Fiber Optic Cable Purchasing Guide
Fiber Optic cables used in
Video/Audio has been around for a few years with a handful of
dominant companies that manufacture products that cater to this
small market niche. The cost is still higher than traditional
copper wire or even the more expensive CAT5/6 based transceivers, but unlike the two older technologies, fiber has the benefit
of signals that are less dependent on the cable quality or
environment, and delivers the most reliable performance at the
longest distances for lossless high-definition video. There are no
clear standards in fiber optics video cables, though there is a
trend to utilize the types of fiber wiring that are common in the
telecommunication industry. There are currently two types of
Fiber Optic cabling as explained below:
Fiber Cables:
The most common and affordable
solution is the full cable with the transceivers built into the heads of
the cable connector. This is the 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:
Sometimes called dongles or modules, the transceivers consist of the
sender and receiver that connects to separate cables. This can
be 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
Transceivers with Audio, RS-232, or USB Keyboard
There are a few models of Fiber Optic Modules that also support either
Audio, RS-232 communications, or even USB for use with PC Keyboards.
Below are the specialty models and features available today:
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.
