T-Connector working better than a Video Distributor?

[NYCBlue 0]

Hey Folks,

 

I have a DVR with no video loop outs for each individual channel, just a single video out. I'm trying to incorporate a video switcher into my setup. (Older members of the family simply refuse to use a mouse so that the vga connection could be utilised)

 

I have a 4 channel Dvr with a 4 Video Camera setup. Originally to solve this problem I had the video signal coming in from the cameras connected to one side of a t-connector, one line going to the dvr on another side, and on the last one, a line going into the switcher. With this setup there is a loss of picture quality.

 

What did I think would solve this problem? A 4 in 8 out distributor/amplifier. I purchased a Ameba unit, and when I got it the t-connector setup when compared to it was still producting a better image. I exhanged the unit for one that just does distribution and the 75 cent t-connector was still outperforming the distributor. I am stumped. Maybe the product line is inferior I have no idea, but there aren't that many companies, if at all one or two that make 4 in 8 out distributors.

 

It would be great if I could have a setup with no picture loss. Any ideas, comments, thoughts, would be greatly appreciated.

[scorpion 0]

Is it possible to buy a switcher that has loop outs?

[NYCBlue 0]

Thanks for replying. Thats an idea, I have not found any switcher units that have a loopout for each channel though.

[hardwired 0]

Pelco makes several http://www.pelco.com/Products/default.aspx?id=637 either manual or timed switching. You have to cut a resistor inside to make it not a 75 Ohm termination, but it's pretty easy.

[NYCBlue 0]

I checked with Pelco, yes you are correct they do have units with the loop outs. I got thrown off when I looked for the switcher because they all said 1 to 2 output, but yes each switch has 2 BNC connections and the option to cut the resistor. This is a great solution. It saves me from getting a distribution/amp for each channel. The more research I do the more I realize the DA that I got is really poorly made. It seems a good DA with 1 input 2 out is in the 80 to 100 dollar range. While the 4 in 8 out that I got was 130 bucks. Ok great, this should work, Kudos and thanks to Scorpion and Hardwire for taking their time to write and provide me with a knowledge response. Good job and thanks guys again.

[rory 0]

GE has various units, see link below:

Ge Distribution Unit

 

or you could just look for a quad with loop outs.

like this:

http://www.gviss.com/products/quadsmultiplexers/gvq4chrtcbr.php

 

Im still trying to figure out how you are getting so much video loss? What monitor is it going into, is it an LCD with a VGA convertor? Are you certain the loss of quality is just not the monitor itself, as going from composite to VGA will decrease the quality incredibly and even more so with cheaper VGA converters. How far are the distances?

 

A last option to avoid the T connector all together is to just splice the cables together direct ... yep .. good old splice .. join the solid centers together and then join the outer braids together .. bingo .. no video loss. Ofcourse tape that up good. It might be messy but it works. If you want to make it neat then visit radio shack and try some connectors. Video loss will occur over a distance but you didnt mention the distance, 50-100 feet wont be noticable loss.

[NYCBlue 0]

Hi Rory,

 

The monitor is a standard cctv composite one. The connection to the monitor is coming from the video out from the switcher. However the monitor is not the issue.

 

Let me briefly reiterate, to simplify lets look at one camera,

 

video line from camera to T-con

video line from T-con to Dvr

video line from T-con to Sequential Switcher

 

Line from my farthest camera about 90 feet,/dvr, switcher, monitor all in the same area

 

If you watch the monitor holding the T-con in hand, and pull the side lets says that going into the DVR, the picture goes back to normal, plug it back in image loss. Now its not horrible, but you lose sharpness and clarity. Given thats its CCTV, we want the dvr to record the best picture possible in case we need to nab a potential illegal act.

 

Getting a switcher with a loop out for each channel seems like the cleanest and most econmical solution.

 

I had no idea you could splice the lines?! WOW! Would that be a signal mess? 3 cables joined together?

[rory 0]

well ive only ever joined 2 cables together like that, but dont see why 3 would be an issue. Works great, actually better then a connector. Splice can be messy though, difficult (messy) to get back at for maintenance in future due to electric tape melting over time.

[voltman64 0]

A last option to avoid the T connector all together is to just splice the cables together direct ... yep .. good old splice .. join the solid centers together and then join the outer braids together .. bingo .. no video loss. Ofcourse tape that up good. It might be messy but it works. If you want to make it neat then visit radio shack and try some connectors. Video loss will occur over a distance but you didnt mention the distance, 50-100 feet wont be noticable loss.

 

I'm at a loss for words!?!?

[rory 0]

A

I'm at a loss for words!?!?

If you dont have anything useful to say, then why reply?