VGA over Cat 6

[FMEng]

I need to run UXGA (high res VGA) over about 200 feet of Cat 6 cable, from a computer to a projector. I'm looking at extenders from Smart-AVI, Geffen, and Kramer. Can anyone give me comment on good or bad experience with any of these products?

Thanks,

[ruinexplorer]

Do you already have the cable? If so, I would check to see which models will accept Cat6. Some models will only pass signal on Cat5 or Cat5e. I haven't used Kramer, but Geffen and Smart-AVI are decent over that run. I prefer Magenta Research for high quality and reliable video transmission.

Edit: I forgot to mention Covid as a very reliable device as well.

Check out a few of the other threads in this forum as this topic comes up fairly often.

[NickJones]

VGA does not travel well over about 20m. There VGA amps out there but it would be very very expensive. VGA is 15 pin (if memory serves correct) and Cat5 is 5 pin. Have you considers streaming the video over a network. You could use VNC to do this. You need use Cat6 or Fiber to get optimal speed if you are doing video. Alternatley you could consider scan converting it to RCA/composite then you can run it through Cat5. TVOne sells them. They make good TV quality gear. A quick Google should turn up there site. As it was Xga you might have to set it back to 800x600 to get the best scan conversion. Ours runs at 1040x480 but it does look a little letter box like. This is fine thoughnif you are projecting it but not as good on a TV.
PM me if you need more help.
Nick

[Hughesie]

Originally Posted by NickJones

VGA is 15 pin (if memory serves correct) and Cat5 is 5 pin. Have you considers streaming the video over a network. You could use VNC to do this. You need use Cat6 or Fiber to get optimal speed if you are doing video. Alternately you could consider scan converting it to RCA/composite then you can run it through Cat5.
Nick

Im the type of person who tries to keep it simple, and your observation about 15 to 5pin is a rather far fetched and im pretty sure there will be a line forming behind me laughing at you right now. As for your budget solution, it addresses the problem but clearly the post is looking at a high end solution and not a system that will require constant work and head aches.

also cat5 is 8.

[pacman]

An old thread popped up again in the last couple of days that touched on using CAT cable for video transmission. See http://www.controlbooth.com/forums/m...html#post93382. Skip over all the mic cable stuff and go directly to the posts beginning on April 6.

I would agree with riunexpolorer that Magenta Research transmitters/receivers will produce high quality video at much longer distance than you are running. I use Magenta gear for several video transport purposes, including your stated need from computer to projector. I also run live HD video to lobby and backstage displays. As mentioned, there are other companies who produce similar gear. For Magenta, you're probably looking at something over $500 for a transmitter and just over $300 per receiver. The receivers have a loop-through, so one transmitter can feed multiple receivers.

There are baluns that convert video to feed over CAT cable. A client brought in some that cost about $70 each for a show. The run was about 70-100 feet. Standard definition video (fed by cameras to a small switcher) was watchable but not what I would term as high quality.

Most companies advise against CAT6 for video because the twist in pairs results in some pairs being longer than others; see the excellent explanation by museav in the thread referenced above. You may already have CAT6 cable on hand, but CAT 5/5e is better because the twist results in more uniform lengths between pairs.

[icewolf08]

Originally Posted by FMEng

I need to run UXGA (high res VGA) over about 200 feet of Cat 6 cable, from a computer to a projector. I'm looking at extenders from Smart-AVI, Geffen, and Kramer. Can anyone give me comment on good or bad experience with any of these products?

Thanks,

So did everyone miss the fact that FMEng is looking for a VGA EXTENDER. This is not the same as just sending video over Cat5/6 as was being discussed in this thread. I have worked with the Geffen gear, it works very well. We never used it for any show critical applications, but we never had issues with it.

[Van]

Originally Posted by icewolf08

So did everyone miss the fact that FMEng is looking for a VGA EXTENDER. This is not the same as just sending video over Cat5/6.....

Ok,
Being a vidiot in training, as you may be aware, I'll Bite. What's the difference ?
Using cat5/6 as the cable for like a really long monitor extension as opposed to streaming it ? I'm missing something here, and it's not just sleep. Inquiring minds want to know.

[icewolf08]

Originally Posted by Van

Ok,
Being a vidiot in training, as you may be aware, I'll Bite. What's the difference ?
Using cat5/6 as the cable for like a really long monitor extension as opposed to streaming it ? I'm missing something here, and it's not just sleep. Inquiring minds want to know.

There are a couple ways to send video over Cat5/6. YOu can literally just put RCA connectors on UTP cable and send video down the line. Sometimes you loose quality, but it works.

You can buy VGA extenders or KVM extenders which convert the video signal into an often proprietary format. With a VGA or KVM extender you plug your computer's output into a box and then connect that box to a remote box which decodes the information and allows you to connect a display/projector and second Keyboard and mouse (if using a KVM device). With a setup like this you cannot route the signal through standard hubs and switches as it does not use an IP protocol, it is for point to point communication only.

The third option are extenders that convert the signal into an IP protocol that can be routed through standard network gear. These are usually the most expensive boxes to get and sometimes you sacrifice a little quality, but they are very flexible in use because you can route them through network gear.

[zuixro]

Originally Posted by NickJones

VGA is 15 pin (if memory serves correct) and Cat5 is 5 pin.

The VGA connector is 15 pins, but really only 5 + ground are used. Cat 5 has 8 conductors.

[Van]

I hadn't thought of the KVM route for extending video. Good Idea. Right now I'm simply using 50 extensions to run my VGA signal, but my longest run is only 60some odd feet.


Oh BTW, Hughsie ! Play Nice. keep it civil or you WILL be sent to your room.