Blog :: How-To :: How to Use a Balun for Audio or Video
How to Use a Balun for Audio or Video
Have you ever needed to run an audio or video cable hundreds of feet but couldn’t find a cable long enough to do it? An audio or video balun is a very easy way to complete a job that requires extremely long runs of video or audio cable from room to room using a CAT 5 cable.
Whether you need to run analog audio, digital coax, RF, S-video, composite or component cables over long lengths a balun can complete the job using CAT-5.
For those of you who are unfamiliar with baluns, let me give you a quick definition of the functionality of a balun. A balun is a type of transformer: it’s used to convert an unbalanced signal to a balanced one or vice versa. Baluns isolate a transmission line and provide a balanced output. Baluns also allow a device to be placed an extended distance from the system it is connected with. Baluns can be installed by following the directions in the package or professionally depending on preference. Here is how a balun is connected.
This is an example of an S-Video balun but the setup is similar for every type of Balun. Each owners manual includes a connection diagram like this one.
What Is Needed To Complete an A/V System with a balun?
- Two of the same kind of baluns (example: two S-Video Baluns, you can mix in-wall and component (on-wall) baluns) one for the initial connection and one for the secondary
- The correct length of CAT-5 cable to connect the two baluns
Baluns come as either in-wall or component units depending on the job you need to do. If you are a do-it-yourself type of person, here are the steps to installing an audio or video balun.
- Turn off all power to equipment prior to installation
- Run CAT-5 Wire from balun to balun (VGA balun requires grounded CAT-5)
- Do NOT share any other signals on the CAT-5 cables other than the signals being extended by the CAT-5 baluns
- Crimp RJ45 ends on both ends of the CAT-5 Wire, Terminate all cables as straight through T-568A termination
- Install baluns using retrofit box on or in wall (depending on the type of balun) where CAT-5 ends come out
- Plug CAT-5 Wire into baluns
- Connect proper cable (component video, S-Video, digital coaxial, etc…)
- Power Up Equipment
A balun can be the perfect solution for a hard to reach install or one that is going to require a longer than usual cable. A baluns max range can vary depending on the type of connection it is (the longer you go the harder to maintain signal). If you need to get an audio or video signal from one room to another and can’t find a cable long enough to do it, a balun will do the job.
Max Length For Types of Baluns
| Type | Max Distance (CAT-5 UTP) |
| Analog Audio | 2500′ |
| Digital Audio | 600′ |
| Composite Video (RCA) - Color | 2200′ |
| Composite Video (RCA) - B&W | 2500′ |
| Component Video - 480i/480p | 1000′ |
| Component Video - 720p/1080i | 500′ |
| S-Video | 500′ |
| RF-Cable | 330′ |
| VGA (640×480 & 800×600) | 330′ |
| VGA (1024×768) | 250′ |
| VGA (1280×1024) | 160′ |
Posted in How-To
