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Summary: ProAV

Pro AV Cabling Solutions from Windy City Wire

Windy City Wire manufactures SmartWire® low-voltage cable in the United States to serve the demands of commercial Pro AV, broadcast, and integrated building systems. Our portfolio covers end‑to‑end signal transport for video, audio, control, and data—spanning pro av cable for IP networking, SDI video over coax cables, fiber backbone links, av audio cable for line- and speaker-level distribution, and specialized control cable for lighting and automation platforms such as Crestron, Lutron, and axlink amx systems universal control. Standard put-up is 1000 FT per item to streamline planning and installation on large projects.

Whether your scope includes cat 6a cabling for 10G video-over-IP, cat 7 cables for high EMI environments, hdsdi wire and cable for cameras and routers, CATV and satellite cables, or wireless broadcast cables for RF infrastructure, SmartWire helps you deliver consistent results job after job.

Why Pro AV firms rely on SmartWire

• Standards-driven performance: Category cabling engineered to ANSI/TIA and ISO/IEC specifications; SDI and RF coax designed to 75 Ω or 50 Ω system needs; low-capacitance balanced pairs for AES/EBU and DMX512 control.
• Application-ready options: Plenum (CMP), riser (CMR), and outdoor/OSP including flooded and direct-burial constructions to match code and site conditions.
• Pull-friendly handling: SmartWire Glide Technology® lubrication is applied during manufacturing to reduce jacket friction up to 70% and help protect cable during pulls.
• System integration in mind: Balanced and individually shielded pairs for DMX, 110‑ohm AES/EBU, and device buses used by Crestron, Lutron, and AMX; high-strand speaker options for flexible terminations; SDI-grade video coax for routing and patch fields; fiber distribution for backbone and long-haul runs.
• Identification and standardization: Wide availability of SmartWire jacket and stripe color combinations to align with your company’s labeling and workflow preferences.

Where Pro AV teams use our cables

• Video transport and distribution: hdsdi wire and cable, RG6/RG59 for 12G/6G/3G‑SDI, CATV/satellite cables, and fiber trunks.
• IP networks for AV: cat 6a cabling and cat 7 cables for 10G and shielded pathways; pre-terminated patch cables for switch-to-endpoint connections.
• Audio and intercom: Balanced pairs for analog and AES/EBU digital, plus speaker cables in multiple gauges for distributed audio and performance spaces.
• Lighting, control, and room automation: DMX-ready pairs, low-cap control pairs, and dedicated combo constructions for Crestron, Lutron, and axlink amx systems universal control.
• RF and wireless infrastructure: 50 Ω coax for distributed antenna, IF, and wireless broadcast cables.

Available constructions
Format: AWG CONDUCTORS STRANDING INSULATION VOLTAGE RATING: DESCRIPTION

• 24 AWG 4 Pair Solid CMP (Plenum) Low-Voltage Data: Category 5e UTP rated 350 MHz for data, voice, and AV control in plenum spaces.
• 24 AWG 4 Pair Solid CMR (Riser) Low-Voltage Data: Category 5e UTP rated 350 MHz for horizontal riser runs and equipment rooms.
• 24 AWG 4 Pair Solid Shielded CMP (Plenum) Low-Voltage Data: Category 5e STP for EMI-prone routes and AV device clusters.
• 24 AWG 4 Pair Solid Shielded CMR (Riser) Low-Voltage Data: Category 5e STP for protected runs between IDF/MDF and rooms.
• 24 AWG 4 Pair Solid OSP Flooded CMX Low-Voltage Data: Category 5e flooded cable for outdoor pathways and conduit where moisture is a concern.
• 24 AWG 4 Pair Solid Shielded OSP Direct Burial CMX Low-Voltage Data: Outdoor high‑performance Category 5e for direct-burial and long exterior runs.
• 23 AWG 4 Pair Solid CMP (Plenum) Low-Voltage Data: Category 6 UTP for gigabit and AV transport in air-handling spaces.
• 23 AWG 4 Pair Solid Shielded CMP (Plenum) Low-Voltage Data: Category 6 STP where additional noise immunity is required.
• 23 AWG 4 Pair Solid CMR (Riser) Low-Voltage Data: Category 6 UTP for riser pathways and equipment zones.
• 23 AWG 4 Pair Solid Shielded CMR (Riser) Low-Voltage Data: Category 6e STP riser for enhanced headroom in challenging buildings.
• 23 AWG 4 Pair Solid CMR (Riser) Polyolefin Insulation/FRPVC Jacket Low-Voltage Data: Category 6A UTP per ANSI/TIA/ISO for 10GBASE‑T and AV-over-IP backbones.
• 23 AWG 4 Pair Solid Shielded CMR (Riser) Low-Voltage Data: Category 6A STP for 10G runs with superior EMI performance.
• 22 AWG 4 Pair Solid Shielded CMP (Plenum) Low-Voltage Data: Category 7 S/FTP for high-density, high‑EMI environments and long channel stability.
• 18 AWG 1 Conductor Solid Copper RG6/U CMP (Plenum) Foil + 95% Tinned Copper Braid 75 Ω Low-Voltage RF/Video: Serial digital video and CATV feeds in plenum spaces.
• 18 AWG 1 Conductor Copper Covered Steel RG6/U CMP (Plenum) Dual/Quad Shield 75 Ω Low-Voltage RF/Video: CATV and satellite cables for headend and distribution.
• 18 AWG 1 Conductor Copper Covered Steel RG6/U Non‑Plenum CMR 75 Ω Low-Voltage RF/Video: Riser-grade CATV and camera backbones.
• 20 AWG 1 Conductor Solid Copper RG59/U CMP (Plenum) Foil + 95% Tinned Copper Braid 75 Ω Low-Voltage Video: HD‑SDI patching and camera home runs in plenum spaces.
• 20 AWG 1 Conductor Solid Copper RG59/U CMR (Riser) 75 Ω Low-Voltage Video: SDI and baseband video in risers and equipment rooms.
• 19 AWG 1 Conductor Solid Copper RG58/U CMP (Plenum) 95% Tinned Copper Braid 50 Ω Low-Voltage RF: IF and RF lines for wireless systems and intercom.
• 10 AWG 1 Conductor Solid Tinned Copper RG8/U CMP (Plenum) 90% Tinned Copper Braid 50 Ω Low-Voltage RF: Low-loss RF trunking and DAS feeders in plenum.
• 13 AWG 1 Conductor 7-Strand Tinned Copper RG8/U CMP (Plenum) 95% Tinned Copper Braid 50 Ω Low-Voltage RF: Flexible low-loss RF for equipment racks and runs.
• N/A 12 Fiber Tight-Buffered Distribution CMP (Plenum) Low-Voltage Fiber: OM1 multimode indoor/outdoor distribution for IDF–MDF and AV backbone links.
• N/A 4 Fiber Tight-Buffered Distribution CMP (Plenum) Low-Voltage Fiber: OM3 Ultra‑Fox™ 50/125 μm for high‑bandwidth HD transport and switching.
• N/A 6 Fiber Tight-Buffered Distribution CMP (Plenum) Low-Voltage Fiber: OM3 Ultra‑Fox™ 50/125 μm for aggregation and trunking in AV cores.
• N/A 12 Fiber Tight-Buffered Distribution CMP (Plenum) Low-Voltage Fiber: OM3 Ultra‑Fox™ 50/125 μm for multi-room and campus AV backbones.
• N/A 12 Fiber Tight-Buffered Distribution CMP (Plenum) Low-Voltage Fiber: Singlemode Ultra‑Fox™ for long-haul and stadium/arena infrastructure.
• 24 AWG 1 Pair Stranded Tinned Copper Shielded CMP (Plenum) Low-Voltage Control: Low-capacitance 110‑ohm balanced pair for AES/EBU digital audio or device control.
• 24 AWG 2 Pair Stranded Tinned Copper Shielded CMP (Plenum) Low-Voltage Control: Dual balanced pairs for audio/control where separation and low cross-talk matter.
• 22 AWG 1 Pair Stranded Tinned Copper Shielded CMP (Plenum) Low-Voltage Control: DMX512 or control cable with foil shield for lighting networks.
• 22 AWG 2 Pair Solid Bare Copper Individually Shielded CMP (Plenum) Low-Voltage Control: Individually shielded pairs for noise‑critical control lines and touchpanels.
• 22 AWG 4 Pair Solid Bare Copper Individually Shielded CMP (Plenum) Low-Voltage Control: Multi‑channel control trunk for centralized AV and automation systems.
• 22 AWG 1 Pair Stranded Tinned Copper Shielded OSP Direct Burial CMX Low-Voltage Control: Outdoor/direct‑burial control pair for sensors and remote devices.
• 18 AWG 3 Conductor + 18 AWG 2 Pair Parallel CMP (Plenum) Low-Voltage Control: Combo cable optimized for Lutron keypad home‑runs to reduce pulls and terminations.
• 16 AWG 1 Pair Solid Bare Copper FEP Insulation/FEP Jacket CMP (Plenum) Low-Voltage Audio: High‑temperature plenum pair for specialty audio/control circuits.
• 10 AWG 2 Conductor Solid Bare Copper CMP (Plenum) Low-Voltage Audio: High‑power speaker cables for large venues and long runs.
• 12 AWG 2 Conductor Solid Bare Copper CMP (Plenum) Low-Voltage Audio: Plenum speaker feeds for distributed audio and PA systems.
• 12 AWG 2 Conductor 65‑Strand Bare Copper CMR (Non‑Plenum) Low-Voltage Audio: Flexible CL3R av audio cable for racks and raceways.
• 14 AWG 2 Conductor 105x34 Strand OFC CMR (Non‑Plenum) Low-Voltage Audio: High‑strand construction for clean termination and reliable distribution.
• 14 AWG 4 Conductor 105x34 Strand OFC CMR (Non‑Plenum) Low-Voltage Audio: Four‑conductor speaker for loop‑through and bi‑amping flexibility.
• 16 AWG 2 Conductor 19x29 Strand Bare Copper CMP (Plenum) Low-Voltage Audio: Plenum speaker for classrooms and conference spaces.
• 16 AWG 4 Conductor Solid Bare Copper CMP (Plenum) Low-Voltage Audio: Four‑conductor plenum for multi‑zone or polarity‑swap mitigation.
• 18 AWG 2 Conductor Solid Bare Copper CMP (Plenum) Low-Voltage Audio: Compact plenum speaker and control power runs.
• 18 AWG 4 Conductor Solid Bare Copper CMP (Plenum) Low-Voltage Audio: Four‑conductor plenum speaker for parallel/daisy‑chain circuits.

How this portfolio adds value to your next Pro AV project

• Fewer surprises on site: Consistent constructions, verified performance, and clearly defined application ratings help reduce rework and change orders.
• Jobsite efficiency: SmartWire Glide lubrication supports smoother pulls through conduit and tray, helping teams protect the cable during installation.
• Design flexibility: From cat 6a cabling and cat 7 cables to SDI‑grade coax cables, fiber, and specialized control cable, you can standardize across venues and project types with one supplier.
• Clear pathway to integration: Options aligned to DMX, AES, Crestron, Lutron, and AMX device requirements help streamline specification and commissioning.
• Project-ready put-ups: Standard 1000 FT lengths support large, repeatable pulls and predictable takeoffs.
• Brand continuity: Custom jacket and stripe colors help your team identify circuits quickly and maintain a consistent install standard across sites.

Get started
Talk with our team to align part numbers to your bill of materials for pro av cable, patch cables, CATV, satellite cables, hdsdi wire and cable, wireless broadcast cables, AES/DMX, and speaker cables. We will help you select SmartWire constructions that meet code, fit your installation environment, and deliver the performance your clients expect.

Solutions: ProAV

Professional AV cabling for commercial and industrial environments

Windy City Wire designs and manufactures low-voltage pro av cable engineered for the demands of commercial integration. From AV-over-IP networks and video transport to control, lighting, and distributed audio, our portfolio helps integrators and electrical contractors build reliable systems that scale, stay code-compliant, and are serviceable over the long term. Most AV bulk cables are stocked in 1000 FT lengths to support large projects and consistent pulls, and many families are offered in multiple gauges, shielding options, and ratings (plenum, riser, indoor/outdoor, and direct burial).

Where ProAV low-voltage cabling fits

• AV over IP and networked AV: Category cables for encoders/decoders, network switches, and PoE endpoints. Cat 6A cabling is typically recommended for 10 Gb/s backbones and 4K distribution; Cat 6 and Cat 5e serve 1 Gb/s and control networks; Cat 7 cables can be selected for high-EMI spaces or when additional headroom is desired.
• Video distribution and RF: Coax cables for CATV, headend distribution, MATV, and in-house channels. RG-6 for CATV and satellite cables, RG-59/RG-6 serial digital for HD‑SDI video routes, and specialty RF lines for antenna feeds.
• Sound reinforcement and distributed audio: Speaker cables sized for run length and load, plus av audio cable for line-level, mic-level, intercom, and AES digital audio transport.
• Control and automation: Control cable for RS‑232/RS‑485, GPIO, relay, and sensor wiring, commonly used with Crestron, Lutron, and axlink amx systems universal control devices.
• Stage and architectural lighting: DMX control runs for lighting networks and show control infrastructure.
• Live production, broadcast, and venues: hdsdi wire and cable for cameras, switchers, and routers; wireless broadcast cables for antenna distribution, IFB, and comms.
• Digital signage and wayfinding: Category and fiber for content distribution, plus control and power/speaker drops for displays and zones.
• Backbone and campus links: Multimode and singlemode fiber for high-capacity interconnects between IDFs, MDFs, arenas, and outbuildings.

Industries we support

• Corporate and enterprise: Conference rooms, divisible meeting spaces, training centers, NOCs, and huddle areas. Typical builds blend Cat 6A cabling for AV/IP, control cable for room automation, and speaker cables for voice-lift and background music.
• Higher education and K‑12: Lecture halls, distance learning, labs, and stadiums. Networked AV and paging integrate with security and clocks over shared infrastructure using category cabling and fiber backbones.
• Healthcare: ORs, simulation centers, patient infotainment, and digital signage. Plenum-rated options help meet code in air-handling spaces; shielded variants minimize EMI near imaging and treatment equipment.
• Hospitality and entertainment: Ballrooms, multipurpose spaces, theaters, restaurants, and casinos. Coax cables for CATV headends, DMX for lighting, and speaker cables for distributed audio zones.
• Arenas, stadiums, and esports: Long-run fiber backbones for production and broadcast, HD‑SDI camera positions, RF antenna distribution, and high-power audio runs.
• Houses of worship: Video capture and IMAG, stage lighting via DMX, and main/distribution speaker feeds with appropriate gauge selection.
• Government, defense, and public safety: Command centers, courtrooms, and emergency operations facilities requiring dependable cabling for recording, routing, and control.
• Retail and quick-serve: Digital signage, background audio, drive-through comms, and in-store TV distribution powered by category, coax, and low-cap control wiring.
• Transportation and large campuses: Wayfinding, paging, security operations, and signage over a combination of category, fiber, and coax infrastructure.

Selecting the right cable for the application

• Category cabling for AV/IP and control
  - Cat 5e, Cat 6, and Cat 6A options built to ANSI/TIA performance requirements.
  - Choose Cat 6A cabling for 10 Gb/s switches, 4K/8K extenders, and high-density PoE. Cat 6 supports most 1 Gb/s devices and many HD extenders; use Cat 5e for legacy or control networks.
  - Cat 7 cables can help mitigate noise in electrically harsh areas or when additional shielding is desired.
  - Offered in shielded and unshielded constructions to match EMI conditions and grounding strategy.
• Coax for RF and serial digital video
  - RG‑6 for CATV and satellite cables from headend to IDFs and room drops.
  - RG‑59 and RG‑6 serial digital for HD‑SDI video paths to cameras, recorders, and switchers.
  - RG‑58 and RG‑8 options for RF, intercom, and specialty transmission where applicable.
• Audio, intercom, and AES
  - Low-capacitance, shielded twisted pairs for mic/line-level runs and intercom bussing.
  - AES digital audio (110‑ohm) cable options for console to stagebox and rack-to-rack connections.
  - Speaker cables in multiple gauges for distributed audio, performance spaces, and high-power systems.
• Lighting and show control
  - DMX cabling supports robust lighting control networks across theaters, studios, and event venues.
• Control and automation ecosystems
  - Control cable choices for RS‑232/RS‑485, contact closures, sensors, and keypad runs commonly used with Crestron, Lutron, and axlink amx systems universal control infrastructures.
• Fiber backbones and long-distance links
  - Multimode OM3 assemblies for high bandwidth within buildings; singlemode options for long campus or stadium runs.
  - Ideal for transporting uncompressed or lightly compressed high-resolution video, control, and data between IDFs/MDFs.
• Ratings for code compliance and environment
  - Plenum (CMP) for air-handling spaces; riser (CMR) for vertical shafts; non-plenum for general areas.
  - Outdoor, flooded, and direct-burial constructions for outside plant, campus pathways, and conduit runs.
• Shielding and noise control
  - Unshielded designs for typical office and classroom runs.
  - Shielded options (foils and braids) for machine rooms, near drives/transformers, or in dense AV racks where EMI control is essential.
• Gauge and distance planning
  - Data/control conductors are commonly 24–22 AWG; audio and speaker cables range from 18 to 10 AWG. Select gauge based on length, load, and voltage drop considerations.

Common AV system builds and helpful cable pairings

• Conference rooms and divisible spaces
  - Backbone/switching: Cat 6A cabling
  - Displays and extenders: Category UTP/STP based on interference conditions
  - Audio: av audio cable for line-level feeds; speaker cables for zones and voice-lift
  - Control: control cable to touch panels, sensors, and relay packs
• Lecture halls and training centers
  - AV-over-IP: Cat 6A to encoders/decoders
  - Assistive listening and intercom: shielded pairs
  - Lighting: DMX to dimmers and nodes
• Studios, theaters, and live production
  - Cameras and routers: hdsdi wire and cable (RG‑59/RG‑6 serial digital)
  - Stage lighting networks: DMX
  - RF and comms: wireless broadcast cables and intercom pairs
• Hospitality and mixed-use venues
  - RF distribution: coax cables for CATV and satellite cables
  - Distributed audio: speaker cables sized to run length and load
  - Control: category or control cable for BMS/lighting interfaces
• Arenas, stadiums, and campuses
  - Long-haul transport: fiber backbone between control rooms, racks, and concourses
  - Video: HD‑SDI to positions; category to IPTV endpoints
  - Paging and emergency announcements: robust speaker cables to zones

Why integrators choose Windy City Wire for AV

• Built for commercial work: Bulk constructions, consistent copper, and dielectric designs that support stable signal integrity across longer runs common in commercial spaces.
• Code-conscious options: Plenum, riser, indoor/outdoor, and direct-burial variants help keep projects compliant from rack room to ceiling space to conduit.
• Choice where it matters: Multiple gauges, shielded and unshielded versions, and cable families spanning category, coax, fiber, audio, control, and speaker lines.
• Standards-driven: Category families manufactured to ANSI/TIA requirements, supporting dependable performance for Ethernet, PoE, and AV transport protocols.
• Deployment efficiency: Stocked 1000 FT lengths support large installations and consistent pulling practices across phases and trades.

Quick spec tips

1. Use Cat 6A cabling when planning 4K distribution, higher PoE budgets, or dense switching that may migrate to 10 Gb/s.
2. Choose shielded category or coax in high-EMI areas (mechanical rooms, near VFDs, or heavy dimming).
3. For HD‑SDI, match cable type to distance and bit rate; RG‑6 typically extends farther than RG‑59 at the same standard.
4. Size speaker cables by length and load to minimize voltage drop; larger gauge (e.g., 12 AWG or 10 AWG) for long, high-power runs.
5. Select plenum-rated cable for air-handling spaces; use outdoor/direct-burial constructions for campus and exterior pathways.
6. Plan rack and field terminations with appropriately rated patch cables that match the installed media and environment.

Available options at a glance

• Media families: Category (Cat 5e, Cat 6, Cat 6A, Cat 7), coax (RG‑59, RG‑6, RG‑58, RG‑8), fiber (multimode and singlemode), av audio cable and control cable, DMX lighting control, and speaker cables.
• Constructions and ratings: Non-shielded and shielded; plenum (CMP), riser (CMR), indoor/outdoor, flooded, and direct-burial.
• Gauge choices: Broad range including 24, 23, 22, 20, 18, 16, 14, 12, and 10 AWG depending on the cable family.
• Standard length: 1000 FT bulk reels across the AV category to support professional installations.

Whether you are building a new enterprise collaboration suite, upgrading a campus IPTV network, or engineering a performance venue, our low‑voltage portfolio delivers the signal integrity, mechanical durability, and code-compliant options commercial AV requires. For help specifying the right combination of category, coax, fiber, control, and speaker wiring for your next project, contact Windy City Wire’s technical team.

Frequently Asked Questions: ProAV

• What AWG conductors are available with this SmartWire AV cable?

  Available conductor sizes include 24, 23, 22, 20, 19, 18, 16, 14, 13, 12, and 10 AWG (varies by cable family such as Cat 5e/6/6A, coax, speaker, control, and composite).

• What other colors is this SmartWire AV cable available in?

  Available options include: White-Blue/Blue, White-Orange/Orange, White-Green/Green, White-Brown/Brown, Blue/White, Orange/White, Blue/White With Blue Stripe, Orange/White With Orange Stripe, Green/White With Green Stripe, Brown/White With Brown Stripe, Black/Red, Violet/White, Orange, White/Violet, Black/White/Red, Black-Red/White-Green, Black/Red/White/Green, Black/White/Red/Green, Black/White, Black/Green, Black/Blue, Black/Red/Orange/Blue.
  Custom jacket and stripe color combinations are also available to standardize your installations—contact Windy City Wire for details.

• Is this SmartWire AV cable made with solid or stranded copper conductors?

  Both are available. Many twisted-pair data and coax cables feature solid bare copper conductors, while speaker and control cables are offered in finely stranded bare copper. Select RF coax models may use copper-covered steel center conductors based on application needs.

• What length is this SmartWire AV cable sold in?

  The standard length is 1,000 ft. At Windy City Wire we manufacture and stock SmartWire Building Wire in 1,000 ft length as our standard length. Additional lengths of 100 ft, 250 ft, and 500 ft are available on select items.

• How is your SmartWire ProAV cable sold on spools or in boxes?

  Our SmartWire ProAV cable is packaged in our patented RackPack carton to maximize labor savings and installation efficiency. Learn more about our RackPack: https://windycitywire.com/solutions/rackpack-overview

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