Your browser is out-of-date!

Update your browser to view this website correctly. Update my browser now

×

Tech Roundup: Signal Distribution 2025

 

The Adder ADDERLink INFINITY 4001 (ALIF4001) IP KVM extender forms part of the ALIF matrix solution. It enables the relocation of critical computing hardware into a secure and temperature-controlled environment away from the user workstation, while maintaining a high-resolution desktop experience. The ALIF4001 can deliver two 5K video resolutions and ultra-wide video resolutions (5120×1440@60Hz or 5120×2880@30Hz) or higher refresh rates of up to 240Hz (HD@240Hz) over a single IP connection. Using a spatially lossless encoding system, with 1:1 pixel mapping, the ALIF4001 provides color-accurate video with no artifacts. The digital video received is the same as the digital video leaving the remote computer. The ALIF4001 supports color depth of 10 bits per color (or 30 bits per pixel) and supports both SDR10 and HDR10. The ALIF4001 supports 1 and 10GbE over fiber via the SFP slots, along with Multirate (1/2.5/5/10) GbE. This enables premium video performance over standard CAT6 cable up to 100m. Each ALIF4000 series unit can be configured as a simple extender or self-managed distributed KVM switch. Each receiver can see up to 16 sources and rapidly switch among them.

In September, the AJA Video Systems IP25-R debuted. It’s a Mini-Converter for connecting 4K SMPTE ST 2110 networks with 12G-SDI/HDMI infrastructures. IP25-R lets broadcast, production, and AV professionals de-encapsulate SMPTE ST 2110 video, audio, and ancillary data with frame-accurate synchronization for output to baseband 12G-SDI, and HDMI 2.0 devices. Featuring dual 10/25GbE network ports, two HDMI 2.0 outputs, and four 12G-SDI BNC outputs, IP25-R enables the delivery of low-latency video up to 4K DCI (4096x2160p60) with advanced HDR metadata handling, including SDI VPID and HDMI Infoframe signaling. Dual SFP28 cages provide ST 2022-7 protection switching for redundant IP networks in critical applications. A browser-based UI with in-band control over a media network or out-of-band control via an RJ45 1GbE port supports setup of IP parameters, PTP synchronization, and external controls. Any one of IP25-R’s four ST 2110 RX inputs can be assigned to specific SDI or HDMI outputs. A front-facing USB-C port supports initial network setup, and configuration via free AJA eMini-Setup software. The aluminum enclosure has active front-to-back cooling for high-density rackmount installation. Three IP25-R units can be installed in just 1RU (rack unit), and with AJA’s new DRM2-Plus chassis, up to 6 IP25-Rs can be installed with the option for redundant power support.

The Apantac OG-KVM-IP Tx-UHD 4K@60 KVM over IP is designed to be integrated into an openGear rack installation. It operates on a distributed architecture, eliminating the need for a central KVM server. The Apantac KVM management software operates on any PC within the IP network, and once the system is configured, it remains operational without the software needing to be actively running. When used with the Apantac 4K@60 KVM receivers, operators can extend and/ or switch HDMI video streams with visually lossless image quality and ultra-low latency (2 milli). It supports required control interfaces over IP, including keyboard and mouse functions, USB 2.0, including webcams, RS232, GPIO, and Infrared – all up to 120 meters over CAT5, or unlimited distances when connected to an IP network. The OG-KVM-IP-UHD is designed for both retrofitting existing networks and accommodating new installations, offering interfaces in both fiber and copper.

In addition to analog audio embedding/de-embedding, the ATEN VE1843 takes uncompressed 4K HDMI up to 328ft. on CAT 6a twisted pair along with full-range IR, bi-directional RS232, Gigabit Ethernet, independent stereo sound, and USB 2.0. This small unit is also fitted with mounting flanges, allowing it to be attached to walls behind cabinets or video displays.

The Atlona Omega Series AT-OME-SW21-TX two-input switcher brings USB-C and HDMI connectivity plus HDBaseT transmission into a compact, cost-effective option for BYOD interfacing, single-cable connectivity, and integrated AV and USB extension. The product is a 2×1 switcher and HDBaseT transmitter with USB-C and HDMI inputs, and mirrored HDMI and HDBaseT outputs. With the ability to send 4K video, plus embedded audio, control, and USB 2.0 over distances up to 100 meters (330 feet), it’s a compact USB-C and HDMI source connection point. The OME-SW21-TX can be used with Omega Series receivers, switchers with HDBaseT inputs (such as the AT-OME-MS42-HDBT and AT-OME-CS31-SA-HDBT), or as a standalone AV system unit. The OME-SW21-TX includes an internal USB 3.2 Gen 1 hub up to 5 Gbps that includes host switching with USB type B and USB-C host interfaces, plus two USB type A interfaces for peripheral devices such as a speakerphone, microphone, or keyboard and mouse. The hub also supports USB 2.0 up to 480 Mbps for local devices, and up to 120 Mbps over HDBaseT. The USB-C and HDMI inputs, and HDMI output, support 4K HDR and 4K/60 4:4:4 at HDMI data rates up to 18 Gbps. Additionally, 4K downscaling to 1080p is available for the HDMI output when connected to an HD display or projector.

The Aurora TPG-8K is the first test 8K test pattern generator with analyzer to focus on AV over IP in addition to HDMI. An optional SDVoE expansion card allows for transmitting and receiving SDVoE 10G AV over IP streams for ease of testing the image quality from end to end. The generator also measures end-to-end latency, including the network switch latency

The Black Box Emerald AV WALL software feature of Emerald DESKVUE is designed to unite KVM with AV. Designed to meet user requirements for more effective collaboration, this new solution enables interoperability with Emerald IP KVM systems while also supporting non-KVM environments. Complementing Emerald DESKVUE, Emerald AV WALL makes it easy to display a single source from an Emerald system on a video wall for viewing by a larger group. The solution directly supports a 2 x 2 video wall and, with additional Emerald AV WALL units, can support additional monitors.

The DVIGear DisplayNet DN-300T SDVoE transceiver utilizes SDVoE ASIC technology to offer simultaneous TX/RX operation. Like all DisplayNet products, it provides 4K/60 (4:4:4) video distribution with limitless scalability, zero-frame latency, and zero image artifacts. Fully compatible with all DN-300 Series models, it has an ultra-compact, low-profile form. Features include PoE+ support and dual (copper/fiber) network interfaces that enable signal extension distances of up to 100 meters (328 ft.) with CAT-6A twisted pair and up to 30 KM (18.6 miles) with single-mode fiber. The unit includes auxiliary H.264/5 video output streams that provide support for viewing source thumbnails and for remote viewing/recording with resolutions up to 1080/30p. Its compact, fanless design means that 4x units can occupy a single 1U of rack space. DisplayNet includes softwaredefined MultiViewer and Advanced Video Wall engines that power a wide range of applications without the expense and complexity of ancillary products. DisplayNet Server manages the entire DisplayNet system, and includes the DisplayNet API Engine, which supports the use of DisplayNet Manager. The DisplayNet platform is highly customizable, with adaptive software and firmware development.

The new family of EvertzAV MMA25G IPMXReady Gateways deliver JPEG XS and RAW processing and an interoperable option between Pro AV and broadcast environments under a unified control system. With live transcoding capabilities, the gateways receive RAW 4K60/4:4:4 streams, transcode to JPEG XS, and route signals to existing MMA10G or other JPEG XS-capable IPMX-Ready devices. The MMA25G line integrates with MAGNUM-OS, Evertz’s orchestration, monitoring, and control solution, providing unified management across MMA25G, MMA10G, and third-party devices.

In July, the Extron DTP3 IN2004 Series began shipping. These compact four-input switching scalers come in three models: DTP3 IN2004 DI/DO with HDMI and DTP3 inputs and outputs; DTP3 IN2004 DO with HDMI inputs and HDMI and DTP3 outputs; and IN2004 with all HDMI inputs and outputs. They feature Extron Vector 4K scaling technology; selectable scaled output rates range from 640×480 to 4K/60 at 4:4:4 color sampling. DTP extension is built in. They are HDCP 2.3-compliant and support logo image keying and display, auto-switching between inputs, and selectable seamless switching transitions. Audio DSP functions such as mixing, ducking, and filtering are easily accessible. Other capabilities include built-in CEC commands and stereo audio embedding and de-embedding. HDR, ultra-widescreen, high frame rate, and 3D video signals are all supported in scaler bypass mode.

Developed by Guntermann & Drunck (G&D) in collaboration with sister company VuWall, the G&D VisionVS is a dual-encoding appliance that combines video wall visualization and KVM control into a single, compact solution. VisionVS captures KVM sources and transmits them as a G&D bluedecTM stream to G&D KVM matrix systems, while simultaneously outputting a proprietary VuWall stream to VuWall’s PAK processors for video wall visualization, KVM operator stations, or remote access. This single-appliance solution is designed to bridge the gap between the two ecosystems, enabling near-zero-latency video quality with the ability to stream content to remote locations, while reducing the amount of hardware required and minimizing cabling and component count.

In August, the IHSE Draco XStreme series debuted. The company says this new product line is based on a next-generation hardware platform and represents a fundamental shift in design, combining performance with flexibility and long-term sustainability. The new extender series supports video resolutions ranging from Full HD up to 8K and is engineered for integration with both proprietary and future IP-based transmission technologies. At the heart of this platform is the JPEG XS codec co-developed with Fraunhofer. Claiming the first of its kind in KVM, the Draco XStreme series enables visually lossless video without frame drops, up to 16-bits of color, HDR support, less than 1 millisecond per frame of video transmission latency, and frame rates of up to 480 fps, all on JPEG XS. It’s designed to allow users to transmit 4K60 signals over a standard 1 GB network without visible loss. This product introduces IHSE’s first DualHead 4K60 extender, capable of transmitting two 4K60 video signals over a single cable. The company is also releasing a Single-Head 4K60 Extender that operates over a 1 GB link

In September, the unique Just Add Power Rackmount MaxColor MC-TX1-RACK debuted. It combines three MaxColor 4K60 4:4:4 HDMI encoders into a single rackmount chassis. This innovation is the first of its kind in the MaxColor lineup and further streamlines installation with easy access to all connections via front-facing ports. The encoders support all the same features as their stand-alone versions, including supporting all audio formats and Audio Return Channel (ARC).

The Lightware Taurus UCX-4×3-HCM40 enables multiscreen extended desktop via a single USB-C cable. The UCX-4×3- HCM40’s dual-screen USB-C input supports 100W charging, a 1GbE USB3 network card compatible with diverse operating systems, and the ability to share external USB3/USB2 devices. Overcoming limitations posed by Apple’s M1/M2/M3 chips, it effortlessly supports two independent 4K60 displays, showcasing its adaptability to various setups.

The Matrox Video Avio 2 was designed as the world’s first open standards-based IPMX/ ST 2110 IP KVM extender. The newest addition to Matrox Video’s IP KVM product line, the Avio 2 HDMI IP KVM extender supports up to 4K60 4:4:4 resolution, delivering real-time remote performance. Its open standard design claims increased quality, interoperability, and flexibility. Matrox sees new workflow possibilities in delivering audio, video, and USB control over IP in an industry-standard format. Avio 2 integrates with existing infrastructure and scales efficiently for installations of any size. Enabling secure, realtime KVM-over-IP extension and switching over 1GbE and supporting uncompressed 4K 4:4:4 over 10GbE networks, the Avio 2 IP KVM extender is suitable for the most demanding applications that require high color fidelity. It supports multiple codec options, including JPEG XS. As part of the IPMX standard it’s based on, Avio 2 supports NMOS, an open API for device discovery and connection management.

The Snap One Binary 960 Series includes three products: the B-960-MOIP-4K-TX-A transmitter that enables audio downmixing, the B-960-MOIP-4K-TR transceiver that can simultaneously send and receive, and the B-960-MOIP-4K-RX receiver with video tiling capability. Together, these products let Partners take advantage of the increased bandwidth of modern 10G networks to provide 4K60 HDR video and fast switching to ensure smooth operations for demanding use cases. The 960 Series also creates new efficiencies and end-user benefits by providing a less-centralized system that integrates MultiView and video wall applications (up to 4×4) without the need for any additional hardware.

The Wyrestorm NHD-510-TX integrates HDMI and USB-C inputs for connectivity with both traditional and modern digital devices. Like Wyrestorm’s flagship NetworkHD 500 Series, the NHD-510-TX supports Dante AV-A for audio over IP, HDMI loop-out for local display connectivity, and audio switching capabilities. As a 1 Gigabit solution, it supports 4K60 4:4:4 video resolution. It supports HDR10 and Dolby Vision and can ability to connect up to 7 USB devices simultaneously.

Featured Articles

Close