A 

Pair 

T568B 

Pair 

1 3 2 tip 

2 3 2 ring 

3 2 3 tip 

4 1 1 ring 

5 1 1 tip 

6 2 3 ring 

7 4 4 tip 


Page 20 of 23 

Wire T568A Color T568B Color Pins on plug face (socket is reversed) 

white/green 

stripe 

green solid 

white/orange 

stripe 

blue solid 

white/blue 

stripe 

orange solid 

white/brown 

stripe 

white/orange 

stripe 

orange solid 

white/green 

stripe 

blue solid 

white/blue 

stripe 

green solid 

white/brown 

stripe 

8 4 4 ring 

brown solid brown solid 

Note that the only difference between T568A and T568B is that pairs 2 and 3 (orange and green) are 

swapped. Both configurations wire the pins "straight through", i.e., pins 1 through 8 on one end are 

connected to pins 1 through 8 on the other end. Also, the same sets of pins are paired in both 

configurations: pins 1 and 2 form a pair, as do 3 and 6, 4 and 5, and 7 and 8. One can use cables wired 

according to either configuration in the same installation without significant problem; problems involving 

crosstalk can occur (which is normally minimized by correctly twisting a pair together), but are usually 

insignificant in all but the most stringent specifications such as Category 6 cable. The primary thing one 

has to be careful of is not to accidentally wire the ends of the same cable according to different 

configurations (unless one intends to create an Ethernet crossover cable). 

And 

http://www.cablesplususa.com/rj45-utp-guide.htm 

or 

http://www.alatec.com/info/rj45.html 

or 

http://www.lashen.com/vendors/Leviton/Datacom/568A_568BStandards.asp

MuxLab extends HD-SDI connectivity on Cat5 

Aug 21, 2011 3:18 PM 


Page 21 of 23 

The MuxLab HD-SDI extender kit supports 3G-SDI up to 330ft via Cat 5e/6 cable. 

MuxLab (www.muxlab.com), designer and manufacturer of security video and audiovideo 

connectivity systems for copper twisted pair, announces the HD-SDI Extender Kit 

(500/700). 

Developed for the professional AV market, the HD-SDI Extender Kit allows a single (1) 

HD-SDI signal to be transmitted up to 330ft (100m) via Cat 5e/6 cable in a point-to-point 

configuration. The HD-SDI Extender Kit supports transmission of up to 2.97/3.0Gb/s 

uncompressed, unencrypted digital video (optionally including embedded audio and/or 

timecode) within television facilities and between professional video equipment. 

The HD-SDI Extender supports SDI-SMPTE 259M-C (270Mb/s) HD-SDI-SMPTE 

292M (1.485, 1.485/1.001Gb/s) and HD-SDI-SMPTE 424M/425M (2.97/3.0Gb/s). 

Typical applications include; professional video processing, broadcasting systems, 

studio-to-studio, HD-SDI camcorder cable extension and medical imaging. 

The kit includes one transmitter, one receiver and two (power supplies and comes with a 

two year warranty. The product is constructed of cast aluminum and complies with FCC 

Class A, CE and RoHS. Cost $ 680 a pair


Page 22 of 23 

And since you have read this far: What's Balanced and Unbalanced Audio? 

http://www.canare.com/index.cfm?objectid=0856671F-3048-7098-AF65F7D06F052510 

Good info on groundloops, transformers and balanced audio – lots to read much 

to learn: 

http://www.jensen-transformers.com/an/generic%20seminar.pdf 

This is on the L 695 website in the education section directed at video and sound 

folk, and it’s terrific. A must watch – 5 parts – lots to learn: 

http://www.695.com/html/edu-vid-gr-loops.html 

Many interesting products some Cat5 related: 

http://www.svideo.com/ 

People tell me not to publish so much knowledge: 

http://wolfvid.com/datasheets/!OPERATOR_HANDBOOK_vidasst.pdf 

Roundup of all video assist recorders, 15 pages: 

http://wolfvid.com/datasheets/FAQ_Video_Assist_computers.pdf 

sync with RF by the various capture devices and timebase correctors: 

http://wolfvid.com/datasheets/faq_bad_rf_and_sync_and_capture_cards.pdf 

A harebrained LCD cleaning instruction page: 

http://wolfvid.com/datasheets/FAQ_LCD_cleaning_instructions.pdf 

Steve Irvin wrote a great white paper dealing with HD video assist still good though 

dated 2009: 

http://raptorddr.com/docs/HD/2009_HD_Assist_White_Paper.pdf 

go to http://www.tvprogear.com/ click on the resources tab and there are a bunch of good 

articles. Here one on HDMI 

http://www.tvprogear.com/images/Virtual%20Pages/HDMI_in_HDV_and_AVCHD_Ca 

mcorders.pdf 

Accell E090C-003B UltraCat HDMI over Single Cat5e/6 High Speed Extender 

Manufacturer: Accell 

List Price: $499.00 

Street Price: 

Amazon.com: $499.00 

Also:

SIIG 

good company many choices good manuals USA office 

http://www.siig.com/av-products/extenders/hdmi.html 


Page 23 of 23 

Good little antenna lesson: http://www.professionalwireless.com/antenna.aspx 

Want to find out how to coordinate frequencies on the set? Here a computerized 

approach: http://www.professionalwireless.com/ias/Demo/index.html 

Useful and rare items for sale: 

http://wolfvid.com/datasheets/Specials.pdf 

This paper and its newer versions can be found at: 

http://wolfvid.com/datasheets/faq_cat5_cabeling_specs.pdf 

01/28/2012 

All kinds of audio + video stuff that is nowhere else at 

www.wolfvid.com

HDSDI cabling and CAT-5 FAQ - Wolf Seeberg Video

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