Structured Wiring FAQ’s What is “Structured Wiring”? “Structured Wiring” is a term that describes the latest in residential wiring technology. The low voltage industry recommends a home with structured wiring to include (2) coax and (2) cat5e wires to each phone/tv location in the house. Why do I need so much wiring to every location? As technology changes, many devices require additional connections. For example, many TV’s today can access the Internet, requiring a network connection in addition to a cable connection. DirecTV Tivo units require (2) coax feeds from the DSS dish and a telephone connection to enable pay-per-view. An Xbox game requires a network connection to be fully utilized. At the kitchen phone jack, you may wish to plug in a Notebook computer. There are many other ways that today’s technology may utilize structured wiring. I just have phone and cable service in my house, where do I go for answers to my questions? We have separate web pages for phone and TV questions please check those sections. I have the structured wiring package, why are the wall plates color-coded? The color code helps define normal use; the white modular jack is the standard phone jack. The blue modular jack is used as a network connection (a router is required). The black coax jack is the standard cable TV. The white coax jack is used for internal distribution of video signals (requires upgraded package). If you do not have the required package to utilize the wiring, it is available through C&R Systems. I have a DSL modem and a C&R Systems installed router, why can’t I get on the Internet? If you have DSL, the router needs to be set up properly to access your DSL account. The router defaults for a cable modem. Secondly, your computer needs to be configured to work with a router. Computers default looking for a modem as their Internet source; they have to be reconfigured to look for a router. I have a cable modem and a C&R Systems installed router, why can’t I get on the Internet? The most common reason is your computer needs to be configured to work with a router. Computers default looking for a modem as their Internet source; they have to be reconfigured to look for a router. Who can help me with setting up my computer? With all of the different computers, software and peripheral equipment available, it is necessary to get assistance from someone who is knowledgeable with your equipment. Most computer retailers have assistance available. I purchased a camera with my structured wiring package, how do I view it? C&R Systems typically installs the first camera on channel 125. Additional cameras are programmed as channel 123, 121, 119, and so on. The camera channels are automatically injected into your cable feed. Any TV in the home should be able to view the camera when tuned to the respective channel. My TV does not tune to channels in the 100s, what do I do? Unfortunately, we cannot operate in the lower channels if you have cable; the cable company uses the lower channels to distribute cable signals. One option would be to purchase a VCR and use its 125-channel tuner to view the camera signals. My cable company uses all the channels up to channel 125, what are my options? We have available a channel frequency blocker which can block all channels above channel 111 to enable your cameras to be distributed throughout the house. I have digital cable; will the cameras work with it? Digital cable does not interfere with the camera signal, however digital cable requires a digital cable box. Digital cable boxes are mapped, meaning they only pass through signals recognized by the cable company. Your local camera channel is not recognized. If a Digital Cable Box will not pass a camera signal, how do I view my cameras? We have available a digital cable bypass kit, which will allow your digital cable and the analog camera channel to be viewable. Contact our Customer Service Department for pricing. I don’t have digital cable but I do have a cable box, will it work with a camera? Most cable boxes are mapped, meaning they only pass through signals recognized by the cable company. A cable box bypass kit will allow cable and your camera to be viewable. I have a dish installed; will the cameras work with it? The camera can be connected to work with your dish wiring. The camera channel will not be viewable through the dish receiver however. Additional parts may be necessary to complete the installation. I purchased the DSS prewire, where can I find it? The DSS prewire is found by the attic access, typically coiled up and hanging in plain sight. The DSS wire is ran to the structured wiring can, typically located in the master bedroom closet (yours may be in another location). A connection to the room of your choice may be done easily in the structured wiring can. My camera has a “snowy” picture, what can be done? A snowy picture may have several different causes. Has the camera picture always been snowy? Has anything been recently added to your cable system? Has anyone worked on your cable system? A C&R Systems service technician can determine the cause.