As versatile and flexible as digital video and sound are, the weakest link in those technologies has been the one that carries them over long distances. While such signals in analog form had the advantage here, their other limitations made it more than worthwhile to develop digital signal extension capability, using fiber optics, AVoIP, and HDBaseT. These appeared first as add-ons to existing hardware and were then phased in as an integral feature in signal device design.
KVM has always been a primary application for extenders. With the combination of features such as single, dual, or quad monitor configurations and enhanced transparent USB capability, the Adder Technology XD C650 is the newest model in the XD 600 series. The ability to use CATx or fiber links provides extension distance to nearly 2.5 miles.
The AJA Video Systems HA5-Fiber converts an HDMI input signal to 3G-SDI and sends it down single mode fiber at an ST-style fiber connector. This, along with 8-channel sound, can travel over six miles. The design also offers EDID emulation, simple frame rate conversion, and an additional 2-Channel RCA style analog audio input. The housing is hand-sized and can fit behind a display monitor.
One of the most useful features of modern extender technology is the ability to go beyond video and sound to include control data, and the A-NeuVideo ANI-FIBER-F02P supports bidirectional IR control and RS-232 signal pass-through. Video resolution can go up to 4K2K@60Hz 4:4:4 with a range of 3300ft. on single mode fiber and 1000ft. on multi-mode.
Another strong contender in the KVM extension marketplace is the Apantac Mazama HDM2.0-FIB-II-HID-SM single-mode fiber model. It has a ten-mile reach for HDMI 2.0 along with USB 1.1, CEC, RS-232 transfer, and 38KHz frequency IR control. On sound, it supports multi-channel PCM, Dolby True-HD, and DTS HD master audio. Video resolution capability includes 4096×2160@60Hz 8-bit (4:4:4) and 3840×2160@60Hz 8-bit (4:4:4).
Based on HDBaseT, one of the most significant advances in signal extension, the ATEN VE1843 takes 4K HDMI signals over 300ft. with full range IR, bi-directional RS-232, GB Ethernet, independent stereo audio, and USB 2.0. This model also provides HDMI audio embedding/de-embedding functions, HDR, HDR+, Dolby Vision support, and it allows extension of video resolution up to 4096×2160@60Hz (4:4:4).
When all that is needed is addition of USB extension capability, the Atlona AT-USBEX350-WPH-KIT is a match for the job. Supporting USB 3.2 Gen 1 data rates up to 5 Gbps and USB 2.0 data rates up to 480 Mbps, the unit extends USB up to 330ft. This model consists of a host transmitter endpoint with a USB-C host connection and a device endpoint with three USB-A and one USB-C ports for connection to a range of devices.
HDBaseT also provides the foundation for the Aurora HT-TC1-PRO, which can be set to function either as a transmitter or receiver. Complete with a Dante option for 2 or 8 channels, the device has also implemented an ARC (Audio Return Channel) capability. It can transmit uncompressed 4K60 4:4:4 18Gbps HDMI 2.0/HDCP2.2 330ft. over a single unshielded CAT cable. There is also an integrated web server and many other features.
The Black Box KVX Series broadens the reach of KVM signals via fiber up to more than 18 miles with RS-232, USB 2.0, and video resolution up to 3840×2160 at 30Hz. Included is bi-directional audio via speaker/microphone connection. EDID signals pass-through, and a video loopback connection allows local source monitoring. PC connection cables are included.
Among the carrier options for extension of high-resolution video and accompanying signals is coaxial cable, and the Bluestream CEX4K-KIT runs 4K 60Hz 4:4:4 video, bi-directional IR control with Blustream IR receiver and emitter included, as well as PCM 2-channel audio to over 300ft. on 75-ohm coax. Transmitter and receiver units have USB-C ports for firmware upgrades.
Active cable is the most basic way to boost digital HD signals, which the C2G Plus Series Active High Speed HDMI Cable does while conveying Ethernet signals as well. These cables work with CEC control extension and 32-channel audio. Gold-plated connectors aid signal conductivity, and the CL3-rated cable jacket is suitable for in-wall installations.
The CE Labs UHX120M extends HDMI at 3840×2160 resolution with bidirectional IR and RS232 up to 394ft. using HDBaseT over CAT5e/6 cable. There is audio support for LPCM 7.1, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD MA, and Dolby Digital. IR connections are on 3.5mm mini while the power is 24VDC/1A, using a 2.1 mm connector with a lock ring.
A very versatile application for signal extension is the Crestron HD-RXU-4KZ-202 which is equipped with an HDMI input and one DM Lite input with automatic switching capability between them. There are two HDMI outputs and the device offers 5K Ultra-Wide 5120×2160 and 5K Super-Wide 5120×1440 video resolutions along with USB extension. The integrated web server allows unit configuration and management.
For long reach and high interference immunity in mission-critical environments, a fiber solution is needed. The DVIGear Hyperlight Active Optical Cable is a good response using its plenum-rated plastic optical fibers (POF). The TAA-compliant cabling supports video resolutions up to 8K in cable runs as long as 328 ft. The cables are available in a variety of lengths and connectors.
The Evertz AV EV-RS4K-2/EVTS4K-2 HDBaseT receiver/transmitter pair can be powered from either end on PoE but either can be locally powered on its own supply instead. IR pass-through allows display and source to be controlled from either end and RS-232 pass-through allows control and firmware upgrades over the line. A very wide array of HDMI video resolutions is supported
Another strong contender in the active optical cable market is the Extron USBC ProMax Series USB-C 20 Gbps Optical Cable. This type can convey resolutions to 8K and deliver bidirectional USB data and power up to 100W. It is able to carry 8K video over four high-speed lanes for a total of 32.4Gbps or 8.1Gbps per lane. Gold-plated contacts make these cables first-class.
The G&D VisionXS-IP-CON-2F(S)- DP-HR-DT 2.0 is available in several variants and is capable of extending DisplayPort video, USB, and keyboard over fiber with two outputs, along with a single IP network output. The unit will accept additional USB and analog output on a front panel mini jack input port. All of these signals can be sent up to 6.2 miles.
The versatile Gefen GF-HDK18G-VIPRX can work with senders in either a basic extension mode or serve as a virtual matrix KVM switch system. This device allows signals such as 4K 60Hz 4:4:4 HDMI video, audio, RS232, IR, and USB signals to be run up to 330ft. It can function as part of a flexible and scalable AV over IP system.
A member of the MaxColor Series of extender models, the Just Add Power Maxcolor MC-USB is a USB 2.0 over IP encoder/ decoder. It works on a Gigabit Ethernet LAN port to provide remote access to a keyboard, mouse, touchscreen, gaming controller, joystick, or webcam by any computer on the system. It can also work with touchscreens, PTZ camera control devices, and microphones.
Signals including 4K30/1080p HDMI video and eARC/ARC, bi-directional IR, RS-232, and 24V power can be run to nearly 330ft. using the KanexPro EXTHD4KEARC-70M HDBaseT 3.0 extender set. Among other advantages, this facilitates return of the audio from a remote TV to a local AV receiver without requiring a separate cable. Full HD audio pass-through supports LPCM, Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD, DTS:X, DTS-HD Master Audio, and DSD (Direct Stream Digital).
The Kramer Electronics 613R/T transmitter-receiver pair provides a very simple and space-saving way of extending 3G HD-SDI by interfacing the coax lines with single-mode fiber. This video can go up to 18.6 miles at 1080p using Kramer’s equalization and patented re–Klocking technology. Included are two power supplies.
Versatility reigns in the Lightware DCX-3×1-TPN-TX10 USB Type-C and HDMI transmitter switcher, which accepts a USB-C and two HDMI inputs, and in addition to source switching it operates as part of a unified SDVoE system with transmission of USB-C, HDMI, embedded audio, Ethernet, and RS-232 in the TPN ecosystem over IP networks. There are also direct HDMI and analog audio outputs.
For 5K HDMI extension on IP networks, the Matrox Avio 2 IP KVM extender provides 5Kp60 4:4:4 video with zero latency over dual 10Gb Ethernet, and each unit can be configured as either a transmitter or receiver. Connectivity choices include fiber or copper (1G or 10GB SFP). Optionally, an RJ45 control port with PoE+ is available. For secure transfer, AES 128-bit encryption is supported for audio, video, and USB.
Opticis HDFC-200P HDMI 2.0 Active Optical Cable extends a 4K(4096×2160) at 60Hz signal up to 328ft. on plenum graded (or LSZH) hybrid cable without signal compression or any external power required. HDR compatible at 10- bit and 12-bit speeds, it operates with CEC, and HDCP 2.2. Its below 0.45W power consumption and very small diameter provide a range of applications and ease installation.
Often, a complete set with transmitter, receiver, and a wall plate interface is the best application, and the PureLink VIP-EXT-T400-2 has exactly that. Extending 4K60 4:4:4 HDR video, HD Audio, USB, and control signals up to 394ft on Cat6a point-to-point, or 788ft. over IP Networks, the system includes wall plate interfaces. These provide connection points and operational controls. Simple video line amp functionality is the mission of the tiny RDL TXVLA1 that runs on AC or 24VDC power, takes the NTSC or PAL video signal in on BNC, provides manual gain and EQ controls, and outputs the boosted signal on BNC. A small fault LED illuminates to indicate any problem with the incoming video signal. This device is small enough to hide virtually anywhere and feed long video lines.
The RGB Spectrum CAT-Linx 3 signal extender sends HD signals up to 330ft. over conventional CAT 6/7 cable along with USB for KVM remote control. Its system can handle video up to 4K 60Hz, 4:4:4 chroma, and HDR 10, at data rates up to 18Gbps. It can also provide embedded multi-channel audio support and audio pass-through over category cable. It allows automatic EDID management and IR/ serial control of remote devices.
To send 4K HDCP 2.2 HDMI video over a 1GB IP network to multiple endpoints, the RTI VIP-UHD-TX transmitter can be powered by PoE from a network switch or from a local power supply. Through this unit, bidirectional IR, RS-232, and USB/KVM can reach up to 328ft. This unit also features analog audio embedding and breakout.
KVM extension over IP networks and matrix switching are combined in the Smart-AVI P2PKVM Series devices. Compatible with HDMI, DVI-D, and DisplayPort in single and dual head modes it conveys video resolutions to 3840×2160 at 30Hz, USB KVM emulation, and USB 2.0 support with audio. These models work in gigabit networks over copper or fiber lines, and they are managed using the Savigate P2PKVM Series Manager platform.
The Snap One Binary B-260-ARC audio return extender for HDMI ARC and S/PDIF takes the sound portion of a remote display’s content and sends it back for use in a centralized sound system. The signal can be carried as far as 230ft, and the mode can be set with a simple DIP switch on the housing. This unit can run on HDMI, USB, or 110V power.
Designed to support dual DisplayPort 1.2 displays up to 4096×2160/60Hz or dual HDMI 1.4 displays up to 3840×2160/30Hz, the Thinklogical TLX40 includes a very wide range of signal support, including full duplex stereo audio, USB 2.0, USB HID, 10/100 Ethernet, and RS-232 on Ethernet and fiber. There are multiple fiber connections, analog audio line/mic inputs, line out, and video loop out ports.
The tvOne MG-FB-61x is a transmitter and receiver kit that extends 4K60 4:4:4 HDMI 2.0 video up to 984ft on single-mode or multi-mode LC fiber. It also supports bidirectional RS232, IR, Audio Return Channel, CEC, and EDID pass-through. Its RF and EMC immunity ensure clear communication in interference-prone environments. The kit includes rack mounting ears and locking power supply connectors.
Taking advantage of USB bus power, the Vaddio (Legrand) 440-1005-008 USB Active Cable transports USB 3.1 (gen 1), 3.0, 2.0, and 1.1 with repeater hubs. The ends of the 26.25ft. cable are terminated with a Type A male connector at one end and a Type B male connector at the other. This is one product in a wide array of lengths and connector types available from the company.
When addition of USB extension is all that’s needed for webcams, keyboards, mice, and storage devices, the Vanco EVEXUSB32 this and VBUS, FSYNC, and RS232 pass-through as well. Capable of 5Gbps data transfer up to 328ft on HDBaseT, the system has one USB-C port on the transmitter with one USB-C port and three USB-A ports on the receiver. PoH lets the system be powered from either end.
Among the prominent USB extension systems is the WyreStorm EX100-USB3 HDBaseT extender for USB 3.2 with data transfer speed up to 5Gbps and PoH+ (Power over HDBaseT) support. There are four USB A ports and the RJ-45 for HDBaseT. Power of 25.5W is available to all connected peripherals and the 20VDC 3A power supply is included.
The Zigen ZIG-HVX-100R can be used with any standard HDBaseT transmitter to receive up to 10.2-GBPS maximum throughput HDMI 1.4 4096×2160 @ 24Hz and embedded audio in addition to bi-directional RS-232 and IR signals on one CAT 5/6 line. This model supports dual voltage IR 5V/12V, CEC pass-through, autonomous EDID management, and HDR. On sound there is support for Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus, and DTS HD-Master for 7.1 surround.
