The Z-Band system uses RF video over UTP (CAT 5 TV distribution or CAT 6) in the horizontal thereby eliminating the cost of installing coax. The extra cost of coax is more than just the cost of the wire. Common practice is to have a separate conduit, tray or plenum, which all add significant costs for both the material and labor to the installation when compared to RF video delivered over UTP (CAT 5, CAT 6). The Z-Band system, whether distributing video over CAT5 or 6, is simple to configure versus coax, or a passive twisted pair cabling video distribution system, which requires multiple splitters, combiners, taps, and amplifiers as well as significant calculations which continuously change as the system ages or personnel make adds, moves or changes. The Z-Band system for distributing video over CAT 5 or 6 is extremely scalable whereby one can add tens to thousands of drops (outlets) within a radius of 2000 feet from a building’s main RF distribution “hub” with a minimum of design and installation cost. The Z-Band system has an active one-piece RF video distribution hub which contains patented technology that automatically adjusts for gain and slope thereby maintaining quality (both signal level and signal-to-noise ratio) to all drops and across all channels on your UTP network. Typical passive systems do not have slope adjustments, which means they either can’t distribute all channels over the length of 100 meters or they broadcast at such high levels that the system radiates. This in turn can cause interference in other systems or “ghosts” in the RF video system.

From any drop, up to 14,000, The Z-Band customer can simultaneously input, modulate multiple RF video channels back into the system (assuming those channel are available) without the need to make wiring adjustment or connect special equipment to change the channel frequency from a “T-Channel” to a broadcast channel. Maintenance over time is nominal whereas the coax system needs to have system adjustments by someone very competent in RF video systems. If the coax system is not recertified (this requires actual and updated building drawings which is not a realistic requirement with changes in personnel and priorities) the customer will eventually experience deteriorations of picture quality. This is not a problem with the Z-Band system due to its continual automatic gain and slope adjustments. The Z-Band system can be easily connected to a personal computer to both receive broadband video (tuner card/USB port) and input video into the system (accelerated graphics card-AGP). This gives the system the capability to broadcast streaming video from the web to all viewers without impacting the LAN nor involving anyone from the IT department for a special multi-cast distribution. Again, all this runs over your existing UTP (CAT5, CAT6) cable.

Z-Band Benefits for Video over CAT 5

While the Z-Band system works well with the technologically advanced CAT 5e and CAT 6 cable, it is also compatible for broadcasting video over CAT5 cable. Although continuing with TV distribution over CAT5 means you have reduced bandwidth capabilities, you will benefit from the lower cost when compared to 5e and 6. CAT 5 still offers the ability to broadcast up to four signals at once, providing you with relatively fast download speeds. It is also versatile enough for use with a number of different technologies. Whether your needs call for efficient CAT5 TV distribution or broadcasting HD video over CAT5, you’ll still experience the high level of transmission quality.

Z-Band Can Do It All

Regardless of whether you are looking for the best video distribution over CAT5, 5e or 6, a Z-Band RF broadband video distribution system can make a big difference in the overall speed and quality of the transmission.