Audio and visual (AV) technologies have long relied on copper cables and other antiquated materials. Greater demands necessitate components that can handle higher bandwidths, high-resolution outputs and faster speeds. This is causing many to switch to fiber optics, but does this upgrade fix every issue left unresolved by older products? Where can you buy high-quality fiber-optic cables, and what pain points will a good investment solve?
1. Electromagnetic Interference (EMI)
EMI is an invisible yet potent disruptor to AV tech. Lightbulbs, smart devices and other cables all produce EMI that can disrupt performance, so manufacturers have implemented some protective measures. Copper cables are particularly susceptible to EMI, but fiber optics can produce a more reliable signal naturally because light is unaffected.
Reputable providers like Multilink offer products specifically designed to address these issues. Every product is tested to be EMI- and radio frequency interference-compliant. Cables are tested in high-stress environments to see if they experience performance degradation. Meeting standards implies the cable functions even in the presence of EMI.
2. Cable Size and Weight for Easy Installations
Many AV use cases require numerous wires that quickly accumulate, resulting in complex cable management. Heavy copper cables are impractical, whereas fiber-optic cables are lightweight and more flexible, making intricate setups simpler to organize.
Organizers like Multilink’s MultiClear Surface Raceway or Hinged Overlay Molding further enhance aesthetics and organization. These tools give installers more flexibility regarding cable placement, providing additional reinforcement so they do not sag, tangle or burden other nearby cables.
Complex installations are a significant obstacle for any AV task, as mistakes can result in substantial time losses and rewiring. Fiber optic-compatible supplements that streamline layouts can quicken time-to-operation and simplify future adjustments.
3. Signal Loss Over Distances
Attenuation is challenging to regulate, particularly over longer cable lengths. During transmission, cables naturally lose light because of scattering or material absorption. The farther the signal travels, the more likely it will weaken and affect performance. Even fiber-optic cables can sometimes struggle with this issue, but high-quality connectors can help mitigate these occurrences.
One of the biggest issues with fiber is unintentional losses from poor splicing. Connectors promise to maintain signal strength, even if used in concert venues or college campuses. They have high fastening strength and clamping force to ensure physical obstructions do not inhibit the cable.
4. Future-proofing for Durability and Environmental Factors
All technologies connected to fiber-optic cables are scaling in power and intensity. Infrastructure must anticipate these constant innovations and expansions in capability. Otherwise, cables will need to be replaced too frequently to be practical. Manufacturers should also future-proof products for environmental shifts, which can introduce external pressures on the cables that could cause them to erode or fail.
The best cable providers also offer enclosures that safeguard them from changing climates without compromising their efficacy. Optics like the SFX-0 DUAL model are compliant with Six Sigma standards for lean, sustainable operations. They also prevent excessive parts replacements by extending their shelf life.
These tools are particularly helpful for critical industries like emergency response or the military. Workers in these sectors put pressure on cable infrastructure and need dependability to operate without disruptions.
5. Insufficient Bandwidth for High-Resolution Output
In previous years, the average household was not a residence for a regular Twitch streamer, and office buildings used fewer machines for regular operations. These gradual shifts in lifestyle and workplace trends are just a few examples that explain why cables need to increase their capacity to accommodate more bandwidth. Fiber optics can also handle higher volumes of data, which is particularly useful for data centers and artificial intelligence applications.
The rate at which audio and video quality is increasing is outpacing what traditional infrastructure can transmit reliably. High-quality fiber-optic cables innately support more demand. They preserve resolution and output stability to ensure there are no visual pixelations or audio blips.
Where to Buy High-Quality Fiber-Optic Cables That Improve AV Performance
Fiber-optic cables are becoming the standard for AV applications. However, some products are still superior to others, proving more resilient to environmental stressors or electromagnetic influences. Others undergo various tests to ensure their durability and signal integrity. Companies like Multilink take all the precautions needed to give buyers the best experience, so you can trust that any AV activity will hold strong no matter what.