Posted by Cablewholesale

The Cablewholesale has many particulars. The engineering of a cable’s electrical properties and it’s application is usually formost in a consumer’s thoughts when looking to purchase a cable. What’s not as frequently considered is the material used to insulate the cable. This is known as the jacket. Most store-bought cables are expected to be used in a home or office, but when buying cables for a more particular use the materials used in construction become more of a concern. Do you want to run a coax cable to your detached garage for a TV? Can you run a normal network cable in the plenum space in your office building? Is it legal to send this cable to my customer in Germany? We hope our answers to these questions, and more, will help make your next project a lasting success.

e information printed on a cable jacket will usually tell you everything you need to know. Typically this includes the manufacturer or UPC code, jacket material, any electrical standards it meets, temperature rating, and frequently a material rating that will tell you where the cable can be run in a building. Let’s look at a common Cat-6 network cable as an example.

CM - This is the material class for the cable. This is an example of a UL rating. A detailed explanation of UL ratings is given below. CM means this cable is made for general purpose. If this specified CMP or CMR, the cable would be suited for plenum or riser applications.

24 AWG (American Wire Gauge) - The indiviudal conductors of this cable are 24 gauge. This does not indicate that the conductors are solid or stranded.

75 degrees Celsius - This does not mean that the cable will combust at this temperature, but rather the plastics used will slowly degrade if kept above this temperature for extended periods.

Underwriters Laboratories - This is a standards body that oversees the design and manufacture of all kinds of products. It is not part of any federal code requirements, but is sometimes required by some companies for insurance purposes.

The UL reference number relates to the manufacturer of this product.

Canadian Standards Association - This is another standards body like UL, but is obviously more specific to Canadian installations.

Just like the UL reference, the CSA reference number relates to the manufacturer.

CMG - This is the rating of the fire retardent in the cable.

Electrical Testing Laboratories - The standards body that verified this cable

Verified - Indicates that this cable was verified by the afore mentioned body.

TIA/EIA-568-b.2-1 - The coloring specification for the conductors inside this cable is in EIA-568-b revision 2-1 format. For network and phone cables, this lets you know which order to put the conductors in a crimp connector or to punch down to a block.

CAT.6 - This of course indicates that this is a Catagory 6 network cable. Were this a coax cable, it would specify an appropriate standard like RG6, RG59 or RG59.

Unshielded Twisted Pair - Twisted pair cables offer a simple form of shielding by twisting two conductors together down the length of the cable. The number of twists per inch (TPI) in networking cable is usually around 2 to 3 TPI, but this is up to the manufacturer. Catagory specifications like Cat 5 and Cat 6 do not define cable construction, only the electrical performance after manufacture. If this were shielded cable, this would say STP for Shielded Twisted Pair. Frequently cables will also specify the percentage of the shield. Coax cables can be anywhere from 60% to 99% shields, and frequently have several layers. Many satellite TV providers reccomend “Quad Shield RG6″.

While this information is rarely in the same order on different types of cables, the material ratings have the same meaning.

UL Ratings

The Acronym UL stands for “Underwriters Laboratory.” So what’s this organization and what do they do? Underwriters Laboratory is an independant organization that tests thousands of products under controlled conditions. The goal is to determine in what applications these products are safe to be used. The end result is recognizable standards (such as CM - see above) that help consumers and businesses select products that they can reliably count on for their specific applications. A few ratings that are frequently encountered in cabling are:

CL-2 / CL-3

This rating signifies the cable is intended for use with class-2 or class-3 circuits inside the walls of residential or commercial buildings. Most of our audio and video cables, including our HDMI cables, have this rating designation, something that becomes important if you’re considering setting up a home theater where the cables will be run in-wall.

CM

This rating signifies the cable is intended for general use within buildings.

CMX

This rating signifies the cable can be used inside of buildings where the wire or cable is enclosed in a non-combustible conduit or raceway or in nonconcealed spaces where the exposed wire does not exceed 10 ft. This cable may also be used outdoors and anytime you’re looking to run an outdoor setup CMX-rated cables should definately be considered.

VW-1

The VW-1 is a the name of the vertical flame test the UL uses to determine the flamibility of the wire.

P Suffix

Ratings ending in P designate that the cable is plenum-rated as well allowing it to be used in plenum areas. Plenum-rated cables are more resistant to fire then normal cables. (Examples: CMP, CL2P) Plenum cables are extremely important if the area you’re

running cables through requires them (Usually determined by your local fire code). One reason why a plenum cable might be required would be that areas such as a plenum space serve as one of the main airways for buildings and burning PVC would pose a considerable healthrisk for the buildings occupants.

R Suffix

Ratings ending in R designate that the cable is intended for use in riser applications (vertical shafts) in residential or commercial construction. (Examples: CMR, CL2R)

14/2 (14AWG 2C) 105 Strand/0.16mm Speaker Cable CL3 Rated

22/4 (22AWG 4C) Stranded CM Security Cable

18/2 (18AWG 2C) Plenum Shielded Stranded CMP Security Cable, White

Jacket Material

The material the jacket of the cable is made of is one of the most important features in defining where the cable can and can’t be used. It’s important not only in how physically durable the cable is but also how resistant it is to things such as fires. Some examples of materials are:

PVC

This commonly used material’s name stands for PolyVinyl Chloride. It’s one of the most popular construction materials due to the fact it’s relatively inexpensive to manufacturer and highly durable. PVC comes in many different versions (Example: Anti-UV PVC seen in outdoor rated cables).

CPVC

Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride. This cable is similar to PVC however it can withstand much higher temperatures.

FEP

Fluorinated Ethylene Polymer. One of the two plastics used in plenum cables along with a low-smoke version of PVC.

XLPE

Cross-Linked Polyethylene. This is an alternative for PVC and is good choice for high-temperature applications.

LSZH

Low Smoke Zero Halogen. This material is a good choice to use in situations where the smoke given off from cables catching on fire present health risks. When exposed to fire this cable will burn with very little smoke and no halogens.

Shielding

One of the most important considerations you can make when choosing a cable is selecting a cable with the appropriate shielding. If this decision is neglected it could lead to a poor signal or no signal at all. The culprit is electrical interference, electrical currents effect other nearby electrical currents and in the world of electronics this leads to unwanted performance degradation. The amount of shielding required will vary widely depending on what type of cable you’re using but also your application. Examples of when shielding decisions are necessary includes: - A Cat5 cable being used in your home vs. in a commercial server room. - A coxial cable being used in your living room vs. be run into your home with your power cables. - Another example would be if you’re running a multimedia application over something like Cat5/6. In general whenever your cables are in close proximity to power cables a shielded cable should be a consideration, especially when the cables are running parallel to each other. Some examples of shielding include:

Aluminum Foil

This is a common type of shielding seen on anything from an RG6 coxial cable to a Cat6 cable. It an excellent choice for deflecting electrical interference.

Aluminum Foil

This is a common type of shielding seen on anything from an RG6 coxial cable to a Cat6 cable. It an excellent choice for deflecting electrical interference.

Copper Braiding

Copper braiding is used in cables such as coaxial cables to provide shielding. It’s typically expressed in the percent of coverage it provides (example: 95% coverage).

CAT6, STP (Shielded), 24AWG, Solid, 500MHz, Bulk Cable, Blue

RG6 18AWG, Solid Pure Copper Coaxial Cable, 95% Copper Braid

Dielectric Insulators

Cables such as coaxial cables have a dielectric insulator. The primary responsibility of a dielectric insulator is to keep the wire in the center of the cable as well as keeping a distance between the wire and anything that may be able to cut or pierce the jacket. The dielectric insulator is usually made of polyethylene or polytetrafluoroethylene. In Cat5/Cat6 cables that are shielded Mylar is used as an insulator. Mylar is a polyester film that is extremely strong with excellent insulation properties. A good picture of a coaxial cable’s dielectric insulator can be found here.

Outdoor Ratings/Direct Burial

Most cables are not inherently made to be used outdoors. A cable being exposed outdoors presents a few challenges which, if not addressed in the manufacturing of the cable, could lead to the long term failure of the cable. It’s important to consider the following when looking at outdoor-rated cables:

Moisture Protection

Being exposed to the elements the cable will most certainly encounter moisture. The cable must be manufactured to withstand moisture and continue working in damp or wet conditions. This becomes increasingly critical with direct-burial cable. Two commonly used solutions for moisture protection are waterproof tape or non-reactive gel, both increase the moisture barrier around the wires inside. Cables designed for this may also have a “-2″ after their UL rating.

Temperature

While all cables have a temperature rating this becomes a large concern with outdoor-rated cables. Outdoor rated cables will typically be more resistant to cold and heat than a non-outdoor rated cable. Outdoor-rated cables go through additional testing such as a cold-bend test where the cable will be kept at a temperature such as -20C for 4 hours while bent in a pre-determined radius. If the cable does not crack it passes. Still it is always wise to check the temperature ratings as there’s a big difference between using the cable under a sheet of ice and using a cable on top of a metal room in New Mexico.

RG59U 20AWG, Solid Direct Burial Coaxial Cable, Black

CAT5E, CMXT Outdoor / Direct Burial, Waterproof Tape

Questions and Answers:

Q: Why do I have to use special cable just to run outside?

A: The jacket material of most cable is just a simple PVC (Polyvinylchloride). PVC will degrade in UV light (sunlight) and becomes brittle with dramatic changes in temperature. You may get through a season or two with a normal cable, but eventually it will fail. It’s best to either use the correct type of cable, or run it in a metal conduit.

Q: Can outdoor rated cable be buried?

A: Generally, outdoor rated cable does not have enough of a moisture barrier to withstand being buried. It is possible for manufacturers to use an outdoor rated coating on a cable, and then fortify it with a waterproof tape to increase the moisture barrier and make it safe to put in the ground. Alternatively, some cable coatings can be buried without fortification (CMX). It is also common to fill the cable with a non-reactive gel to keep any water that make it through the jacket from spreading through the length of the cable.

Q: I’m running a network in an existing home and I have a particularly difficult run to make from the switch to the kitchen. I’d like to run the cable in a heating duct. Will a normal network cable do the trick?

A: Not quite. A heating duct is a plenum space and a plenum rated cable would be required. If you’re traveling between floors, you’ll have to use a riser rated cable (CMR). Also, check with your local building department for the regulations on putting holes into a plenum box.

Q: My woodworking shop is in a detached garage about 150 feet from my home, and I’d like to run network and phone line out there. What should I use?

A: While a good argument could be made for a wireless solution, you have two cabling options. Either you can run a conduit and run your cables inside, or bury the cables directly. Burying the cable directly is faster and usually cheaper, but if you run a condiut you can add cables to it later if you need to. No matter what your choice, be sure to use solid core cable. It conducts better over longer distances.

Q: Can I include a cable a with a product I ship to Europe?

A: Yes! However, quite soon it will be important to make sure the product meets the requirements of the ROHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) directive. We currently offer a large selection of ROHS compliant products.

Thanks for joining us for this month’s discussion. If you’re interested in any of the above products, here’s a 10% promotion code valid for any purchase at CableWholesale.com:

Join us next month for another Worldofcables technical article.

Sincerely yours,

Your Worldofcables.com Technical Support Team

Pradeep@worldofcables.com

There are many experts who can easily take care of the fiber optic communication technology and products. If some information needs to be gathered, you can easily learn about indoor outdoor fiber optic cable, RCA cables and Network and computer cables.

 Composite RCA is the most basic video signal. All the picture information is combined and sent over a single wire. The equipment at one end combines all the picture elements sends them over the wire, and then the receiving equipment separates them at the other end. Any changes to the video signal affect the whole and does not allow for adjustment of the individual elements. Also, clarity is often lost in the coding/decoding process.

Composite RCA is the most basic video signal. All the picture information is combined and sent over a single wire. The equipment at one end combines all the picture elements sends them over the wire, and then the receiving equipment separates them at the other end. Any changes to the video signal affect the whole and does not allow for adjustment of the individual elements. Also, clarity is often lost in the coding/decoding process.

S-Video is a step up from Composite RCA. S-Video takes the picture and separates it into two separate components; the Chrominance component (also called C), which is the color information and the Luminance (also called Y), which is the level of brightness, or rather the levels of black and white in the picture. This is why S-Video is sometimes called Y/C Video. The separation of the picture information allows the signals to be sent without coding/decoding, so there is no loss of clarity. Also, the separate signals are isolated from each other so change to one does not affect the other, which allows for a greater degree of control.

The next step up is Component Video. Component Video is the best way to connect your equipment. It takes the separation idea even further, by separating the picture into three component signals; two different color signals, and the “black-n-white” signal. The further separation of the color signal allows for better resolution and color saturation. Of the three, Component video is the only one with enough bandwidth to handle high-definition information, so it is mostly found on HDTV equipment and DVD players. Component video is often labeled Y/Pb/Pr.

Fiber cables are the cables containing thousands of fiber in a single cable. These cables are used as Monitor Cables, Network Cable, and Telephone Cables. The optical network of fiber cables easily accommodate in today’s demand for bandwidth on a point-to-point basis. However sometimes unused point-to-point potential bandwidth does not translate to operating profits, and it is estimated that no more than 1% of the optical fiber buried in recent years is actually ‘lit’

For more visit www.worldofcables.com

And www.worldofcables.biz

Written by Tom Volotta

It’s Springtime, and along with the Birds & the Bees, pollen alerts and hearing about all the government bailout cash you’re not getting, the new crop of TVs which debuted at January’s 2009 CES are hitting the shelves or online reseller’s fulfillment warehouses.  So, a Sony 46Z4100, what’s with reviewing LAST year’s television technology?  Isn’t that a bit like reading yesterday’s newspaper - or perhaps more appropriate to our times, a Blog that’s an hour old, or an Instant Message or Tweet from thirty seconds ago?  All seemingly fruitless exercises.  But sometimes a glance back reveals a hidden gem that may have been overlooked in the midst of the dizzying array of technical specifications, product features and marketing among brands, all vying for your attention and dollars.  The Sony KDL-46Z4100 LCD TV is one of those.
It’s packed with advanced video features capable of delivering terrific pictures, has a classy appearance and especially now, with close-out deals at half its original MSRP of $2,800, the 46Z4100 is more than reasonably priced, and well worth the effort of hunting down.  Sure, it’s last year’s model, being replaced by the upgraded 5100-series.  But in these lousy economic times, the 46Z4100 is still an inviting prospect for those who might normally have settled for a lesser S, V or W model in Sony’s new 5100s while paying more of those scare dollars in the process.
Sony threw everyone a curve ball in 2008 by offering 10-bit video processing and 10-bit LCD panel only in the Z-series among non-XBR models.  The 2007 model V3000 and W3000 did have 10-bit, but inexplicably that feature was eliminated from the V and W sets in 2008 resulting in confusion among customers accustomed to models carrying enhanced performance features forward.  Note:  The W4100-series has 120Hz Motionflow and a 10-bit LCD panel, but not 10-bit video processing.  Neither the S4100 nor V4100 models have 120Hz Motionflow or any 10-bit technology.  The new S, V and W5100 series still only have 8-bit processing, but do have 60, 120 and 120Hz refresh rates respectively.  The Z5100 cranks up the Motionflow spec to 240Hz.  More on special video processing and motion features later in the review.

Out of the Box

The first thing you notice unpacking the 46Z4100 is its lightweight.  At 49 pounds (the base is not attached) and the 42” x 27” x 3” size, it’s not difficult for one person to lift and carry.  Next is the striking appearance.  The narrow, 1” piano black bezel has a classy air of high tech sophistication.  It’s a departure from the wider bezels on S,V and W models, and is identical to slim bezel as the more expensive 46XBR6, giving the set an elegant yet business-like appearance.  The Z also has a variant with brushed metal, silver bezel.
The panel slips easily onto the sturdy aluminum and plastic base, requiring four screws to fasten securely.   There’s a bit more front to back play than you’d expect, but the base and connection to the panel are both solid, so the slight wobble is apparently a shock absorbing part of the design.  A simple, but effective partial raceway and tie-wrap in the base allows threading a few cables to help reduce clutter.  With all big screen TVs, it’s probably worth your peace of mind to either obtain Sony’s optional Support Belt Kit, or fashion a similar restraint for added stability of your new set.  The panel can of course also be attached to a bracket for wall or other mounting.  Overall build quality is good, typical of Sony, especially for A/V connectors, however, there’s is a hint of an inexpensive, plastic feel to the back’s external housing.

A/V, Media & Network I/O
The 46Z4100 continues the evolution of the high definition displays becoming the central media integration device in the home.  It’s gone way beyond just hooking up tape machines, DVDs and DVRs.  Today’s extensive assortment of A/V inputs and outputs, interfaces for digital media players, storage interfaces and Internet connections is now considered a standard expectation, not a luxury.  The 46Z4100 delivers all of those capabilities and more.  Four HDMI 1.3 (for 1080p24, 1080p60 and the new HD audio formats) inputs, component, S and composite video, optical audio out, personal computer I/O, USB 2.0 and T10/100 Ethernet connection to your LAN.  There’s also a special Digital Media Port that conforms to the Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) interoperability standard so you can view photos via DLNA Certified equipment.  Not only can you watch high definition broadcast, cable or satellite television and Blu-ray discs, but also view photos from your digital camera or USB flash memory and listen to music through a variety of players.

Sony takes a step further in expansion and flexibility with its own Digital Module Extender (DMeX™) port.  DMeX (pronounced “Dim-X”) is essentially a plug and play interface for connecting BRAVIA® Link Modules to provide integration plus a consistent user interface for several categories of external devices including:  additional HDMI inputs, DVD upscaling, MP3 audio playback, JPEG viewing and connection to selected internet-based video on-demand programming services.  Current VOD offerings include:  Amazon, YouTube, Yahoo, CBS, Howcast, Crackle (Sony Pictures Entertainment) with others being added.  BRAVIA Link Modules run from $150 MSRP up to $800 for the special Wireless Link Module.  That one in particular, although pricy, would be wonderful step towards eliminating the rat’s nest of cables occupying the area behind my TV!

High-quality digital signals sent over RapidRun and other 5-coax analog cables with no signal degradation

Pradeep (Santa Clara –CA) – World of cables™ a leading provider of high-performance cabling and connectivity solutions, because World of cables™ carry all Cables Togo products. Today announced the ability to run digital signals over analog cables with its award-winning Rapid Run™ modular cabling system and standard 5-coax cables. By enabling an analog cable to carry a digital signal, users can avoid costly cable upgrades and the hassle of replacing an in-wall cable installation.
“

Worldofcables reseller of Cables Togo. So we have Rapid Run, the only digital modular cabling system available, in order to provide customers with versatility and simplicity in their cabling installations. The HDMI adapter allows a 1080p signal to be run up to 150 feet over an analog Rapid Run runner cable or a 5-coax cable. By using Rapid Run, users also get the advantages of the Rapid Run modular cabling system, and Rapid Run cables are plenum-rated for use in schools and other commercial applications.
The Rapid Run system supports multiple signals over a single cable. In order to upgrade or change equipment, users only need to change the cable terminal, known as the break-away flying lead or break-away wall plate. The Rapid Run system has a cable for transmitting digital signals and another cable for analog signals. Both cables will continue to be available, but customers who installed an analog cable and now need to transmit a digital signal can add a converter to the line to avoid ripping out and replacing the existing cabling.
Rapid Run comes with a variety of connectors for computer, audio/video and high-definition signals. A single cable runs to the box, and it takes just a few seconds to attach the appropriate flying lead or wall plate. It is also much easier to pull a cable behind a wall with a pull cap than to pull a cable with a VGA or HDMI plug on the end. The system provides customers with reliability, ease of installation, flexibility, versatility and value.

. For more information about Worldofcables please visit http://www.WorldOfCables.com.

About Us -We, WORLDOFCABLES, take pride in providing the most selection at the best prices. Our Cable and Connector Specialists are not only trained to know our wide range of products inside and out, but actually use many of them each day. With thousands of items in stock each day, we have the specialized products to fit your every need. A quick call to our Sales Department or Technical Support Team can give you the knowledge you need to stay connected, and our incredibly low prices give you the power to keep your overhead low.

The author of this article is Pradeep, an Internet Marketer and Online Retail Analyst by profession. Currently, Pradeep is associated with Worldofcables, LLC – a California based company and has been delegated to market and promote its in-house project www.worldofcables.com, for consultation or business inquiry, Pradeep can be contacted at: Pradeep@worldofcables.com & Worldofcable@Gmail.com

Written by TMC Net

Black Box a provider of voice communications, data infrastructure, and product solutions, has introduced its high-definition, high-resolution video and audio over Ethernet (VAoE) media distribution system.

Black Box said that this technology provides an efficient method of sending live video and audio over Ethernet data and voice networks.

With the Black Box Video and Audio over Ethernet Extender System (part #s AC1140A, AC1140C, and AC1141A), anyone can leverage their existing Ethernet network to display video, digital signage, live TV, or many other video and audio applications.

“This breakthrough technology provides a very cost-effective alternative to today’s expensive solutions,” said Mario Calabro, Black Box Multimedia Products Manager. “With this system, all you need is a CAT5, CAT5e, or CAT6 network infrastructure and you can transmit Hi-Def video and audio to one or more displays as far as 300 feet away. To go farther, you just add a standard network switch to the system.” Completely digital from end to end, the system transmits broadcast-quality video without amplifiers or any signal tuning. It works with any brand of single-link DVI or HDTV display and supports 480p, 800 x 600, 1024 x 768, 720p, 1080i, and 1080p resolutions, no matter what the distance or the number of displays.

“And because the extender system simulcasts video and audio synchronously, there’s no lag from the first display to the last,” Calabro said.

The extender system clones a host PC’s display using the DVI output from a graphics adapter, or accepts DVI or HDMI input from other sources. It also supports the live video streams from a camera. Altogether, the system provides up to six independent media streams including PowerPoint, Flash, DVD, or HDMI content over CATx cable. Though no software is required for the signal conversion, the system includes an application for uploading and scheduling content.

“Through this user-friendly interface, you can instantly publish and update content, as well as assign content distribution schedules to the system’s transmitter or receiver,” Calabro said. “If necessary, you can also interrupt scheduled content to broadcast an emergency announcement or ad-hoc messaging. It’s that versatile.” In addition, the system receiver works as a true Gigabit Ethernet switch, and supports IP cameras, NAS components, and other devices through its three 10-/100-/1000-Mbps ports.