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.