Conference Production & Technical Support
Signal distribution is simply the splitting of a signal to various pieces of equipment around the room. If it is done properly there is no loss of quality and the signal is the same at all points making it possible for all screen images to be the same.
Distributing data or video signals is done in two ways : conventional
wire and CAT-5.
Using special transmitters a video or data signal is sent down a Cat-5
cable to receivers where it is decoded with no loss of quality over
distances up to 300m. It can also be used with many venue patch bays.
The cable is sufficiently cheap that it can be regarded as disposable:
it is useful for long cable runs over roofs etc and can be cut,
terminated and joined easily.
CAT-5 saves a lot of time, space and weight compared to conventional cable.
Encoders can send video and audio 3 kilometres down a single Fibre Optic
cable up where it can be decoded with no loss of quality. These can use the
fibre optic network within buildings.
SDI (Serial Digital Interface) video used a single cable and has no loss of
quality. Distribution amplifiers can be used to split the signal or extend
the distances it can be sent.