Security video has rapidly adopted Cat5 as a preferred method for cabling. A longstanding coaxial cable user, the CCTV industry has slowly shifted a significant portion of its cabling over to copper twisted pair. One of the key drawing cards is the higher capacity of Cat5 versus coax. A single Cat5 can support four (4) cameras versus one with coax. Furthermore video, power and PTZ control can co-exist under the same Cat5 and therefore up to three cables may be replaced by one Cat5 cable in many installations as shown in the following diagram.
Figure 5: Typical Security Video Application
Recent innovations in balun technology have resulted in improved cabling techniques resulting in major improvements in cabling efficiency. One of which is the introduction of auto-gain compensation into extended distance CCTV connections. Prior to auto-gain, manual adjustments needed to be made on every camera port in order to ensure the correct signal levels. Auto-gain technology has solved this problem and helped save installation time and eliminate unnecessary on-site maintenance calls.  Another recent balun technology innovation is the combination of video, power and PTZ camera control over one Cat5 cable. Prior to these specialized baluns, power, video and control required three (3) separate cables. Due to the excellent crosstalk immunity of video baluns and Cat5, these three (3) key camera signals may be combined over one cable, thereby eliminating extra cables and installation time.
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