USB Cables

Summary: USB Cables

ProAV Cabling Solutions Built for Commercial and Industrial Demands

Windy City Wire manufactures SmartWire low-voltage cabling in the United States to support the full spectrum of professional audio, video and control applications. From arenas and auditoriums to corporate campuses, higher education, healthcare and hospitality, our pro av cable solutions are designed to help integrators deliver reliable signal transport, simplify installation and standardize results across projects and locations.

Because we focus on products and solutions for ProAV customers, every SmartWire cable is engineered for consistent electrical performance, dependable mechanical durability and efficient deployment in the field. Whether you’re pulling long speaker runs, terminating balanced audio, distributing control signals or extending AV over IP, SmartWire gives your team a dependable foundation for project success.

Why SmartWire for ProAV

• Signal integrity you can specify: Balanced pairs, speaker conductors, coax and data constructions with precise geometries and materials to help minimize noise, crosstalk and loss over distance.
• Built for installation speed: SmartWire Glide lubrication is applied during manufacturing to reduce pulling friction by up to 70%, helping installers work efficiently in conduits, plenums and crowded pathways.
• Application-driven options: Plenum and riser constructions, solid or stranded copper as required, and shielding choices for EMI/RFI mitigation in demanding venues.
• Standardization at scale: A broad range of jacket colors and stripe combinations helps teams align to site standards and simplify identification during install and service.
• Made in the USA: Consistent quality, dependable availability and a manufacturer partner committed to the needs of commercial and industrial integrators.

Applications We Support

• Balanced analog and digital audio (microphone, line-level, AES/EBU)
• Control and lighting networks (RS-485, DMX512, automation and IR)
• Distributed audio and loudspeaker runs (low-impedance and 70V/100V systems)
• Video transport and timing-critical signals (75-ohm coax; infrastructure runs)
• AV over IP and control networks (use with structured cabling and patch cables)
• Equipment rooms, racks and interconnects (short jumpers, trunk runs, and terminations; coordinate with your preferred patch cable program)

How We Help You Deliver Better Outcomes

• Design confidence: Cabling options that align with common ProAV standards and best practices so you can build repeatable designs that perform.
• Installation efficiency: Materials and constructions that pull cleanly and terminate consistently to reduce rework and jobsite delays.
• Lifecycle value: Durable jackets and conductor options that support long-term reliability in high-traffic commercial spaces.
• Project support: A focused ProAV partner that understands specifications, submittals and the realities of schedule-driven deployments.

SmartWire Features That Make the Difference

• SmartWire Glide lubrication: Standard on all stock SmartWire cables to reduce friction during pulls by up to 70% and help protect cable geometry in tight pathways.
• Color and stripe options: Wide selection of jacket colors and stripe combinations to match your organization’s labeling scheme and simplify identification in racks and above ceilings.
• Low-voltage focus: Every SmartWire cable is purpose-built for low-voltage systems used in ProAV installations.

Summary: A ProAV Partner You Can Trust

When your project schedule is tight and performance margins are critical, Windy City Wire delivers SmartWire low-voltage cabling that installs efficiently and performs reliably. Our pro av cable portfolio covers audio, video, control and network infrastructure needs, and integrates seamlessly with your racks, endpoints and patch cables. Backed by U.S. manufacturing and a B2B commitment to commercial and industrial customers, we help you standardize designs, reduce labor on site and support long-term system uptime.

Ready to specify or need guidance selecting the right construction? Contact Windy City Wire and our team will help align the product selection to your application, environment and performance goals.

Solutions: USB Cables

USB Cables for Professional AV Systems
USB is now central to how modern AV systems connect, control, and power devices. From USB-C room connectivity to high-speed data for cameras and storage, reliable cabling is essential for conference rooms, classrooms, broadcast suites, and public venues. Windy City Wire supports integrators and contractors with ProAV-focused USB cabling designed for consistent performance, clean installations, and predictable project outcomes.

Where USB Cabling Fits in Pro AV
USB connects a wide range of AV endpoints and control devices. Thoughtful cable selection and deployment help ensure dependable, low-latency performance across your facility.

• Unified Communications and Collaboration – Connect laptops via USB-C for wired presentation and power, link PTZ cameras and speakerphones to codecs, and support touch back to collaboration displays. Stable USB runs reduce disconnects and meeting delays.
• Presentation Systems and BYOD – Deliver video, data, and charging through a single USB-C link to switchers and room docks. USB simplifies the user experience in huddle rooms and large conference spaces.
• Digital Signage and Kiosks – Tie media players to interactive touchscreens, barcode readers, sensors, and service ports. USB connectivity keeps maintenance straightforward and minimizes downtime.
• Lecture Capture and Education – Integrate document cameras, USB audio interfaces, and control surfaces for lecture halls, active learning spaces, and hybrid classrooms.
• Broadcast, Streaming, and Post – Connect capture devices, production control surfaces, external drives, and reference displays. Consistent cabling helps maintain signal integrity during recording and live streaming.
• Command and Control / KVM – Support keyboard, mouse, and peripheral switching between workstations and operator consoles. USB cabling is critical for responsive control in NOCs, SOCs, and 24/7 environments.
• Live Events and Rental – Facilitate quick setup for presenter connectivity, stage peripherals, and control gear. Durable, clearly routed USB runs reduce changeover time.

Industries and Facilities Served

• Corporate and Enterprise – Conference rooms, boardrooms, training centers, and all-hands spaces.
• Higher Education and K‑12 – Classrooms, lecture halls, maker spaces, libraries, and distance learning studios.
• Healthcare – Telehealth carts, simulation labs, conference and training rooms, and patient education areas.
• Government and Public Safety – Emergency operations centers, briefing rooms, and command/control suites.
• Hospitality and Entertainment – Ballrooms, meeting spaces, theaters, casinos, and sports venues.
• Houses of Worship – Production booths, streaming rigs, and overflow rooms.
• Retail and Financial – Interactive displays, kiosks, and back-of-house content systems.
• Industrial and Warehousing – Operator stations, production monitoring, and training rooms.
• Transportation and Public Spaces – Wayfinding, information kiosks, and operations rooms.

Common USB AV Endpoints and Use Cases

• USB-C room connectivity – Single-cable laptop connection for video, data, and charging to the room system.
• PTZ and conference cameras – Reliable data pathways for high-resolution video and camera control.
• USB audio – Interfaces, microphones, and DSP endpoints that require low noise and stable power.
• Interactive touch and control – Touch back from displays, button panels, occupancy sensors, and room schedulers.
• KVM and operator consoles – Keyboards, mice, jog/shuttle controls, storage devices, and specialty peripherals.

Design Considerations for USB in Pro AV
Integrators can improve reliability and user experience by aligning cable choice and system design with project requirements.

1. Bandwidth and Protocol – Match cabling and run strategy to the USB generation required by devices (e.g., cameras or capture hardware may need higher throughput than simple HID peripherals).
2. Power Delivery – USB-C PD enables charging and powering of endpoints. Plan for conductor sizing and run lengths that help minimize voltage drop so devices power up consistently.
3. Signal Integrity – Attention to twist consistency and shielding can help mitigate EMI in dense AV racks and near power equipment, preserving data integrity for video and audio devices.
4. Distance Planning – USB has practical length limits. For long pathways, pair bulk runs with active solutions, hubs, or USB extenders as specified by your system design. In some cases, hybrid or optical approaches may be appropriate.
5. Pathway and Installation – Use proper bend radius, strain relief, and separation from AC lines. Clean pathways with service loops make future service and upgrades more efficient.
6. Color Identification and Documentation – Consistent practices for identifying circuits and endpoints simplify commissioning and troubleshooting across large facilities.

Racks, Endpoints, and Patch Strategy
For in-wall or in-conduit runs, bulk pro av cable establishes the backbone from rack to room. At endpoints, short USB patch cables are commonly used to connect devices, preserve connector life, and facilitate swaps during service. In racks, a well-planned combination of structured pathways and the right patch cable lengths helps maintain airflow and cable management standards. The result is a tidy install that can be supported over the long term.

Benefits to Integrators and Facility Teams

• Consistency across campuses and portfolios – Standardized cabling practices improve repeatability and reduce troubleshooting time.
• Serviceability – Clear pathways and documented endpoints speed up device swaps and upgrades.
• Performance headroom – Thoughtful cabling supports current needs and future enhancements such as higher-resolution cameras or expanded USB-C capabilities.
• Total project efficiency – Purpose-built USB runs reduce rework, streamline commissioning, and support reliable day-to-day operation.

When to Choose USB-C for AV
USB-C simplifies the user experience by combining video, data, and power in one connection. For BYOD spaces, training rooms, and executive conference areas, a dependable USB-C pathway helps users connect quickly, keeps meetings on schedule, and reduces support calls. In environments with sensitive audio or high-bandwidth imaging, designing for robust signal integrity and stable power delivery becomes especially important.

Planning Your Next Deployment
Whether you are standardizing conference rooms across an enterprise, designing interactive classrooms, or outfitting a control room, selecting the right USB cabling approach is crucial. Windy City Wire supports projects of all sizes with solutions that complement your devices, extenders, and pathways—so your systems perform consistently from the rack to the endpoint. If your design blends USB with HDMI, control, and network infrastructure, we can help you build a cohesive, serviceable backbone using the appropriate pro av cable alongside your USB runs.

Frequently Asked Questions: USB Cables

• How is your SmartWire ProAV cable sold on spools or in boxes?

  Our SmartWire ProAV cable is packaged in our patented RackPack carton for safer handling and faster pulls. Learn more about our RackPack: https://windycitywire.com/solutions/rackpack-overview

Additional Links:

• Learn more about our SmartWire Cable
• The RackPack - Our patented cable delivery solution
• Our Transporters - RackPack Transportation Devices
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