Q & A: Sending Signals
How far can I send a high-definition video signal with audio on fiber-optic cable?
Next Month’s Question
Q: How far can I send a high-definition video signal with audio on fiber-optic cable?
A: We’ll consider uncompressed 1.485 Gb/s high-definition video with embedded AES audio. With the 1310nm FP lasers and PIN detectors that we typically use on up-to-date fiber plants, you can run this signal from 500 meters to 1 kilometer (1,600 to 3,200 feet) on multimode fiber. With single-mode fiber, this increases to 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) minimum, and typically 20 kilometers (12.4 miles) can be achieved. With 1550nm DFB lasers and enhanced APD receivers, this can extend well beyond 75 kilometers (46.5 miles).
— Mark Benton, director of product management, Stratos Optical Technologies, Chicago
I need to run a loudspeaker cable underground, about 400 feet, to a pole-mounted outdoor loudspeaker in a high school stadium. What kind of cable should I use, and does it need to be in conduit? Metal or PVC conduit?
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