Smarte 4K-TX9000 User manual

4K-9000 USER MANUAL V1.1
© 2018 Smart-e (UK) Ltd
www.smart-e.co.uk
PAGE | 2
SYMBOLS
To ensure the safe and correct use of equipment, we use a range of symbols on the equipment and in the
manuals. These symbols demonstrate the risk of physical harm or possible damage to property for the user
or others and provide guidance on standards and disposal. Symbol indications and their meanings are as
follows. Please ensure that you correctly understand these instructions before reading the manual and
operating the equipment.
WARNING. This symbol is used to indicate where important instructions are provided to
ensure the correct operation of the equipment and user safety.
To prevent fire or shock hazards, do not expose this equipment to rain or moisture. Also,
do not use this equipment’s polarized plug with an extension cord receptacle or other
outlets unless the prongs can be fully inserted. Refrain from opening the cabinet as there
are high voltage components inside. Please refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
This symbol warns user that uninsulated voltage within the unit may have sufficient
magnitude to cause an electric shock. Therefore, it is dangerous to make any kind of contact
with any part inside this unit.
This is a WiFi product, which may cause or be susceptible to radio interference. Users may
need to take additional measures to mitigate the interference.
This is a Bluetooth product, which may cause or be susceptible to radio interference. Users
may need to take additional measures to mitigate the interference.
This is an RF Radio product, which may cause or be susceptible to radio interference. Users
may need to take additional measures to mitigate the interference.
This is an Infrared product, which may cause or be susceptible to frequency interference.
Users may need to take additional measures to mitigate the interference.
This is a product which conforms to HDbaseT specification.
This product supports full High Definition 1080p resolution.
This product supports 4K Ultra High Definition resolution.
This product supports 3D definition display.
CE certification means that the product has reached the directive safety requirements
defined by the European Union.
SGS certification means that the product has reached the quality inspection standards
proposed by the world's largest quality standards body - SGS.
This product has passed the ISO9001:2000 international quality certification
EU-wide legislation, as implemented in each Member State, requires that waste electrical
and electronic products carrying the mark (left) must be disposed of separately from
normal household waste. This includes monitors and electrical accessories, such as signal
cables or power cords. When you need to dispose of your equipment, please follow the
guidance of your local authority, or ask the agent where you purchased the product. If you
wish to dispose of used electrical and electronic products outside the European Union,
please contact your local authority so as to comply with the correct disposal method.

4K-9000 USER MANUAL V1.1
© 2018 Smart-e (UK) Ltd
www.smart-e.co.uk
PAGE | 3
WARNING
In order to ensure the reliable performance of the equipment and the safety of the user, please observe the following
matters during the process of installation, use and maintenance:
INSTALLATION
◆Please do not use this product in the following places: places with high levels of dust or soot; places with high electric
conductivity; places with corrosive or combustible gas; places exposed to high temperature, condensation, wind or
rain; places subject to the occasion of vibration or impact.
◆When installing screw or wiring, make sure that metal scraps and wire heads will not fall into the screw shaft of the
equipment, as it could cause a fire, fault, or incorrect operation.
◆When the installation work is completed, ensure there is nothing left on the ventilated vents of the equipment, including
packaging items. Blocked vents may cause a fire, fault, incorrect operation.
◆Avoid wiring and inserting cable plugs in a charged state, otherwise it is easy to cause shock, or electrical damage.
◆The installation wiring should be strong reliable and earthed.
◆For installations in areas of high interference, the installer should choose shielded cable as the high frequency signal
input or output cable, so as to improve the anti-interference ability of the system.
◆Switch off and disconnect the equipment from all power sources prior to handling, installation or wiring, otherwise it
may cause electric shock or equipment damage.
◆This product grounds to earth by the grounding wires. To avoid electric shocks, grounding wires and the earth must
be linked together. Before the connection of input or output terminals, please make sure this product is correctly
grounded.
◆All terminals and wiring should be fully sheathed or otherwise covered before connecting the equipment to a power
supply so as to avoid cause electric shock.
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE
◆Be sure to read this manual, and fully comply with the safety recommendations, before undertaking maintenance or
operation.
◆Do not touch terminals whilst the equipment is in a powered state, or it may cause a shock, incorrect operation.
◆Switch off and disconnect the equipment from all power sources prior to cleaning or tightening terminals or
connections. These operations can lead to electric shock in a live current state.
◆Switch off and disconnect the equipment from all power sources prior to the connection or disconnection of
communication signal cables, expansion modules, or other adapters, or it may cause damage to the equipment,
incorrect operation, or lead to electric shock in a live current state.
◆Do not dismantle the equipment, and avoid damaging the internal electrical components. Please refer all servicing to
qualified service personnel.
DISPOSAL
◆Be sure to dispose of the equipment in accordance with local regulations.

4K-9000 USER MANUAL V1.1
© 2018 Smart-e (UK) Ltd
www.smart-e.co.uk
PAGE | 4
CONTENTS
1FUNCTION..................................................................................................................................................6
2FEATURES..................................................................................................................................................6
3CHASSIS PANEL DESCRIPTION................................................................................................................7
4APPLICATION DIAGRAM ...........................................................................................................................9
5WHAT IS INCLUDED................................................................................................................................10
6BIT ERROR RATES ...................................................................................................................................11
6.1 DEFINITION AND CALCULATION..................................................................................................................11
6.2 HOW BIT ERRORS OCCUR .........................................................................................................................12
6.3 HOW TO AVOID BIT ERRORS......................................................................................................................14
6.3.1 CATx cabling ................................................................................................................................14
6.3.2 Smart-e recommended cable choice ..........................................................................................18
6.3.3 Adhering to cable installation best practices ..............................................................................19
6.3.4 Working with existing cabling solutions .......................................................................................20
7WHAT IS HDBASET .................................................................................................................................21
8FIRST STEPS ............................................................................................................................................24
9BASIC SETUP ...........................................................................................................................................25
9.1 4K-TX9000 WITH HDBASET RECEIVER .....................................................................................................25
9.2 4K-RX9000 WITH HDBASET TRANSMITTER ..............................................................................................26
9.3 4K-TX9000 AND 4K-RX9000.............................................................................................................27
10 STARTUP SEQUENCE ..........................................................................................................................28
11 INFO PAGES GUIDE..............................................................................................................................31
12 INTERPRETTING LED STATUS.............................................................................................................32
12.1 LINK LED.........................................................................................................................................32
12.2 HDMI LED .......................................................................................................................................32
12.3 HDCP LED.......................................................................................................................................33
12.4 HOT-PLUG DETECT (HPD) /5V LED.....................................................................................................33
13 INTERPRETTING BIT ERROR RATES ...................................................................................................34
14 FIRMWARE VERSION DATES..............................................................................................................36
15 HDBASET OPERATION MODES ...........................................................................................................37
16 HOT PLUG DETECT...............................................................................................................................38
17 SECONDARY QUALITY INDICATORS ..................................................................................................40
18 MAX ERROR READINGS ......................................................................................................................41
19 TMDS DATA, CLOCK & COLOUR DEPTH.............................................................................................42
20 CABLE DISTANCE ESTIMATION ..........................................................................................................46
21 FURTHER CONSIDERATIONS ..............................................................................................................47
21.1 BANDWIDTH CALCULATION ..................................................................................................................47
21.2 HDCP COMPLIANCE ...........................................................................................................................52

4K-9000 USER MANUAL V1.1
© 2018 Smart-e (UK) Ltd
www.smart-e.co.uk
PAGE | 5
21.3 EDID MANAGEMENT.............................................................................................................................54
21.4 THERMAL CONSIDERATIONS ..................................................................................................................58
22 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION................................................................................................................59
22.1 4K-TX9000 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION ................................................................................................59
22.2 4K-RX9000 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION................................................................................................61

4K-9000 USER MANUAL V1.1
© 2018 Smart-e (UK) Ltd
www.smart-e.co.uk
PAGE | 6
1FUNCTION
The 4K-9000 is a fully comprehensive test tool for HDBaseT installs, compatible with all HDBaseT certified
products. The 4K-9000 has two variants, a transmitter, 4K-TX9000 and a receiver, 4K-RX9000. They can be
used in conjunction with one another or individually with any other manufacturers HDBaseT compliant
hardware.
Supplied in a convenient, compact, hand-held form factor the 4K-9000 is an ideal and easy to carry tool for
installers diagnosing HDBaseT faults with existing installs or for approval of pre-existing cabling which a client
wishes to utilise for a new install requiring the transmission of HDBaseT signalling.
Use of the HDBaseT Full chipset within the 4K-9000 enables the throughput of 10.2Gbps of HDMI 1.4 data
including HDCP (HDCP 2.2 compliant). This bandwidth enables the transmission of 1080p @60Hz 48bpp (deep
colour) HDMI content and support for 4K @30Hz 24bpp. EDID and CEC pass-through is supported by the 4K-
9000 range. RS232 pass-through ability is available for control of screens and/or sources.
A 2-line LCD panel presents data relating to the quality of the HDBaseT connection simply and clearly to the
installer, including an estimate of the CATx cable distance. Readings can be easily navigated with use of the
push buttons on the side of the 4K-9000, access to error rates, firmware information and many more readings
can be reached navigating through these menus. 4-LEDs are also present on the front of the 4K-9000 enabling
easy at-a-glance access to HDBaseT link status, HDMI video status, HDCP status and Hot-Plug-Detect/5V
status.
A unique pass/fail verification system is provided, press and hold the test button on the side of the 4K-RX9000
and an installer can instantly see if a CATx cable is suitable for the transmission of HDBaseT signalling.
2FEATURES
▪Compact Hand-held form factor
▪Convenient 2-line LCD display
▪Simple 3 push button controls
▪Single button HDBaseT pass/fail test function
▪Compatible with HDBaseT Lite, Full and Extended modes
▪Estimating of CATx cable length
▪HDCP 2.2 Compliant
▪HDMI 1.4 Compliant
▪CEC pass through
▪Bi-directional RS232 communication
▪Deep Colour 3D, 4K & 2K @30Hz & 60Hz
▪Signals up to 100m of CAT5e-8 cable
▪Bit-error rate (BER) measurement
▪Max error measurement
▪Mean square error measurement
▪High ground loop immunity
▪Transmitter and Receiver variants available

4K-9000 USER MANUAL V1.1
© 2018 Smart-e (UK) Ltd
www.smart-e.co.uk
PAGE | 7
3CHASSIS PANEL DESCRIPTION
Front Panel
1. LCD display
2. Measurement navigation buttons
3. HDBaseT function test
4. System status
LCD Display
1. TX/RX model indicator
2. Cable length estimation
3. Signal strength indicator
4. Selected measurement
5. Measurement value
1
2
3
4
1
2
3
4
5

4K-9000 USER MANUAL V1.1
© 2018 Smart-e (UK) Ltd
www.smart-e.co.uk
PAGE | 8
Connector Panel
1. DC power input 2.1mm centre positive
2. HDMI I/O connector
3. Micro-USB connector for firmware updates
4. RS-232 passthrough connector
HDBaseT RJ45 Port
Button Controls
1. HDBaseT function test (applicable only to 4K-RX9000)
2. Measurement navigation down button
3. Measurement navigation up button
1
2
3
4
1
2
3

4K-9000 USER MANUAL V1.1
© 2018 Smart-e (UK) Ltd
www.smart-e.co.uk
PAGE | 9
4APPLICATION DIAGRAM

4K-9000 USER MANUAL V1.1
© 2018 Smart-e (UK) Ltd
www.smart-e.co.uk
PAGE | 10
5WHAT IS INCLUDED
Voyager - 4K-9000
•1x 4K-TX9000
•1x 4K-RX9000
•2x 5V Power Supplies
•2x UK Type G Plug Adapters
•2x EU Type F Plug Adapters
•2x US Type B Plug Adapters
•2x 3-pin RS232 Adapters
4K-TX9000
•1x 4K-TX9000
•1x 5V Power Supply
•1x UK Type G Plug Adapter
•1x EU Type F Plug Adapter
•1x US Type B Plug Adapter
•1x 3-pin RS232 Adapter
4K-RX9000
•1x 4K-RX9000
•1x 5V Power Supply
•1x UK Type G Plug Adapter
•1x EU Type F Plug Adapter
•1x US Type B Plug Adapter
•1x 3-pin RS232 Adapter

4K-9000 USER MANUAL V1.1
© 2018 Smart-e (UK) Ltd
www.smart-e.co.uk
PAGE | 11
6BIT ERROR RATES
6.1 DEFINITION AND CALCULATION
A bit in digital communications can have two possible binary values, a ‘1’ or a ‘0’. A bit error is defined as when
a bit is received of an incorrect value due to timing synchronisation errors, interference or data distortion.
Example
Bit Number : 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Data to be transmitted: 0 1 1 1 0 0 1 0 1
Data received : 0 01 1 0 100 1
In the above example 3-bits received are in error, bits 3, 4 and 8. A Bit Error Rate, abbreviated to BER, is
defined as the number of bits received in error per unit of time.
  

If we assume that the nine bits from the example above are sent in 1 second, then the BER becomes
 
 
This is an extreme example to illustrate the theory of errors, a digital medium in which these many errors were
seen would result in no output, especially for high bandwidth transmissions such as HD video.
It is more normal for a digital transmission to consist of many millions or even hundreds of millions of bits per
second. If we change the example so we still receive 3 errors but within this second 300 million bits are
transmitted the equation becomes
  
 
This is a more realistic representation of the kinds of bit error rates seen in digital transmission systems,
however this is not the value usually presented. For simplicity the figure is presented in standard form
   
This is the form BER is presented and the form in which it is seen on the LCD display of the 4K-9000. If the
value does not contain a single 1 then the value is rounded up or down to the nearest single 1 value. For
example, 6.2x10^-7 becomes 1x10^-6 = 10^-6, 3.8x10^-7 becomes 1x10^-7 = 10^-7. A higher value is
therefore desired, the 4K-9000 can read from 10^-0 to 10^-10. 10^-10 is a ‘perfect’ system with very little
error a 10^-0 reading means no video as there are too many errors.

4K-9000 USER MANUAL V1.1
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6.2 HOW BIT ERRORS OCCUR
Bit errors can be very destructive events, completely changing an intended instruction or piece of data
rendering a data packet useless and possibly leading to a system critical state. Systems mitigate against these
kinds of situations by employing methods such as checksums on data packets to ensure any data which has
propagated with a bit error is disposed of and a new packet either requested or waited for. More advanced to
this are forward error correction systems, commonplace in most modern digital data storage devices,
whereby when an error is detected the system can identify the bit or bits which have been affected and correct
their values, this is only possible for a limited number of bit errors. If too many errors have been induced it
becomes impossible to know which bits have been affected and the data packet must be rejected.
Within a typical HDBaseT install there are three key areas where faults can be introduced to data, the
HDBaseT transmitter, the transmission medium (CATx cable) and finally the HDBaseT receiver. The
transmitter and receiver can be looked at in similar terms as they are a typical PCB assembly with surface
mount components all housed within a sealed metal casing.
The most common source of errors within a digital system are caused by electromagnetic interference (EMI)
also commonly referred to as radio-frequency interference (RFI). The most effective way to mitigate against
the effects of EMI is to house all components within an external shield, this is provided at the transmitter and
receiver ends of a HDBaseT system by the metal casing. Whilst not 100% effective products undergo
electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) testing to ensure that they (a) are resilient to the effects of external
sources of EMI and (b) do not generate a significant EMI effect themselves which could cause issues for other
surrounding devices.
With the cased transmitter and receiver protected from any major impact of interference this leaves the
transmission medium, in the case of HDBaseT the CATx cable, as the vulnerable point of the system to the
effects of EMI.
Nearly all electronic devices are a potential source of EMI, as demonstrated above with some typical consumer
electronic products. Internet connected devices using wireless are a low risk source, such as smartphones
and tablets, however they also often incorporate Bluetooth technology which is a slightly greater risk. Devices
with large switching currents such as hair dryers, fluorescent lighting and microwave ovens are a common
source of interference within domestic HDBaseT installations. Large induction effects can occur on CATx

4K-9000 USER MANUAL V1.1
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PAGE | 13
cables running in proximity to these devices and the greater the switching current of the device the larger and
more destructive this effect is likely to be. This of course is only looking at devices within the home but if we
consider large commercial installations with large air conditioning systems and large amounts of server
equipment, the chance of interference being encountered is increased and when encountered is likely to be
very destructive to system performance. Progressing in to large industrial applications where sites may include
the use of robotic machinery, conveyor belts and their associated motors, EMI is going to be unavoidable.
EMI when induced in to a cable is referred to as noise, the data required is referred to as the signal, the aim is
to have the greatest signal level possible with the lowest level of noise giving you the best possible signal to
noise ratio (SNR). The longer the run of cable whether that be HDMI or CATx cable the more noise is going to
be introduced and the lower the received signal is going to be. Frequency of signal being transmitted is a major
factor, UHD or HD video is very high frequency content, the greater the frequency of transmitted signal the
higher the risk of the transmission to EMI. When noise is seen on a HDMI signal it is common to observe a
‘snowflake’ effect (see image below), the image is still visible but some information for specific pixels has been
lost due to EMI, if the amount of data lost due to EMI is too great no signal will be displayed.
The HDBaseT protocol is designed to be as robust as possible to deal with instances where EMI leads to a low
SNR, but it cannot compensate completely. A Long-range mode is available for HDBaseT, whereby the possible
transmission bandwidth is lowered which will mean possibly reducing the resolution you transmit to your
screen, but the system is a lot more resilient to noise and to this end can extend the range of HDBaseT
transmission up to 150m under certain circumstances. The 4K-9000 aims to provide a tool to measure what
effects EMI is having on your HDBaseT installation, you can then use the tool to configure the type of content
you are sending to bring the transmission to a stable point to ensure resilience for your install.
However, there is another step to consider, the grade of cabling used in your installation. CATx cabling comes
in many varieties, the next section of this manual discusses how cabling can protect your system from errors
and how it must be at the forefront of your thinking when at the specification stage of a HDBaseT project or
considering problems being encountered within an existing installation. As discussed previously, if the errors
encountered are so overwhelming to the transmission, no signal is going to be displayed on the output screen.
This would generally lead to the conclusion of faulty hardware, this is going to encounter large costs of
procuring new equipment or at the very least having to wait for new equipment to be sent from a manufacturer
and then having to reattend site to install only to find the problem is still there. The 4K-9000 aims to remove
this step by offering a convenient tool to see instantly if the problem lay with the hardware or the often-
overlooked problem of EMI.

4K-9000 USER MANUAL V1.1
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PAGE | 14
6.3 HOW TO AVOID BIT ERRORS
6.3.1 CATX CABLING
Category cabling is commonplace within digital communication and relies on a number of twisted-pair cables
to transmit data between points within a system. Category cables vary in type and are designated a number
to show the cables ability ranging from CAT1 –CAT8 (CAT8 is still a work in progress with standards still to
be agreed). CAT1 –CAT4 are obsolete in the modern era of technology and were used for low speed
communications or for token ring networks, these were networks where data would pass through all points in
a network to find the node to which the data it carries is addressed as opposed to our modern centralised
network architectures where all data is controlled and transported through a single point. The below table
gives a comparison of category cables.
Category
Max Transmission Speed
@100m
Max Bandwidth
5e
1 Gbps
125MHz
6
1Gbps
250MHz
6a
10Gbps
500MHz
7
10Gbps
600MHz
8
25-40Gbps
Around 2GHz
All these categories of cables share the architecture of twisted-pairs which was a solution invented by
Alexander Graham Bell in 1881 as a solution to the problems of EMI. From the very early days of
communications engineers have battled the effects of EMI. Early telephone cables experienced large amounts
of interference due to the advent of electricity transport architectures. EMI from these high voltage power
cables would cause so much noise on telephone communications they would become useless. The novel
solution to this was to implement a method called wire transportation. Wire transportation involved the running
of two cables in parallel suspended from telegraph poles, the wires would then swap positions periodically on
the poles to give them a twist rate of approximately 4 per kilometre, this meant both wires would receive similar
amount of EMI from the problematic electricity cables and the interference would be cancelled out or at least
it’s effect lessened. The signal is sent in a balanced form meaning the noise level can be calculated from a
summation of the two signals and by this periodic swapping of positions the noise level will be similar on both
cables and the original signal can be derived. This system is still employed in many countries around the world.
Wires swap
position on
this post
+VE
-VE

4K-9000 USER MANUAL V1.1
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The modern varieties of this method CAT5e-8 use the same principal but with much higher twist ratios of
around 100 twists per meter. This increases the likelihood that the individual conductors within each pair are
to receive the same levels of EMI. As categories of cable increase the size of the conductor increases, this
allows for greater bandwidth but comes with a compromise of having a heavier and less flexible cable. This is
where the trade-off lay in the decision between performance and cost/ease of installation.
Category cabling consists of four colour coded twisted pairs (eight conductors). The four colours are orange,
green, blue and brown with one of each pair solidly coloured and the other with a white stripe. Cables come
with varying levels of shielding to protect against the effects of EMI. The level of shielding varies depending on
the category of cabling and the transmission requirements. An abbreviated code system is used to see at a
glance the specification of a category cable.
U = unshielded
F = foil shielding
S = braided shielding
TP = twisted pair
The letter before the / indicates the type of outer shielding the letter immediately after the slash
indicates the shielding used for each individual pair.
U/FTP = no outer shield, foil shielding of each individual twisted pair
The image above is of a CAT5e U/UTP cable. The nylon braid is non-conductive and is provided as an aid to
strip back the outer PVC sheath without damaging the coloured insulation on the conductor cables.
CAT5e U/UTP

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The image above shows a CAT6a U/FTP cable. Each pair has a foil sheath to protect them from the effects of
EMI and from crosstalk which may be induced by the signals carried on other pairs. Also present is a drain
wire, this is a conductive strip which runs along the entirety of the cable run. The drain should be connected to
the shield of the termination points at each end of a cable run providing a ground path for any unwanted signals.
The final example above is of a CAT6a S/FTP cable. The only difference from the previous example is the
addition of a braided shield within the outer PVC shield surrounding all four pairs. This provides a further barrier
to any EMI. This braided shield should be connected to the shield at the termination points.
CAT6a U/FTP
CAT6a S/FTP

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With any of the above examples, when it comes to category cable there are two choices, solid core and multi-
core (in some cases referred to as stranded core).
The above images give a visual representation of the make up of the cable and their benefits and restrictions.
For any HDBaseT install it is advised, and this is true of any infrastructure cable, the use of solid core cabling
for most of the run from patch panel in comms cupboard to network point and then as short as possible
stranded core ‘patch’ cables to complete the run at both ends. First reason for this is that termination points
within infrastructure tend to be designed for push-down termination.
On the left, above is an image of a push down termination patch panel and on the right the associated tool
required. The solid core cable is pushed in to the correct position and then small blades within the termination
point cut through the conductor’s insulation and grip on to the conductor. Secondly solid core cables are far
more capable at long distances, stranded cables over long distance can cause degradation in signal quality.

4K-9000 USER MANUAL V1.1
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PAGE | 18
6.3.2 SMART-E RECOMMENDED CABLE CHOICE
The cable specification below has been rigorously tested by Smart-e engineers and verified to transmit a
3840x2160, HDCP2.2, 4:2:0 specification image over a distance of 100m.
Connectix CAT6a U/FTP Solid core cable (up to 90m)
Connectix CAT6a Keystone modules x2
Connectix CAT6a S/FTP 5m Stranded core patch cables x2
T-568B Termination at both ends
The cable choices listed above have proved to provide near perfect operating conditions for the transmission
of HDBaseT signals over long distances. At 100m HDBaseT is at the very limit of performance with the image
specification given above, one way to mitigate against this is with the use of a HDBaseT 2.0 specification
receiver unit such as the 4K-RX975-USB. HDBaseT 2.0 specification is yet more robust to noise than standard
HDBaseT products, at 100m with the specifications set above the same performance levels were observed
as were seen at 70m with HDBaseT specification products.

4K-9000 USER MANUAL V1.1
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PAGE | 19
6.3.3 ADHERING TO CABLE INSTALLATION BEST PRACTICES
There are 10 key steps it is advised to follow when installing category cabling for use with a HDBaseT install.
1. The cabling used for HDBaseT (CAT5e and above) is the same as that used in LAN applications. For
this, many standards have been developed within the industry. In Britain the BS 6701:2016 is the
latest version of document available entitled Telecommunications equipment and telecommunications
cabling –specification for installation, operation and maintenance. Similar standards exist in other
regions around the world. Adhering to the specifications set out in these documents is a key start
point for the installation of any category cable project.
2. Make sure a distance is kept between power cables and category cabling. A general rule of thumb is
these types of cables should be 12 inches apart. It can be tempting, especially in commercial
installations, to run power and catx cables in shared trays and trunkings but this can lead to large
amounts of EMI induced in to category cabling and ultimately performance issues.
3. All category cables should be handled with great care. A common cable tidy solution is the use of cable
ties or other similar items, these can crush and break the conductor cores within category cables
leading to decreased performance. When pulling cables please use minimal force necessary, if a too
larger force is being required return to the beginning of the cable run and try again.
4. Use of patch cables should be kept to an absolute minimum. Every join within a system introduces
small losses, as outset previously, the majority of a cable run should be a solid core infrastructure
category cable and a maximum of 5m stranded patch cable should be used at each end of the run.
5. Be careful of bends within cable runs. The inside bend radius of a cable when installed should be at
least 4 times the diameter of the cable. This is a rule of thumb and there is tolerance either way but
if a cable is bent significantly within this this rule it can lead to the cable properties being changed and
affecting system performance.
6. Keep termination points as small and as neat as possible. Untwisting category cabling reduces the
performance of the cable and stripping back the insulation and shielding leaves the conductors
vulnerable to EMI, for this reason you should strip back the minimum amount of shielding and sheaving
as is possible.
7. Take great care with termination process. Use of approved wire stripping and termination tools is vital
to ensure the quality and longevity of the connection. Be sure of the termination scheme used at both
ends of a cable run and adhere to this termination across all installed cabling, T568B is the widely
used termination standard by HDBaseT manufacturers but please check for your specific installation.
8. Always monitor cable distances. Most category cabling will have meter markings on the outer sheath,
so you can monitor the distance of cabling being installed. It is important to have a note of all cable
distances as this can affect the choice of HDBaseT hardware or the operation mode the hardware
must be used with.
9. Test every cable after termination. Use of a fluke meter or similar test equipment to check all category
cabling during install is vital, wrongly wired, damaged or too longer cable can lead to performance
issues or damage to hardware.
10. Be sure to label all cabling ends and produce a system drawing with all wiring points clearly marked
to match the fitted labels. Although a long and what might seem at the time thankless task, when it
comes to fault diagnosis labelled cables and a system diagram can save time and money and easily
lead to the resolution of a fault that otherwise would be difficult to find.

4K-9000 USER MANUAL V1.1
© 2018 Smart-e (UK) Ltd
www.smart-e.co.uk
PAGE | 20
6.3.4 WORKING WITH EXISTING CABLING SOLUTIONS
The price difference between CAT5e and CAT6a cabling is approximately a factor of 3, within a small
installation this cost may be overwhelming and as the customer expects CAT5e to be suitable for HDBaseT
transmission it can be difficult to justify this cost. It may be the case that a site has already been flood wired
with CAT5e or CAT6 cable and re-running CAT6a cabling is not a possibility, here the 4K-9000 can be used to
find a workaround solution that will keep your customer happy and provide a stable and reliable HDBaseT
transmission solution.
As discussed previously, a system is more vulnerable to errors with a higher data rate. The data rate of a
HDBaseT system can be measured with the 4K-9000 with reference to the TMDS Clock, the higher the clock
rate the higher the data rate is a basic rule. If when transmitting your desired resolution, you are getting no
image or the 4K-9000 indicates a very large amount of noise one way to overcome this may be to reduce the
resolution. Dropping the resolution from 1080p to 720p could be an ideal solution dependant on the type of
content being transmitted. Although this may not be ideal, and the screen is no longer operating at it’s native
resolution which could show some degradation in image quality it may be a compromise whereby cost is not
an issue as new cabling does not need to be installed. The 4K-9000 can be used as a tool to show that the
reduction in data rate has led to a much more stable solution giving confidence to the installer and customer
alike. The decision can then be left to the customer to decide of the compromised resolution is worth the trade
off in image quality or if they wish to install new cabling.
Another issue that comes from working with pre-installed cabling is lack of information as to length of cable
runs. Customers are therefore not sure as to which variety of HDBaseT product they require, an inexpensive
HDBaseT Lite solution a more expensive HDBaseT Full solution or a project specific Long Reach Mode
HDBaseT solution. The 4K-9000 can offer estimations of the cable length at the same time as giving
information on the quality of the connection via the automated test function and access to the specific BER
readings. Cabling can therefore be pre-approved prior to any work taking place. This can save a lot of time
come installation where guesses and estimates have been used uncertainty is present, problems experienced
at this stage could lead to increased costs for the customer and a lot of time wasted for the installer.