How to Run Composite Video and Network Data Through an Ethernet Cable

Step 6 My Experiences

I am using this to run a network cable and audio to my PS3 and sound system from my computer station(computer I listen to music on, and my router). I have no problems. My room has tons of Electromagnetic waves going around it, with Bluetooth, Wireless Network, and all other forms of EMI floating thorught the air, however I have little or no distortion in sound or video, when both video and audio are running. Now I wouldn't recommend running this cable more than 70 feet without an audio amplifier built in(which is possible to put it in a project box and run off a 9V or a wall outlet).

My instance is just one of many where the extra 4 cables have been used to carry other signals. Two other uses that I know of are Voice/Data, with 2 pair being network data, and 1 or 2 being phone lines, and the Power Over Ethernet, where in the extra 2 pairs 5 and 12 positive and negative are run.

For my suggestions of expansion refer to the bottom of step 4.

Comments

[masonboi13]

Does anyone know if you can plug your xbox/ps3 video and audio phonos into this and view the video on your pc via the connected ethernet?

[arbarbarb]

I'm intruiged. So is this simply a cable extender for a point to point connection? If you plug the Ethernet jack (connected to the video-out source) into a hub which connects to another hub, which you then connect the TV, will you get the signal on the TV? This could be useful for broadcasting the signal from my set top box over my network so I can just connect TV's in other rooms to watch the same show without having to use one of those horrible wireless extenders. And thinking further ahead, if you used it as a USB extender for a cheap webcam rather than an IPCam would it work? Great idea! Thanks.

[mixadj]

Whoops, did you mean a digital network hub, or a 1 port splitting into 4. You could split the signal but I don't know how much your signal would degrade. I mainly use these cables for audio, so if I split it I just attach an amp to the end. I don't know much about video.

[eban26]

I just tried your "How to run composite video and network data through ethernet cable" to be able to receive TV in kitchen, unfortunately I do not have ethernet wiring in the kitchen but do access the internet on my laptop via Netgear Powerline AV+ 200 connection to a modem in an upstairs office.

Unfortunately it didn't work for TV but OK for data transmission. Any known reason or ideas please??

[mixadj]

No, this will will not work with a hub, it might even damage it. As for USB, you could run 5V+, D+, D-, and GND through those 4 extra connections, however USB has a set run length(I don't know off the top of my head, Wiki it). If you had an on site power source of a regulated 5V you could run 2 devices, but I don't know what kind of interference that would have.

[presidentof69]

Just for reference, USBs cable length is 15 ft without a repeater/powered hub.

[duncanmacrae]

Have been looking for balun to achive the RCA Composite to RG45 connection but mixadj approach looks simpler and cheaper. However simple hook up of connectors doesn't match the impedance of the RCA coax 75ohm cable to Cat 5 or 6 which I understand is 100ohms. May not be critical for short runs. Any comments?

[happyadrian]

SEEMS REALLY USEFUL! But I'm not exactly sure how you utilize this. Can someone explain the part about hooking up his PS3, sound system, and computer again? Thanks.

[grantaccess]

Hi, I think he's just running ethernet to his PS3 and stereo audio from his PC to his amplifier. I'm not sure what the video signal is probably video out from the PC to a TV (just a guess.)

[happyadrian]

oh okay, thanks!

[robhybrid]

This will only work if your device has a common ground, which is the case with most consumer electronics, otherwise you'll run the risk of burning out the operational amplifiers. You wouldn't want to use this with more than one input device either. They make boxes for running video long distances which have four BNC jacks on one side and an ethernet jack on the other. They're essentially the same, but each jack gets its own twisted pair. You can run a video signal a longer distance this way than with you can with RG45 video cable. I have often wondered about mixing the use of an ethernet cable since usually only half the copper is used. Nice hack.