Campus Video Distribution

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Campus Video Distribution

NickBurt

We are looking at setting up a new video distribution system for our building and I would love to get some feedback on best options. The majority of cable runs will be around the 200' mark with a few being longer and others being shorter. Currently, we are using a variety of devices that mostly convert that send the video signal over Cat 5E with receiver boxes that convert to HDMI in most cases.

We are exploring two possibilities. The first of which is simply sending out our program feed through a video distribution system and then handling other screens (digital signage) through other methods. We've also considered a matrix system where everything runs through the same centralized system and has multiple inputs and outputs.

My questions is this: Do we go with a similar video over ethernet solution that has more expandability to get rid of multiple devices doing one job or do we go with something like an SDI matrix like the Blackmagic video hub? What are the pros and cons of each option and is there other/better options that I'm missing?

Our system consists of a program feed being sent to 2-3 projectors and about 10 televisions scattered across our campus. We also have a 7 televisions we use for a digital signage system. Lastly, we've got one projector we use to simply run a ProPresenter computer from.

joelwsmith

NickBurt

Hey Nick. Thanks for reaching out and welcome to the community!

Great questions...

Do we go with a similar video over ethernet solution that has more expandability to get rid of multiple devices doing one job or do we go with something like an SDI matrix like the Blackmagic video hub? What are the pros and cons of each option and is there other/better options that I'm missing?

First of all, I almost never recommend running uncompressed video over Ethernet or Cat 5/6/7. Category cabling was not designed to carry uncompressed video signals, especially over long distances. Over the last decade I have seen a vast majority of signal issues coming from HDMI over Cat 5/6/7 extenders.

The only time I recommend using Category cabling to distribute video is if it's done with solutions like NDI or SMPTE 2110. Those compressed IP solutions are designed specifically for professional broadcast applications and can be excellent for distribution like you're needing. They give you greater flexibility for routing and are easily adaptable, but they will end up being more expensive to do correctly.

If you can setup a solid NDI system then that would be the most versatile, allowing you to basically route anything to any display at any time.

Otherwise, I would suggest setting up a solid SDI infrastructure with a broadcast SDI router (not quite the same as a matrix in many cases, so keep that in mind). The router will essentially become the main "hub" for your system. By running all you ins and outs through a centralized router you will have the ability to control every source and destination in your system easily.