Introduction: Veracity HIGHWIRE Powerstar Camera Unit (VHW-HWPS-C)
The Veracity HIGHWIRE Powerstar Camera Unit (VHW-HWPS-C) is a compact, camera-side Ethernet-over-coax (EoC) media converter engineered to bring modern IP cameras to sites that already have deployed 75 Ω coax cable. Combining 100Base-TX Ethernet performance with IEEE 802.3af/802.3at (PoE/PoE+) power delivery, the HIGHWIRE Powerstar Camera Unit lets installers migrate analogue CCTV systems to IP quickly and with minimal disruption. With plug-and-play operation, a SAFEVIEW™ power display, and practical installation features, the VHW-HWPS-C is a practical building block for phased upgrades, single-camera replacements, or hybrid CCTV/IP deployments.
Key features at a glance
- Data + power over existing coax— supports PoE and PoE+ to power cameras without running new Ethernet cabling.
- 100Base-TX performance— full-duplex Ethernet with up to 200 Mbps aggregate throughput (up + down) over coax.
- Long range— up to 300 m on RG59 and up to 500 m on RG11 at full rate (actual distance varies with camera wattage and cable quality).
- SAFEVIEW™ power display— instant confirmation of available power at the base unit simplifies commissioning and troubleshooting.
- Installer friendly— BNC coax input, RJ45 camera output, clear LEDs and automatic PoE detection/protection.
Detailed specifications and benefits
- Unit power:1.5 W (idle power consumption at the camera unit).
- Base PoE In / Camera PoE Out:Compatible with IEEE 802.3af and 802.3at (PoE/PoE+), supporting Power Class 4 devices via the HIGHWIRE Powerstar base unit.
- DC input (when using local auxiliary PSU):40–57 V DC, 0.7 A max; Class-2 isolated connector for safe installation.
Benefit: PoE/PoE+ support allows the VHW-HWPS-C to deliver sufficient power for many IP cameras — including those with analytics, IR illumination, or heaters — without the need for separate power wiring at the camera.
- Connector:BNC, 75 Ω.
- Cable support:Any 75 Ω coaxial (commonly RG59 or RG11).
- Range:Up to 300 m on RG59 and up to 500 m on RG11 at full rate; real-world range depends on camera power draw, cable condition and interference.
- Bandwidth:200 Mbps aggregate (uplink + downlink), equivalent to 100Base-TX full-duplex throughput over coax.
Benefit: The HIGHWIRE technology maximises existing coax infrastructure by transporting full-duplex Ethernet and power over long distances, allowing IP firmware and camera features to be used without the constraint of legacy analogue bandwidth.
- Ethernet connector:RJ45, 100Base-TX, full-duplex with auto-negotiation. Supports standard Ethernet patch or crossover cabling.
- Indicators:LEDs for HIGHWIRE link, Ethernet link/activity, PoE-over-coax, PoE to camera and SAFEVIEW power levels. LED colours indicate status/fault conditions (Green = enabled, Red = fault).
- Physical:Compact size (104 × 54 × 24 mm), lightweight (90 g) and suitable for camera-side mounting with appropriate ventilation.
Benefit: Clear LEDs and a compact footprint make the unit quick to install and simple to troubleshoot on site.
- Operating temperature:-10°C to 50°C when delivering under 15 W; -10°C to 40°C when delivering more than 15 W.
- Humidity:85% non-condensing.
- Compliance:CE, UKCA, RoHS, FCC and UL listings.
Benefit: Industry-standard compliance simplifies deployment across commercial and public-sector sites, but installers should respect the stated temperature limits when higher PoE power is being supplied.
Use cases and real-world scenarios
The VHW-HWPS-C is designed for practical migration scenarios where rewiring is costly or impractical. Typical use cases include:
- Phased IP migration of legacy CCTV systems:Replace analogue cameras one at a time, using existing coax to connect IP cameras without trenching or new conduits.
- Retail and small-business upgrades:Upgrade critical camera positions first (entrances, checkouts) while preserving the rest of the analogue system during a staged rollout.
- Public-sector sites and heritage buildings:Where new cabling would damage structures or require disruptive works, HIGHWIRE can extend IP and PoE over existing coax runs.
- Remote camera locations:For sites where running Cat5e/Cat6 is expensive, RG11 coax paired with HIGHWIRE can reach up to 500 m and still deliver full 100Base-TX and PoE+ power.
- Temporary or emergency deployments:Rapidly get IP devices online at events or during phased security upgrades without lengthy cable installation.
In each scenario, the VHW-HWPS-C reduces labour, saves conduit and cable costs, and shortens project timelines by reusing robust coax infrastructure already present at many sites.
How the HIGHWIRE solution compares to alternatives
When evaluating options for bringing IP cameras to a site with existing coax, buyers typically consider four paths: running new Ethernet cabling, using fiber, passive video baluns or active Ethernet-over-coax extenders like HIGHWIRE.
- Running new Ethernet (Cat5e/Cat6):Offers native Ethernet speed and simplicity but can be costly and disruptive when new cabling must be installed through walls, ceilings or long conduits. HIGHWIRE avoids this by using existing coax.
- Fiber:Provides long-range, high-speed links and electrical isolation; however, fiber requires media converters at each end or fiber-capable cameras and often a higher initial install cost. HIGHWIRE can be more economical for short- to mid-range projects where existing coax is available and PoE is required at the camera.
- Passive video baluns:Can adapt analogue video signals over UTP but do not support IP or PoE. They are inexpensive but unsuitable for modern IP camera features. HIGHWIRE actively transports full Ethernet and PoE, enabling all IP camera capabilities.
- Other active PoC/EoC extenders:Several vendors offer PoC or EoC solutions. Compared to commodity models, the Veracity HIGHWIRE Powerstar focuses on installer usability (SAFEVIEW power display, clear LEDs), PoE/PoE+ compatibility and robust range performance. When selecting a product, compare supported PoE power levels, throughput (the VHW-HWPS-C provides 100Base-TX with 200 Mbps aggregate), distance specifications and local compliance certifications.
In short, HIGHWIRE is a compelling middle ground: far less disruptive than re-cabling, more functional than passive baluns, and more cost-effective than deploying new fiber in many retrofit situations.
Installer feedback and customer impressions
While individual experiences will vary by site and installer skill, common feedback themes from system integrators and installers who adopt EoC solutions like Veracity HIGHWIRE include:
- "Saves time and labour":Installers report significant labour savings on retrofit jobs where coax is already pulled, reducing project duration.
- "Predictable commissioning":The SAFEVIEW power display and clear status LEDs simplify troubleshooting and verify that the base unit can supply the needed PoE budget before connecting a camera.
- "Reliable operation":Integrators appreciate the automatic PoE detection and protection that prevents damage to non-PoE devices and simplifies mixed-device environments.
These are representative comments based on typical installer experiences with Ethernet-over-coax PoE systems and the features Veracity highlights for the HIGHWIRE Powerstar line. Prospective buyers should validate real-world performance with a site survey and, where possible, a pilot installation.
Purchasing considerations and practical tips
- Base unit required:The camera unit requires a HIGHWIRE Powerstar base unit at the head end to supply PoE over coax. Plan head-end space and power accordingly.
- Power planning:Check camera power requirements against SAFEVIEW readouts at the base unit; for high-draw cameras ensure cable type (RG11 preferred for long runs) and base unit power provisioning are adequate.
- Temperature and ventilation:When delivering higher PoE power (>15 W), respect the units reduced operating temperature range and provide ventilation in enclosed housings.
- Compliance & safety:Follow local electrical regulations when connecting external DC supplies and consult the manufacturer datasheet for full technical guidance.
Conclusion: Why choose the VHW-HWPS-C?
The Veracity HIGHWIRE Powerstar Camera Unit VHW-HWPS-C is a practical, installer-focused solution for organisations looking to modernise legacy CCTV systems without the expense and disruption of re-cabling. With full 100Base-TX performance, up to 200 Mbps aggregate throughput, PoE/PoE+ support, long coax reach and clear commissioning aids such as SAFEVIEW, the unit strikes a good balance between capability and simplicity.
For projects that must preserve existing coax infrastructure—retail stores, public buildings, utilities and heritage properties—the HIGHWIRE Powerstar Camera Unit reduces cost and complexity while enabling the transition to IP camera features and analytics. At a suggested price of approximately $229.99 (street prices vary), it offers a cost-effective building block for single-camera upgrades or phased migration strategies. As always, confirm compatibility with your chosen camera models, perform a site survey for cable condition and distance, and validate power budgets during commissioning to ensure predictable results.
