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Tech Roundup: Cable and Power 2023

The distance limitations of digital video have put new demands on precision cable manufacturing; modern AV circuitry requires increasingly stable and reliable power sources. The devices shown here represent advances in cable and power support for AV transmission and trouble-free delivery, as well as related accessories.

AtlasIED AP Series of IP addressable power conditioners utilize advanced power management, distribution, and monitoring to safeguard connected equipment from RF Interference and unstable AC voltage. Each of the three power conditioners (AP-S158IP, AP-S15HRIP, and AP-S15IP) also feature programmable outlets, a Web-based user interface, and remote monitoring capabilities. With the integrated Webbased interface, dealers can program outlets to sequence on and off individually or in groups; remotely monitor conditions such as voltage, current, temperature, and humidity conditions; and set alarms to alert users when temperature and humidity levels exceed certain parameters or a fault has occurred on the network. An external temperature/humidity probe can be integrated to activate a cooling system if necessary. The new conditioners come in three different form factors, including vertical, and integrate with all AtlasIED racks and complement the Texas Tough line of equipment racks. A removable 2m, 14-gauge IEC power cord with a retainer bracket permits the installer to select the power cord length required for the installation.

The Belden 4K Ultra HD Media Cable is designed for optimal performance in 4K HDBaseT transmission; it can deliver to distances over 100 meters. The compact cable, rated to withstand 45lbs. of pull tension, has a small bend radius and it incorporates a corrugated foil shield and a helical drain. They can be terminated using the Belden REVConnect product line of modular shielded plugs and jacks eliminating the need to separate the bonded pairs.

The ultra-thin (.048mm) Black Box Active Optical Cable product range supports transmission of ultra-high-bandwidth video and audio (including PCM 8-channel, DTS-HD and Dolby Digital True HD surround sound analog). With this triple-shielded, hybrid fiber/ copper cable, users can extend HDMI signals with resolutions up to 4K at 60 Hz 4:4:4 and DisplayPort signals with resolutions up to 8K @ 60 Hz 4:4:4 for more than 200 meters. The cables were designed to provide a simple, time-saving alternative to HDMI/ DP cables or AV extender kits, especially for high-density UHD installations such as digital signage, control room, surveillance, medical optical imaging, video walls, VT, and high-density enterprise applications. Active Optical Cables support HDMI: full 4K UHD resolutions up to 4096 x 2160 at 60 Hz, chroma 4:4:4 with up to 18 Gbps bandwidth; and DisplayPort: full 8K UHD resolutions up to 7680 x 4320 at 60 Hz or 32.4 Gbps. The cables’ hybrid fiber/ copper design allows power to be pulled from the source and transmitted over copper to the display side, with no external power required. Standard lengths are 10, 15, and 30 meters (box) and 50 or 100 meters (spool). The cables are hot-swappable, require no software and are compatible with Black Box and third-party equipment.

In July, C2G announced new options in its family of C2G HDMI dongle adapters: the USB-C to USB-A Dongle Adapter Converter, Mini HDMI to HDMI Dongle Adapter Converter, and Micro HDMI to HDMI Dongle Adapter Converter. These solutions allow users to connect any device outfitted with a USB-A, Mini HDMI, or Micro HDMI port to an existing HDMI cable for easy connection to a display or projector. The new adapters are also available with eyelets, making them fully compatible with C2G’s HDMI AV Adapter Ring and Universal Retractable 4K HDMI Adapter Ring, and all are available with the optional BioCote antimicrobial coating. The adapter rings are color-coded, so users can quickly identify the correct adapter. Other adapters include HDMI-to-DisplayPort, Mini DisplayPort, USB-C, VGA, and Lightning dongle adapters. Adapters can be accessed quickly and reached easily with the customizable integrated pull tab. They can be attached directly to an HDMI cable, or, when attached to the retractable mount, the retractor extends up to 4.9 feet. Custom adapter configurations are also available

The Cleerline SSF CLEERFIBER is a single strand of SSF 50/125/250 μm multimode fiber contained within a 900 μm transparent jacket; it can virtually disappear into any indoor setting. Offering the same strength, safety, and speed of termination as the entire line of SSF fiber optic solutions, Cleerfiber provides signal distribution without the necessity of penetrating walls. SSF Cleerfiber makes it possible to discreetly connect components with a cable that resembles fishing line. Like all SSF cables, Cleerfiber incorporates SSF polymer coating at the glass label for durability and bend-insensitivity. SSF Cleerfiber can be routed and placed along baseboards or ceilings, up walls, or directed anywhere for easy indoor point-to-point cable placement. The cable can be caulked and painted over.

XXDVIGear HyperLight Active Optical Cables (AOC) support both full-size and Mini DisplayPort connections. These cables enable the extension of DisplayPort 1.4 signals with aggregate data rates up to 32.4 Gbps (HBR3) and are HDCP 1.4/2.2 compliant. They support resolutions of 4K / 60Hz (4:4:4) and 8K / 30Hz (4:4:4) with cable lengths up to 100 meters. The cables have low-profile Mini DisplayPort connectors at both ends for direct connection to both Mini-DP sources and displays. Each cable also includes a set of detachable docking plugs that enable direct connection to full-size DisplayPort devices at either side of the cable. The fullsize DisplayPort connectors may be detached, revealing the cable’s cross-sectional area that measures less than 8 mm x 11 mm. A locking pin is included. Constructed using a hybrid design of 4x GOF (Glass Optical Fiber) and 6x copper wires, HyperLight cables are plenum rated, with a minimum bend radius of 35 millimeters. Hyperlight AOCs, also available in HDMI and DVI series, are ultra-reliable cables, are immune to interference from environmental noise with a very low RFI/EMI profile for secure applications.

The Extron USBC Pro 8K Series, active, hybrid optical-copper USB-C cables transmit 8K/30 DisplayPort AV, USB 2.0 data, and power signals simultaneously over distances up to 30 feet (9.1 meters). They support power delivery of up to 60 watts and can draw power from either connected USB device. The ultra-flexible, 0.26” (6.5 mm) thin diameter and narrow bend radius cable construction enable easy installation in tight spaces in popular lengths from 12 feet up to 30 feet (3.6 meters up to 9.1 meters).

The Furman CN-1800S a single rack space device featuring SmartSequencing technology, and with bidirectional communications between multiple units, a primary can control and sequence multiple secondary units. Its RS-232 ports and command sets enable it to be operated through control systems and an optional RS-232-to-Ethernet adapter adds full IP-addressability to the unit, allowing it to be controlled, programmed, and monitored from a smartphone, tablet, PC, or any Web-enabled device. It includes noise filtration, voltage/ surge protection and it provides a total of nine AC outlets. Furman also features the SS-6B-PRO with Extreme Voltage Shutdown (EVS)–a 6-outlet power block that adds EVS to the Furman SS-6B. The unit also delivers EMI/RFI filtration, heavy duty steel construction, and a 15ft. power cord.

Hall Technologies CUSB3V1-AP* is part of Hall’s Javelin range of active optical cables for extending virtually all USB 3.0 and 3.1 Gen1 devices (also USB 2.0 and 2.2 via Windows). Available in lengths of 15, 30, and 50 meters, the CUSBV1-AP cables support transparent extension of USB 3.0 (USB 3.1 Gen1) signals at data rates of up to 5 Gbps. The cables are downward compatible with USB 2.0 and 1.1 devices when used with a PC host. An innovative feature of the new AOC cable is its ability to provide precise and regulated 5-volt power to the remote device. USB 3.0 specification doubles the amount of power that a USB host is required to provide. In the past, a challenging problem with long cables has been the drop in 5v power through the cable, especially with power hungry USB devices. The new Hall Research USB AOC cable boosts the 5v from the host to 12v and then regulates the 12v back down to 5v at the device end.

For a low cost solution to short fiber optic runs Hosa Technology Pro Fiber Optic Cable comes in a variety of lengths from 3 to 30ft., each of which is terminated in Toslink connectors. This plastic optical fiber (POF) cable is designed to interconnect digital audio components and it is compatible with ADAT and all S/PDIF formats, including Dolby Digital and DTS surround. The polished optical terminations provide minimum signal loss and the tough construction will stand up to demanding applications.

The Juice Goose CQ-1520 has 7 AC power outlets on the rear panel with a total rating of 20A. One of these is unswitched and the others are grouped into three power pods of two outputs each. The power pods’ activation can be sequenced and each CQ-1520 unit can be the master or slave in a power sequencing system. Indicator LEDs on the front provide real time monitoring of the processor and sequencing functions.

The Lowell Manufacturing ACSPRSEQ6-2009 rack-mounted power sequencer has nine AC outlets, six of which are switched and three are unswitched. The fourstep sequencer has a screwdriver adjustable delay between steps that can be set between 0.5 and 10 seconds and this can be activated either by a front panel rocker switch or through a rear panel remote control terminal block. The unit includes surge suppression and an alarm interface. The front panel includes LED indicators for power, circuit activation and surge protection.

Middle Atlantic NEXSYS combines power distribution and power backup into a Middle Atlantic NEXSYS comprehensive and cohesive platform, united by design – both internal and external–with both PDUs and UPSs that have a consistent look and are built with the highest quality components. NEXSYS has a broad range of standard features, technologies and form factors for all AV equipment and applications from digital signage to classrooms or stadiums. Every NEXSYS product has surge protection, voltage protection, communications via dry contacts and a 15 Amp and 20 Amp companion.

Nemal Stadium-4 Plenum Cable System was designed as a leap forward in performance and ease of installation for all multi-camera HDTV/ SMPTE cable installations. Significantly, it brings to the market the ability to install HD camera systems in stadiums, houses of worship, and other venues requiring plenum-rated cable without specialized tooling or training. It also offers a substantially lower installed cost than any other currently available alternative. Nemal Stadium-4 plenum cable connects up to 4 HDTV cameras over 1000 meters or more, using a single flexible UL plenum rated cable.

In May, Neutrik announced a dramatic advance to its Neutrik powerCON and speakON product lines. New XX series powerCON blue/grey and speakON 2- and 4-pole cable connectors feature new functionality, easier assembly, improved power handling capabilities, and new certifications to all relevant modern safety standards. Striking new designs feature a unique, two-compound molded housing; color coding on both the housing and the bushing is clearly visible. The housing offers improved ergonomics with slip-proof material. Internally, the connectors feature improved assembly: the strain relief locks with the insert mechanically and aligns with the housing. New two-component rear bushings offer improved kink protection to the associated cable. The powerCON XX series connectors carry IEC EN 60320-1 / UL 60320-1 / CSA C22.2 No. 60320-1 certifications suitable to cordsets and devices certified to IEC 60799, UL817, and IEC / UL 62368-1. Unique to Neutrik, these new powerCON cable connectors are rated for circuit breaking capacity (CBC) when mated to powerCON XX series receptacles NAC3FXXA(B)*. This CBC capability is a breakthrough for powerCON blue/grey connectors which have never before carried this certification

The Opticis DPOC-14N 8K DisplayPort 1.4 Active Optical Cable utilizes new optical engine and manufacturing technology acquired by Opticis. DPOC-14N transmits up to 8K DSC(7680×4320) at 60Hz over Plenum graded, LSZH or TPU. It supports plug and play features since it requires no external power to operate. DPOC-14N is available in popular lengths from 10m up to 100m (32ft up to 328ft).

The Panamax VT4315-PRO has a vertically rack mounted form factor that offers 15A power control with linear noise filtration, automatic voltage monitoring and catastrophic surge protection. The BlueBOLT enabled system enables users to remotely reboot 12 outlets in 8 individually controlled banks as well as monitor energy use, set alerts and program scheduled commands. The outlets are spaced apart to accommodate wall wart DC power transformers, and at 37 inches it fits into most racks 20 RU and up. The VT-EXT12 and VT-EXT16 12 and 16 outlet configurations mount vertically at the back of the rack. The slim design of each unit allows for easy workflow, while clip mounts make for a quick installation. The spacing allows for large transformers, such as wall warts; the 12-inch heavy-duty extension cable – the 15-EXT1 – is designed for extra-large transformer and wall warts. While all Panamax Vertex models can be used as stand-alone Power Distribution Units, when plugged into Panamax and Furman power conditioners they share all the AC line protection and AC line filtering from the power conditioner to distribute protection and performance to extra outlets in the rack.

 

Rose Electronics CrystalLink USB3.1 Active Optical Cable has built-in optics to extend USB up to 300ft. while using USB bus power. The low smoke zero halogen jacket can be run through plenum or floor-to-floor. The three available models include hybrid cable that supports USB3.1 gen 1 / USB 2.0 and provides power through cable, a second model for pure optical cable and a third model that is hybrid with power transmission capability.

The Snap One Binary BX 8K Active HDMI Cables support 8K UHD at 60Hz 4:2:0 and up to 10K at 30 Hz 4:4:4. They also display 4K at 120Hz and 4K at 60Hz 4:4:4, handle transmission speeds up to 48Gbps, and support Dolby ATMOS, DTSX, and HDMI 3D. The cables are designed with zinc alloy connector heads, superior pull and bend strength, and GripTek connectors. Without the need for external power, Snap One says the new active cables create a simpler install. The “gripping” design means 8 pounds of pull force is needed to remove the cable from the HDMI port. All Binary HDMI cables also feature an ultrapliable jacket that ensures flexibility with a tighter bend radius and a low-profile connector

The Snap One WattBox ultra-compact IP Power outlets provide IP power and remote monitoring in the smallest form factor in the industry. This budget-friendly UL listed, single-controlled bank with two outlets is designed to stop service calls with OvrC, SnapAV’s free remote management and servicing system. Through the OvrC dashboard, you can reboot and troubleshoot devices remotely, eliminating unnecessary truck rolls. Software includes scheduling features, notifications, and an end-user app.

SurgeX Squid power includes networked control and analytics of AC and DC, frontend protection with patented Multi-Stage surge suppression technology as well as monitoring and management capabilities. Squid includes two 5-volt USB ports for charging and network troubleshooting, eight outputs, four of which are traditional controlled and monitored IEC receptacles, and four are DC so integrators can eliminate the need for wall warts or a two-box solution. By using a relay-based system, the AC and DC ports can be controlled, the device can be monitored, and can be easily integrated into third-party control systems. Available in three models for (2) 12V, (2) 24V, and a combination of the two, integrators can mount the small device in the rack, behind a flat panel, under a table, or integrated into a table hatch. With built-in autosensing, Squid is also the first SurgeX product with universal compatibility with 120V to 240V. SurgeX Axess ELITE handles tasks such as sequencing, scheduling, autoping, IP Control, monitoring, and management. Squid features built-in diagnostic monitoring, similar to the popular SurgeX enVision. Squid measures electrical parameters, including voltage, current, power, frequency, power factor, and crest factor, and provides timestamped power quality events and internal storage of 30 days’ worth of max/min/average electrical parameters. Squid supports all the leading network security protocols including 802.1x authentication and active directory. Squid is available in three models: 12V, 24V, and a combined 12V and 24V models.

The Tripp Lite OMNI1500LCDT LineInteractive Tower UPS System provides surge suppression and Automatic Voltage Regulation (AVR) circuits continuously regulate brownouts and overvoltages from 92V to 150V back to usable levels while maintaining backup battery power. The back panel has 10 built-in outlets, 5 with full battery backup and surge suppression. The builtin USB port enables optional unattended system shutdown without data loss in case of extended minimum system comes standard with an inputfeed, power distribution boxes and connecting cables.

The tvONE Magenta HDMI 2.0 Active Optical Cable (MG-AOC-66x) supports up to 4K60 4:4:4 with no compression or latency up to 328ft. without the need for external power and is available in UL rated Plenum (CMP). It allows HDCP 2.0 support of bi-directional EDID and HDCP communication using its 4 channel 850nm VCSEL array source. The cable is a hybrid type with OM3 fiber and copper wire.

The versatile Whirlwind PLR Distro series can provide power in a range of connector types and it can be fitted with a custom assortment of input panels, main breaker panels, combo panels, output panels, and power meter/ accessories. The custom-made PLRs are built into a self-contained UL listed enclosure. The PLR-SKB02 puts all of this capability into an SKB waterproof case to make it ready for the road.

The Wyrestorm EXP-CABUSBC-xM is a series of USB-C to C cables transmits AV data over standard copper. USB data is powerfully rated up to Superspeed 20 Gbps for fast file transfers or connecting USB 3.0 equipped devices such as conference cameras. The USB-C to C cable supports Alt-Mode, which allows 4K60 video to be transmitted from USB-C laptops or mobile devices. Integrators can link the cables with a WyreStorm Apollo, Synergy Presentation Switcher or IDB In-Desk-Box. The new EXP-CAB-USBC-xM cables support 100W power delivery.

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