MuxLab 500301 - 8-Port Active CATV Distribution Hub over Twisted Pair
Optimize your video and television infrastructure with the MuxLab 500301 , a high-performance CATV distribution hub designed to centralize and distribute radio frequency (RF) signals over modern structured cabling. This device is the ideal solution for buildings and projects looking to move away from expensive and rigid traditional coaxial cabling in favor of the versatility and cost-effectiveness of Cat 5e or Cat 6 network cable.
The MuxLab 500301 acts as the core of your video system, taking a CATV, VHF, or FM input signal and distributing it simultaneously to up to eight remote receivers . Unlike passive splitters that degrade the signal when splitting it, this hub features built-in gain amplification and port buffering. This ensures that picture quality remains sharp and stable at all endpoints, compensating for typical long-distance transmission losses.
Its intelligent design not only facilitates video transmission but is also fully compatible with data services. Thanks to its bandwidth of up to 900 MHz and bidirectional transmission capability, it allows the passage of broadband internet and digital cable signals (including the 5-42 MHz return channel required for cable modems). Housed in a robust metal enclosure and designed for rack mounting, the MuxLab 500301 embodies order, efficiency, and professionalism in any audiovisual installation.
Main features
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Twisted pair distribution: Converts and distributes coaxial RF signals through standard Cat 5e/6 UTP cables, simplifying the infrastructure.
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Active amplification: Integrates an internal RF amplifier that improves low-power signals and minimizes insertion loss, ensuring optimal reception on all 8 outputs.
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Extended bandwidth: Operates in a frequency range of 5 MHz to 900 MHz , covering most cable television standards, VHF, FM and DTT.
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Bidirectional support: Enables the return channel (5-42 MHz), essential for interactive Internet services and digital set-top boxes.
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High port density: Offers 8 RJ45 outputs in a compact 1U high unit, ideal for saturated communications cabinets.
Benefits for the installation
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Cost savings: Eliminates the need to run expensive RG6 coaxial cable for each television, taking advantage of the existing structured cabling network or using a cheaper one to install.
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Total flexibility: Facilitates changes, additions and movements of television points in the building simply by patching cables in the rack, without additional work.
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Centralized management: Allows control of all video distribution from a single point in the server room, improving maintenance and organization ( neamer wiring ).
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Quality assured: By working together with receiving baluns (such as the 500302 model), perfect impedance matching and interference-free signal are guaranteed.
Use cases
The MuxLab 500301 is the key piece for environments where aesthetics, functionality and ease of maintenance are priorities:
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Hotel Sector: Distribution of TV in guest rooms using the same network infrastructure as telephony or data.
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Corporate Buildings and Offices: Sending news or internal television signals to break rooms, receptions and offices.
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Educational Centers: Distribution of educational content or announcements in classrooms and auditoriums within university campuses or schools.
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Hospitals and Residences: Entertainment systems for patients in rooms, centralized for easy maintenance.
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Luxury homes (Smart Homes): Integration of the TV signal into the main home automation rack.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Do I need a device on the side of the TV?
Yes, to complete the system it is necessary to use a receiving balun at the screen end, such as the MuxLab 500302 , which converts the signal from the RJ45 cable back to a coaxial F-type connector to connect it to the TV.
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Does it work for satellite television?
No. This equipment operates up to 900 MHz. Satellite (IF) signals typically operate at higher frequencies (up to 2150 MHz), so this hub is specifically designed for CATV, DTT (UHF/VHF), and FM radio.
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Does the equipment require electrical power?
Yes, the hub is active and requires external power (included) to operate its amplification circuits and ensure that the signal reaches all ports strongly.
Project description
Active CATV distribution hub designed for transmitting broadband RF signals (CATV, VHF, FM, Internet, and digital cable) over UTP structured cabling. The device must have one coaxial RF input and eight RJ45 outputs, operating in a bandwidth of 5 to 900 MHz with bidirectional transmission support for the return channel (5-42 MHz). It must include internal gain amplification and port buffering to compensate for signal loss. The unit must be housed in a 1U metal chassis, with dimensions of 235 x 99 x 40 mm and an included external power supply, compatible with passive balun receivers for final conversion to 75 ohms.
