Installation
One (1) pair of baluns is needed to complete one composite stereo audio-video
connection via Cat 5E/6 twisted pair. To install the baluns, perform the following steps:
1. Identify the pin configuration of the baluns. One (1) twisted pair is required for
composite video and two (2) twisted pairs are required for stereo analog audio. The
pin configuration follows the EIA/TIA 568A/B standard. The Stereo Hi-Fi Video
Balun is reverse polarity sensitive. Please ensure that wiring is straight-through
(Ring to Ring, Tip to Tip).
2. Plug one (1) balun into the composite video/stereo audio output of the video source
according to the color code of the RCA cable leads.
3. Plug the second balun into the composite video/stereo audio input of the video
screen or receiver at the remote end.
4. Complete the connection between the two baluns, using standard Cat 5E/6 twisted
pair cable and connecting hardware, terminated on RJ45 plugs at both ends. Ensure
that there are no split pairs or taps.
5. Power-on the audio-video equipment. Check the image quality and refer to the
troubleshooting table below if the image quality is unsatisfactory. The following
diagram shows a typical installation.
Troubleshooting
The following tables describe some of the symptoms, probable causes and possible
solutions in respect to the installation of the Stereo Hi-Fi Video Balun:
Video Symptom Probable Cause Possible Solutions
No continuity in video
link Verify cable continuity between pairs of
baluns.
Power off Check power supplies of video equipment.No video Improper connection
and/or swapped pair Check that baluns are connected to correct
video inputs and outputs.
Unusual colors Reversed polarity Check wiring and ensure straight-through
polarity
Background pattern EMI interference
Identify possible radiating frequency
sources (i.e., wireless LANs, switching
power supplies) Try to isolate them from
the video connection. Use shielded twisted
pair grounded at both ends.
Smearing Exceeded distance Verify cable grade. Use higher grade cable
if necessary.
Exceeded distance Verify cable grade. Use higher grade cable
if necessary. Increase contrast on monitor.
Weak contrast Unusual link attenuation Verify cable distance using ohmmeter or
cable tester.
Image not stable Defective link or
equipment Verify video equipment interface integrity.
Horizontal bars
moving slowly
Substantial crosstalk
between multiple video
sources
Consecutively turn off other video sources
to determine which video source is the
cause of interference.
Snowy picture Distance is near limit Verify cable grade. Use higher grade cable
if necessary. Reduce color intensity at
monitor.
Audio Symptom Probable Causes Possible Solutions
EMI interference Check that wiring is not too close to
transformers and ballasts.
Poor audio quality Split pair Ensure that the UTP pairs are not split and
that each pair of wires is twisted.
No power Check your audio system for power.
Open circuit Check wiring to ensure continuity
No audio Defective balun Change Stereo Hi-Fi/Video Baluns for
another pair.
Audio phase
cancellation Reversed wires Check for straight-through wiring.
Audio weak Distance specifications
exceeded
Check DC loop resistance and verify if
distance spec is exceeded. Reduce cable
length or eliminate high-loss components.
If you still cannot diagnose the problem, please call MuxLab Customer Technical
Support at 877-689-5228 (toll-free in North America) or (+1) 514-905-0588
(International).
