| While Magenta Research has touted the benefits of using Cat5 to distribute video, audio and serial signals, it’s noteworthy when a third-party outlines the inherent cost savings that Cat5 solutions provide over coax-based systems.
In this case, a consultant compiled a spreadsheet detailing the expense of installing similar Cat5 and coax-based applications. Specifically, the systems were designed for a casino ballroom that needed a 32 source/display solution with signal runs of 450-500 feet.
The consultant also factored in what he termed the “hidden costs" of a coax solution of this length—the expense of installing conduit needed to house the larger coax cable required for the runs involved in this application.
The R.S. Means Construction Estimator, an industry standard, was used for all conduit and labor figures. Note that the coax solution estimated by the consultant does not even include a matrix switch, as the clients were requesting a barebones system in order minimize capital expense.
The Cat5 side of the equation included a Mondo Matrix™ 32x32 plus a Morph-It™ chassis outfitted with 16 Dual EQ cards designed to equalize the 32 inputs (referred to as Skew Comp in spreadsheet).
This independent, unsolicited comparison showed a 66% cost penalty for the coax approach, despite the added benefit of a matrix switch in the Cat5 example. If the two examples are made equivalent by removing the Cat5 switch, the coax cost penalty rises to 116%. |
Source: Edward Parker, Acoustonica |
