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How To Use Model 9850/9851 Universal Distribution Amplifiers
Model 9850 and Model 9851 provide a simple solution to
the problem of distributing video and audio signals among
multiple video displays or monitors over long distances. To
overcome the bandwidth-robbing losses of coaxial cables,
the 9850/9851 have cable-length compensation that can be
adjusted for up to 500 feet of cable. The 9850 amplifier’s
7-channel-wide architecture enables simultaneous distribution
of digital audio, analog audio, composite video and component
video. Model 9851 is similar to the 9850, with the addition
of two more analog audio channels.
Multiple 9850s can be bussed together to create large distribution systems using RCA plugs (Model 9850 and
9851) or F connectors (Model 9850F and 9851F) on the bus cables.
9850
9851
Left/Right
Audio
Left/Right
Audio
Component
Video Source
Left/Right
Audio
Digital
Audio
Digital Receiver
(and Speakers)
HDTV
(One of Four
on this Amp)
Digital Audio
9850
Composite Video
Component Video
Note: Model 9850 is pictured throughout the manual, but all information applies to Model 9851 as well.
Single Amplifier Installation (Four or Fewer Video Displays)
Mount the 9850 near the video displays and audio system. Use high-quality 75-ohm coaxial cable, such as Audio
Authority part numbers 871-070 (standard DTV cable) or 871-074 (plenum-rated DTV cable) to route signals
from the audio/video source to the Bus Input jacks of the amplifier. No terminations are required on the Bus
Output connectors. Connect each set of main outputs to a video display and/or audio system using good quality
coaxial cable for video and digital audio, and standard patch cords for analog audio.
Adjust the Cable Length Compensation control equal to the length of the cable run from the source to the
amplifier. This control is calibrated in feet and meters (m). For example, if the length of the cable is 150 feet,
set the pointer midway between the 100 and 200 foot marks. This setting restores the bandwidth lost in 150 feet
of cable. Note: the bus output is not cable-length compensated and therefore is not recommended as a product
output.
Power the 9850 from the supplied power pack. In the event of hum bars or other picture disturbance, adjust the
Ground switch to minimize the symptom.
Model 9850 Manual 752-440B 8/03 Page 1
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Multi-Amplifier Inline Installation (More Than Four Video Displays)
This configuration supports up to 32 video displays (eight 9850 amplifiers). Mount each 9850 near the video
displays (and audio systems) they are to serve. Use high-quality 75-ohm coaxial cable, such as Audio Authority
part numbers 871-070 (standard DTV cable) or 871-074 (plenum-rated DTV cable) to route signals from the
audio/video source to the Bus Input jacks of the amplifier. Connect the Bus Output jacks of the first amplifier
to the Bus Input jacks of the second amplifier, and so on. No terminations are required on the Bus Output
connectors of the last amplifier. Connect each set of main outputs to a video display and/or audio system using
good quality coaxial cable for video and digital audio, and standard patch cords for analog audio.
Component
Video Source
Composite Video
Component Video
Left/Right
Audio
Digital
Audio
Cable Length
Compensation
Adjustment
120V AC
Power
Supply
Digital Receiver
(and Speakers)
9850 9850 9850
Component Video Bus Cables
Note: If you need to use more than eight 9850s with
one source, use one of the “branched” configurations
on the following pages.
HDTV
(One of Four
on this Amp)
Digital Audio
On each amplifier, adjust the Cable Length Compensation control equal to the total length of the bus cable run
from the source to that amplifier. For example, if the length of cable to the first amplifier is 150 feet, set the
control of the first amplifier midway between the 100 and 200 foot marks. If the length between the first and
second amplifier is 50 feet, set the control on the second amplifier to 150 + 50 = 200 feet. Note: the bus output
is not cable-length compensated and therefore is not recommended as a product output.
Power each 9850 from a supplied power pack. In the event of hum bars or other picture disturbance, adjust the
Ground switch to minimize the symptom.
Model 9850 Manual 752-440B 8/03 Page 2
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Multi-Amplifier, Two-Branch Installation (More Than 32 Video Displays In a Row)
When more than 32 video displays must receive the same source material, you may use an extra 9850 to split
the source signal into several “branches”. Branched configurations can support up to 140 video displays using
as many as 36 9850 amplifiers (see next page). The diagram below shows a configuration which supports up
to 59 video displays, using 17 Model 9850 amplifiers.
Mount a 9850 near the center of the video displays and audio systems it is to serve. This is the “hub” 9850.
Connect the Bus Output jacks of the first amplifier to the Bus Input jacks of the second amplifier and so on,
forming the first branch of the system. To create the second branch, connect bus cable to a product position on
the amplifier nearest the source, instead of the bus output (see diagram below). Connect additional amplifiers
via the bus jacks as you did the first branch.
No terminations are required on the Bus Output connectors of the last amplifier. Use high-quality 75-ohm coaxial
cable, such as Audio Authority part numbers 871-070 (standard DTV cable) or 871-074 (plenum-rated DTV
cable) to route signals from the audio/video source to the Bus Input jacks of the amplifier. Connect each set of
main outputs to a video display and/or audio system, using good quality coaxial cable for video and digital audio
(RG-59 or RG-6). Make sure the Y Pb Pr cables are exactly the same length. Use standard patch cords for
analog audio.
On each remote amplifier, adjust the Cable Length Compensation control equal to the total length of the bus
cable run from the source to that amplifier. For example, if the length of cable to the first amplifier is 150 feet,
set the control of the first amplifier midway between the 100 and 200 foot marks. If the length between the first
and second amplifier is 50 feet, set the control on the second amplifier to 150 + 50 = 200 feet. Leave the Cable
Length Compensation control at 0 feet on the 9850 used as a signal splitter. Note: the bus output is not cablelength compensated and therefore is not recommended as a product output.
Power each 9850 from the supplied power pack. In the event of hum bars or other picture disturbance, adjust
the Ground switch to minimize the symptom.
Component
Source Output
to 9850 “Hub”
Bus In
The remaining
positions may be
used for video
displays if this first
9850 is not far from
the source. (Or
they can be used
for additional
branches.)
Video Source
Leave the “Hub” 9850 Cable Length Compensator set at ZERO.
9850
Bus Out
to Bus In
9850
9850
Position 4
to Bus In
Note: the bus output is not cable-length compensated
and therefore is not recommended as a product output.
98509850
Up to seven amps in this branch.
Up to seven amps in this branch.
98509850
9850
9850
Model 9850 Manual 752-440B 8/03 Page 3
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Multi-Amplifier Branched Installation (Multiple Video Displays In a Wide Area)
When the video displays are widely spaced, cable may be saved by dividing the distribution system into
geographic sections. Use an extra 9850 to split the source signal and place it near the center of the areas of use.
This is the “hub” 9850. Make up to five branches by connecting a set of bus cables to the jacks in each product
position in addition to the bus jacks (see diagram below). Each branch may have up to seven more 9850 amplifiers
connected in-line. You may make smaller branches off of the main branches when necessary, provided the total
number of 9850 modules in any given bus path does not exceed eight.
Refer to the previous page for setup instructions.
In Case of Difficulty
Call Audio Authority Technical Service at 800-322-8346 for assistance.
Component
Video Source
Source Output
to 9850 “Hub”
Bus In
Leave the “Hub” 9850 Cable Length Compensator set at ZERO.
9850
Bus Out to Bus In
9850
Position 4 to Bus In
Position 3 to Bus In
9850
Position 2 to Bus In
9850
9850
Position 1
to Bus In
2048 Mercer Road, Lexington, Kentucky 40511-1071
Phone: 859/233-4599 • Fax: 859/233-4510
Customer Toll-Free USA & Canada: 800/322-8346
Website: http://www.audioauthority.com
9850
Each Bus Output may
support additional 9850
Note: the bus output
is not cable-length
compensated and
therefore is not
recommended as a
product output.
Model 9850 Manual 752-440B 8/03 Page 4
Amplifiers, but no more
than eight total 9850s may
exist in the bus path
between the source and
any video monitor.
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