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Cat5 Video Matrix Switch Buyer's Guide: Switch and Extend AV Over Structured Cabling

A Cat5 video matrix switch switches VGA, S-Video, composite, and component video (plus audio) from up to 16 sources to up to 16 remote displays and extends each signal over Cat5/Cat6 cable, up to 300 m (1,000 ft). It combines matrix routing and long-distance extension in one 1U unit, with PC software, IR, RS-232, and TCP/IP control. KVMSwitchTech stocks Cat5 AV matrices in 8x8, 16x8, 16x16, and 32x16 configurations, including the HDTV- and Dolby 5.1-compatible Super Matrix range.

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Why choose a Cat5 video matrix

  • Long distance – drive displays up to 1,000 ft away over inexpensive Cat5e/Cat6 cable.
  • Format flexibility – VGA/SVGA, component, S-Video, and composite in and out (matched signal types).
  • Resolution – up to 1920x1200, HDTV 720p/1080p compatible, with high video bandwidth.
  • Advanced control – PC software, full-duplex RS-232, IR, and TCP/IP; Super Matrix adds remote display power on/off and alert interrupts.

Common deployments

Stock exchanges (financial data), airports (flight info), point of sale, shopping centers, corporate and education AV, and digital signage. For pure HDMI-over-Cat runs, see the Cat5e/6 HDBaseT HDMI matrix range instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Cat5 video matrix switch?

It switches VGA, S-Video, composite, and component video and audio from multiple sources to multiple displays, and extends each signal over Cat5/Cat6 cable up to 1,000 ft.

How far can a Cat5 video matrix extend signals?

Up to 300 m (about 1,000 ft) over Cat5e/Cat6 cable, depending on model and resolution.

What resolutions does it support?

Up to 1920x1200 and HDTV formats including 720p and 1080p.

Can it mix signal types?

VGA inputs display on VGA monitors and component/composite/S-Video inputs display on compatible outputs; inputs and outputs must match signal type.

Planning a long-distance AV distribution system? Our engineers help match signal format, port count, distance, and control to your deployment. Call (216) 798-7530 for a free system design.

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