Shipping included*
Exclusions
Additional shipping fees may apply in rare circumstances for deliveries outside standard service areas. In most cases, this only potentially affects shipments to the Northwest Territories and Yukon, as well as certain heavy or oversized items.
StarTech.com ST1218T 8-Port VGA Video Extender over CAT5 - 1 Input to 8 Outputs - SXGA 1280 x 1024500 ft Range
Business volume discounts
Technical guidance
Preparation & staging
QC · ON · AB · BC
Product Features
Technical Overview
This video extender transmitter operates on a wired connectivity platform, utilizing twisted-pair Cat5e or Cat6 cabling as its transmission medium. The base unit accepts one VGA input and provides eight independent output channels, each capable of driving a standard VGA monitor. The system supports cascading multiple ST1218T units for expanded distribution networks, and it is compatible with the ST121EXT repeater for extending the signal beyond the standard 500-foot limit.
Video performance is anchored by SXGA graphics mode support, delivering a maximum resolution of 1280 x 1024 with crystal-clear picture quality. The design includes two local VGA ports on the transmitter for direct connection to displays near the source, adding flexibility for hybrid local/remote installation scenarios.
Relevant factors for this section include Connectivity Technology, Number of Input Devices Supported, Number of Output Devices Supported, Graphics Modes. When those points are considered together, they give buyers a clearer picture of how the product is equipped, how it fits into deployment, and what kind of day-to-day role it is meant to support.
Key Product Advantages
The ST1218T simplifies multi-display VGA distribution by eliminating the need for individual long-run VGA cables or complex matrix switchers. Its use of cost-effective Cat5 cable significantly reduces installation expense and complexity compared to traditional coaxial or dedicated video cabling.
Extended Reach & Clarity
Delivers uncompromised VGA video up to 500 feet without signal degradation, ensuring sharp text and stable images for presentations and signage.
- Up to 492 ft (150 m) extension
- Maintains SXGA 1280x1024 resolution
- Crystal clear picture quality
Simplified Deployment
A pure hardware solution requiring no drivers or software configuration enables rapid deployment and reduces IT support overhead.
- Plug-and-play operation
- No software installation
- Easy daisy-chaining for expansion
Deployment / Use Cases
This extender is ideal for environments where a single computer or media source must feed multiple displays across a room or building. Common applications include corporate training facilities where instructor content is mirrored to student stations, retail digital signage networks displaying promotional content from a central server, and command centers requiring redundant display of critical data.
The ability to cascade units makes the ST1218T suitable for large-scale installations like university lecture halls, hotel conference suites, or manufacturing floor monitoring systems. Its compatibility with the ST121EXT repeater allows for virtually unlimited extension, supporting complex campus-wide or multi-building video distribution over existing network cable infrastructure.
Conference & Training Rooms
Distribute presenter slides, video feeds, or software demonstrations to wall-mounted displays and participant monitors throughout the space.
Digital Signage & Information Displays
Drive multiple informational or advertising screens in lobbies, airports, or retail stores from a single media player or PC.
What's in the Box
The package includes all necessary components for immediate setup and operation.
Highlights
- Extends VGA video signals up to 500 feet (150 m) over Cat5 cable
- Distributes one input to eight independent VGA display outputs
- Supports SXGA resolution at 1280 x 1024 for clear image quality
- Pure hardware design requires no software drivers or configuration
- Enables cascading multiple units for expanded distribution networks
- Compatible with ST121EXT repeater for beyond 500-foot extensions
- Includes two local VGA ports for displays near the source
- TAA compliant for use in U.S. government contracting
- Backed by a 2-year limited warranty for reliability assurance
- Environmentally friendly design and manufacturing
Specifications
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | StarTech.com |
| Manufacturer Part Number | ST1218T |
| Brand Name | StarTech.com |
| Product Name | 8-Port VGA Video Extender over Cat 5 |
| Packaged Quantity | 1 Each |
| Product Type | Video Extender Transmitter |
| Technical Information | |
| Connectivity Technology | Wired |
| Number of Input Devices Supported | 1 |
| Number of Output Devices Supported | 8 |
| Maximum Operating Distance | 500 ft (152400 mm) |
| Video | |
| Graphics Modes | SXGA |
| Maximum Video Resolution | 1280 x 1024 |
| Media & Performance | |
| Media Type Supported | Twisted Pair |
| Twisted Pair Cable Standard | Category 5 |
| Physical Characteristics | |
| Color Family | Black |
| Product Color | Black |
| Miscellaneous | |
| Package Contents | 8-Port VGA Video Extender over CAT5 1 x Power Adapter 1 x Instruction Manual |
| Country of Origin | Taiwan |
| TAA Compliant | Yes |
| Environmentally Friendly | Yes |
| Warranty | |
| Limited Warranty | 2 Year |
User Manual
FAQ
What is the maximum distance this VGA extender can transmit a signal?
The StarTech.com ST1218T can extend VGA video signals up to 500 feet (approximately 150 meters) using standard Category 5 cable. This distance is achieved without signal repeaters, making it suitable for most room-to-room or floor-to-floor installations in commercial buildings.
How many displays can I connect to a single ST1218T unit?
This extender supports one VGA input source and distributes that signal to up to eight separate VGA displays simultaneously. Each output port provides an independent connection, allowing you to mirror the same content across multiple monitors in different locations.
What video resolution does this extender support?
The device supports SXGA graphics mode with a maximum video resolution of 1280 x 1024 pixels. This resolution is ideal for business presentations, digital signage, and control room applications where clear text and stable images are required across extended distances.
Does this extender require any software or drivers to operate?
No, the ST1218T features a pure hardware design that operates without any software installation or driver configuration. It functions as a plug-and-play device, making it easy to deploy and reducing compatibility issues with different operating systems or computer hardware.
Can I connect multiple ST1218T units together for more than eight displays?
Yes, the extender supports cascading, allowing you to connect multiple transmitter units together to expand your distribution network beyond eight displays. This daisy-chaining capability enables scalable installations for large venues like auditoriums or multi-room digital signage systems.
What type of cable do I need to use with this video extender?
The extender uses standard twisted-pair networking cable, specifically Category 5 (Cat5), Cat5e, or Cat6. You'll need one Cat5 cable run per display connection between the transmitter and remote receiver locations. The system is designed to work with commonly available, cost-effective network cabling.
| Qty | Price | Available |
|---|
