ATEN VE170Q VGA over CAT5 Extender
Overview
The ATEN VE170Q is the receiver unit in the VE170 VGA-over-Cat5 extension system, pairing with the VE170T transmitter to push VGA video and stereo audio across structured cabling up to 300 meters. That range makes it practical for boardrooms, digital signage runs, and control rooms where the display must be separated from the source without running dedicated coax or VGA cable. Impedance is matched at 75 Ω to minimize reflections over the run. Maximum resolution is 1920×1200 at 150m — enough for a full WUXGA display — degrading gracefully to 1280×1024 at the full 300m limit. The VE170Q accepts a mini stereo jack (3.5mm green) for audio return and draws power from a DC jack on the unit.
Compatibility
The VE170Q operates exclusively as the remote receiver with the ATEN VE170T transmitter — these two units are a matched pair and are not interchangeable with other VE-series transmitters. The extension path requires Cat5e or Cat6 UTP between the T and Q units; shielded or patch cable is not recommended over long runs due to impedance discontinuities. Compatible with any VGA source driving up to 1920×1200 resolution. Audio input on the transmitter side routes through the Cat5 run and outputs at the receiver via the 3.5mm jack, making it suitable for AV distribution scenarios where both video and audio must reach the remote display.
Installation Notes
Maximum cable run between transmitter and receiver is 300m; keep the local loop cable (source to transmitter) under 1.8m to avoid signal degradation before the balanced transmission stage begins. Operating humidity is rated 0–80% RH non-condensing — avoid installations in unconditioned utility spaces prone to condensation. Power each unit independently via DC jack; no PoE or bus power is shared across the Cat5 run. Units ship in carton lots of 5, which is relevant for multi-display deployments procured together.
