Crestron HD-EXT1-C
Jan 4, 2013 11:38 AM,
By Patrick Barron
Style of RS-232 Connector: Phoenix
MSRP: $1,000
HDBaseT: No
Maximum Distance:
· Cat-5: Works up to 175ft. at all resolutions tested
· Cat-6: Works up to 325ft. at all resolutions tested. Works at 350ft. with a clear picture at resolutions up to 1024×768.
· Blu-ray player: Cat-5 works at 1080p and 1080p 3D up to 175ft. Cat-6 works at 1080p and 1080p 3D up to 325ft.
The Crestron extender set is unique out of all units tested because of the form factor. The transmitter is a decora-style wallplate, which can have big labor and cost savings compared to a traditional style transmitter that would need a separate wallplate and wiring from the wallplate to the transmitter. There is an indicator that lit up when powered and linked, which was useful for diagnostics. The transmitter powered through a Cat-X connection with the receiver, which eliminated the need for a separate power supply. The power supply comes with connectors that make it usable in the U.S., U.K., A.U., and E.U. The MSRP cost of this extender set was one of the three highest tested. From a performance perspective the Cat-5 worked fine up to 175ft. at any resolution. Cat-6 will give positive link status up to 350ft. but only provides a clear picture at that distance using resolutions 1024×768 or lower. It was reliable at all resolutions tested up to 325ft. Cat-6 provided a clear image on Blu-ray signals using 325ft. or less.
REVIEW OTHER HDMI EXTENDERS
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Aurora Multimedia DXE-CAT-S2
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Crestron HD-RX1-C/HD-TX1-C
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Intelix Liberty AV Digi-HDE-R/S
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Kramer Electronics TP-573/574
Kramer Electronics TP-581T/TP-582R
Octava HDCATS100-TX/RX
Pure Link HTE
QVS HD4-C6E
Shinybow SB-6335/SB-6335R
Star Tech Com ST12UTPHDMI
Wyrestorm EX-1UTP-IR-100
Zektor Solo-CAT-HDE
Zigen ZIG-HAVEX
Zigen ZIG-HVX-70-RX/TX
Zuum Media HE1LBIR232
