FireFold Tech

What is Plenum cable?

admin — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 16:35:24 +0000

“Do I need plenum cable?
This is a question that pops up a lot here at FireFold. Most often the answer is no.

Plenum refers to the spaces in building construction that promote air circulation. In addition to helping keep a building heated and cooled, it is also often used for running networking cables.

When a cable is plenum-rated, it means it is wrapped in a special flame-retardant jacket. In the event of a fire, the extra coating helps to keep the flames from spreading by causing the cables to burn more slowly than their non-plenum counterparts. Many building codes require the use of plenum cable.

If you’re not running the cable through a plenum space, then the extra protection usually isn’t required. It certainly can’t hurt anything to use plenum where it’s not required. Kind of like flame retardant PJs–they’re not required to sleep in, but you might feel a little more secure knowing you aren’t as likely to morph into a human Burnie in the event of a house fire.

*Plenum is not the same as shielded. Shielded cables have an extra layer of foil to prevent cross-talk and interference where you might have multiple cables run.

What You Need to Know About Current HDMI® Standards

admin — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 05:23:13 +0000

If you had become accustomed to seeking out HDMI® cables by searching for a particular version, i.e. 1.3b or 1.4, you might have noticed that’s not such an easy feat anymore. Last year, HDMI Licensing mandated retailers and manufacturers begin referring to cables using a new set of guidelines to help eliminate confusion.

Here’s what you need to know.

This refers to all older HDMI versions, previously labeled as 1.1, 1.2, or 1.2a.

Same thing…older versions, but with Ethernet channels.

This is a more robust cable with a Type E locking connector, designed at the request of automobile manufacturers.

To make life easier on you, this is the minimum standard FireFold carries. High Speed cables support 3D video formats in resolutions up to 1080p, as well as future 4K display resolutions up to four times that of 1080p. They support content profiles and extended color spaces for digital photography, and contain an audio return channel for surround sound. These cables are backwards compatible with all previous versions and perform at speeds of 340 MHz (10.2 Gbit/s).

All the same perks of High Speed, but with an Ethernet channel to enable bidirectional data communication for devices with Internet capability.

In addition, if you’re seeking a cable to connect your mobile phone or other portable device, you may require a cable with a Type D Micro connector. These are simply smaller connectors used on devices where space is at a premium. These cables can only support resolutions up to 1080p, and nothing higher.

Hopefully this clarifies the differences between HDMI standards and makes shopping a little easier. As always, FireFold HDMI cables are backed by a lifetime warranty against manufacturer defects, so you can buy with confidence.

Low Voltage Brackets: An Explanation

admin — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 05:22:36 +0000

Low voltage brackets can be one of the handiest tools when it comes to upgrading your home theater or home office, but we’ve found that most people are either unaware of their existence or don’t fully understand their purpose. Allow FireFold to enlighten you.

Low voltage brackets are useful when installing new wall plates in existing construction.

For example, you’re adding a new HDMI wall plate to the drywall already in place in your living room. Drywall or sheet rock, especially thinner grades, doesn’t always provide a solid surface for those wall plate screws to dig into. Just like you would use a SecureMount anchor to install that wall mount where you’re lacking in studs, you can use a low voltage bracket to give your wall plate an anchor to latch to.

Before you put up the wall plate, install the low voltage bracket in the area you have cut out for the wall plate. A drywall saw comes in handy for this part of the process. The bracket uses rotating anchors to grasp the back of the drywall and settle firmly in place. Screw the anchors into a fixed position once you have it inserted into the wall.

Now you’ve got a solid, secure backing for your wall plate to attach to! Use the built in holes to screw your wall plate into place.

It’s an attractive and secure way to add a home theater wall plate or network wall plate to an existing setup.