Question for the pros:

Need to pre wire some plasma Apps, but im going to be restricted to size of the conduit (maybe a peice of 3/4 EMT).

Can i buy wire, somthing that is maybe 3 pair strained 18G each sheilded and use it for RGB componient video? I dont think i can fit 3 RG59's and other stuff in the pipe.

Besides, i could use that same cable (if it exists) for audio/video cable as well.

Any ideas? Experiance, and Link to where i can get the wire?

Extron has mini coax. [Link: extron.com]

and they also have utp transceivers
[Link: extron.com]

liberty, belden amd signature all offer mini five and six conductor RGBHV type coaxs, in one jacket, approx 1/2" in diamer, that could easily handle most of what you need....

Extron Model # 22-020-02... 5 BNC Mini Hi-Res...has to come in a 500 foot spool but you'll find it goes fast...even at the $3.50 a foot it retails for. Use Pro-fit FSBNC1RGB BNC connectors, BNC/RCA adaptors (or the RCA version for the component video), and the breakout from 2 BNC connects to one s-video available from Tributaries and others. We usually run two or three of them as one could end up being a VGA for the computer while another can be VGA or RGBHV from an HD rcvr.

Tell the guy who ran the conduit to go a little bigger next time!

We always run the following:
3 RG-6 for component video (all RG-6 could in your case could be mini coax as needed).
2 RG-6 for S-Video
1 RG-6 for Composite
1 Cable for RS-232 control (or IR control)
This covers you pretty well for all sources.

if you use a scaler and upconvert everything you would need a minimum of either 3 coax (component) or 5 coax (RGBHV). Please keep in mind that some plasmas will not accept HD/progressive scan through the component inputs - only through the RGBHV inputs - so you may have to run RGBHV.

And though I'm sure you aware of it, don't forget about using a plasma proof IR receiver if that is your menas for control - which may also means another wire in the conduit.

Finally, depending on the plasma keep in mind that DVI is another way to go but the connector will never fit through a 3/4" conduit (and I don't think you would want to solder one on - at least we wouldn't). The newer plasmas will feature HDMI which uses a smaller digital connector.

We never run anything for audio - which we always run through external speakers and use the plasma as a monitor only.

You probably know all this but I'm just mentioning in case...

This message was edited by QQQ on 10/07/03 23:45.

Why not do RGBHV over Cat-5? Several Manufacturers have boxes that run anything from Componant HD to full RGBHV over cat-5 now.

Just curious, the Rg-6 you are using, is it a digital cable from Liberty or Beldon. I have decided that I will make my own Comp and RGB cables when I can from now on. This new 3Ghz swept cable has alot going for it for baseband!

Thanks alot guys, Iv been looking for the alternative from buying pre terminated Entry-Level cables, and start going the route of terminating my own.

Is RG6 better than using RG59 for video? I thought it was hard to find RG6 BNC connectors.

Is there anything special about the RG6, or can i use the same stuff i use for my media drops. (RG6U Quad Sheild Cable - Stainless Braid)?

Do you think there would be a signal issue if i used the 4 mini coax and used 3 of them for COMPON, and 1 for COMPOS?

jaws,

use RG-6 when you can...connectors are widely available from Liberty, Signature and Belden.

We use the mini's all the time, and run component on the RGB, then use one other for composite and an IR flasher if neededm or we use both of the extras for S-Video...

We have used the standard RG-6, which is all swept to between 2-3ghz, for all of the above, and it works just fine. Naturally, as you suggest, it takes up more space when it sounds like you're already limited...

Dwin actually sells a DVI cable for their Transscanner3 and Transvision3 that will fit through a 3/4 hole (probably not a conduit with too many bends though. It is then adapted back to standard DVI on the other end... works fine!

Brijaws:

Check out the "cable pro" tool sold by Liberty and a bunch of others. You ca use it to terminate RCA, BNC and F on RG-6, RG-59 and mini coax.

Is MINI COAX the same as RG58?

Can i use RG58 connectors?

ALso - It looks like one of my installs will be using a 50" Pioneer HD - The connection is with DVI right? I need to run around the room (up in the crown molding) about 65' - Is this going to work? Can i terminate my own DVI? What cable do i need?

From reading this thread alot of guys are still using Rg-6 for base band video signals, and are trying to run RGB or COMPONENT over common rg-6!
Are you using CCTV specified cable for this?
Common Catv Rg-6 does not have the freeqs for that app.
I have to say that most commercial jobs that I have been involved with in the past would spec in 59 for all base band due to copper instead of steel. But this new tinned copper braid "Serial Digital" coax from liberty can let us all make our own RGB or Components in house or on site.

It just scares me to see alot of guys throwin around Rg-6 for everything and expecting the new guys to know that there is a difference in cabling.

My .02

RG58 is 50 ohm cable that was primarily used for the older "thin net" Ethernet topology. Don't use it for A/V.

RG6 is 75 ohm cable that is compatible with most A/V products.

There are some distance limitations on DVI. We have not run it long range yet but I believe you max out at 30 feet.

Yes, only solid copper RG-6 should be used for baseband applications, NOT copper clad steel. Belden 1694A or 1695A are also excellent choices. They will also function as outstanding cables for broadband applications.