Coax connections

Since none of the projectors these days come with coax inputs and VCRs are not being replaced as they wear out are there any good reasons not to re-terminate the coax runs for satellite distribution and replace the existing F connectors with RCA wallplates? You could also get some RCA/F adapters but push-in connections would be much simpler to deal with.

I depends.

If the coax run has any splitters or taps in the line then no, you won't be able to do this. Taps and splitters cannot be used with composite video.

However, if the coax is a 'home run' (one cable from source to destination), Yes this would allow a composite signal for a projector.

not sure if I got that technically michaelfish... but isn't one issue that there are multiple feeds in the chapel at times, at least for sound. Chanel 3 is satellite, Chanel 6 is chapel sound, other channels for languages?

If all we're thinking about is video, can what aclawson is suggesting work?

This would work with the proper video distribution amplifier instead of an RF distribution amp but I do think it would be best to change the jacks from F-type to RCA with a new label to avoid confusion. I would only change out the jacks that are needed for projectors only though. For example I would love to change out the jacks in our gym that I use for projectors, nobody uses them for TV reception so the change would not effect any other use. The jacks in our Relief Society room I would not change, someone could forseeabily use that with a TV or alternate language feed so it would effect other use scenarios. I think instead I would ask for an additional run for the composite video feed. The thing to remember with composite video is there is by definition no audio. Keeping those things in mind I would bring it up with your FM group and let them run the new cables or convert the jacks as appropriate.

aclawson wrote:Since none of the projectors these days come with coax inputs and VCRs are not being replaced as they wear out are there any good reasons not to re-terminate the coax runs for satellite distribution and replace the existing F connectors with RCA wallplates? You could also get some RCA/F adapters but push-in connections would be much simpler to deal with.

It depends on what the future brings. If the church decides to do more webcasting, then you'd probably want something else other then composite video.

Russell,

I'm not following.... Why not have a composite for the satellite transmission into the chapel? That will be around for a while. Are you suggesting a larger project to integrate a webcast 'receiver' into the AV system that integrates?

JohnShaw wrote:Why not have a composite for the satellite transmission into the chapel?

That works fine now, but it won't work very well for receiving a webcast. Not unless you convert the computer output to a composite signal.

I think the future will bring something other then composite. But it's unclear how soon that will happen.

The suggestions on changing the ends is good for now, but I don't see it as a "10 year" solution. If anyone is going to string cable, I'd rather it be something that can handle both now and future. Maybe some Cat 6 and baluns.

russellhltn wrote:

JohnShaw wrote:Why not have a composite for the satellite transmission into the chapel?

That works fine now, but it won't work very well for receiving a webcast. Not unless you convert the computer output to a composite signal.

i still don't follow, a laptop will plug into the projector just as well as the composite will for satellite transmissions. If you're talking about receiving a 'webcast' into the integrated AV system, that is another story and should be moved back to the Satellite Rack.

That is something I've been thinking about because we broadcast to 8 meetinghouses when we do stake conference. I'd love to integrate a webcast 'receiver' into the already existing system, but the FMG looks at me and says, why don't you just plug in a laptop to the projector.

If you're FMG thinks about a 10 year strategy, please send me the stake you live in.. I want to move near unto you

Well, let me back up a bit. When our system was installed, a video line was run to the pulpit with a RCA jack on the end. It may not have been labeled real well, and it was the same plate as the "Record out" from the sound system, so someone might not know what it is. This was in addition to the usual RF out/F connector.

I had thought this thread was about adding a video out for use in "overflow" conditions - such as the cultural hall. But going back to the OP, maybe not.

If the question is just about getting video to the pulpit, then yes, a video line would be good. But if it's to go to the cultural hall, well, that may get sticker. Using a laptop to feed a second projector isn't likely to work out well due to delays. A video line might be good for satellite broadcasts, and possibly sourcing webcasts. But my not be so good for receiving webcasts.

Seems to me some Cat 6 could give you some flexibility: composite now, component/HDMI whatever later.

That would be an interesting infrastructure, Cat5e/6 run to all locations and balun faceplates. It should work for existing composite infrastructure and could be upgraded, I am just not sure if it can care RF channel based signals. Only problem I see with HDMI being the future would be the lack of ability to cary multiple channels. Maybe ATSC over coax with HDMI over Cat5e/6 will be the next stage.

JohnShaw wrote:not sure if I got that technically michaelfish... but isn't one issue that there are multiple feeds in the chapel at times, at least for sound. Chanel 3 is satellite, Chanel 6 is chapel sound, other channels for languages?

If all we're thinking about is video, can what aclawson is suggesting work?

Rogerscr was discussing connecting a projector using an RCA connector on the wall plate. I am assuming that since projectors do not have television tuners, he means that he wants to connect a composite signal to the projector (the church projectors have composite video inputs)

Replacing an "F" connector on a wall plate with an RCA connector does not mean that a projector can work off that signal. "F" connectors are typically used for RF distribution (Television channels 3, 6 and so on) and projectors do not have RF television tuners. In addition to replacing the wall plate, the other end must be unscrewed from the splitter, tap or amplifier, and reterminated with an RCA or BNC connector and then connected to a video distribution amplifer, this will work as long as the coax run has no splitter in between the video distribution amplifier and the wall plate.

Many RF distribution systems (including those in church buildings) use taps along the coax line to provide for additional television connections from a single run of coax. A tap or splitter may be placed anywhere along the wire and hidden behind wall plates. If you swap the ends to run composite video through that coax there cannot be any taps or splitters anywhere in the line (taps and splitters do not work with composite video)

rogerscr wrote:I am just not sure if it can care RF channel based signals. Only problem I see with HDMI being the future would be the lack of ability to cary multiple channels. Maybe ATSC over coax with HDMI over Cat5e/6 will be the next stage.

Well, I don't see projectors getting tuners anytime soon, so something compatible with projectors would be desired for the "big rooms". As for ATSC, from what I understand, the modulators are expensive. Possible because of all the digital processing needed.

So, I'm suspecting something like HDMI, perhaps with a remotely controlled selector box/distribution box might be the answer.

But either way, it's dependent on something cheap hitting the professional AV catalogs.

Looks like a 720p ATSC modulator runs ~$900 these days. NTSC modulators were quite expensive too until DVD players made the a needed accessory. I am sure the NTSC modulators were that expensive in the 80's then they first started putting these in. Our satellite receiver has Component HD outputs and these units have Component HD in so a simple upgrade might be all it takes. Units would have to replace all their CRTs with LCDs and upgrade the modulators but that might be all it takes.

rogerscr wrote:I am sure the NTSC modulators were that expensive in the 80's then they first started putting these in.

I doubt it. Probably more like $100-200.