{"id":31832,"date":"2026-10-06T19:04:58","date_gmt":"2026-10-06T17:04:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pinanson.eu\/audio-video-patch-panel-guide\/"},"modified":"2026-10-06T19:04:58","modified_gmt":"2026-10-06T17:04:58","slug":"audio-video-patch-panel-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pinanson.eu\/en\/audio-video-patch-panel-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Audio and video patch panel: what it is, types and how to choose one"},"content":{"rendered":"

An audio and video patch panel is a 19\u2033 rack panel that brings an installation\u2019s connections (BNC, Bantam, XLR, D-Sub, fibre\u2026) onto one front panel, so signals can be re-routed quickly and neatly with a patch cord, without touching the wiring behind.<\/p>\n

It is not an office network patch panel: it carries SDI video, professional audio or fibre in a studio, control room or OB van.<\/p>\n

Types by signal<\/h2>\n

Video: 75 \u03a9 BNC for 3G-SDI and 12G-SDI (SMPTE 424 and SMPTE ST 2082-1), micro BNC, DIN 1.0\/2.3 and the normalled WECO and Mid-size formats, the latter fitting 2\u00d732 connections into 1U. Audio: Bantam (TT), Neutrik XLR and 1\/4\u2033 jack. Data and others: RJ45 Cat 6A, D-Sub 9, 15 or 25, triax, SMPTE 304 and fibre on a tray.<\/p>\n

Normalling<\/h2>\n

Normalling decides what happens to the signal when no patch cord is plugged in: it passes through or it is broken. On the Pinanson Bantam patch panel it can be fixed, switch-selectable or set on the PCB, and the rear connection can be soldered, terminal block or D-Sub 25. Getting it right is what makes patching fast and error-free.<\/p>\n

Why custom<\/h2>\n

Every control room mixes different signals, so Pinanson also builds custom 19\u2033 rack panels that combine the connectors a project needs on one front panel, with its labelling. More than 200 Pinanson patch panels, with 9,200 3G-SDI video connection points, were used at the London 2012 Olympic Games.<\/p>\n

How to choose<\/h2>\n
    \n
  1. Which signals:<\/strong> SDI video, audio, data, fibre or a mix.<\/li>\n
  2. How many points:<\/strong> Number of connections and rows, and how much rack space you have.<\/li>\n
  3. Normalling:<\/strong> Normalled or not; on Bantam, fixed, switch-selectable or set on the PCB, depending on how you work.<\/li>\n
  4. Rear connection:<\/strong> Depends on the model; on Bantam, soldered, terminal block or D-Sub 25, depending on how the rack is wired.<\/li>\n
  5. Ask for a quote:<\/strong> We build it with your installation\u2019s labelling.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n

    What is a patch panel?<\/h3>\n

    A rack panel that brings connections onto one front panel so signals can be re-routed with a patch cord without touching the wiring behind.<\/p>\n

    What is normalling?<\/h3>\n

    What happens to the signal when no patch cord is plugged in: it passes through or it is broken.<\/p>\n

    Is it suitable for 12G-SDI?<\/h3>\n

    Yes: there are BNC and micro BNC patch panels for 12G-SDI as well as 3G-SDI.<\/p>\n

    Can different connectors share one panel?<\/h3>\n

    Yes, on a custom 19\u2033 rack panel with the connectors you need.<\/p>\n

    Related products<\/h2>\n