Your browser is out-of-date!

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

×

Tech Showcase: Signal Distribution

The digital environment has presented several challenges in routing and distributing signals including copy protection, signal resolution, and cable/performance distances.

Signal Distribution

Oct 14, 2014 10:38 PM, By Christopher Maione, CTS-D, DSCE, DMC-D

This month, we take a look at a variety of new and interesting hardware solutions for moving digital signals (usually HDMI) throughout the AV environment. The digital environment has presented several challenges in routing and distributing signals including HDCP (copy protection), signal resolution, and cable/performance distances—just to mention a few. Below are some new products that take on the challenge of digital routing and distribution.

Altinex Muse HDMI+ Power+IR

The Muse HDMI+Power+IR from Altinex includes the MU400-111 transmitter and the MU500-112 receiver. This combination provides the ability to power a display with up to 150W of power and carry HDMI, RS-232, and IR control signals up to 300ft. over a single, low-voltage, unshielded Cat-6 cable. The MU400-111 transmitter’s output is monitored for power consumption and when power is exceeded, the output is turned off to protect the system. Muse is designed to withstand direct shorts both on the low- and high-voltage sides. The system enables AV integrators to eliminate the worry of electrical outlet placement.

Atlona AT-UHD-SYNC

Offering AV integrators the industry’s first 4K-capable device for testing and resolving HDMI signal pass problems between sources and displays, Atlona introduced the AT-UHD-SYNC, a palm-sized, USB-powered 4K HDMI emulator and tester. The UHD-SYNC can also regenerate the signal from an HDMI 1.2 source, typically a cable set-top box, enabling it to be used with components and displays equipped with newer HDMI 1.3 or 1.4 technology, including Ultra HDTVs. Equipped with LEDs to indicate the presence and state of 5V, hot plug, and HDCP signals, the UHD-SYNC also has a built-in EDID emulator to ensure the source delivers a suitable signal to the display.

Black Box XR DVI-D

The XR DVI-D extender with audio, RS-232, and HDCP from Black Box uses a single Cat-5e/6/7 run to extend DVI-D video plus audio, as well as RS-232 and HDCP signals to the remote screen. According to the company, it distributes signal farther than standard DVI cabling—up to 330ft. (100 meters), depending on cable quality. It supports resolutions up to 1080p (HDTV) or 1920×1200 (VESA) and enables flexible screen location without compromising video quality. Because audio is integrated into the Cat-X cable extension, you don’t need a separate cable to transmit audio. With bidirectional RS-232 control, you can use serial commands from a PC to control RS-232 equipment or turn a remote screen on and off to save energy in your video application.

CE labsHA4-4K

CE labs HX1K-3

CE labs has four innovative solutions for signal distribution including the HA4-4K, which offers one in, four out ultra-high-definition distribution amplifier that distributes one ultra-high-definition source to multiple displays. It supports video resolutions up to 4Kx2K@60Hz, 4:2:0 pixel, 1080p@60Hz, 12-bit, or 720p/1080i@120Hz, 12-bit. The HA8-4K offers a one in, eight out ultrahigh- definition distribution amplifier that distributes one ultra-high-definition source to multiple displays. It supports video resolutions up to 4Kx2K@60Hz, 4:2:0 pixel, 1080p@60Hz, 12-bit, or 720p/1080i@120Hz, 12-bit. The HM1CK-3 is part of the CE labs HDMI UTP extender series. Using HDBaseT technology, it extends HDMI signals up to 328ft. (Cat-5e/6/7) at 4Kx2K and 1080p/60Hz/48 bit. Also part of the HDMI UTP series, the HX1K-3 uses HDBaseT technology to extend HDMI signals up to 328ft. (Cat-5e/6/6a/7) at 4Kx2K and 1080p/60Hz/48 bit.

1 23Next

Signal Distribution

Oct 14, 2014 10:38 PM, By Christopher Maione, CTS-D, DSCE, DMC-D

Crestron USB-EXT-DM

Crestron DMC-STR

Crestron DM-RMC-4K- 100-C-1G

The USB-EXT-DM from Crestron distributes USB over Ethernet, connecting any peripheral to any host. It delivers reliable, high-speed USB extension and routing with or without a DigitalMedia system. The DMC-STR is an input card designed for use with any card-based Crestron DigitalMedia switcher. Its streaming input receives a single H.264 video stream over an IP network from another DM switcher, an IP camera, or a streaming server. High-performance H.264 streaming capability enables enterprise-wide distribution of HD content over an IP network. The DM-RMC- 4K-100 -C-1G installs in a single-gang electrical box to provide a convenient and cost-effective interface solution for a single display device as part of a complete Crestron DigitalMedia system. It functions as a DM 8G+ receiver and control interface, providing a single HDMI output along with RS-232 and IR control ports.

DVIGear DVI-7525

DVIGear’s new DVI-7520 and DVI-7525 are HDBaseT extenders that deliver a value for system designers and AV integrators who demand high-end features at reasonable price points. These new units provide the full pallet of HDBaseT features including support for 4K resolution and power over HDBaseT (POH).

Extron USB Extender Plus T

The Extron USB Extender Plus extends signals from USB peripheral devices located up to 330ft. away from the host computer using a single Cat-X cable. The extender supports USB 3.0, 2.0, 1.1, and 1.0 devices with data rates up to 480Mbps. Direct connection of USB peripherals to a remote host eliminates the need for additional IP network drops, equipment, software, or drivers. For streamlined integration, the transmitter includes USB peripheral emulation that supports trouble-free booting of the host. Also, the receiver features an integrated four port hub with 5V, 500mA available on each port to power attached devices.

Gefen EXT-DVIKVM-LAN- L

Using DVI KVM over IP with local output, Gefen’s EXT-DVIKVM-LAN-L allows workstation access from anywhere on a Gigabit LAN. The sender delivers high-resolution DVI video with four USB peripherals, analog stereo audio, and RS-232 control to the receiver unit, which connects to the KVM workstation. Each sender and receiver can connect to the LAN with one Cat-5 cable up to 100 meters in length on both sender and receiver sides. It supports multiple sender and receiver units on the same LAN.

Hall Research UHBX-3S

Hall Research UH1BT-R

Hall Research UHBX-R

The UHBX-3S is an HDMI- 1.4-compliant splitter from Hall Research with one local HDMI output and three HDBaseT outputs for transmission over one Cat-6 cable to a compatible receiver up to 150 meters. The splitter supports HDCP, 3D, deep color, and 4Kx2K resolution. EDID management is integrated into the unit with a USB port so advanced users can download and/or upload EDID data to and from the device. The unit provides a single RS-232 connector that can be used to receive or send commands to remote projectors or screens that feature RS-232 interface. The UHBX-3S provides convenient LED status indicators for all HDBaseT connections to quickly verify proper operation. Compatible receivers include the economical UH-1BT-R for HDMI only, or UHBX-R that supports RS-232, PoH, and Long Reach modes.

Previous1 2 3Next

Signal Distribution

Oct 14, 2014 10:38 PM, By Christopher Maione, CTS-D, DSCE, DMC-D

Lightware Visual Engineering 25G Hybrid

Lightware Visual Engineering has announced that the 25G Hybrid 80×80 digital matrix switcher is now available. Designed for exceptionally high-resolution image quality and 24/7 reliability, 25G Hybrid technology sets a new standard in the pro AV industry. More than just a switcher, the 25G Hybrid is a complete source that manages and distributes all digital and analog signals over a single Cat-5 cable or fiber via specially developed input/output cards combined with audio add-ons. As a comprehensive line of digital matrix switchers, transmitters, and receivers, 25G Hybrid combines switching with a powerful suite of diagnostic tools for the digital age, delivering a superior user experience for yachts, corporate infrastructure, government data centers, and university infrastructures.

PESA Xstream C22

The PESA Xstream C22 compact streaming system can be configured as a two-port video encoder or two-port decoder, or can include one of each. It includes HDMI, coax, and Ethernet video inputs, and optional SFP modules allow multiple configurations for expanded connectivity. The C22 also supports two external audio sources, which can be synchronized to either or both video streams. Multiple C22 units can be used to allow AV professionals to compress, stream, and share high-quality content between locations and enable streaming in existing video distribution.

Riedel CommunicationsMediorNet

The MediorNet family of real-time networks from Riedel Communications has been expanded with the addition of the 2RU large-scale MediorNet MetroN core router. In enabling Riedel’s acclaimed networked approach to signal distribution and routing, the new MediorNet MetroN provides a real-time routing capacity of up to 64x10G ports, each. With these capabilities, the new frame can function within a larger MediorNet installation, interfacing with other MediorNet frames via fiber.

Christopher Maione is a recognized leader and expert in the AV industry with more than 28 years of AV expertise. His forward-thinking and progressive approach to business led him to found and become the managing partner of one of the world’s leading AV consulting firms, earning the company accolades as a leader in AV solutions and technologies. Maione now focuses on two areas: representing the end-user on large-scale AV projects and helping companies grow their business within the AV market. He assists his clients on identify strategic ways of handling clients, products, services, and projects. Maione has a talent for forecasting trends and identifying emerging technologies that substantially impact the AV industry. Well versed in all aspects of AV, IT, integrated technologies, AV industry standards, green AV, and best practices and protocols, Maione is an adjunct InfoComm faculty member and an accredited CTS RU provider and serves on a variety of key industry standard committees. For more info, contact [email protected] or visit www.chrismaione.com.

More Online

Altinex

www.altinex.com

Atlona

www.atlona.com

Black Box

www.blackbox.com

CE labs

www.celabs.net

Crestron

www.crestron.com

DVIGear

www.dvigear.com

Extron

www.extron.com

Gefen

www.gefen.com

Hall Research

www.hallresearch.com

Lightware Visual Engineering

www.lightware.eu

PESA

www.pesa.com

Riedel Communication

www.riedel.net

Previous12 3

Featured Articles

Close