ICRealtime How-to Notes 96050

 

Video Baluns/UTP Transceivers/Receivers Introduction

 

[This note applies to all ICR Video Baluns and UTP Transceivers/Receivers]

 

 

Understanding What Video Baluns and UTP Transceivers/Receivers Are

 

Video baluns (BALanced/UNbalanced) along with transceivers/receivers combine the use of coax and UTP (unshielded twisted pair) cabling to help upon numerous aspects which will overall reduce overhead. Using video baluns along with category 5e (CAT5e) can substitute using coax for long distant runs predominantly over and beyond 1,000 feet. With just a single run of CAT5e, their is a possibility of having a total of eight cameras (one pair to a camera) on the line. Video baluns can help reduce signal degeneration, allow multiple signals to share one cable, can help prevent interference from stray RF signals and finally it costs less to implement then traditional coax. Two different types of video baluns include active and passive; active baluns can be amplified which in turn allows longer distances of runs while passive do not require any kind of amplification which shortens the distance in which you can run.

 

 Example of a simple single channel passive video balun

 

 

Video baluns come in both single and multiple channel devices. Multiple channel receivers/transceivers like the one pictured below, can come in either active or passive styles. Video baluns that support multiple channels might include additional adjustable options such as our very own IVB410 which allows to adjust brightness and sharpness right from the device. Another advantage of using a multiple channel video balun is that you can utilize passive or active single channel baluns along with them. Video baluns can be a very easy move over from the traditional running of coax cable that can save you time, costs and over all stress.

 

Example of a multiple channel active video balun hub

 

How to Install Video Baluns

 

As described above, video baluns are a great and easy alternative from running coax cable. Dealing with either passive, active, single or multiple channel video baluns, all have the same concept of installation. Upon running category 5 cable for your cameras video, RS485 (if applicable) or even power, be sure all video baluns that you will be using are properly tested with a camera of choice. Also keep in mind that if you are utilizing active video baluns that proper power is being fed to the camera and balun itself. Once your cabling is ran, terminate your pair of wires to either end of each video balun. Always read the instructions that come with the baluns to be sure if that model requires a certain pin configuration for your different pairs. Some active baluns have settings for you to adjust the amplification level from low, medium or high. These settings need to be adjusted depending how long or short the run is.

 

Below is an illustration on how video baluns work their way in to an actual installation.

A simple single channel passive balun setup. Notice you will still receive a colored picture at 1,200ft yet a black and white picture after 1,800ft.  With active baluns you will be able to achieve longer runs than passive.

 

 

A single channel active to passive balun setup. Notice you will still receive a colored picture at 4,800ft yet a black and white picture after 6,600ft.