Discover Copper Online

Winter 2006

HDTV + Copper = Maximum Effect

The central distribution device (CDD) - The core of structured wiring.

High-resolution version of this photo.

High-definition television, or HDTV, has quickly become the gold standard in home entertainment - and if you are among the many who believe the medium is as important as the message, it won't be long before one of these sets makes its way into your home.

Unlike analog television, HDTV uses digital signals to project a crisp, ultra-clear image. In general, digital signals are routed to HDTVs through high bandwidth communication cables. To maximize your experience, you need the best wiring available, and copper wiring is the clear-cut choice of both professional and amateur videophiles because of its reliability, durability and exceptionally high data transfer rate of up to 100 Mbps (megabits per second).

According to Ron Rimawi, president, Digital Interiors, Inc., "The gold standard for home communications is structured wiring using Category 5e or Category 6 wires, and quad-shielded RG-6 coaxial cables with an all-copper center conductor. Copper offers the speed, flexibility and reliability that is needed by HDTV, broadband and other high bandwidth applications for the foreseeable future."

Lounge High-resolution version of this photo.

Structured wiring involves wiring individual rooms or distribution points with separate sets of wires, typically in a star-like pattern emanating from a central distribution device (CDD). With this system, the outlets in each room are connected directly through the CDD to various services like cable, broadband, telephone, etc. The old method of "daisy chaining" wires from one room to the next, all the way back to the original distribution inlet, is unsuitable for modern datarich communications. Today's Category 5e or Category 6 type wiring and RG-6 cables are designed to handle the higher loads - older, obsolete telephone wiring and cable are not. Cu

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