Extron to Transmit Protected HDMI over Fiber
At Integrated Systems Europe 2011, Extron introduced the FoxBox HDMI, a fiber-optic transmitter and receiver set for the long-haul transmission of HDCP-compliant HDMI video, audio, and RS-232 control signals over fiber cabling.
At Integrated Systems Europe 2011, Extron introduced the FoxBox HDMI, a fiber-optic transmitter and receiver set for the long-haul transmission of HDCP-compliant HDMI video, audio, and RS-232 control signals over fiber cabling. Whereas several other manufacturers have come out with solutions for transmitting protected HDMI up to 330 feet over Cat-5 cabling. Extron says it is committed to fiber. The company even introduced new pre-terminated fiber cabling, bulk fiber, and termination and testing tools to help spur adoption.
Extron FoxBox HDMI
The FoxBox products use Extron’s own all-digital, zero-compression technology to deliver pixel-for-pixel transmission of HDMI computer-video images up to WUXGA 1920×1200 resolution, including HDTV 1080p/60, according to the company. Available in multimode and single-mode models, the FoxBox HDMI includes Key Minder, EDID Minder, Auto Input Memory, RS-232 control from multiple locations, internal test patterns, and real-time system monitoring. EDID Minder manages EDID communication and Key Minder supports continuous authentication of HDCP compliance, providing simplified integration with HDMI-equipped devices.
“AV system designers have been attracted by the multiple benefits of fiber-optic signal transmission, and now they have a solution for transmitting protected HDMI content,” said Casey Hall, vice president of sales and marketing for Extron, in a statement. “The FoxBox HDMI fiber-optic extender ensures perfect pixel-for-pixel accuracy over extended distances.”
According to the company, the FoxBox HDMI transmitter and receiver set can be used in combination with Extron’s Fox Series distribution amplifiers, switchers, and matrix switchers, offering the flexibility to create systems with dozens of HDMI inputs and outputs to support enterprise installations. In addition, the extender is compatible with Fox Series VGA and DVI extenders when transmitting non-HDCP content. It can be paired with a Fox Series VGA extender for easy conversion between RGB and HDMI in hybrid AV systems that include a variety of analog and digital displays and sources, company officials said.
The FoxBox HDMI units come in compact, low-profile enclosures for discreet installation behind a flat-panel display.
