Transmission Video Signals

Coaxial cable
Coax is the most common method of transmitting the signal. It provides
very high bandwidth and assures the transmission of high quality video
within its distance parameters. It is restricted, primarily by distance and the
quality of the cable used. Coaxial cable has proper electrical features to
transmit the video signals from the camera to the monitor. Among various
coaxial cables, RG59/U is most common with a 75-ohm impedance and
can be installed up to 450ft distance without loosing the video quality. This
cable is usually connected by BNC connectors at both ends.

Twisted pair
This method requires the use of a pair of twisted wires to carry the video
image. Since the redevelopment and upgrade of twisted pair technology in
the early 1990s, twisted pair transmission technology is fast outpacing
coaxial cable.

Fiber Optics
Fiber is clearly the best method for transmitting video over longer
distances. When using fiber, the video signal is electronically changed into
pulsed light. This light is then injected to a fiber. At the other end of the
fiber, the pulsed light is changed back into an electronic signal. The
advantages of fiber are that the video signal can be sent over long
distances without significant degradation. Fiber-Optic Cable is not affected
by electrical interference and has no problem even in contact with high-
voltage power. It transmits video signals with extremely high efficiency and
can run up to miles. The problem is that it is expensive and difficult to
handle.

RCA Cable
RCA cable is not standard in the industry but is used a lot, specially for
short distances up to 250ft. Twisted wire from 14 to 24 AWG (American
Wire Gauge) with RCA connections at both ends will work as RCA cable.
Even though its transmission quality is not as good as Coaxial Cable or
Fiber-Optic, RCA cable is widely used because it is very easy to handle
and has no problem of loosing video signal up to 250ft distance.

DIN Cable
Most observation systems which are pre-assembled at the factory have
DIN cables with DIN connectors at both ends. DIN cables have 5 or 6 wires
inside the configuration of which is, for example; wire 1 is for video, wire 2
is for audio, wire 3 is for power(12VDC, positive), wire 4 and 5 are for
speaker(positive and negative), wire 6 is for ground. Mini DIN cable, which
is used for mini camera package, comes with 4 wires inside. DIN cable,
large or mini, can run up to 250 ft distance without loosing the video quality

Microwave
This is the use of microwave radio waves to transmit the video signal
across areas ranging from 200 meters (short range) to ten miles (long
range). In the US, microwave systems over 100 mili- watts must be
licensed by the FCC in advance of installation. Microwave systems must
have an open line-of-sight between the transmitter and the receiver.

WAN Digital transmission

The introduction of the internet in the mid 1990’s opened the door for wide
area control and monitoring systems within the CCTV industry. Used by
large corporate entities, a single control point is now able to monitor
activities at multiple points around the world. Wide area networks can be
built using private network communications paths, or use the Internet as
the communications medium. Major disadvantages of intranet transmission
include bandwidth restrictions and potential interference or security
breaches from hackers.

Cable Ties
Because the transmission of video signals is directly related to the spacing
between the inner wires or conductor and shield, any changes in the
distance between the wires or conductor and shield will degrade the picture
quality. This change may be caused by tight bends, kinking, indentations,
stapling or others. That's why you need to use suitable cable ties and cable
management when working with Coaxial Cable or DIN cable.