Glossary A–ZLetter F
Fibre-optic signal transmission
Fibre-optic signal transmission means sending video, audio or control signals as light through an optical fibre cable instead of electrically over copper cable.
At both ends, a transmitter and a receiver convert the signal. This makes it possible to bridge long distances.
Optical fibre is used when screen and source are far apart: in stadiums, on large sites, between buildings or for LED walls whose controller stands far away in a technical room. Depending on the fibre type, distances from a few hundred metres to many kilometres are possible. Optical fibre is immune to electrical interference, for example from motors or high-voltage lines, and isolates the devices electrically from one another, which protects against lightning.
Transmitter, receiver and cable must match: there are different fibre types and connectors that cannot be combined at will. Optical fibres do not tolerate tight bends, and dirty connectors are a common cause of faults. Power for the converters is needed at both ends. Operators should leave the installation to a specialist company, have spare fibres laid at the same time and document the link.