All About Video Baluns

What is a video balun?A video balun is a connecting device which converts a balanced electrical line to an unbalanced line and vice versa. It is also used as a cost efficient alternative to extending the distance of a security camera from 1,000 feet to up to 6,000 feet. This is achieved by using a Cat5e/A cable or another form of twisted pair wire (UTP) instead of the usual coaxial cable. With the help of a video balun, the UTP wire can be pulled for longer runs. A video balun comes in two’s. One is for converting the unbalanced line to a balanced line and the other is to convert the signal back. One key advantage of using a video balun is that the frequency transmits a stronger signal and thus has less of a signal interference. Basically, there are two kinds of video baluns—a passive video balun and an active video balun. However, the right kind of video balun to use mostly depends on the function. For example, a keystone video balun is more appropriate for behind the wall installations, while for your home theater, you will need a special HDTV balun. For industrial needs, a rackmount video balun will better support the requirements of a business. It helps eliminate tangled cables and simplifies the process of installation. Other common uses of video baluns include connecting security and surveillance systems, closed circuit television (CCTV) systems, televisions, computer monitors and laptops, USB devices and DVD players, among others.

There are three configurations by which video baluns can exist. If you use passive video baluns on both the camera and the monitor side, then there is no signal intensity change or amplification. This works for a maximum distance of 1,000 feet. If you use a passive video balun on the camera side and an active video balun on the monitor side, the receiving balun amplifies a weakened signal and transmits a stronger signal to the surveillance device. This set-up works for a maximum of 4,000 feet in distance. Finally, if you use an active video balun on both sides, the sending balun transmits a strengthened signal to the other end which then strengthens the signal and sends it to the surveillance device. This is good for a maximum of 6,000 feet in distance.

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Video Baluns – What Exactly Are They?

Active Video Balun for Camera side,
Up to 6560 Ft

Video baluns are devices that are used to convert balanced lines to unbalanced lines and vice versa. Video baluns are electronic devices used in aerial and its feeder cable and other electrical circuit elements wherein one is balanced and the other is unbalanced. The difference between a balanced and unbalanced line is that balanced lines have two conductors having equal currents in opposite directions, whereas unbalanced lines only have one conductor and that the current returns via a common ground or earth path.

Video baluns come in pairs, with one converting balanced to unbalanced and vice versa, while the other converts the signal back. Video baluns function by transforming an unbalanced video signal to a balanced frequency that originates from a different cable. With video baluns, frequencies are then balanced, transmitting a stronger signal while preventing signal interference.

As mentioned, video baluns come in pairs. They also come in passive and active forms. For example, passive video baluns are available in 3- and 2-Pair Powers, both for the camera and monitor side for security cameras. These video baluns are also cost-efficient, increasing the distance of security cameras by 1000ft using a Cat5e or UTP Cable. Active video baluns are also available, requiring Cat5, Cat6, or phone cables to function. Some active video baluns can even provide signals for up to 6000ft.

Active Video Balun, Female BNC Connector, Terminal Type, Camera Side

Video baluns are commonly used in BNC or coaxial cables, security and surveillance systems, closed circuit television (CCTV) systems, and home theaters and television. They are also used in computer monitors, laptops, DVD players, USB devices, and unshielded twisted pair (UTP) cables.

PI Manufacturing, Corp. is an online wholesaler of video baluns and other computer cables. Browse through PIMFG’s wide selection of video balun products such as passive video baluns, active video baluns, video balun brackets, built-in video baluns and more.