Introduction: Meet the Folk Safe FS-HDP4110P and its key features
The Folk Safe FS-HDP4110P is a compact, single-channel passive 4K video balun designed for CCTV installations where replacing coax with UTP (Cat5e/Cat6) brings clear advantages. Sometimes called a BNC-to-UTP balun, this model uses a short male BNC pigtail on the camera side and a tool-less push-fit terminal block on the cable side, supporting a single UTP pair. Its engineered to carry HD and analogue video formats (HD-TVI, HD-CVI, AHD and CVBS) up to 4K/8MP and — where supported by the camera and system — to pass power over the cable pair (PoC). Lightweight and passive, the FS-HDP4110P is an installer-friendly component for in-camera or surface-mount use.
- 4K Ready:Supports resolutions up to 8MP for modern high-resolution CCTV cameras.
- Simple connectivity:Male BNC pigtail (mini coax) with a push-fit terminal block for one UTP pair.
- Passive operation:No local power required; reliable video transmission with low attenuation and strong common-mode rejection.
- PoC compatibility:Can pass power over the same UTP pair when supported by camera and system PoC/PoE implementation.
- Compact and affordable:Small footprint for discreet installation and a suggested price of $7.99 (cost price $4.20), making it an economical choice for projects with many runs.
The FS-HDP4110P is aimed at CCTV installers, systems integrators and anyone upgrading legacy coax installations to structured cabling. It is particularly useful for retrofit jobs, space-constrained camera housings and installations where using Cat5e/Cat6 simplifies cable management and reduces cost.
Detailed specifications and benefits
The technical design of the FS-HDP4110P balances simplicity with the performance required for HD and 4K video over UTP. Below are the key specifications and what they mean in real-world use.
- Brand / Model:Folk Safe FS-HDP4110P
- Product type:Passive video/PoC balun (single-channel)
- Connectors:Camera side Male BNC pigtail (mini coax); Cable side Tool-less push-fit (push-pin) terminal block for 1 UTP pair
- Impedance:Coax 75 1 / UTP 100 1
- Supported video formats:HD-TVI, HD-CVI, AHD, CVBS
- Maximum resolution:Up to 4K (8MP)
- Typical transmission distances:CVBS / 720p ~400 m; 1080p ~250 m; 4MP ~180 m; 4K ~130 m (actual distance varies by format, cable, and camera)
- Wire type & gauge:Uses 1 UTP pair (Cat5e/Cat6), 24 16 AWG (0.5 1.31 mm)
- Electrical:Typical attenuation ~1.5 dB; common-mode rejection ~60 dB (15 kHz 71 MHz, typ)
- Mechanical:Dimensions ~9.5 x 2.5 x 12.0 cm; weight ~0.05 kg
Because the FS-HDP4110P is passive, theres no active amplification or electronics to fail; the device simply matches the impedance between coax and UTP and rejects interference. The result is dependable video quality with low signal loss for typical CCTV distances. The push-fit terminal block allows quick termination without soldering or crimping, which speeds up camera installations, reduces labour time and lowers the chance of wiring errors in tight spaces.
The common-mode rejection performance (~60 dB) improves immunity to electromagnetic interference, which matters on longer cable runs or in electrically noisy environments (near motors, fluorescent lighting, or other cabling). The specified distances provide realistic expectations for video quality at each resolution: installers should refer to the transmission chart and the cameras PoC compatibility when planning runs that also carry power.
- Always follow manufacturer wiring and transmission charts for distance and power limits; transmission varies by video format and whether power is passed.
- Disconnect power before wiring. Installation should be performed by a qualified technician or competent installer where local regulations require.
- Verify compatibility with your cameras PoC/PoE implementation before relying on power transmission over the balun.
Use cases and scenarios where the FS-HDP4110P excels
The FS-HDP4110P shines in situations where simplicity, cost-effectiveness and compatibility with a range of analog/HD formats are priorities. Typical scenarios include:
When replacing ageing coax runs with structured cabling, the FS-HDP4110P lets installers use Cat5e/Cat6 to carry HD or analogue video without changing the cameras immediately. This minimizes downtime and leverages existing network cabling routes for a cleaner, more future-proof installation.
The small BNC pigtail and push-fit block make in-camera mounting straightforward. Installers can terminate the UTP pair directly at the camera base without needing larger baluns or housings that may not fit inside compact domes or bullet cameras.
For large projects requiring many baluns, the FS-HDP4110Ps low unit cost (suggested price $7.99) and passive design reduce both material and maintenance expenses versus active devices or replacing entire camera systems. The passive nature also means fewer points of failure in the field.
Installers working with a mix of HD-TVI, HD-CVI, AHD and legacy CVBS cameras benefit from the FS-HDP4110Ps broad compatibility. It allows consolidating cable types while maintaining support for multiple camera technologies.
How it compares with similar products on the market
Video baluns range from passive 1:1 pigtails to active, amplified units and multi-channel modules. The FS-HDP4110P sits in the practical middle: more installer-friendly and compact than generic screw-terminal baluns, and much cheaper and simpler than active or power-injecting alternatives.
Screw-terminal baluns offer similar passive performance, but the push-fit terminal on the FS-HDP4110P is typically faster to use and better suited to cramped camera mounts. Push-fit terminations reduce the need for tools and are less likely to come loose from vibration compared with poorly tightened screws.
Active baluns with signal equalisation or amplification can extend distance and improve picture quality on marginal runs, but they add cost, complexity and require power. The FS-HDP4110P keeps things simple and reliable where cable runs are within the typical passive limits (see transmission distances). For long-haul, high-resolution links where passive distance is insufficient, an active balun or hybrid solution may be more appropriate.
Multi-channel modules simplify rack-side termination but are bulkier and often suited to new installations where space in the camera housing is not a concern. The FS-HDP4110P is ideal for point-of-use termination at each camera, while multi-channel devices are better for centralised termination points.
Customer testimonials and reviewer feedback
At the time of writing there are no widely published, verified customer testimonials specifically for the FS-HDP4110P. That said, the device uses familiar passive balun principles and form factor that experienced installers commonly prefer. Typical installer feedback for products of this type includes praise for:
- Ease of installation: push-fit connectors and a short BNC pigtail speed up in-camera terminations.
- Reliability: passive operation means fewer failure modes than powered baluns.
- Value: low unit cost makes scale deployments economical.
Prospective buyers should still check compatibility with their camera system, especially if they plan to pass power over the UTP pair. For projects requiring long power runs or guaranteed PoC across different vendor equipment, test a sample device in your exact setup before committing to large quantities.
Conclusion: Why the Folk Safe FS-HDP4110P is a solid choice
The Folk Safe FS-HDP4110P is a small, economical and practical balun that answers a common installer need: a reliable way to run HD and analogue CCTV video over Cat5e/Cat6 while keeping installations neat and cost-effective. Its support for up to 4K resolution, push-fit UTP termination and passive design make it a versatile tool for retrofits, compact camera mounts and large deployments where affordability matters.
While passive baluns have distance and power limitations compared with active alternatives, the FS-HDP4110P delivers a dependable balance of performance and price for the majority of typical CCTV runs. If youre standardising on structured cabling, working with mixed-format cameras, or want a simple in-camera termination option, this balun is well worth considering. Remember to verify PoC compatibility and transmission distances for your chosen video format during system design to ensure optimal results.
