Magenta Launches “Twin-display” Cat-5 Receivers for Dynamic Signage Applications
Aug 1, 2006 2:35 PM
Magenta Research announces the addition of two new Cat-5 receivers to its flagship MultiView Series product line. The K-500 TD (twin-display) and K-500 TDC (twin-display, chainable) receivers reduce receiver quantities by connecting to two back-to-back or close-proximity displays, rather than one display.
The K-500 TD and TDC receivers employ MultiView AK500 technology, including RepliSync and proprietary signal algorithms, and are specified to provide QXGA (2048×1536) resolution at 500ft. (152m) at 70Hz refresh. Each receiver uses active electronics to provide two HD15 (VGA) and two 3.5mm min-jack (audio) outputs. K-500 TDC receivers are daisy-chained and combined with a K-500 TD receiver at the chain’s end, to address a series of four to 24 back-to-back displays.
As with all MultiView AK Series receivers, the TD/TDC units feature signal equalization fine-tuning, ensuring clear, crisp display imagery. Setup involves only a simple receiver adjustment while looking at the display, simplifying installations. High-reliability design aspects, such as ESD (Electro-Static Discharge) protection on all input/output circuitry, result in an MTBF (Mean Time Between Failure) of 100,000 hours, and the equipment is suitable for harsh or outdoor environments.
Maximum source-to-display distance over standard Cat-5, unshielded twisted pair cable is 500ft. for computer video, 750ft. for HDTV or component video and 1,000ft. for composite or S-Video. Shielded or plenum-version cable is not needed; all MultiView Series equipment is insensitive to electrical noise. Configuration of the video type is easily accomplished with an external switch.
“A fairly common configuration in retail dynamic signage is back-to-back displays, for example in the aisle of a grocery store or in a shopping mall’s concourse,” Randy Young, Magenta’s director of marketing and business development, comments. “The K-500 TD and TDC cut the number of receivers needed in half, reducing capital expense for our customers. The added benefits are that less space is required and the installations become simpler. The dynamic signage market has been a focus of Magenta’s for several years, so we’ve been adding new products designed to optimize the performance-to-cost ratio for these applications. The market has clearly accelerated and Magenta is playing a key role in signal distribution.”
