Going the Distance with Serial Digital Coax
In the late ’80s, the Society of Motion Picture Television Engineers (SMPTE) developed a standard for transmitting serial digital interface (SDI) video signals. These uncompressed, unencrypted digital signals are still a big part of broadcast signals today.
What type of cabling did SMPTE choose to run this new SDI signal? Although fiber is an option, most SDI signals used a 75 Ohm coax, which has been a staple for broadcasters for years. Coax cable has a proven track record of reliability. It’s also easy to terminate and install, and its electrical characteristics offer good performance.
As more and more coax cables for SDI signals hit the market (Belden is proud to have the most complete line of coax cables available), they were offered in multiple variations—riser, plenum, LSZH, high-flex and gel-block outdoor versions—as well as in many sizes ranging from miniature RG-59 up to RG-11. With all these choices, designers needed an easy way to determine how long they could run each of these cables.
To give designers the information they needed, we created a table based on signal loss recommendations for given formats as specified by SMPTE. Just recently, we updated this table to feature a new format and new versions of cables as they become available.
Even though it sometimes goes unnoticed, it’s important to note that these tables always have a caveat: “The bit error rate (BER) can vary dramatically as the calculated distances are approached. BER is dependent on receiver design and the losses of the actual coax used. Distribution and routing equipment manufacturers should be contacted to verify their maximum recommended transmission.”
Because of the scope of work and infrastructure they work with, some designers choose to design right up to the maximum lengths listed on the table; others choose to build a safety margin into the overall distance.
Remember that performance can vary based on the type of active equipment specified. We’ve heard that reputable manufacturers aren’t designing all their 12 GHz receivers to reach the maximum loss level, which could result in distance reductions of up to 50%. This variance is recognized in the SMPTE 2082-1 Standard: “… however, receivers designed to work with greater or lesser signal attenuation are acceptable.”
The table we designed is based on attenuation or signal loss at one-half the signal frequency as defined by SMPTE and based on signal type. The distance values are for cables only; they don’t include connectors, bulkheads or other items used to connect cables and add loss. Because of variations in equipment, it’s impractical to test actual video signal (it would require tests between each variation).
See the Video Distance Chart Here
As the industry moves toward 12 Gb/s single-link as part of SMPTE 2082-1, it’s now critical for designers to verify distance. To do this, check with your equipment manufacturers to confirm the type of cable needed to reach the distance you want to meet.
Or consider setting up a test system using the equipment and cable to assess the output signal at the required length. This would allow you to mix and match active gear from different manufacturers. Some designers have switched to fiber optic cabling to achieve greater distances (Belden supports these cables as well), but coax cable certainly isn’t dead. In fact, there are quite a few applications where coax is still the best fit.
This is why Belden created a new series of coax cables specifically for 12 GHz bandwidth. Belden’s 4K UHD Coax Cable for 12G-SDI supports 4K content without a change to fiber. It gives designers access to the best possible performance in a coax cable sweep test to 12 GHz signal.
You want your broadcast performance to stand out—for all the right reasons. Downtime, delays and distortion have immediate, far-reaching impact. Reliable audio and video cable solutions help you achieve absolute signal integrity and 100% uptime, no matter the conditions.
Belden’s audio and video cable solutions support fast, easy assembly and maintenance while ensuring long transmission distances in all weather conditions. Drag these cables below roads, above trees, around a stadium and off and on the stage every week—they’re ready for anything.
Belden Channel Account Manager for AV Bob Ferguson helped me write this blog, and he is a tremendous resource who can address any of your AV cabling questions. If you want to know more about this topic, email me (rose.lockwood@belden.com) or Bob (bob.ferguson@belden.com). We would be happy to send you the updated table and discuss your choices.
About the Author
With nearly three decades of experience in the world of broadcasting, Rose Lockwood has been with Belden since 1997. Starting out as a sales engineer, she quickly become a broadcast AV specialist and is now the global account director for broadcast. She educates consultants and integrators on the best use and application of Belden solutions and has helped several major U.S. television stations expand and grow their coverage. She’s also a longtime SMPTE member, Board of Governors member and New York Section Manager.