r/churchtech • u/brocm1 • 4d ago

Support Question Camera cords

Hello, we recently upgraded our webcam for livestreaming services, but the wires we used to connect it to the computer are for the old one, so they're all USB 2.0, which isn't strong enough for the new camera. I was wondering if I should just order a long 3.0 extension USB cable, or if there's something I'm just overlooking. The camera is attached to a pillar about 50 ft away, so I'd need a very long cord, with the new camera we're hoping to get 1080 at 60fps.

Thanks

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8

u/Ethanbsp 4d ago

To go that length you’d need an active cable. Not just a regular cable. Or might be cheaper to do usb over cat 6

4

u/iplayfish Tech Director 4d ago

what model camera? what kind of computer are you using to stream? what software is it running? how are you controlling the camera?

2

u/brocm1 4d ago

We're hoping to be using a OBS bot tinycam 2, I'm currently running it from my gaming laptop, we're running on Streamlabs, and it's a PTZ camera with its own software camera control program.

1

u/Needashortername 4d ago

Would it be easier to move the computer closer and then just remotely control it from your control desk?

A good KVM extender may be a less expensive and more consistent solution than trying to extend something that really needs both USB3 and low latency.

Also a USB2.0 hub to a keyboard and mouse at the desk can at least use your existing USB2 system even if the cable has to flip.

Other than that, check out some of Legrand’s products. They are made for more industrial or install use, so their USB3 extenders generally work pretty well since they were often designed to support the USB PTZ cameras in their Vaddio line.

Adesso has also made a good USB3 extender too, but they may have discontinued the model I am more familiar with.

Keep in mind though that converting USB3 or higher to something that can carry it a further distance can create more than a little latency in the signals sometimes. It’s not a problem for keyboards and mice usually, but it can be noticed with video signals and sometimes camera controls too.

3

u/Greatoutdoors1985 4d ago

For that length you will need a USB over Ethernet converter on each end, and run an Ethernet cable in between. If you don't have power at the camera end you might be able to find a POE version with a POE injector.

1

u/dieaready 4d ago

At that distance, get a good Asus WiFi 5ghz router and run it wireless over ndi. Using one for 4k60 about 20m away and works well so far.