MuxLab 500700 - 3G-SDI Extension Kit over Cat.5e/6 Cable
The MuxLab 500700 Extension Kit is a professional-grade, engineered solution designed to overcome the distance and cost limitations of traditional coaxial cabling in video transmission environments. This active system enables the transmission of uncompressed, latency-free 3G-SDI , HD-SDI, and SD-SDI digital video signals over a single Cat.5e or Cat.6 unshielded twisted-pair (UTP) cable. It is an indispensable tool for broadcast engineers, audiovisual technicians, and security specialists who need to send high-fidelity signals over significant distances without compromising signal integrity.
Unlike conventional passive baluns, the MuxLab 500700 is an active extender system . This means that the transmitter and receiver modules work together not only to adapt the impedance from 75 ohms (BNC) to 100 ohms (RJ45), but also to equalize and regenerate the digital signal. Thanks to this active management, the kit guarantees stable transmission of up to 2.97 Gbps , supporting resolutions up to 1080p at 60 Hz . The device automatically detects the input signal speed (SD, HD, or 3G) and adjusts its internal parameters to ensure pristine image quality, free of artifacts or signal drops, even at the maximum distance.
The device's physical design is intended for the rigors of fieldwork and demanding fixed installations. Both modules are housed in a high-strength die-cast aluminum enclosure. This material not only provides mechanical durability against bumps and drops in rental or stage environments, but also acts as an effective shield against electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI), crucial when working with UTP cabling in electrically noisy environments.
Main features
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Long-range transmission: Capable of sending 3G-SDI signals up to 100 meters using Cat.5e cable, and extending the range to approximately 120 meters with high-quality Cat.6 infrastructure.
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Multi-Standard Support: Fully compatible with SMPTE 259M (SD), SMPTE 292M (HD) and SMPTE 424M (3G) standards, offering versatility for both older and newer equipment.
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Pure signal integrity: Transmits uncompressed and unencrypted digital video, preserving the original quality of the camera or mixer source.
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Audio and Data Support: Allows the passage of up to 32 channels of embedded audio and timecode, essential for synchronization in post-production and broadcast.
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Visual diagnostics: Incorporates dedicated LED indicators to monitor power status, signal synchronization (Sync) and SDI link detection, facilitating instant troubleshooting.
Benefits for the installer and the operator
Implementing the MuxLab 500700 offers an immediate economic and logistical advantage. The network cabling (Cat.5e/6) is considerably cheaper, lighter, and easier to handle than the precision coaxial cable (such as RG6 or RG11) required for equivalent SDI distances. Its flexibility allows for easier routing through narrow conduits or suspended ceilings.
Furthermore, being a "Plug & Play" solution, it requires no software configuration or DIP switch adjustments; the device automatically negotiates the connection. This drastically reduces setup times at live events or temporary installations where every minute counts.
Recommended use cases
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Live event production: Sending camera signals from the stage to the mixing console located at FOH (Front of House) at distances greater than 80 meters.
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Television and Broadcast Studios: Point-to-point links between control rooms and studios using the existing structured cabling infrastructure in the building.
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Security Systems (CCTV HD): Connection of high-end SDI surveillance cameras to DVR recorders located in remote security rooms.
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Mobile Units (OB Vans): Rapid deployment of camera lines using network cable reels, reducing the overall weight of the cabling equipment.
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Post-production: Link between editing suites and reference monitors or projectors in distant viewing rooms.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Does this extender support 4K resolution?
No, the MuxLab 500700 is designed for 3G-SDI signals, which covers resolutions up to 1080p at 60Hz. For 4K, 6G-SDI or 12G-SDI technology would be required.
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Do I need to power both sides of the kit?
Yes, as it's an active extender that regenerates the signal, both the transmitter and receiver require power. The kit includes the two necessary power supplies.
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Can I use regular Cat.5 cable?
The use of Cat.5e or Cat.6 is strongly recommended. Although it might work over short distances with lower-grade cables, to guarantee 100 meters and the stability of the 3 Gbps bandwidth, cabling that meets higher certifications is necessary.
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Does it introduce latency into the image?
No. The transmission is electrical and in real time without encoding/decoding processes (as occurs in H.264 or IP), so latency is virtually zero, ideal for live events (IMAG).
Project description
Supply of an active point-to-point extender system for SDI digital video signals over twisted pair cable. The equipment shall consist of an independent transmitter module and receiver module, both housed in a die-cast aluminum enclosure for EMI/RFI shielding. The system shall support the transmission of SD-SDI, HD-SDI, and 3G-SDI signals according to SMPTE standards 259M, 292M, and 424M, respectively, achieving a bandwidth of up to 2.97 Gbps. The minimum guaranteed transmission distance shall be 100 meters using Cat.5e UTP cable for resolutions up to 1080p @ 60Hz. Automatic cable equalization and signal regeneration (re-clocking) shall be included. Connection interfaces shall be 75 Ohm BNC for video input/output and RJ45 for the interconnect link. The system shall allow transparent passage of embedded audio and timecode. External power supplies for both modules shall be included.
