Using Video Baluns

Setting up a new system can be a hassle.  A video balun is an electrical transformer designed to convert electrical signals via electromagnetic coupling from balanced to unbalanced.

Setting up a new system can be a hassle. However, for more complex installations with long video run, a video balun and other accessories can smooth out the process and result in better picture quality. A video balun is an electrical transformer designed to convert electrical signals via electromagnetic coupling from balanced to unbalanced. Say what? In layman's terms, it works to change a video signal to send a higher quality transmission over longer distances. This article looks at various aspects of video baluns and explains a little about how they work.

You may be wondering what the purpose of such a device is. Normally, a coax cable is used to transfer signal between a camera and a monitor. Using a video balun allows you to substitute a Cat5 or Cat6 network cable and achieve longer distances, as long as 600 feet. The wiring configuration is what allows this to work. Cat5 uses eight wires, with video being sent in pairs. Therefore, one Cat5 cable can support four different cameras. If you use less than the maximum amount of cameras, the extra wires are used to carry power across a farther distance.

Phone cables can be used in place of Cat5 as they have a similar makeup. The difference here is that phone cables only have six wires instead of eight. Regular telephones only use two wires, leaving four free to carry video. Regardless of the fewer wires, telephone cables offer an advantage in that they are already wired into building walls, making them more cost-effective. All you have to do is unscrew the faceplate, strip the wires, and connect them to a balun.

That brings us to wire stripping. There are a few different ways to do this and most Cat5 cables as well as phone cables require it in order to connect to the balun. Fancy ones have built-in ports to allow a quick and simple connection from the cable to the connector. However, most use a more economical solution that requires wire stripping and individual connection. To make this easier, we recommend getting and using a cable wire stripper. These allow you to strip up to eight wires at once for convenience and speed. Once the wires are stripped, you'll need to insert each corresponding wire into the slots on the balun. A wiring guide is generally included to help you out.

Other common things among baluns are RJ-45, terminal blocks, and screw down wiring. An RJ-45 port is the industry standard connection for Cat5 cables. Simply plug the connectors in and you're ready to go. With a terminal block, you must strip the wires and connect them individually, inserting each into the block wire openings. The advantage of this is flexibility in wiring, which allows both positive and negative wires to be used for power. Terminal blocks use a spring and provide an easy-to-use, simple connection. Finally, screw down wiring is a middle ground between the two. It provides the advantages of terminal block wiring but requires more effort.

Overall, video baluns are a great resource for adding versatility and clarity to your video transmissions. Check them out for yourself today!

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