Fiber optic cables have emerged as the new standard for A/V designers and integrators concerned with future-proofing their systems and can be used for a complete A/V cabling infrastructure or to augment a twisted pair or coaxial cabling installation. As video technologies and standards continue to evolve, A/V system designers and integrators are continuously challenged with providing a cable infrastructure to support high resolution video, audio, and control signals commonly used today and anticipating the needs of tomorrow. Today’s digital video standards require multi-gigabit data rates to deliver high resolution video from the source to the display. For the moderate to long distances found in modern A/V systems, fiber optic cables offer several advantages over coaxial and twisted pair cables. Leading A/V designers and integrators have also learned that fiber optic cabling ensures their A/V systems support the high resolution digital video signals of today and provide a path to higher resolutions in the future.
The ability to design and install systems that function on fiber optic networks is becoming a competitive advantage for successful A/V integrators. As a leading manufacturer of products engineered for the commercial A/V market, Extron has developed an extensive line of fiber optic extenders, distribution amplifiers, switchers, and matrix switchers to help Extron customers benefit from the advantages of fiber optic technology. Extron manufactures fiber optic products to support legacy analog video formats as well as emerging digital standards including DVI, HDMI, and HD-SDI.
The use of fiber optics in the A/V industry offers the important advantage of sending multiple A/V signals over extreme distances with zero signal degradation and complete immunity from outside interference. Signals sent through fiber are also inherently secure, making fiber-based transmission the preferred choice in government, military, and medical applications. These advantages, together with the trend to include excess “dark” fiber in the design of modern facilities, make fiber optic products ideal for A/V use in government buildings, military installations, airports, stadiums, and university or corporate campuses.
The Fiber Optic Design Guide helps the A/V professional develop the required expertise to employ fiber optic technology in A/V systems. The Guide provides tutorials on fiber optic technology and fiber cabling used in commercial A/V systems. A/V professionals are provided with a basic understanding of the technology, combined with a practical “how-to” approach for designing fiber optic A/V systems. The Guide also includes sample A/V system designs that illustrate common design challenges and solutions, including signal flow diagrams and the necessary equipment. A condensed catalog of Extron fiber optic products is also included. Also featured in the Guide is a reference section that includes a comprehensive glossary, a list of applicable standards, and Frequently Asked Questions.