Basic Fiber Optic Cable purchase guide. Who needs fiber cables?
Fiber optic cables used in
Video/Audio have earned a place in the commercial environment in the
last several years. While a very small segment of the market,
there are no comparable solution in the copper world like fiber.
With the ever decreasing prices of fiber optic wiring, the cost is
now similar to the more expensive copper alternate like HDBaseT and
other long distance cabling.
Fiber cables are driven by transmitter/receiver (Tx/Rx) modules that
send the data at speed of light through fiber optic cables. The
primary feature of fiber optics is the ability to connect video source
and display over extraordinarily long distances up to 1000 feet via
multimode all the way up to 6000 ft. via single mode cables. Fiber
optics signals are unaffected by EMI, RF or ground noise interference,
and isolated electronically, ideal for use in medical and other mission
critical applications. Some fiber optic transceivers
(transmitter/receiver) also support additional functions, such as IR,
audio, or RS-232 connections. The types currently available on the
market:
Integrated Fiber Cables:
The most common and affordable
solution is the full cable with the transceivers built into the heads of
the cable connector, ideal solution for shorter fixed
distances. Fiber Optic cables are available in lengths from 10 to
100 meters in DVI or HDMI.
List
all Fiber Optic DVI Cables
List all Fiber Optic HDMI Cables
Transmitter/Receiver Modules with separate
cables:
For times when pulling connectors through walls or conduit is
too difficult or virtually impossible, the add-on transceivers
(often called dongles or modules) can be ran longer distances using
environment unique cables like indoor/outdoor or plenum.
Fiber Optic transceivers consist of the
sender and receiver that connects to separate cables that can be
purchased in various lengths, or pre-wired and self-terminated. The
wires can be the older 4-wire multi-cables or single cables terminated as the industry standard
LC or SC types. Fiber cables are sold in different lengths
from 10 to 150 Meters pre-terminated, or up to 300 Meters as
custom orders. Transceivers are available in DVI, HDMI or
SDI.
List all DVI Modules
List all HDMI Modules
How about HDCP?
While
an assumption could be made that all HDMI cables all support HDCP, the
same is not true for DVI connections. Most multiple-wire DVI
cables are HDCP compliant, but same is not true for single wire units.
To ensure compatibility with most consumer equipment, be sure to check
for HDCP compliance before purchase.
