What is a Balun?

A balun is a small transformer which converts an audio or video signal from unbalanced to balanced and vice versa (hence the term "bal*un"). By doing so, baluns make the necessary impedance adjustment for audio-visual signal transmission between different wiring systems. In all fairness, however, not all baluns are true "baluns;" the term balun has become a synonymous with any device which transmits audio and video over structured cabling.


Why should I use baluns?
There are several key benefits derived from using baluns and twisted pair cabling.
Baluns greatly extend the transmission distance of video signals
Baluns allow you to send multiple signals over a single cable
Twisted pair cabling such as Cat 5 is smaller and easier to pull and hide than traditional cable
Baluns help eliminate ground loops and RF interference
Baluns and Cat 5 typically cost significantly less than traditional cable over long distances

When shouldn't I use baluns?
Baluns are not the ideal solution for every application; certain environments and applications will degrade twisted pair transmission performance. It is crucial that you pre-qualify your application and uncover any potential hazards.
Balun performance may be compromised in facilities with excessive RF interference, such as factories with large AC motors.
Twisted pair cabling, such as Cat 5, carrying an audio-visual signal should not be run within one foot of fluorescent lights.
Twisted pair cabling, such as Cat 5, carrying an audio-visual signal should not be run for more than three feet parallel to high voltage lines. Ideally, twisted pair cables which must cross high voltage lines should do so at a 90 degree angle.
Twisted pair cabling, such as Cat 5, carrying an audio-visual signal should not be passively split or routed through an ethernet hub or switcher. Cat 5 carrying an audio-visual signal may be run through a passive patch bay as long as point-to-point connectivity is maintained.
Data, such as computer ethernet traffic, should not run on the same twisted pair cable as your audio-visual signal.
Balun performance may be compromised with excessive jumping and signal conversions. Every time you convert a signal or pass through a connector, there will be some signal loss. Try to maintain a point-to-point connection, or if impossible, use an active product.

What is the AvoCat Series?
The AvoCat Series is a redesigned line of baluns introduced by Intelix which are geared toward high-end applications which demand extremely high-quality audio and video performance. Further, AvoCat Series baluns all share a standardized casing, which both reduces cost and allows all models to be easily rack mounted.