As with cables themselves, the vast array of cable accessories might seem a daunting category to the uninitiated. We offer cable accessories for virtually every type of installation, from the very basic (such as cable ties) to the complex (like matrix switchers). You can browse through all our cable accessories by using Superbrowse: of course, you may not know what each type of accessory is for. The guide below should help clear up any confusion. And remember, if you still have questions, our trained staff is just a phone call away.

Cable Management

  This is pretty self-explanatory. Cable Management accessories help you manage your cables. Standard cable ties are the most basic way to bundle cables together. We also carry ducting materials and installation kits, rubber and plastic cable covers, and cable management panels for wall or rack mounting. Of course, the best way to manage and conceal cables is with a wall plate.

Connectors

  Got bulk cable? You're going to need connectors if you're self-terminating your cables. We also carry adapters and gender changers for your connectors if that's what you're looking for. For large installations, we also carry some connector and adapter kits, which come with assorted ends in varied sizes so you'll be covered.

Distribution Amplifiers

  When you need to split a signal into multiple outputs, you're going to want a distribution amplifier. The reason for this is that, as you split a signal through two, four, or more outputs, the signal integrity degrades: with a distribution amplifier, the signal is split and electronically amplified before it is resent, restoring the signal strength. Our distribution amps are available in a variety of sizes, with varying levels of amplification. As a rule of thumb, the more outputs you are splitting a signal into, the more powerful your amplifier should be.

Line Drivers

  A line driver is designed to do exactly what it's name implies: the signal comes in, is amplified, then "driven" down the "line". Line drivers are essential when you are sending a signal over a long distance to prevent signal deterioration. There is not really a threshold that determines the length of cable you can run before you need a line driver - different cables have different gauges and features which result in varying levels of conductivity - but anything over 75 or 100 feet is probably getting close.

Splitters

  Splitters do half of the job that distribution amps do: that is, they split a one or more signals into one or more outputs. The most common are two-way splitters, which you've probably seen as part of your cable television hookup. Be careful when splitting a signal more than twice, especially if you are running cables more than a dozen feet or so, because the integrity of the signal may suffer.

Switchers

  Switchers are similar to distribution amplifiers in that they take a signal in and split it into multiple outputs. The difference is that a switcher allows you to switch between the outputs (for instance, switching a video signal from a computer monitor to a projector or flatscreen TV). We also carry high-end matrix switchers, which convert multiple signals into multiple outputs.

Wall Plates

  Wall plates are perfect for hiding wires behind a wall, giving your installation a clean, professional look. Most wall plates come in two basic types: soldered and pass-thru. Unless you are having a professional install your cables, you will probably want to avoid soldered wall-plates, which require you to solder the cable to the back of the wall plate yourself. A pass-thru connection includes a connector on both the front and back of the wall plate, so that you can simply attach a cable to both sides for a complete connection. Some of our manufacturers can customize wall-plates to match certain color schemes: give us a call with questions.