As long as there have been signals, signal extenders have been needed. All the way back to those mysterious black cylindrical line amps on roadside telephone lines, we have used these distance helpers. Then digital video took the signal extension concept and market to a much higher level amid an explosion in the variety of video formats. Manufacturers have responded with a plethora of ingenious devices to take any AV format and go the distance.
KVM has proven to be a huge application for extension technology and the Adder Technology Adderlink XD150FX is a perfect example. Carrying high resolution video, USB 2.0 and audio signals up to 2.5 miles on single mode fiber, this product adds bidirectional CD quality analog audio and RS-232. Locking power connections assure reliability and there is a web interface for viewing temperature and status.
4K/UltraHD-SDI can ride single mode fiber for over 6 miles to the AJA FiDO-4R and its SDIfiber conversion. This also enables 4 simplex or 2 duplex input connections. Equipped with a universal power supply module, the device is small enough to be placed behind a monitor and it is powered through a locking power connector. An optional P-TAP power cable is available for running on battery.
For running HDMI over inexpensive CAT5e/CAT6 lines, the A-Neuvideo ANI-HDB70X can take the HDMI input up to 230ft. by HDBaseT conversion. This transmitter/receiver pair also supports Transfer Bidirectional Infrared control. Once connected to an external 24V supply, either unit can power the other via POC (Power Over Cable) with consumption of less than 10W. Display resolutions up to 4K2K@30Hz are supported.
The Apantac Mt Hood HDBT-1-E-II-POE features a 328ft. throw for 1080p HDMI 1.4/HDCP 1.4 over HDBaseT with PoE. Also supported are 3D and CEC pass-through, all frequency IR control, and bi-directional RS-232. Sound capability includes LPCM, Dolby True HD and Dolby Digital audio. The transmitter runs on external 48VDC and powers the receiver on PoE. The receiver is the HDBT-1-R-II-POE.
In addition to analog audio embedding/de-embedding, the ATEN VE1843 takes uncompressed true 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.
Extension of multiple signals including 4K/UHD/60Hz video, control, multi-channel audio, Ethernet and power via HDBaseT is all part of the plan with the Atlona AT-HDR-EX-100CEATX transmitter. There is an HDBaseT link status test and indication on the front panel in addition to a USB port for firmware updates. Compatible receivers such as the AT-HDR-EX100CEA-RX can be powered from the transmitter.
Another powerful HDBaseT extension contender is the Aurora HT-TX1-WP2-B with 4K60 4:4:4 18Gbps and HDR uncompressed video, 1Gbps Ethernet, 480Mbps USB 2.0 with directional control, an audio fiber output, audio DSP, and an audio return channel (ARC). There is also a 2-channel Dante/AES option and a ReAX IP control engine option. All this capability is contained in a 2-gang wall box with a Decora wall plate in black or white.
The Black Box VX-HDMI-4KIP-TX is an IP video extension and distribution instrument with video wall capability. PoE simplifies installation and minimizes wiring while control signals include USB 2.0, bi-directional IR, and serial. Also provided is analog audio embedding/de-embedding. The unit connects directly to an existing LAN. The MediaCento system transmits up to 328ft. point-to-point and beyond that through a network switch.
Video format down-conversion is one handy feature of the Bluestream HEX150CS-KIT that allows 1080p monitors to use the 4K output extended by the transmitter. HDMI re-clocking works to resolve any compatibility issues and it works with all known HDMI sound formats. This and a local HDMI loop out are added to all of its standard HDBaseT features.
Extender cables are a vital part of the mix and the C2G C2G54275 Plus Series Active High-Speed HDMI Cable handles resolutions up to 4995×2160 and data speeds up to 18Gbps. On sound, it supports up to 32-channels and a 1536kHz audio sampling rate. Each cable has a CL3-rated jacket for in-wall installations.
Another product with big performance in a small package is the CE Labs HX100M which, over CAT6a, can run 4K/30Hz video up to 328ft. It is powered from a wall transformer at 5VDC/2A. The powder coated steel chassis makes this device rugged and dependable. Sound support includes LPCM7.1, Dolby TrueHD, and DTS-HD MA.
The Crestron HD-TXC-4KZ-101- 1G-B is designed to operate with a DM Essentials receiver or DMPS Essentials switcher. After installation into a single gang wall space, it conveys 4K60 4:4:4 video, RS-232 serial control signals, and IR over CAT5e or higher cable for a distance up to 130ft. For 1080p WUXGA, and 2K signals it can reach 230ft.
For DisplayPort extension on fiber, the DVIGear DVI-7380 supports many formats including resolutions up to 8K@30Hz. Bidirectional IR, RS-232, and Ethernet on two ports can reach beyond 5 miles on a single mode line or over 1000ft. on multimode. This eliminates grounding and induced interference trouble. As many as 32 channels of uncompressed PCM audio are also carried.
Extending computer and video resolutions up to 4K/60 @ 4:4:4 is demanding and the Extron DTP3 T 301 does this along with USB 2.0, bi-directional RS-232, and embedded HD lossless audio formats. On the front panel is a USB-C connector for firmware updates and configuration. It supports ultra-wide aspect ratios, including 21:9 and 5K and is HDCP 2.3 compliant.
KVM extension represents a very large market and the G&D VisionXS-CPU-C-Type C-UHR handles this as well as audio and USB along a dedicated CAT or fiber line for DisplayPort 1.2 at a resolution up to 4096×2160/60 or 5120×2160/50. A separate USB connection can be connected and if used, it has priority. Audio capabilities include 2-channel LCPM, AC3, and DTS.
For maximum functionality with minimum footprint and cost, the Gefen GF-HD48G-1MPO HDMI 2.1 optical fiber extender reaches 330ft. with 8K/4K UHD resolution on multimode fiber. Support includes CEC control, EDID, and HDCP 2.3. Each unit of the pair comes with a small 5V/2A DC power supply that consumes less than one watt. Sound formats such as 8-channel PCM, DTS Master, DTS:X, Dolby TrueHD, and Dolby Atmos can accompany video
The Hall Technologies HT-DSCV3-WP is a single gang fitting wall plate for the USB 3.2 Gen 1×1 standard that allows a 5 Gbit/s data transfer rate when paired with the HT-DSCV3-RX or HTDSCV3-RX-WP receiver. Either unit can power the other across the HDBaseT link on Cat6a/7 to nearly 300ft. For USB-C charging, the PSE power module can apply 90W and there is RS-232 pass-through.
For high resolution video via HDMI interface, signal reach up to 6 miles, and wide compatibility with all major operating systems, IHSE Draco Vario Ultra HDMI 4K30 extender is a single rack space solution. It supports a maximum 4K/30Hz and 2K/60Hz and carries the video 459ft. on Catx cable and 32,808ft on single mode 9μm fiber. Optional interfaces include USB 2.0, embedded analog audio with RS232 or RS422, digital audio, PS/2, balanced audio.
The KanexPro EXT-USB3100M can take USB 3.0 to 328ft. on CAT6a cable as well as RS-232 control with a flow rate of 5Gbps. Installation and cabling are simplified by its support for bi-directional 24V power over CAT (PoC). The front panel has a 4-pin Phoenix terminal for the serial control, USB-C connector for updates, link status indicator, and a power LED.
One of the most useful signal formats is USB and it is among the least capable of long reach on its own but the Kramer EXT3-U3-T/R can take USB 3.2 to 328ft. along with RS-232 signals all on CAT cable using HDBaseT. The receiver can also serve as a USB hub. One end can power the other but when the receiver uses a direct power supply, fast USB charging is available on its three ports.
SDVoE compatible HDMI 2.0 over fiber link is accomplished by the Lightware HDMIOPTX-TX100A transmitter, sending single source HDMI 2.0 compliant video, audio and control signals over six miles to the HDMI-OPTX-RX100A receiver. Other features include HDCP 2.3 and basic EDID management which make these units easy to integrate into systems with third party devices
Capable of providing KVM extension of 4K UHD or feeding quad DisplayPort monitor displays, the Matrox Extio N3408 can function in a point-to-point or networked configuration on CAT cable or fiber. Video, keyboard, mouse, USB 2.0, audio, and RS-232 signals are delivered over the direct Ethernet or fiber connectors for LAN, WAN, or internet. On a Gigabit network switch the mode of operation can be one-to-one, one-to-many, many-to-one or many-to-many. AES encryption assures signal security.
The Opticis HDX-1F20-TR extends video at resolutions up to 4096×2160@60 as far as 984ft. on LC multi-mode fiber (OM3) in addition to nearly ten more feet on copper to the transmitter and receiver. Its advanced Diagnosis function provides remote monitoring and management for parameters including bandwidth, EDID/DPCD information, operating voltage, and temperature. It is also compatible with the BR-600 Power Rack for central management of up to eight Opticis diagnosis extenders.
DisplayPort and USB 2.0 are two of the most often needed formats for extension and the PureLink DOF-T2.0 Tx/Rx specializes in running these with 4K60 video on fiber. On single mode, they can go up to 1.24 miles. There is also real-time auto-EDID management along with RS-232 and bi-directional IR control. Among the wide variety of sound formats supported are LPCM 7.1 audio, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Atmos, DTS-HD Master Audio, and DTS:X.
The RGB Spectrum CAT-Linx 3 Signal Extender can send up to 4K Ultra HD at 60Hz on CAT 5e/6 cable enabling a distance of 328ft. for HD video and 230ft. for 4K Ultra HD. This model has wide compatibility with RGB Spectrum and other AV units. It adds IR and serial control while installation is facilitated through Power-over-CATx.
Uncluttered simplicity for sound extension shines with the RDL D-TPS2A active 2-pair sender that conveys two unbalanced -10dB RCA connected audio inputs through RJ45 jacks on twisted pair with power pass-through. There is a local 24VDC power input on the rear panel of this single gang wall device and a blue LED on the front indicates power
A very reliable and well known extension solution, the RTI VEX100-18G-KIT takes Ultra HD video with HDCP 2.2 support all the way to 328ft. using HDBaseT. Running with that is bi-directional IR, RS-232 and PoH (Power over HDBaseT) on a single CAT-5e or higher cable. The system also supports ARC (Audio Return Channel) from a connected display via HDMI or optical digital inputs.
An HDMI 2.0 KVM fiber extender, the SmartAVI HFX-KM handles video resolutions up to 4K/60 Ultra HD. The transmitter and receiver units operate on external 12VDC from their power adapters and support stereo sound in addition to RS-232 serial control on 3-pin Phoenix connectors. USB, keyboard and mouse extension/emulation are transmitted up to 1.2 miles.
The Snap One Binary B-660-EXT-444-40 HDBaseT extender includes bi-directional PoC so that only the transmitter or receiver needs external power. Bi-directional IR, RS-232, and CEC passthrough are also featured in a very small footprint system. These signals are all carried on CAT cable. 4K60Hz can go to 115ft. on Cat 5e/6 while on Cat 6a/7 this resolution is supported up to 130ft.
Designed especially for long extension of single 12G-SDI, dual 6G-SDI, and quad 3G-SDI formats, the Thinklogical 12G-SDI Extenders take SDI signals close to 50 miles with the option to cross-convert SDI signals from and to HDMI or DisplayPort inputs and outputs. Also carried are RS-422 control signals and 10/100 Ethernet. The system is available in a chassis mount form as well as a stand-alone version.
The tvONE Magenta Research MG-AOC-663-100 Low Smoke Zero Halogen active optical cable (LSZH) is made to protect workers from toxic fumes in the event of a fire and it runs 4K60 4:4:4 video to 328ft. using no external power. An optional armored core with watertight caps is available as well as a choice of UL rated Plenum (CMP). The cable has HDCP and EDID support with no signal loss.
As previously mentioned, one of the most useful signals is USB and version 3.2 is extended and distributed to three receiver USB connections with the Vanco EVEXUSB32 transmitter/receiver pair. Either end can power the other via PoH and the pair allows 5Gbps data transfer up to 328ft. This runs on a single Cat6a cable using the HDBaseTUSB3 standard. Power is delivered from the receiver’s two 1.5A labeled ports and two 1A ports.
Upscale home theater has become another significant market for digital A/V signals and the Wyrestorm EX3- 100-EARC allows them to travel up to 328ft. on Cat6a. HDBaseT 3.0 carries 4K/60 HDR and Dolby Vision sources and it includes Dolby TrueHD/ Atmos and DTS-HD MA 7.1 sound. Pass-through options such as IR, RS-232 and LAN make it possible for control on many types of custom home AV systems.
The Zigen ZIG-POEPRO-100A system is a pair of small, tough metal units that use HDBaseT to extend 4K/60Hz 4:4:4 HDMI 2.0, bi-directional IR, RS-232, and ARC on a single UTP/STP cable. The ZIG-POEPRO-100A (Tx) detects and powers PoE IEEE 802.3af devices up to 25W and the link is monitored for any anomalies. Autonomous EDID management matches signal source to destination display. Bidirectional RS-232 transfer and CEC pass-through are also featured.
