re: OT: Quick question on video/audio cables

[ndk <ndkent@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

> I need to run different lengths of cables for video and audio (mono) for
> an installation, pinhole video cameras and microphones (of various
> types).  What is the best cabling solution for unobtrusive appearance,
> low-noise and cost?  I'm thinking coax or CAT-5...

Most things are really sort of common sense, the longer you go, the less
likely you can get away with a non-standard solution like using CAT-5
for anything analog of decent quality. 

Within reason correct better quality = more expensive and correct
cables. Thick cables are of course thick in part due to sufficient
sheilding. FYI coax used for LANs isn't the same thing as coax used for
video. 

I'm sure you can multiplex video and audio onto one coax (a la cable TV)
if there was some benefit to one wire. Nearly all consumer VCRs can do
it and you need a monitor with a TV tuner of course. It may not look
quite as good as separate video and audio (same thing as component
looking better than composite, etc.)

If you want to wing something non-standard go ahead and test it in situ.
For example if for example you test stuff at night in someone's
residence you might get nasty surprises if you try the same thing during
the daytime with a lot of other electrical and broadcasts going. 

Eventually you need a video amp if it's a real heafty cable length. 

As for audio, again notice most anything half serious and or lengthy is
going to go with shielded balanced cables. Mics are way more sensitive
to interference of some kind than line level signals because of their
low level signals.

   The more you push your luck the more likely you'll have a lot of
useless inappropriate cable on your hands. But if it's inexpensive gear
and a non critical situation you should just experiment. But when in
doubt go for the appropriate pro cable for the job.

nick kent
sometime faculty of New School, Parsons, SVA, etc.

------------------------------