BICSInews magazine

november/december 2012 volume 33, number 6

+ ITS in Wet Locations + AV Connectivity + Passive Optical LAN Design + 2013 BICSI Board Election Results technology innovation&

When deploying AV systems, it is important to know what type of connections your AV equipment requires, what type of cabling media is required and what the distance limitations might be for the specific application, type of signal and bandwidth.

The ABCs of AV

by Glenn Kierstead Every enterprise environment today relies on audiovisual (AV) and multimedia technolo- gies for a variety of applications, from video conferencing and training, to entertainment, digital signage, broadcasting and sound systems. With the need to access and view video content becoming as vital as the need

Glenn Kierstead is a senior to access email and the local area network product manager for copper (LAN), AV applications are now tightly systems at Hubbell Premise Wiring and responsible for embedded into everyday business activities in developing and marketing LAN and AV connectivity solutions. corporate, education, health care, hospitality, Glenn can be reached at [email protected]. retail and entertainment market segments. Analog Audio Dolby Digital 5.1 Video Component 480p, 720i,

White – left channel Multichannel bit Six-channel sound Transmits video over Transmits video over Red – right channel stream (surround with left (white), right one cable (480i and three cables, including 1080p, What? sound after decoding). (red), surround left 480p). Typically color luminance (Y), Typically color (white), surround coded yellow. red chrominance (Pr) If you are not familiar with how picture coded orange. right (red), center and blue chrominance (black) and low- (Pb). Y is typically quality is achieved, all of those numbers frequency effects green, Pr red, and and the “p” or “i” listed for various display (black). Pb blue. resolutions can be confusing. The display resolution indicates the number of pixels Table 1: Common RCA connector types (i.e., smallest picture element) that can be displayed—the higher the number, the better Whether it is video conferencing equipment in the corporate office, the resolution. The “i” and “p” designate the projector systems and interactive smart® Boards in the classroom, flat panel type of video—interlaced or progressive. displays and medical AV equipment in a hospital, amplifiers and speaker Interlacing is a technique of rendering systems in the auditorium or security and surveillance equipment at the mall, video by generating two fields of lines— navigating the wide variety of AV applications, equipment and connections a field of odd lines and a field of even lines. is no easy task for the information technology systems (ITS) professional. It was designed specifically for old cathode Identifying the wide variety of AV connectors and understanding key ray tube (CRT) TVs to improve quality deployment considerations can help ease AV system deployment. (i.e., reduce flicker) without consuming extra Know Your Connectivity bandwidth. When an interlaced image is transmitted, half of the lines of an image To the untrained eye, the number and types of AV connectors on the are displayed at one time, alternating back of any AV equipment can be overwhelming. As technology advances, between odd and even lines. The lines are new digital connector types for better sound and picture quality are added to refreshed at about 30 frames per second to the mix. Those new to deploying AV systems may wonder which connectors allow the human eye to interpret them as a should be used for which application. Whether for analog or digital, audio or complete image. video, knowing the use and application of each connector type can help you Progressive, or noninterlaced, scanning make the right decisions. renders video where all the lines of each frame are drawn from top to bottom, rather designs that do not maintain precise that divided into separate fields. Each line impedance for video. While common of the image is displayed one at a time in older home theatre applications, in perfect sequence. While this provides they are rarely used in professional a better quality picture, it requires more video applications. The various colors bandwidth. of RCA connections are related to their While interlaced scanning consumes application, as shown in Table 1. less bandwidth than progressive and RCA connectors—Found on most interlaced devices are typically less complex consumer electronics (e.g., home and less expensive, the images are prone theater equipment), audio equipment, to anomalies, especially video of a fast- computers and video recorders, moving object. To counter the problem, the RCA connector is a standard interlaced images are sometimes blurred, analog, low-level connector that Speaker terminals—Used for which results in a reduced picture quality. features a single cylindrical metal surround sound speakers in home On large displays, interlaced scanning also rod and an outer round metal belt. theater applications, speaker terminals can cause flicker. Progressive scanning The connector gets its name from are quick release spring-loaded push- produces no anomalies or blurring for a the RCA® Corporation, which first button terminals for terminating much clearer picture. While it required used the connection on radios and bare speaker wire or pin connectors. too much bandwidth for traditional phonographs in the 1940s. Used for Speaker terminals with bare wire do analog signals, the shift digital has composite video, , not provide as solid a connection made progressive scanning more popular. line-level audio and Sony®/ Philips® or as much protection against short Progressive scanning is also ideal for digital interconnect format (S/PDIF), circuits as wires terminated with advanced video surveillance because it RCA connections are unbalanced connectors. enables more detailed viewing of moving objects.

Electronic reprint with permission from BICSI News Magazine-November/December 2012 Issue applications and video entertainment systems. Typically machined as threaded to be screwed into place, the connector is round and features a Binding posts and banana single thin metal shaft in the center. F-type connectors transmit both connections—These connectors Three-pin XLR—Found on PA and audio and video. are typically found on , intercom equipment, amplifiers, amplifiers, home theater equipment component units and and electronic test equipment. in professional broadcasting and Binding posts are a high-quality auditorium applications, the three- connector that can accept several pin XLR connector is the standard types of speaker wire and connec- connector for digital and analog S-video connectors—Used for tions, including banana plugs. They balanced interconnections between standard definition (480i or 576i) contain a threaded metal rod and audio equipment. These durable, analog video distribution in home a cap that screws down on the rod. balanced connections use three theater and entertainment systems Banana plugs consist of a single fat conductors (positive, negative and like DVD players and game boxes, as shaft that bulges on the sides, hence ground) for impedance-balanced lines well as for video cameras, projectors the name. Banana terminations with resistance to electromagnetic and surveillance systems, the S-video provide the most contact area interference (EMI), resulting in low connector is a keyed four-pin mini- of any speaker wire termination distortion. for maximum signal and power DIN connector. The connector transmission. carries luminance (brightness) and chrominance (color), with each signal pin paired with its own ground pin. By separating the color from the brightness, distortions can be eliminated and a better picture SpeakON® connections— quality produced. Stereo jacks (TRS connectors)— Intended solely for high-current Originally invented for telephone audio applications, such as for switchboards, tip, ring, sleeve (TRS) connecting loudspeakers to connectors are commonly known amplifiers in entertainment and PA as stereo jacks. They are the most systems, SpeakON connectors are an common audio interfaces and come alternative to 6.3 mm (0.25 in) stereo BNC connectors—A professional in three sizes. The 3.5 millimeter jacks and XLR connectors. Designed coaxial cable termination used (mm [0.138 inch (in)]) jack is used with a locking system for either primarily in professional studios as for speakers, microphones and soldered or screw-type connections, an interconnect, the BNC connector headphones found on computers, these connectors are less prone to has a thin central pin and an outer portable devices and other consumer disconnection and are fully shielded rounded metal belt. The connector electronics. Typically mounted in to prevent risk of electric shock and pushes onto its jack and twists to panels, the 6.3 mm (0.25 in) jack is short circuits. used for broadcasting and recording the side to lock in place. Primarily equipment, intercom and public used for entertainment, surveillance address (PA) systems, switchboards, systems, wireless systems and test medical testing equipment equipment, BNC plugs have good and industrial and military impedance characteristics. communications equipment. The F-type connectors—Used with miniature 2.5 mm (0.10 in) version coaxial cable, the F-type connector was originally designed for transistor is widely used for cable and satellite radios and still can be found on TV, closed-circuit TV (CCTV) in inexpensive audio players. surveillance applications, broadband

Electronic reprint with permission from BICSI News Magazine-November/December 2012 Issue High-density 15-pin D subconnectors—The standard connector used to connect a computer to a viewing device, the 15-pin D subconnector transmits high-quality video. It can be found in display signage applications that use flat screen displays, projectors Ceiling enclosures designed specifically for AV applications are an excellent option for hiding AV equipment and cables in the classroom ceiling, as shown in this before and after photo. and interactive white boards. The analog signal is transmitted as red, green and blue (RGB) and vertical and horizontal synchronization (HV), resulting in a high-quality signal with low distortion.

HDMI connectors—This high- DisplayPort—Developed by definition multimedia interface the Video Electronics Standards (HDMI) is an all-digital AV interface Association (VESA), the DisplayPort DVI connectors—The digital visual capable of transmitting uncompressed interface is primarily used for interface (DVI) connector is designed streams for HDTV, digital signage, connecting a computer to a to maximize the visual quality of high-end home theater systems, display, monitor or other viewing display devices such as flat panel flat screen displays, monitors, device. Unlike HDMI interfaces, displays, monitors, digital projectors computers, laptops and portable the DisplayPort interface is and high-end home theater systems. multimedia devices. There are four nonproprietary, which makes it less Designed to transmit uncompressed types of HDMI connectors—a 19-pin expensive to implement. Apple® digital video, this single connection connector (Type A) for single link, a Inc. developed a mini DisplayPort also supports analog video to 29-pin connector (Type B) for high connector for use with laptop encompass both digital and legacy resolution, a mini 19-pin connector video graphic array interfaces. It (Type C) for portable devices and a provides enough bandwidth to smaller 19-pin connector (Type D) support widescreen ultra extended for small electronics (e.g., mobile graphics array (WUXGA) and super phones). HDMI connectors are extended graphics array (SXGA) for capable of transmitting 480i, 480p, high-definition TV (HDTV). The DVI 576i, 576p, 720p, 1080i and 1080p computers and other small devices. connector comes in three different video signals up to 5 m (16.4 ft) using USB connectors—The universal styles—DVI-D (digital only), DVI-A 28 American Wire Gauge (AWG) [0.32 serial bus (USB) connector is a (analog only) and DVI-I (digital and mm (0.013 in)] cable assemblies and standard interface, which transmits analog). DVI connectors cannot be up to 12 m (39 ft) using 24 AWG both power and data. It was originally field terminated and have a distance [0.51 mm (0.020 in)] cable assemblies. designed to simplify the connection limitation of 4.6 meters (m [15 feet between computers and peripheral (ft)]) for 1920 x 1200 resolution devices. Because of its low cost (WUXGA) and 15 m (50 ft) for 1280 x and ease of use, it has become 1024 resolution (SXGA). commonplace for scanners, printers, handheld devices (e.g., video cameras

Electronic reprint with permission from BICSI News Magazine-November/December 2012 Issue Some vendors offer customized plug-and-play AV connectivity HDMI extenders allow 1080p signals to be transmitted up to 45.8 m (150 ft) over two category 6A UTP cables or up to 40 m (131 ft) over solutions with several available connector types and cable assemblies two category 6 cables from the source device to the display. to support a variety of applications.

and control devices), keyboards, the projector and back to desktop connections behind the display while video game consoles, portable media equipment (e.g., computer). When also accommodating the larger bend players and other peripherals. There the AV equipment and the cables that radii associated with today’s AV cables are many types of USB connectors. connect to the projector are visible (e.g., HDMI, DVI, coaxial cable). The most common types include and unsecure, they can be inadver- AV displays and equipment Type A, which is a flattened rectangle tently or intentionally damaged, not often require more than just a connector, and Type B, which has a to mention unsightly. Ceiling power and video connection. Some square shape with beveled exterior enclosures designed specifically for might require multiple connector corners. Various mini and micro USB AV applications are an excellent types for multiple displays, sound connectors also have been developed option for hiding the AV equipment systems or connection to the LAN. for connecting to small devices (e.g., and the cables in the plenum space. It is also wise to future-proof the smartphones and digital cameras). These enclosures fit into the drop connections. While the current ceiling and include space for the equipment might use composite Deployment Considerations AV equipment and other necessary video or DVI connections, including When deploying AV systems, equipment (e.g., mounted connec- an HDMI connection will enable it is important to know what type tions), as well as power receptacles your customers to support advanced of connections your AV equipment and appropriate knockouts for AV equipment in the future. Some requires, what type of cabling power and AV cables. Other types vendors offer customized plug- media is required and what the of enclosures to consider when distance limitations might be for mounting AV connectivity include the specific application, type of furniture boxes for boardroom signal and bandwidth. Whether you tables, desktops or podiums. are deploying a projector system When mounting a flat in a classroom or a large flat panel panel display for digital signage display for digital signage, how and applications, your customers do where you deploy the connections not want hanging cables or displays to support the AV equipment should that are not flush against the wall. also be considered. Instead of traditional wall outlets For example, projector systems placed at standard height, consider that are becoming commonplace in a recessed enclosure mounted K-12 education environments are directly behind the display. Make often installed in the ceiling along- sure enclosures offer enough space side AV equipment that connects to to house both power and AV

Electronic reprint with permission from BICSI News Magazine-November/December 2012 Issue and-play AV connectivity solutions connector type also can facilitate lighting and acoustics. It is wise to that allow you to specify a variety changes and upgrades in AV work closely with facility managers of connector types and associated equipment. and architects when deploying AV cable assemblies for easily swapping While knowing your connector systems because wall colors, windows, applications without changing types, cabling media and distance reflective surfaces, carpeting and horizontal cable runs. limitations is vital, there are several upholstery can have an impact on As previously stated, distance other factors to consider when how well a space supports video limitation associated with various AV deploying AV systems—from display viewing and equipment placement. applications is also a consideration. size and placement height to room END The HDBaseT standard, which was released in June 2010, allows HDTV signals to travel over unshielded twisted-pair (UTP) cabling up to 100 m (328 ft). HDBaseT uses an 8-position, 8-contact (8P8C) modular connection (i.e., RJ45). To date, HDBaseT adoption has been slow, with few supporting devices available. While HDBaseT may be the wave of the future, many existing AV devices still use HDMI. Thankfully, video extenders are available with adapters that convert an HDMI connection to an 8P8C modular connection (i.e., RJ45) or 110 insulation displacement contacts (IDCs), allowing display devices to be located farther away from the source. These solutions allow the 1080p signal to be transmitted up to 45.8 m (150 ft) over two category 6A UTP cables or up to 40 m (131 ft) over two category 6 cables. Some extender solutions also have the ability to indicate that both power and the signal are working properly. Closing Thoughts With so many AV connector types, resolution options and mounting considerations, it is best to partner with vendors who have demonstrated experience with deploying integrated AV and data systems and who offer a variety of AV connector types, enclosures and solutions designed for AV applications. Modularity with faceplates and enclosures that offer keystone openings to fit any

Electronic reprint with permission from BICSI News Magazine-November/December 2012 Issue