HDBaseT technology, unlike current SDI and HDMI video transmission technologies, uses commonplace network cables with RJ45 connectors, which are very common and easy to obtain. Compared to SDI, HDBaseT can transmit video over long distances while also providing network control and Power over Ethernet (PoE) capabilities; compared to HDMI, HDBaseT has unparalleled advantages.

Typically, HDMI cables have a transmission distance of about 10 meters, significantly limiting system setup range. Depending on the cable type, long-distance HDMI cables can be costly. In contrast, HDBaseT can transmit up to 100 meters using cost-effective CAT5/6 class Ethernet network cables, with a transmission rate four times that of standard HDMI, fully supporting uncompressed 1080p or clearer 4K x 2K video transmission.

HDBaseT is a full-featured transmission technology, where a single network cable can integrate and transmit high-quality video signals, audio signals, control signals, and power over long distances, simplifying initial wiring work and making system planning much easier. However, due to the reliance on a single network cable, the architecture of the network cabling and cable selection are crucial. The following explores these two main topics and provides recommendations.

Setting Up for an HDBaseT Connection Environment:

According to the HDBaseT Alliance, the maximum number of cables in each cable bundle is six. The table below defines the maximum number of cables per bundle based on cable type and overlap length.

HDBaseT Wiring - Maximum Number of Cables in Each Bundle:

All network cables must be standard 8P8C specification twisted pair cables.

CAT5e Standard Specification:

• Uses 24AWG solid conductors.
• Impedance: 100±15 Ohms at 100MHz.

CAT6 Standard Specification:

• Uses 23AWG solid conductors.
• Impedance: 100±15 Ohms at 250MHz.
• The cable center must have a cross PE isolating the four pairs of twisted wires.

CAT6A/CAT7 Standard Specification:

• Uses 22AWG solid conductors.
• Impedance: 100±15 Ohms at 500/600MHz.
• The cable center must have a cross PE isolating the four pairs of twisted wires.

When using CAT5e/6 for cabling, the following techniques help resist external interference:

1. Avoid bundling cables together parallelly in the first 20 meters.
2. Use separate connectors or cables in the first 20 meters.
3. Avoid using cable ties.
4. Employ horizontal cable management techniques, e.g., odd-numbered interfaces go upwards, and even-numbered interfaces downwards.
5. Let vertical cables hang naturally.
6. Reduce the maximum duct fill density to 40%.
7. Organize cables neatly on a fixed radius drum, as shown in the image below. This significantly reduces electromagnetic coupling compared to randomly wound cables.

Outdoor or High-Interference Environment Cabling Tips:

1. For outdoor HDBaseT device setups, use UV-resistant network cables with black PE exteriors to ensure optimal connectivity.
2. If other interference sources (e.g., radio) are present, it's strongly recommended to use SFTP* network cables to avoid interference.
   
   *SFTP: A network cable where each twisted pair is shielded with aluminum foil, and the outer layer is covered with a flexible braided net, providing the highest protection against interference.

Network Cable Selection Tips for Connecting HDBaseT Systems and Cameras:

1. Use solid conductor cables for HDBaseT systems. Solid core cables have better electrical performance than stranded conductors. Differences include:

• Solid core: Harder, more challenging to lay, better electronic transmission efficiency; essential for high-bandwidth interfaces like HDBT.
• Stranded core: Softer, easier to bend and lay, but poorer in electronic transmission efficiency; suitable for standard network signals.
  
  
  2. Avoid using flat network cables for the following reasons:No twisting for interference offset.
• No cross isolation in the middle.
• Reduced diameter of each core.
• Many cores are not made of oxygen-free pure copper but of aluminum, copper-clad aluminum, or copper-clad steel.

For HDBaseT Alliance certified network cables, visit: https://hdbaset.org/hdbaset-recommended-cables/

For more details on HDBaseT setup and usage, register for a free membership at https://hdbaset.org/installers/ for additional information.