Determining What Video Baluns to Based on Distance

Find out what is the best combination for active and passive video baluns to use based on the distance required for your CCTV system.

Video Baluns and Twisted Pair Video Transceivers for CCTV

From this diagram, learn how video baluns are used and applied in CCTV systems.

How to Install Large CCTV Systems Using Video Baluns and Rack Cabinets

A quick diagram on how to build large CCTV systems with video baluns and rack cabinets

Troubleshooting Video Baluns (Part I)

Video baluns come in two types: passive and active video baluns. There are times when they don’t function properly so it’s important to know how to solve common video balun problems. Here’s how to troubleshoot active and passive video baluns.

1.       The first step to troubleshooting video baluns is to double check the cable configuration. This means that you are not using a Shielded Twisted Pair (STP) wire. Video baluns work best with Cat5e cables or UTP or Unshielded Twisted Pair wires. 

2.       Checking the cable configuration also means that they should be far away from AC power, fluorescent lighting, high EMI equipment, and high current equipment. Noises may be generated from these systems, causing distortion to the images.

3.       Noise can also come from splice connections, which is done when splitting UTP wires. To prevent this, use RJ45 connectors or make sure that there is at least an inch of untwisted wire when you solder or twist the pairs together.

4.       Verifying the camera connection should first be done before testing the video baluns themselves. The video output should work correctly which can be done with the use of an individual transformer then powering the camera locally as a means to verify that the power section of the cable is good.

5.       Another way to verify cable connection by power supply is to place the transformer on the DVR side of the cable, which should only be done if the cable power section is confirmed to function properly.

6.       A video test kit can also be purchased to test the video output of the camera and make sure that the camera is indeed working as it should be. 

These are just the first things to accomplish to verify video balun functionality. Wait for the second part as we finish our two-part series on troubleshooting video baluns.

What You Should Know About VGA Video Baluns

The best thing about Cat5e video baluns is that they can easily transmit signals up to 1,000 feet. VGA cables, which are used to connect a VGA video signal to a computer monitor, may cost you hundreds of dollars if you have a distance of more than 30 feet since this is the standard distance that VGA cables offer. Basically, VGA cables have 15 pin connectors on both ends so you can connect your monitor to get video signals. Here are some of the things you need to know about using VGA video baluns for longer distances.

To begin with, VGA has three discrete signals that carry information for red, green, and blue, which are basically the primary colors. Another two signals carry horizontal and vertical synchronization, which makes a total of five VGA signals. If you open up a VGA cable, you will see that these signals travel on smaller coaxial cables as unbalanced circuits. The energy of these circuits are located on the center conductor and surrounded by grounded shields. Because these are unbalanced signals, naturally, these VGA signals won’t be able to travel over Cat5e cables without suffering from loss and distortion.

This is where video baluns come in. With a VGA video balun, three balun transformers convert the color signals to balanced circuits so they can travel through Cat5e cables. Additionally, it also connects the vertical and horizontal synchronization signals to the two wires of the Cat5e cables, also travelling as balanced signals. For this to happen, the equipment at both ends of the Cat5e cable must be grounded for the synchronization signals. Doing this means plugging it into a wall socket with a 3-prong power cord.

To connect the VGA video baluns, the appropriate ends should be attached to the source and the monitor. Use a Cat5e cable with RJ45 connectors on each end. The best way to prevent interference is by using a shielded Cat5e cable for a more stable ground.

How Videos are Transmitted Over Cat5 Cables: The Main Purpose of a Video Balun

By now, you all know that video baluns are primarily used with security cameras, the main reason being that a video balun can transmit signals, or in this case, videos, better over long distances than RG59 Coax Cables. RG59 Coax Cables are the standard cables used to transmit video signals from security cameras but with today’s technology, a better option has arrived in the form of a video balun.

A video balun works, basically, by converting a 75ohm signal to 100 ohm impedance for Cat5e cables and back. To do this, two video baluns are needed, each of which is attached to the end of the Cat5e cable. Aside from being more technologically-advanced than coax cables, video baluns can also help save time and energy when it comes to installation. No longer do you have to run coax cables from the 1^st to the nth floor. All you have to do is use video baluns to install security cameras in commercial office buildings.

With video baluns, you have multiple pairs of wires, which is something you don’t really get with other types of cables. When you transmit video signals with Cat5e cables, you have 4 pairs of 22 gauge wires and one cable can already be used for 4 cameras. To avoid interference, security cameras installed with the video baluns should be powered by the cameras themselves or use a separate Cat5e cable instead.

When purchasing video baluns, you can choose an active or a passive video balun. You can also choose different formats depending on the video signal available. The most common form of video signal is the composite video so you will not have any trouble purchasing a video balun that suited for this. Cat5e cables, on the other hand, are better for extended signals in homes, classrooms, commercial establishments, and business settings.

What You Need to Know When Buying a Security Camera

Nowadays, it is easy to install CCTV cameras with video baluns for your homes. With safety being a primary concern for most homeowners, a house without a security camera is no longer an option. Video surveillance is a must for residences and even business establishments to ensure that everything is as it should be. Here are a few tips to help you should you decide to buy a video surveillance tool for your home. 

1.       When buying a security camera, first determine the coverage area and target distance. Know what areas should be monitored 24/7 so you can purchase the right camera that will capture the scene. To do this, think like a criminal and ask yourself, “Where would I go if I will rob the place?” If you need multiple cameras, then by all means, purchase them. Safety is not an option. 

2.       Once you have determined the coverage area and target distance, the next thing to do is to choose the focal length of your camera. Using a lens calculator is the best way to do this because it calculates the recommended focal length that is needed so you can get the best view and magnification possible for each security camera. 

3.       Ultimately, the most important factor in buying a security camera is to invest in the right one. But how exactly do you know this? With the many CCTV cameras available in the market today, it’s hard to choose which ones are the best. Know the different types first and these include bullet and dome cameras. 

Aside from the aforementioned factors, some other considerations you should keep in mind are your own preferences. Do you want them hidden from plain view or if you want them in plain sight, would you rather they blend in with their natural surroundings? Questions like these are important as they will help you decide on what security camera is right for you.

Remember, aside from a security camera, you will also need a video balun to help convert the signals to your DVR. Choose between an active video balun or a passive one that best matches the security camera and DVR you own.