Wiring Products

Structured wiring systems fall into two main categories: the traditional Starserve type, system using a combination of Cat5E data cable and RG6 coax cables, and newer systems using better than Cat7 cables only, such as PDL's LexCom Home Network. (Based on a new standard which is yet to be ratified - referred to as "Residential Broadband Cabling" and uses what is being proposed to be a Cat8 cable).

The Clipsal Starserve is a traditional system, using Cat5e cables to facilitate telephone distribution and data networking, and RG6 quad coax cables for video and CCTV distribution.

It has a number of advantages over other traditional systems, such as a wide range of enclosures and components which allow it to cater for both small and large installations and by using their infrared enabled video hubs, the coax cable that carries the pictures to the room, can also carry signals from your infrared remote control back to the video equipment. This means reduced cost on both cable used and installation time and the infrared components can be added at any time and simply moved around the house with the equipment.

LexCom Home Network, on the other hand, uses just one type of high capacity data cable (1GHz bandwidth, dual shielded twisted pair) for all services and connections. This does have the advantage that, wherever you have an outlet (RJ45), you can have video, phone, or data service, as you are not reliant on having a particular cable for a particular service. The cable is also up to one hundred times faster than Cat5E cable (designed for 10Gbps data) and therefore, may be a safer option for the future, as we can assume services like video phones and video streaming will become common and will need lots of data bandwidth.

The principles of operation are the same; the systems become the distribution hubs for the services brought into our homes.

These services are patched, via active or passive connection modules, down the cables into the rooms we select and they also allow us to interconnect devices or appliances in different rooms, such as computers, TV's, and audio equipment. These features have been used in commercial buildings for many years due to their simplicity and flexibility. Another benefit of this method is that no tools are required to change connections, so as long as the connections are clearly labelled, anybody can make changes. A great feature for the homeowner!

Within your home, you will have a "Main Entertainment Area" where your DVD, video, and Pay TV boxes are located. To distribute these around the home, a modulator is installed. Its job is to join the devices together, ensure they don't interfere with each other and boost their signal strength. It also forms part of the optional infrared distribution feature. The modulator then feeds these signals into the system, where it is mixed with your other services and distributed around the home. Your DVD, video, and Pay TV appear just like a Free to Air channel at every TV set in the home. The same principles apply to CCTV cameras, satellite TV, Web TV, and media servers.

Infrared remote control is a fantastic option. This allows you to take any of your normal remote controls to another room and then control the equipment located in your Main Entertainment Area. In each room you want remote control from, a receiver, or target, is installed.

This feeds the infrared codes through the cables back to your equipment giving you full control and great convenience.

Kits are available in various configurations and make an ideal starting point, as they can be expanded to suit each particular installation. Generally, they consist of the enclosure, a video distribution hub, cable modules, and power supplies.

Cables and wall outlets need to be added as do any optional extras such as infrared components, and CCTV cameras.