Replies

1. 
   brownbagg | Jun 23, 2007 03:12am | #1

   cell phone
2. 
   peakbagger | Jun 23, 2007 04:32am | #2

   you can run just about anything over cat-5 including S-video. HDMI, the HD video cable, I think is still not field made.
   For computer lines, I would go wireless since laptops are cheap and then you don't need a desk. Printing can be wireless too.

3. 
   highfigh | Jun 23, 2007 04:40am | #3

   What speed and ISP, what resolution video, what security needs, etc? It all matters.

   HD video can be sent over a variety of cable types. Component tends to be more reliable than HDMI but HD DVD makers have officially adopted HDMI as the cable/connector of choice. It's digital from source to display but there are "handshake" issues. If there's a problem with that, the picture and sound go away. It ends up as an analog signal after that, anyway and since you can still do 1080i/p with component cables, it's not really much of a loss. HDMI is expansive and there are more transmission distance limits, too. Yes, it can be re-sent but it adds a lot to the price. You can also send HD video over Cat5e, using baluns or dedicated processors, too. They work well, the cabling costs are reduced and it can be distributed easily. The price is less for cabling but there are some hardware needs. They don't tend to be terribly expensive but if there's no way to run HDMI or component cables to the destination, it's a good way to get the signal where you want it.

   Computer- Cat5e still works fine. If you need gigabyte speed, use fiber or Cat7 for short runs. Wireless isn't that fast and because of the use of CSMA/CA (Carrier Sense, Media Access/Collision Avoidance), it won't be, either.

   A lot of security systems use internet connections for monitoring/notification and DRV for copying files from the hard drive. Depending on how many cameras and what level of resolution/storage you need, the price and complexity of the system will follow. Some people like to keep as much on file as possible. If there hasn't been a problem, I really see no reason to do this. It's a waste of storage space and a larger hard drive will drive the price up. Some security systems have a web site where you could log in and monitor your site after opening a web port on your router.

   For phone systems, you'd definitely need to state your needs and objectives in order to offer any ideas.

   "I cut this piece four times and it's still too short."
4. 
   DanH | Jun 23, 2007 05:34am | #4

   RG6 for TV, Cat5/6/whatever for everything else.

   So convenient a thing it is to be a reasonable Creature, since it enables one to find or make a Reason for everything one has a mind to do. --Benjamin Franklin
5. 
   BUIC | Jun 23, 2007 05:48am | #5

     Conduit...