VDV Multimedia Cable Tester - Coax, RJ45, RJ11 Test Tool

In this review of the Ideal 33-856 VDV Multimedia Cable Tester, the bottom line is simple: this is a workaday, practical tester for technicians who need reliable checks on voice, data and video cabling. It is best for field techs, network installers and maintenance teams who want one handheld unit that tests coax, RJ45 ethernet, and telephone jacks and also generates tones for tracing. The tester's biggest selling point is its versatility - built-in RJ45 and RJ11 remotes plus a coax F-connector interface let a single device cover most common multimedia wiring tasks.

Key Features

• Coax testing: The F-connector interface detects opens and shorts on coax runs so installers can confirm video cable integrity before termination.
• RJ45 network verification: Tests shielded and unshielded cables to T568A/B wiring, ensuring correct continuity and pair mapping for Ethernet installations.
• Telephone jack support: Supports USOC and RJ11/12 jacks, allowing quick checks of standard telephone and modem lines on site.
• Tone generator: Generates up to four distinct tone signals to aid cable tracing and identification in bundles or at patch panels.
• Built-in remotes: The included RJ45 and RJ11 remote stores in the tester base and simplifies end-to-end verification without extra accessories.
• Included accessories: Ships with RJ11 and RJ45 patch cords and a coax lead so the tester is ready for common checks straight out of the case.

Who It's For

The Ideal 33-856 is aimed at network and telecom technicians who need a single, portable tool to validate cabling across voice, data and video lines. Electricians and maintenance staff who occasionally verify cabling runs will appreciate the straightforward LCD readout and the built-in remote that avoids carrying multiple testers.

It is not intended for users who require advanced certification, detailed length measurements or performance benchmarking for high-speed data links; for those tasks a dedicated certifier or cable analyzer would be more appropriate.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Supports coax, RJ45 and RJ11/12 testing in one compact unit for broad jobsite flexibility.
• Built-in RJ45 and RJ11 remote stores in the base, reducing lost remotes and simplifying transport.
• Four-tone generator makes tracing and identifying runs in bundles quicker and more reliable.
• Includes RJ11, RJ45 patch cords and coax lead so it is usable immediately after purchase.

Cons

• Does not perform advanced certification or measure link throughput, so it is not a replacement for a full certifier.
• LCD is suitable for basic readouts but lacks advanced diagnostics many higher-end testers provide.

Specifications

Model	33-856 VDV Multimedia Cable Tester
Supported cables	Coax (F-connector), RJ45 (shielded and unshielded), RJ11/12, USOC
Tone generator	Up to 4 distinct tones for tracing
Remotes	Built-in RJ45 and RJ11 remote stored in base
Display	Easy-to-read LCD display
Included accessories	RJ11 and RJ45 patch cords and coax lead
Brand	Ideal Industries

Our Verdict

The Ideal 33-856 is a practical, cost-effective tester for technicians who need dependable checks across coax, ethernet and telephone wiring without the expense of a certifier. Its combination of coax F-connector support, T568A/B RJ45 testing, four-tone tracing and a storable remote make it a strong value for installation and maintenance tasks where basic continuity, mapping and tracing are the priorities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this tester trace cables in a bundle?
Yes, the built-in tone generator offers up to four tones so you can identify and trace individual runs in a bundle or at a patch panel.

Does it test both shielded and unshielded ethernet cables?
Yes, it supports testing to T568A/B for both shielded and unshielded RJ45 cables to verify pair mapping and continuity.

Are remotes included for endpoint testing?
Yes, RJ45 and RJ11 remotes are built into the unit and store in the base for end-to-end verification without extra parts.