While extension capability has been built into matrix switchers, converters, and monitoring systems, there are still plenty of applications that make use of individual extension units and modules. The technology has also allowed different signals to be combined, extended, and separated.
The Adder Technology ADDERLink XDIP IP KVM got a series of upgrades last year. The receiver can now access 16 sources and the transmitter can broadcast to 256 receivers. Improved remote control, either via a RESTful API or HTTPS web browser, is designed to give users additional choice and flexibility with how they control their XDIP solution. Managing all endpoints through an API will reportedly help customers simplify configuration and maintenance. According to Adder, this level of interoperability, combined with new multicasting functionality, means the XDIP is the ideal solution to bridge the gap between KVM and video-over-IP. Customers can now take advantage of KVM functionality while delivering video and AV content around a large-scale installation, over an existing 1GbE network. Power over Ethernet support has also been made available in the US. At the same time, company also debuted an addition to the ADDERLink INFINIITY 4000 Series, the ALIF4000. Multigigabit Ethernet support has been added to provide customers with the ability to balance their video quality and bandwidth usage requirements by delivering 4K over varying network capabilities, from 1Gb/s to 10Gb/s. Integrated 1GbE ports reportedly enable easy delivery of 4K60 video over 1Gb/s copper links using 100m of standard Cat-5e or Cat-6 cable. Dual multigigabit or 1GbE ports can be teamed together for enhanced resiliency or improved video capability. Compatibility with the existing ADDERLink INFINITY range means the ALIF4000 can be phased into an existing network.
At NAB, the AJA OG-FiDO2T-12G and OG-FiDO-T12G-ST debuted. This pair of new openGear-compatible 12G-SDI to fiber conversion solutions include OG-FiDO2T-12G, a dual-channel 12GSDI to fiber transmitter that supports two independent channels of baseband 12G-SDI to LC fiber up to 10km. The new OG-FiDO-T-12G-ST supports single-channel 12G-SDI to fiber conversion over ST.
The AMX DX-TX-4K60 DXLink 4K60 HDMI Transmitter Module is a 4K60 4:4:4 capable distance transport solution with support for HDMI 2.0 and HDCP 2.2. It transmits audio, video, control, Ethernet, and USB 2.0 over one shielded Cat6, Cat6A or Cat7 standard twisted pair cable. DXLink 4K60 HDMI Transmitter Modules are perfect for sending HDMI and control signals over long distances to a remote DXLink 4K60 Receiver Module or other compatible AMX Receivers such as the DGX DXLink 4K60 Twisted Pair Input Board. The transmitter’s built-in control ports can be used to control a source device and the ICSLan port provides an IP network access port when used in conjunction with the Enova DGX 100 Series.
The A-Neuvideo ANI-0104POE splits an HDMI [email protected] video signal into a local display plus four additional feeds for remote displays up to 150ft. away on CAT5e/6 cable. The receivers are powered by the base unit on the same twisted pair. It also supports stereo audio and 7.1 channel surround sound. The extender includes surface mounting hardware. There are several versions available providing from 2 to 8 outputs supporting both 1080p and 4K.
The ATEN VE8950/VE8900 Control App is an iOS and Android compatible mobile app that enables mobile control of ATEN’s VE8950 and VE8900 series 4K HDMI over IP extenders. The app was designed to help users instantly switch sources/displays and apply and reschedule profiles for their over IP video extenders. ATEN’s Control App provides direct access to VE Manager, which enables preview, real-time monitoring and control of a user’s video sources from anywhere. Users can track the latest display schedule and system updates and do calendar-based scheduling.
The Atlona Avance Series of HDMI extender kits are the latest generation of HDBaseT extenders for 4K/UHD AV signals. To provide increased performance and reliability, the Avance Series includes key features and technologies to ensure video transmission integrity and quality. The series includes models with a variety of powering and extension distance options plus integration-friendly features. The Avance 4K/ UHD HDMI Extender Kit with Control and Remote Power supports control pass-through and remote power capability. The kit transmits 4K/UHD 60 Hz 4:2:0 video up to 130 feet (40 meters) or 1080p 60 Hz video up to 230 feet (70 meters). In addition to video with embedded multi-channel audio, RS-232 and IR control signals, and remote power from the transmitter to the receiver are supported on the single Category 6/6A cable. EDID filtering and clock stretching ensure video transmission integrity and stable connections. Integrated HDBaseT link test allows quick verification of cable, termination, and link quality. The AT-AVA-EX70C-KIT includes both transmitter and receiver endpoints. Compact enclosures and included brackets allow the devices to be surface mounted in furniture or behind a display. The AT-AVAEX70C-KIT delivers a cost-effective solution for extension of video, audio, control, and receiver power at resolutions up to 4K/UHD.
The Audio Authority HBT200KIT represents a very simple solution for HDMI extension up to 330ft. on one Cat 5 network cable. Handling up to 7.1 channel uncompressed audio, the unit also conveys bi-directional IR and RS-232. The video transmission is uncompressed and the operation is Crestron, AMX, and Control4 compatible. The kit includes one HBT200T Transmitter and one HBT200R Receiver.
The Aurora HTE-TX2 HDBaseT 2.0 transmitter is part of the company’s HT Series with optional Dante/AES67 up to 8 channels for surround sound; it can extend 4K60 4:4:4 & HDR (18Gbps) to 330ft. with unshielded cable. It is also capable of directional USB to provide a choice as to which end of the line will be the sender. Third party control is enabled through the built-in IP port expansion.
Black Box PoE Emerald PE transmitters and receivers for HD KVM enable extension and matrix switching of pixel-perfect HD DVI video (up to 1920×1200 at 60Hz), transparent USB 2.0, and bidirectional analog audio — over a dedicated or existing IP network, or even the internet — between any number of users and computers, servers, or virtual machines. With the new PoE option, Emerald PE devices can be powered over CATx cable via a PoE-capable network switch — and can even serve as a redundant power supply in the event that the power adapter goes down.
The Blackmagic Camera Fiber Converter and Blackmagic Studio Fiber Converter allow video, audio, camera power, talkback and tally to be extended up to 2km on a single SMPTE 311M hybrid electrical and fiber optic cable. The cable includes a 2 way fiber pair, data pair and power pair, along with a central strength member. The Camera Fiber Converter attaches to the back of URSA Mini and URSA Broadcast cameras and it adds standard studio camera controls. Blackmagic also offers a line of mini converters to transmit SDI over fiber that is both economical and reliable.
Crestron DM Lite meets the need for inexpensive signal extension in offices and education environments. Simple to deploy, and available in both 1-gang and standalone boxes, DM Lite products are ideal for basic point-to-point and small auto-switching applications.They can extend 1080p signals up to 70m, and 4K60 4:2:0 signals up to 40m using CAT5e. Transmitters and receivers can be mixed and matched and partnered with popular Crestron HDMI extenders. Transmitters include a USB port to power multi-head or active cables. DM Lite transmitters and receivers are available with and without COM/IR/CEC pass-through.
In July, the DVIGear DVI-7380 DisplayPort Optical Extender debuted. It supports a wide array of signal types, provides long-distance extension over a single fiber cable, and supports up to 8K (UHD) at 30Hz (4:4:4). It supports DisplayPort 1.4 HBR3 signals with data rates up to 8.1Gbps/ channel (32.4Gbps aggregate), resolutions up to 8K/30p, embedded audio, bi-directional IR, RS-232, and two 10/100 BaseT Ethernet ports, using only a single fiber optic cable. It can extend these signals over cable distances of more than 5.0 miles using Single-Mode Fiber and up to 1000 ft. (~ 300 meters) using Multi-Mode Fiber uncompressed. Optical fiber transmission is immune to environmental signal noise, thus providing a low RFI/EMI profile for sensitive applications where security is important.
The Extron DTP3 is a third generation, digital twisted pair solution. The DTP3 T 202 transmitter and DTP3 R 201 receiver work together to extend video, audio, and control up to 330 feet at every video resolution. For maximum image quality and minimal latency, all video signals up to 18 Gbps are transported without compression. DTP3 incorporates advanced features such as 4K/60 @ 4:4:4, HDCP 2.3, and HDR video to let users create sophisticated, yet simple to use systems. The compact enclosure size and flexible remote power capability, from either the transmitter or receiver, make DTP 3 an ideal solution for discreet placement in lecterns, beneath tables, or wherever needed to meet installation requirements. Extron XTP DTP 22 shielded twisted pair cable is strongly recommended for optimal performance.
Guntermann & Drunck (G&D) VisionXS is a line of high-performance KVM extenders with a bandwidth of 10Gb and video transmission for resolutions up to 4K. VisionXS extenders can be combined with G&D’s matrix systems and are fully compatible with existing models. The VisionXS series relies on G&D’s High Dynamic Image Processing; the dual-head modules allow the transmission of two video signals via one transmission cable. Secure and reliable operation is ensured by AES-128 encryption and the regular exchange of security keys. VisionXS KVMs is designed to extend fast videos and frequently changing image content and its compact size makes it well suited for applications where space is a critical factor.
The Hall Technologies Discovery Series offers a cost-effective 4K extension with flexible USB and HDMI capabilities for software video conferencing and audio extraction. These kits were designed specifically to address signal extension for multiple participants in classrooms, huddle spaces, or conference rooms. The series comprises an HDBaseT wall plate transmitter, and receiver kit that pairs natively with soft-codec video conferencing applications such as Zoom, Teams, Skype, WebEx and more for resolutions up to 4K. It pairs readily with USB peripherals including cameras and speakerphones for applications including remote and in-person learning and conferencing. The Discovery Series is available now in both 1 Gang and 2 Gang wall-plate transmitters and pair with a universal Discovery receiver. Hall also offers a US and UK version of the Discovery 2Gang transmitter.
In April, the IHSE Draco tera IP Gateway debuted with the ability to bridge multiple KVM matrices over existing IP networks within buildings, across campuses and between remote corporate offices. It allows users to securely access remote computers and interact in real-time. IHSE’s Secure Core technology prevents direct access to the data within the KVM system from the IP network. This maintains the integrity of the KVM system and is consistent with the IHSE philosophy of secure separation of core matrix and IP networks as an effective countermeasure to potential cyber-attacks.
The KanexPro EXT-4KFIBERPRO HDMI 2.0 extender is designed to extend [email protected] video and HDR up to 984ft. with zero latency on two single mode or two OM3/ OM4 multi-mode fiber cables. It can also be controlled over fiber via bi-directional IR and RS323C. The front panel DIP switch allows SPDIF ports on both the sender and receiver to function as ARC (Audio Return Channel) mode or normal audio support for downstream devices. KanexPro also offers a variety of HDBaseT and wireless extenders.
The Kramer TP-752T and TP-752R form an ultrareach extender pair that allows 1080p (HD) HDMI and RS232 control to reach up to 2000ft. on any 2-wire cable. Connector options include terminal block, RJ-45 and VGA. The transmitter has an active, reclocking HDMI output loop port for cascaded signal extenders or distributors, or local signal monitoring while the receiver features audio de-embedding. This product is part of a vast selection of Kramer extenders in 1080p and 4K via fiber, HDBaseT and more.
In March Lightware announced that the company’s new Lightware TPX devices would be based on Semtech’s AVXT technology. TPX extenders allow for HDMI 2.0 signal management over a single CATx cable with HDCP 2.3 and Dolby Vision support, while also providing compatibility with Software Defined Video over Ethernet (SDVoE) endpoints connected point-to-point. The TPX extenders are Lightware’s first AVXT-based devices and extend signals over a single CATx cable (up to 100 meters), allow fan-less, passive cooling and include EDID management. AVXT enables the extenders to output audio on the transmitter side to send it directly to audio systems as well as support bidirectional remote powering.
Matrox Extio 3 Series KVM extenders securely carry a single 4Kp60 4:4:4 video signal—or four 1080p60 4:4:4 signals— along with keyboard, mouse, stereo audio, and USB 2.0 over standard Gigabit Ethernet at low bit rates. They allow users to instantly switch to any system on the KVM network. Extio 3 provides a secondary H.264 proxy video stream, compatible with H.264 software and hardware decoders, enabling users to view a selected desktop on mobile devices, record it to a network attached storage or to display it on a video wall. Last year, Matrox rolled out private wide-area network (WAN) support. This new mode of operation enables organizations to introduce new remote work and collaborative workflow infrastructures by allowing users to access, share, and control any centralized workstation located in another building or city. In March, a four-tiled view feature debuted, enabling users to access remote workspace configurations across a variety of layouts. Users can visualize information from up to eight systems across a dual-monitor workspace.
The MuxLab 500763-TX extends HDMI signals up to 330ft. at up to 4K @ 30Hz resolution on Cat5e/6 and along with the Muxlab 500762-RX Receiver supports point-to-point, point-to-multipoint and multipoint-to-multipoint configurations, video wall and multiview capabilities. Also carried are RS232 and directional IR control as well as two-channel embedded audio.
The Opticis DPFX-300-TR extends DisplayPort 1.2 signal up to 200m (656feet) and transmits 4K UHD (4096×2160) at 60Hz over one(1) LC multi-mode fiber(OM3). Leading-edge technology of Opticis allows long distance transmission of 4K signal without any video/audio degradation. DPFX-300-TR is designed compact enough to be fitted into various installation environments. It gives slim, light, easy installation with perfect electrical isolation, but without electrical hazard and interference. Between Transmitter (DPFX-300-Tx) and receiver (DPFX300-Rx), pure fiber connection by single LC fiber connector gives clean, secure and easy installation. DPFX-300-TR can be operated by USB power without external DC power adapter with plugging micro USB(DPFX-300 module side) – USB (source/display devices side) cable which is supplied in the shipping group.
The Purelink HOF 2.0 Tx/Rx provides long-distance distribution of 4K/60 video, audio, and control signals over fiber. Ultra HD/4K, HDMI 2.0 (18G), embedded audio, RS-232, and bi-directional IR are all supported over distances up to 3,300 ft. using PureLink’s TOTALWIRE LC-terminated fiber optic cables. Features include real-time auto-EDID management and support for Dolby Atmos, DTS-HD Master Audio and LPCM 2/5.1/7.1.
The ultra-thin RTI VXT-LR is a long reach HDBT video extender set which contains a VXT-LRT transmitter and a VXT-LRR receiver. Compliant with HDMI1.4 and HDCP2.2, it is capable of transmitting high-definition video signals up to [email protected] Designed with support for HDBT2.0 it enables 100m (max) 4K transmission and 150m 1080p transmission as well as RS-232 and IR control signals via single Cat5e/Cat6 cable. Four Ethernet ports enable network switch capability. The pair supports CEC and ARC.
The SmartAVI HDX-Ultimate extends ultra-HD 4K resolution video up to 450ft. on a single CAT5e cable and it has PoE capability. Either unit can be powered from the other. The HDX Ultimate works with SmartAVI matrixes to offer a range of extended routing solutions. There are LED status indicators and bidirectional IR and RS-232 control. SnapAV’s Binary 560 Series 4K HDR HDBaseT Long Range Extender carries up to 18Gbps of virtually lossless ([email protected] 4:4:4) video along with bidirectional IR and RS-232 for long distances. It also supports 2-channel PCM, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Atmos, DTS, DTS-HD Master Audio and DTS-X. A front panel DIP switch provides control for different modes of operation.
The TEKVOX Camera Extender Set improves the capabilities of HDMI cameras in classrooms, auditoriums, lecture halls, and conference centers facilitating distance engagement. The Camera Extender Set allows integrators to mount an HDMI camera anywhere, without needing an AC outlet at the camera. Using a single CAT cable, the 79086S transports 4K video, bi-directional LAN and RS232, and 2.5A of 12V power to drive a camera at the far-end. A single outlet at the receiver-end can power the transmitter, receiver, and camera, eliminating the need for a far-end outlet. The 79086S Camera Extender Set streamlines the installation of HDMI cameras by offering greater freedom of placement, resulting in an enhanced user experience without sacrificing the advanced functionality of a 4K HDBaseT extender pair.
Among the wide variety of signal extension products, is the Thinklogical TLX video extension system. Through its HDMI 1.4 and DisplayPort 1.2 connectors, it provides support for up to [email protected] video and full duplex stereo audio, RS232 and 10/100/1000 Ethernet. The TLX system can transmit embedded audio and de-embed it at the receiver. There is a local monitor output and an Ethernet port for configuration and updates. The extenders can be used with the TLX non-blocking matrix switchers with capacities of 12 to 640 ports.
Last year, the ZeeVee ZyPer4K-XS joined the uncompressed SDVoE ZyPer family. The smaller footprint encoder and decoder models bring the performance and reliability of SDVoE and AVoIP signal distribution solutions to space-constrained and noise-sensitive environments for corporate, higher education, performing arts, yacht and government applications, among others. The ZyPer4K-XS platform allows for the distribution and switching of uncompressed 720p, 1080p HD, Ultra HD and 4K resolution content, audio and control via off-the-shelf 10Gb Ethernet switches. Its IPbased architecture enables the switching from one source to another without any frame loss – even at 4K resolutions. It also offer a 1GB utility port and USB human interface device class (USB HID) support for devices such as keyboards, mice, game controllers and alphanumeric displays.
The Zigen ZIG-POEPRO-100A long-distance 4K/60Hz 4:4:4 HDMI extender conveys HDMI over a single UTP/STP with bidirectional RS-232 and IR. The transmitter will safely detect, classify, and provide 48V up to 25W power to the receiver connected to the HDBaseT port. The link is continuously monitored for any fault or overloading conditions and the current is limited to avoid hazardous conditions.
