Grant's Perspective on ...fiber optic cables for AV systems
Would most people be surprised to see that their
systems design calls for the transmission of video over fiber?
This technology is being used more and more to transmit digital video from source to display.
In fact many in our industry believe that eventually fiber will replace copper twisted pair (CAT5) and coaxial cables.
Where do I use it most often? Well, two major areas:
1) Video conferencing. Clients want that image to be sharp! They want to see details and with many systems now utilizing
Tandberg HD video the images look fantastic. After all, we're creating an environment that is the next best thing to being there.
2) Digital signage. A corporations marketing must look top notch. Yes, an obvious point. Just like an airline wouldn’t want coffee stains on their seatback trays as it might give the impression they don't take pride in the rest of the systems that keep the plane in the air, the images in a digital signage system should not have smears and ghosting and fuzzy and/or jagged edges etc.
Bottom line: avoid degradation of the high-resolution video during transport because IT’S GOTTA LOOK GOOD!
The SHARP commercial grade LCD monitors we use in our projects do an absolutely fantastic job of recreating video. However, if the transmission of that video signal to the monitor is poor, the monitor can’t help that. Therefore send digital video in a digital realm.
Why is fiber so healthy for your system? Basically the digital information comes out the same at the other end (that almost sounds too graphic).
Fiber provides low loss of the video signal over long distances and high bandwidth properties. But it's not only a requirement for long cable distances. Transmitting over fiber provides greater resistance to electromagnetic noise from motors, radios, other cables, AC power power cables.... in other words, noise immunity. You are probably familiar with hum bars slowly moving up your image and sparkle in the picture. No more with fiber. Fiber is also non-conductive, which has its advantages, and is good for our friends in the high security areas as it is very difficult to tap into.
In comparison, twisted pair cables will suffice for short runs and low bandwidth signals. Hi-res coax cable has remained popular for most reasonable distances (within the confines of a typical boardroom, training room, or presentation theatre) and high bandwidth signals. Copper is costing more (so they tell me) so the additional cost of going with fibre is becoming less and less. With HD video having become mainstream you WILL see more of this.
Would most people be surprised to see that their system design calls for the transmission of video over fiber? Yes, but they'll know their Inland AV guy is looking out for their best interests.
Grant
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