Latest News & Insights

Understanding Fiber Connector Types

By Eric Bodley in Latest News & Insights Nov 22, 2024 0 comment

Fiber optic connectors are available in a variety of formats depending on the cable type and connection style. This article explores the connectors commonly used in audio-visual, networking, broadcast, broadband internet and other low-voltage applications. Before We Begin: Understanding Connector Polish Fiber optic cable typically follows an industry-standard color code: a yellow jacket denotes single […]

Connecting Twisted Pair Devices to a Fiber Optic Cable

By Eric Bodley in Latest News & Insights Nov 22, 2024 0 comment

While fiber optic ports are becoming increasingly common on networked electronics, the majority of connected devices still rely on RJ45 twisted pair connections. To help bridge the copper-fiber divide, media converters and transceiver modules (also known as SFPs or mini-GBICs) are often required. Media converters effectively convert one “media” format to a different media format — i.e., copper to fiber and […]

Extending Security Cameras over Fiber

By Eric Bodley in Latest News & Insights Nov 21, 2024 0 comment

While fiber optic ports are becoming increasingly common on networked electronics, the majority of security and access control devices still rely on RJ45 twisted pair connections. To help bridge the copper-fiber divide, media converters and transceiver modules (also known as SFPs or mini-GBICs) are often required. Media converters effectively convert one “media” format to a […]

Mechanical vs. Fusion Splicing — What’s Best?

By Eric Bodley in Latest News & Insights Nov 19, 2024 0 comment

Fiber has become more widely integrated thanks to its bandwidth, reliability, durability and cost. In fact, many installations now include fiber in each standard prewire bundle thanks to bulk cable costs under $0.30 per foot. However, cable alone won’t make an installation — cable requires the termination of connectors, and often multiple cables must be […]

Essential Testing Equipment for AV Technicians

By Eric Bodley in Latest News & Insights Oct 16, 2024 0 comment

We’re often asked: what are the essential testing tools that my technicians absolutely need? After all, there are hundreds of products that analyze low-voltage signals, cables and connections. Some are feature rich, others target affordability. But what testers are essential? Which tools speed up installations and service calls, ensuring infrastructures meet specifications and signals perform […]

PDF Download: Comparing HDMI Extender Technology

By Eric Bodley in Latest News & Insights Oct 14, 2024 0 comment

What’s the best technology for extending HDMI? DSC, HDBaseT or SDVoE? When should HDMI over fiber extenders be selected over twisted pair extenders? Is it possible to extend control and multiplexed network signals with the HDMI stream? If so, how far? These questions are answered in a new LightSpeed Technologies® Advanced HDMI Extenders brochure from […]

HDMI Video Testers: Choosing the Right Tool

By Eric Bodley in Latest News & Insights Oct 10, 2024 0 comment

HDMI installations are notoriously hard to troubleshoot. Transmission length, device compliancy, resolution, handshaking and a myriad of other complexities go into a successful connection, and a single out-of-sync signal can mean the difference between ultra high-definition performance and a service call. Murideo was created to satisfy the need for modern testing tools in the audio-visual […]

Fiber Optic Testers: Choosing the Right Tool

By Eric Bodley in Latest News & Insights Oct 09, 2024 0 comment

Pulling and terminating fiber is only the start of the installation… how do you ensure the high-bandwidth cable you’re integrating fully performs to spec? After all, tight bends, dirty connections and loose connectors can all lead to loss, and fiber-based electronics are extremely sensitive to anything that affects the flow of light. This article examines […]

Rapidly Installing Fiber Demarcations — No Terminating Required!

By Eric Bodley in Latest News & Insights Oct 08, 2024 0 comment

Fiber broadband has become a necessary part of residential network, security and audio-visual installations. As of 2024, over 50% of US homes have access to fiber-based internet with over 69 million homes already connected with fiber. Thanks to $55 billion in allocated government infrastructure spending, this number is expected to grow beyond 91 million homes […]

Network Cable Testers: Choosing the Right Tool

By Eric Bodley in Latest News & Insights Oct 07, 2024 0 comment

Platinum Tools® delivers powerful, easy-to-use testing equipment for the installation, troubleshooting and maintenance of low-voltage cables and networks. Whether you need to verify cable continuity and length, map network locations or troubleshoot PoE, Platinum Tools ensures the project installs quickly and performs flawlessly. But with so many options, how do you know which tester is […]

Cart