What type of UTP cable should I use?

CatX extenders will give the best image quality up to 300m if Cat5, Cat5e or Cat6 cable is used. STP cable should not be avoided, as the image quality may be affected over longer lengths of STP cable.

How should my Catx cable be terminated?

Cat5 UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair) cable has four pairs of wires. All four pairs must be correctly terminated in order for your CatX extender to function correctly.

Catx UTP cable to be used with CatX extenders should follow the standard termination used by data networks. This standard type of cable termination is referred to as ANSI/TIA/EIA 568-B. Both ends of the cable should be terminated in this way (click on the image to enlarge).

Correct termination of Cat5 UTP cable

Can I connect CatX extender products to a data network?

CatX extender products should never be connected to a data network. CatX extenders transmit video and audio using a proprietary system that is not compatible with any type of data network.

Some data networks also carry POE (power Over Ethernet). Any CatX extender device connected to such a system could be damaged and may no longer function correctly.

Will connecting via RJ45 wall sockets and patch panels affect a CatX extender?

Using patch leads to connect top structured cabling or routing your CatX extender through a patch panel system will have no effect on the performance.

Please note: This assumes that any structured cable, connections and patch panels conform to the required cabling standards.

How should I install Cat5 UTP cable for use with my CatX extenders?

Installing Cat5 UTP cable for use by CatX extenders requires the same installation standards as any data network.  

If these principles are followed you should your CatX extender system should operate trouble free.

Can I connect CatX classic and CatX AVP extender products in the same digital signage network?

The CatX Classic range of extenders is not compatible with any other CatX range of products. If you attempt to connect any ‘Classic Range’ extender to an ‘AVP Range’ extender it will not work.

You can check the compatibility section of the relevant product page on this web site if you require a definitive list of compatible products.

 When do I need to attach external power to a transmitter or receiver?

Classic range

When using a 150m receiver, an external power supply can be connected to either the transmitter or receiver unit.

If a 2, 4 or 8 port transmitter is used then any 150m receivers that are attached can be powered by a single power supply attached to the transmitter.

300m receivers always require a direct power supply to be attached in order to function correctly.

AVP range

All transmitters can be powered from the attached VGA source if it is DDC2B or later compliant.

150m CatX Mini VP receivers can be powered from the transmitter via the Cat5 cable.

150m CatX AV Rx2, CatX Mini AV Rx and 300m CatXQ AV Rx2 receivers always require a direct power supply.