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Additional features and benefits distribution distances and the total number of channels distributed to TVs. A passive system may be suited to facilities with 50 or less total TV locations. An active RF TV over CAT system uses a single video hub that serves as the "master unit." Additional hubs can be connected to one another using a technique known as "cascading." The command unit uses an automatic gain control. By providing information to the additional hubs cascaded throughout the data closets in the building, it allows the remote units to automatically adjust outputs to the proper levels. This eliminates the need for manual leveling and adjustment of the system throughout the building. These systems require less labor to install and less maintenance overall, resulting in a cost savings during both the install and over the lifespan of the system. Active systems also have remotely powered baluns at each TV location, providing automatic amplification and equalization for that specific TV. Active systems are extremely scalable, well-suited to both small and large TV installations, and can distribute to thousands of TVs from one signal source. An automatic RF television signal distribution system offers superior design flexibility; adding display units is easy with its simple "plugand-play" capability. Users can customize the system to distribute RF and IP content using a preferred brand or technology. The convergent technology can bring RF and IP together, allowing signals to travel simultaneously over the same structured cabling. By integrating single-mode optical fiber, the video system is more flexible and scalable. The system's reach can be extended over a 14-mile radius, as fiber can easily be connected to multiple locations throughout a facility or campus. While single-mode fiber is becoming the trend, the content must still travel over CAT cable on the horizontal to reach a TV or other video display unit. CAT 6a cable instead of coax is a practical step toward future-proofing because it offers superior bandwidth capabilities (twice that of CAT 5e cable). It's highly desirable for organizations concerned with expanding broadcast demands over time. CAT cable is cheaper per foot than its coax counterpart, making its use a cost-effective option and even a best practice for hospital administrators faced with budget constraints. What about IPTV? utilizing IP video, which can be a very cost-effective option. IP can be utilized for internally generated video via an IP camera or other device, which can also include signage and mass alerts. The great news is that with a CAT cable-based television distribution system, both IP and RF content is delivered to end-points. Mixing and matching creates the most cost-effective TV distribution system. An ideal application for using both RF and IP is to deliver the bulk of entertainment TV via RF and integrate additional IP content into the channel lineup. Some patient education systems provide video content via servers Henry Collins is a senior engineer at Z-Band, Inc. He can be reached at henryc@z-band.com. Amy Loder is director of healthcare business development at Z-Band, Inc. She can be reached at amyl@z-band.com. www.mcdmag.com January/February 2013 | Medical Construction & Design 21