Ce labs C5-HDP – Passive CAT5 Distribution
High-Definition Video & Digital Audio UTP BALUN Transformer
Review & Buying Guide
Anthony Marsh – October 16, 2008

MSRP:          $99.99 (USD) Street Price:  $59.95 (USD)

AT A GLANCE
Overview /Set-Up & Performance / Conclusion

Overview

For those who are a little foggy on just what in the heck passive CAT5 distribution is, and what an HD video and digital audio UTP BALUN transformer is, allow me to briefly explain. CAT5 (a.k.a., category 5) or passive CAT5 distribution is in reference to the type of cable that is used to transport HD video and digital audio over extended distances. A UTP BALUN transformer or a high-definition video and digital audio UTP BALUN transformer is the actual device or hardware adapter which distributes Component video signals and digital audio over extended distances between various electronic devices that, for one reason or another, can’t be in the same room with each other or have to be really far apart.

While style and a UTP BALUN adapter need not mutually co-exist, in the case of the C5-HDP adapter from Ce labs, it offers a smooth, lightweight, compact finish, measuring in at: 3 ½ x 3 ¼ x 1 ½ inches or 8.9 x 8.25 x 3.8 centimeters, and as per the advertising blurb provided by Ce labs, comes in a heavy gauge steel and powder-coated chassis which offers scratch and corrosion resistance. While I can’t conclusively confirm most of the above, since, A. I didn’t subject my adapters to any form of scratching or corrosion, and B. I don’t quite know what heavy gauge steel looks like or feels like, I can confirm that it does indeed come in a (black) powder-coated finish, and being that Ce labs has been in the business of providing quality products for a long time, I’ll just take their word on the rest of it.

Set-Up & Performance

The C5-HDP passive CAT5 distribution adapter from Ce labs is about as simple as it gets in terms of setting up, and because it requires no external power to work, it’s also ultra-convenient. Essentially, the set-up entails using two separate C5-HDP adapters, running UTP-enabled cables such as an Ethernet between the adapters themselves, or plugged into separate Ethernet outlets that are themselves connected or wired to each other behind a wall, and finally, plugging your Component and digital audio cables from your source device (TV, Blu-ray player, etc.) to the adapter. All the inputs on the C5-HDP are clearly labeled and color-coded for an ease of use where you simply can’t go wrong.

In the case of Ce labs C5-HDP passive CAT5 distribution adapter and signal distance, it advertises a minimum HD signal loss up to 200 feet, and good results with a 1080i signal in excess of 300 feet. For SD (standard-definition), Composite video, it can cover a distance beyond 750 feet while still retaining an excellent picture, while a monochrome image will work past the 1500 foot mark.

While I can’t speak directly to how the C5-HDP adapter works with Composite or monochrome video signals, I did test the Ce labs adapters with a 1080p HD video signal via a 70-foot Ethernet cable, connected between a 47-inch Nexus HD LCD TV and the Sony PS3 doing double-duty as Blu-ray player. The video playback subject was BBC’s most excellent Planet Earth, and having gone through several scenes, I could detect no loss in video quality, as everything looked as vivid and crisp and sharp as usual. The only minor inconsistency I did notice was when I had to access the Sony PS3 menu to adjust my video output settings. Certain portions of the menu headings and text displayed a slight ghosting effect, and even as I downgraded my HD video signal from 1080p to 1080i to 720p, the text ghosting effect was still visible. This minor blemish notwithstanding, the C5-HDP adapter from Ce labs did a great job, and for those instances when you need to have a good amount of distance between various devices, this adapter will certainly fit the bill.

Conclusion

No power required, simple, compact design, ease of use, and solid all-around performance conspire to make the C5-HDP adapter from Ce labs an ideal choice when it comes to having distance between your electronic devices, but not wanting to jeopardize or compromise the quality of your video and audio in the process.

Lead image and diagram courtesy of Ce labs.

Manufacturer Homepage: www.celabs.net