Broadcast

Save Patch Panel Space with Micro BNCs

Erika Grayson

As emerging technology is being integrated into live production environments—including augmented and virtual reality, OTT streaming and the migration to IP—more cabling infrastructure is required and the patch panels that connect incoming and outgoing cables are becoming congested. 

 

Many high-density patch panels offer fiber, copper and coax ports to facilitate all three types of connections—but the number of fiber ports in each patch panel is increasing as more of today’s broadcast technologies call for fiber. This leaves less room for copper and coax connections—even though they’re still needed to connect and manage cables to support devices like routers, processors, amplifiers and replay servers.

 

In situations where patch-panel space is at a premium, Micro BNCs are a great option. They look and function similarly to standard BNC connectors, but they’re designed for applications that require high performance in high-density environments.

 

The Benefits of Micro BNCs

How are standard and Micro BNCs different? It all comes down to size. Micro BNCs offer:

 

  • A 51% smaller footprint as compared to standard BNCs
  • A 10% smaller footprint as compared to DIN 1.0/2.3 connectors

 

These space savings allow for four times more coax port density in patch panels. This increase saves valuable real estate—and money—by reducing the number of patch panels that OB trucks and ENG vans, studios, stadiums and entertainment venues, and even flypacks need in order to connect and manage incoming and outgoing cables.

 

Micro BNCs offer another advantage as well: They support higher-functioning cables, such as 75 Ohm12G-SDI and 4K UHD. This means the connectors can support the same types of applications as traditional BNCs, such as analog and serial digital video signals, while also supporting newer applications like innovative medical equipment, GPS, automotive and broadcast applications.

 

We Now Offer Micro BNCs

When professional broadcasters told us they wanted a Micro BNC option from Belden to send video transmissions during live broadcasts, we answered the call by offering our own.

 

With this new addition to our coaxial connector portfolio, you can now depend on us for a complete broadcast solution. We offer not only the reliable, high-performance cables that professional broadcasters have counted on for decades, but also the connectors to maximize broadcast signal integrity, quality, performance and durability.

 

Designed for 12 GHz applications, such as remote viewing, digital signage and mobile broadcasting, our Micro BNCs are also backward compatible with 6 GHz and 3 GHz applications. They use the same installation method as standard BNCs as well: push, twist and click.

 

To support easy moves, adds and changes, the connectors can be easily managed with an extraction tool. When patch panels are very full, the extraction tool makes it fast and effortless to install and remove connectors without damaging them—or without disturbing adjacent connectors and cables.

 

To connect our Micro BNCs to cables, we offer two optimized crimping tools. While the connectors can be crimped with other tools, Belden’s crimping tools are designed to align perfectly with the new Micro BNCs.

 

And even better news: We’re ready to deliver Micro BNCs and cabling systems quickly so you’re not waiting on products to keep your project moving.

 

Learn more about our new Micro BNCs here.

 

 

 

RELATED LINKS:

 

4 Things Today's Stadiums Need to Support Emerging Technology

What You Need to Know About Fiber Connectors for AV

How AV Installations Can Benefit from Patch Cords & Patch Panels