HDBaseT eBook

FROM THE EDITORS OF

a nd

Commercial
INTEGRATOR

HDBaseT:
THE LONG-DISTANCE
SOLUTION
Inside: Learn from FAQs, applications, new products
and case studies highlighting this versatile and
increasingly popular technology.
 ®

Long Lengths Featuring Redmere Technology Perfect for Racks. Up to 40% Smaller Heavy Duty CL2P Plenum Rated
 HDBaseT eBook

A NOTE FROM ROBERT ARCHER

Everything You
MARCH 2014 | [Link] | [Link] Wanted to Know
EH PUBLISHING INC.
111 Speen Street, Ste. 200, P.O. Box 989 ◆ Framingham, MA 01701-2000
About HDBaseT
T: 508.663.1500 ◆ F: 508.663.1599 WELCOME TO CE Pro and Commercial Integra-
[Link] ◆ Twitter: @ce_pro & @CEProBlog
tor’s joint HDBaseT eBook. Perhaps you are already
[Link] ◆ Twitter: @commintegrator
installing integrated systems around HDBaseT, or
ADVERTISING SALES maybe you are considering them the more you
Publisher Ray Lyons, 508.663.1500 ext. 297, rlyons@[Link] hear about this buzz-worthy technology. This fully
Martin Cohn, 508.932.5981, mcohn@[Link] interactive guide to everything HDBaseT features
Shawn Tobin, 508.663.1500, ext. 324, stobin@[Link] videos, slideshows and other enhanced content
Lindsay Gonsiorowski, 508.663.1500 ext. 289, lindsayg@[Link] that is designed to provide the latest news and
Client Services Manager Jeffrey Miller, 508.663.1500 ext. 253, jmiller@[Link] trends that are driving the increasingly popular
Subscription Inquiries 800.315.1578 HDBaseT format.

▷
Click to hear Robert Archer’s introduction
to CE Pro and Commercial Integrator’s
HDBaseT eBook.

The webzine will cover everything from the

basics with stories such as what is HDBaseT 2.0, to
more advanced subjects such as why the technol-
ogy is applicable for installations such as multipoint
CONTENTS
video, and how to test HDBaseT systems.
Supporting these articles is an easy-to-use
6 | HDBaseT 2.0 Specification Released HDBaseT FAQ (frequently asked questions) section,
and a glossary that covers some of the most com-
10 | FAQs and Glossary of Terms monly used terms associated with the format.
In addition, the eBook also includes case studies
16 | Why Installers Should Be Excited plus a comprehensive new products section that
Over HDBaseT 2.0 features the latest equipment from some of the
industry’s top manufacturers to help you with your
20 | POH: You Can Leave the Electrician Behind
HDBaseT-based installations.
21 | ISE 2014: HDBaseT Flat Panels Thank you for reading and interacting with this
special publication.
24 | Case Study: Empire Cinemas
Robert Archer, senior editor CE Pro
28 | Case Study: Vertex Pharmaceuticals
and products editor, Commercial Integrator
32 | Gallery of New HDBaseT Products

[Link] | [Link] HDBaseT eBook 3

 Advertisement

HDMI over UTP 180 Meters Solution

and DisplayPort Video Wall Solution

R014-MTX-VAIR-402
4x2 HDMI Matrix Switcher/Splitter + IR + RS-232 over HDBaseT
designed to work as a switcher/splitter for multiple Audio/Video R06-MST-104-HD
sources and displays. The unit is capable of switching HDMI DisplayPort Multi Stream Transport to 4 HDMI Video Wall split
signals up to 100 meters/330 feet @ 4K using 24 AWG Cat6a cable and transmit DisplayPort signal from 1 source to 4 separate HDMI
among four sources (such as: BluRay player, HD set top boxes, displays video wall, resolution up to 4Kx2K
game systems, etc.) and two 4Kx2K HDMI displays. Works with
three different distance TNT receivers. • Support resolution:
2x2 Landscape - 3840 x 2160 @60Hz
Long Distance Receiver: R014-EXT-VAIR-150S-RX can go up to 2x2 Portrait - 2160x3840 @60Hz
150m/500ft @1080p with 24AWG Cat6/6a Cable 1x4 Portrait - 1920 x 4320 @60Hz
Mid Distance Receiver: R014-EXT-VAIR-RX can go up to 100m/330ft 4x1 Landscape - 7680 x 1080 @60Hz
@4K & 1080p with 24AWG Cat6/6a Cable • DisplayPort 1.2 compatible video card such as AMD ATI HD 7000
Short Distance Receiver: R014-EXT-VAIR-S-RX can go up to Series or later
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capable
Also available 4x4 HDMI Matrix Switcher/Splitter + IR + RS-232 over • HDMI 1080p compatible displays
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R014-EXT-VAIR
HDMI over HDBaseT Extender extends HDMI signal up to 100
meters/330 feet @4K and 1080p over one 24AWG Cat6a cable
with bi-directional IR and full duplex RS232 ports. RS-232 works
with scanner and touch screen control.

Also available shorter distance (R014-EXT-VAIR-S) and longer distance (R014-EXT-VAIR-150S) HDBaseT extender.
 HDBaseT eBook

WHAT IS
HDBaseT 2.0?
The HDBaseT Alliance HDBaseT 2.0 uses HomePlay to bring the power of HDBaseT
to the residential market with plug-and-play ability. by D. Craig MacCormack

THE HDBaseT 2.0 SPECIFICATION video/audio and other time-sensitive ▷ VS2310 - 5Play Gen 2.0 Plus, a high-
has been out since August 2013, but many applications,” says Eyran Lyda, HDBaseT end 5Play chipset that includes native
integrators may still not be familiar with Technical Committee chairperson. USB 2.0 support and inter-device
the specification and its significance. “The HomePlay switch is designed connectivity
The HDBaseT Alliance launched Home- to provide all required services for the ▷ VS2311 - 5Play Gen 2.0 Fiber, which
Play through HDBaseT 2.0, making the multimedia home, such as delivering time introduces HDBaseT over fiber for trans-
latest version of the platform available to sensitive high throughput video, including mission over much longer distances
manufacturers of both consumer electron- 4K, audio and USB to all the rooms in the All the new chips feature enhanced per-
ics and pro A/V. house,” says Lyda. formance and support multiple cable types
The latest feature set, based on the HDBaseT 2.0 adds networking, switch- and interfaces, including HDMI 2.0. n
HDBaseT 5Play capabilities, aims to “make ing and control point capabilities to the
it simpler and more cost-effective for con- physical and data link layers available in the
sumers to turn their entire homes into mul- original set of specifications. It also defines HDBaseT Logo
timedia entertainment centers,” according
to the alliance’s announcement.
point-to-multipoint connectivity, providing
multi-stream support. HDBaseT 1.0 defined
Lowers Integra-
“We want to take the pro A/V benefits and a point-to-point connectivity standard. tors’ ‘Worry Meter’
adapt those to the consumer market,” says HDBaseT 2.0 also “adds inherent sup- Installers have enough problems on
Micha Risling, marketing chairman of the port for USB 2.0, and other native interfac- their mind than to have to worry about
HDBaseT Alliance. The new specifications es which enable manufacturers to remove the compatibility (or incompatibility) of
incorporate the high video quality, reliability multiple interfaces and conversion compo- the products they install in a multiroom
and multiroom support over a single cable nents required for HDBaseT 1.0 products.” A/V setup. That’s the entire goal behind
that are part of HDBaseT 1.0 and combine This signifies a smaller and a simpler-to- HDBaseT since it was first introduced.
them with affordability, elegance and plug- implement switch, which means vendors Cable clutter, cable distance limitation,
and-play capabilities that are must-haves in can produce HDBaseT switches with a proprietary technology, poor video quality
the consumer market, he says. consumer-friendly price tag. and lack of standards are all addressed
HDBaseT 2.0 “defines the required with products that carry the HDBaseT
adaptations across all seven layers of the VALENS RELEASES logo. It means those units have been
Open System Interconnection (OSI) model NEW CHIPSET FOR 2.0 tested and certified to the past, current
to support time-sensitive, high-throughput Valens is the developer of HDBaseT technol- and future HDBaseT specifications.
ogy and founding member of the HDBaseT
Alliance. Its new generation of chipsets is the
basis of with the HDBaseT 2.0 spec.
The Valens Colligo family adds support
for native interfaces such as USB 2.0 and au-
dio interfaces, as well as infrastructures such
as fiber optics, and enables the transmission
of 4K video over longer distances, according The HDBaseT Alliance produced

The Valens Colligo family of chipsets is the

basis of HDBaseT 2.0. Products with the
chip should be out some time in 2014.
to the semiconductor manufacturer.
The Colligo line is composed of several
chipsets. The first three are:
▷ VS2000 - 5Play Gen 2.0
▷ this slick 2-minute animated vid-
eo to push the point home with
integrators about the importance
of the logo on brands they carry.

6 HDBaseT eBook [Link] | [Link]

 Fully Loaded
Introducing HDBaseT Certified Cat 5e and Cat 6
Featuring HDBaseT certiication, Tangle-free box technology, UL Listing and
ETL performance veriication. This is as good as it gets.

Certiied Cat 5e and Cat 6

Isn’t it nice when it just works? We agree. It’s why you
use HDBaseT and why we had our cables certiied. It
comes down to guaranteed performance.

Guaranteed Minimum Performance

1080P Cat 5e 100M

4K Cat 5e 70M

4K Cat 6 100M

REELEX II® Tangle-Free Box Technology

Eliminate snags and get better performance.

UL Listed and ETL Veriied

Protect your clients and safeguard your installations.

Download Our Catalog Where to Buy

HDBaseT Certiied
With cable certiication, you can sleep well knowing your installation is ensured to have full
product interoperability and compliance. Transmit 100m with a single hop and up to 800m with 8

hops. When you need it done right, copper shaven Cat 5e won’t cut it. Welcome to the good stuff.

Tangle-Free Technology Guaranteed Fire-Safety and

A patented cable wind that eliminates
Performance
UL Listed, ETL Veriied and RoHS com-
twists, tangles, snags and overruns.
pliant. We use ame retardant com-
The larger bend radius gives you a
pounds and full spec copper so you
better payout and better cable signal
can be certain your installations are
performance.
safe and perform as advertised.

1521 Pontius Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90025 | 310.444.1950 | [Link] | sales@[Link]

 Advertisement

End-to-end 4K distribution over

HDBaseT® only with DM®

THE ONLY HDBaseT CERTIFIED SYSTEM

DigitalMedia™ (DM®) was the first to adopt HDBaseT®
technology for AV distribution — and it’s still the only end-to-
end system certified by the HDBaseT Alliance. DM features a
full line of transmitters, receivers, and matrix switchers and,
now, offers the first and only complete 4K distribution system.
Get the complete list of HDBaseT certified DM products.

4K TRAINING
Whether supporting the latest high-resolution laptops, such as MacBook® with
Retina® display, or distributing 4K content, only a 4K DigitalMedia™ system can
deliver that today over HDBaseT. But, the greater data and faster signal speeds
associated with 4K present a number of new challenges in designing and engineering
a successful system. Now is the time for you to add 4K system design expertise to
your skill set. If you’re a Crestron dealer or partner get 4K certified today.

LEARN ABOUT 4K DISTRIBUTION RIGHT NOW

4K Ultra HD delivers stunning beauty and resolution. But like most
new technology, it comes with challenges too. Download our free
white paper “Challenges of Distributing 4K Video” to learn everything
you need to know to be successful with 4K signal distribution over
HDBaseT and why DM is the clear leader in 4K distribution systems.

SEEING IS BELIEVING
Attendees and exhibitors alike crowded the Crestron booth
at Integrated Systems Europe 2014 to witness what they
thought did not yet exist: real-time 4K switching, with multiple
sources going through a DM switcher to multiple displays
over HDBaseT. We even showed 4K content downscaled to a
1080p display. Watch our 4K distribution demo now and see
for yourself.
 Don’t Just Hope it works
Know It Works
Compatibility issues between different brands, new cable length limitations, and
mismatched resolutions all have the potential to compromise a 4K distribution system.
You need solid sources and displays that live up to the demands of a distributed 4K
system. So, how do you know which products to trust?

Leave it to the experts at Crestron. Our engineers test 4K sources and displays in our
DigitalMedia™ Lab before issuing the Crestron 4K Certified logo. It’s our guarantee that
components can:

✛ Deliver true 10 Gbit/s data rates to get the signal to its destination
✛ Interface with DigitalMedia to handle cable lengths found in integrated AV systems
✛ Work with other 4K products in a DigitalMedia system

To get the facts about the challenges of 4K distribution

visit [Link]/4K

All brand names, product names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Certain trademarks, registered trademarks, and trade names may be used to refer to either the entities claiming the marks
and names or their products. Crestron disclaims any proprietary interest in the marks and names of others. Crestron is not responsible for errors in typography or photography. ©2014 Crestron Electronics, Inc. AD2014_01
 HDBaseT eBook

THE NITTY-GRITTY
enables and certifies RS-232, IR and Ether-
net. Future-generation plans will include
USB. HDBaseT also allows vendors to send

ABOUT HDBaseT
proprietary controls to be used when their
equipment is on both ends. HDBaseT was
designed to support different types of
Here are 13 frequently asked questions and answers media and controls and it is built into the
technology and the devices.
plus an alphabet soup of associated terminology,
both provided by the HDBaseT Alliance, to get you up 6. What’s HDBaseT Class B? Does it sup-
port the same features? Class B is a class
to speed on this increasingly used technology. defined and certified by HDBaseT Alliance.
This class provides a more cost-effective
solution for industry applications seeking
1. What is the HDBaseT technology? 45 connector. selected HDBaseT functionality at shorter
HDBaseT technology is optimized for In addition, HDBaseT is fully backward distances. It supports transmission
whole-home distribution and can con- compatible with Ethernet protocol, and distances up to 70m/230ft. It does not
nect all the entertainment devices in connected devices can automatically switch support Ethernet functionality. The tech-
the home through its 5Play feature set, to Ethernet communication mode only. nology is capable of delivering a charging
converging uncompressed full HD digital power of up to 100 watts, supplied via the
video, audio, 100BaseT Ethernet, Power 5. What kind of control signals can HD- data cable to the device.
over HDBaseT (POH) and various control BaseT drive? How can you differentiate
signals all through a single 100m/328ft between, for example, Internet signals 7. What is the maximum size of TV that
Cat 5e/6 cable. and audio streaming signals? HDBaseT HDBaseT can power? HDBaseT can power

2. What A/V formats are supported? All

HDMI 1.4 video and audio formats are
supported.
HDBaseT Glossary of Terms
▷ Video: full HD/3D and 2K/4K, CEC, THEY SAY YOU CAN’T TELL the players pressed full HD video, audio, power, and
EDID, HDCP and more. Includes multi- without a scorecard. In the world of HD- control signals over a single 150m/492ft
streaming capabilities. BaseT, it’s the lingo you need a reference Cat 5e/6 cable.
▷ Audio: all standard formats, e.g. card for. To help integrators understand CEC (Consumer Electronics Control)
Dolby Digital, DTS, Dolby TrueHD, DTS the installation directions commonly — An HDMI feature enabling control of
HD-Master Audio, Dolby Pro Logic IIz associated with HDBaseT applications up to 15 CEC-enabled devices connected
7.1/9.1 and more. and equipment, here is a hand reference through HDMI by using one of their
guide of terminology. remote controls.
3. Does HDBaseT travel on an Ethernet 5Play — A feature set of HDBaseT DDC (Display Data Channel) — A collec-
network? No. Although it uses the Ethernet that enables delivering of video, audio, tion of protocols for digital communication
jack (RJ-45), HDBaseT is based on a differ- Ethernet, control signals and power over between a computer display and a graph-
ent protocol that standard Ethernet equip- a single 100m/328ft Cat 5e/6 cable. ics adapter that enables the display to
ment can’t work with. Future generations AFE (Analog Front End) — The analog communicate its supported display modes
of HDBaseT will include HDBaseT switches portion of a circuit that precedes analog- to the adapter and that enables the com-
that will allow HDBaseT networking. to-digital conversion. puter host to adjust monitor parameters,
BER (Bit Error Rate) — The number such as brightness and contrast.
4. Are there special connector or cabling of bit errors divided by the total number DSP (Digital Signal Processing) —
requirements that differ from exist- of transferred bits during a specific time The mathematical manipulation of an
ing Ethernet LAN products? No, this is interval, where bit errors is the number information signal to modify or improve it
what makes HDBaseT unique and easy of received bits over a communication in some way. The goal of DSP is usually to
to deploy. HDBaseT utilizes the existing channel that have been altered due measure, filter and/or compress continu-
Ethernet infrastructure, meaning adopt- to noise, interference, distortion or bit ous real-world analog signals.
ers can use existing Cat 5e/6 LAN cables, synchronization errors. EDID (Extended Display Identifica-
Ethernet in-wall passive connectors and CCTVoC (CCTV over CAT) — Based on tion Data) — A data structure provided by
RJ-45 Ethernet jacks, while electronics HDBaseT technology, delivers uncom- a digital display to describe its capabili-
manufacturers also utilize the existing RJ-

10 HDBaseT eBook [Link] | [Link]

 HDBaseT eBook

any TV that consumes no more than 100 able, all of which can be found on the the professional installers’ community to
watts, making it compatible with most TV certified products list page ([Link]. look for the HDBaseT logo.
sizes on the market. org/products_list). HDBaseT 2.0 products
are due out some time in 2014. 13. Are all HDBaseT certified products
8. Does HDBaseT support 4K? Yes. HDBa- compatible with any/other HDBT certified
seT is the only standard for delivering Ultra product? That should be the case, and this
HD 4K video up to 100m distances.
HDBaseT 2.0 WAS is why the Alliance created the certification
ANNOUNCED IN program. However, keep in mind that with
9. Is there a product certification AUGUST 2013. extending signals, there might be interoper-
program? In June 2011, the Alliance an- ability issues that are not related to
nounced the 1.0 Certification Program. The 11. How can I tell if a product was certi- HDBaseT and were not meant to be identi-
Certification Program provides a set pro- fied? Look for the HDBaseT Logo. Only fied as part of the certification program. HD-
gram for ensuring products are compliant, certified products can carry the HDBaseT BaseT is an important part of the solution,
interoperable and part of an established logo on them. but it is part of the larger whole.
product ecosystem. For example, Vendor A can design certain
12. What does the HDBaset logo indicate RS-232 commands that work only with its
10. Are there certified devices available? when placed on a product? The HDBaseT own products. Vendor B uses different RS-
Yes. Products have gone through thorough logo indicates the product complies with 232 commands and in fact might interpret
testing based on HDBaseT CTS, ensuring they HDBaseT standard for current and future a “power-on” command as a “power-off”
work in accordance to all functionality speci- specifications, is interoperable, and will command. If you connect the two devices
fied in the HDBaseT 1.0 specification and are work with other vendors’ certified prod- using HDBaseT, they will probably not work
interoperable with other HDBaseT products. ucts. It is the Alliance’s priority to encour- properly, just as we understand that the
Since then there have been dozens of age its members to submit their products same issue will occur when the devices are
HDBaseT certified products made avail- to testing and certification, and to educate connected without HDBaseT. n

ties to a video source. and resource sharing. delivery of power to a remote device using
E-EDID (Enhanced EDID) — Introduced MAC Address — A hardware address the same cable lines used to deliver Eth-
EDID structure version 1.3, which supports that uniquely identifies each node of a net- ernet data. This enables a single cable to
multiple extensions blocks and the depre- work, as in IEEE-802 (Ethernet) networks. provide both data and power to devices.
cated EDID version 2.0 structure. The MAC layer interfaces directly with the PoH (Power over HDBaseT) — The
HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Con- network medium. delivery of power from a source to a sink
tent Protection) — An authentication MII (Media Independent Interface) — A device over a standard Cat 5e/6 cable.
system designed to protect copyrighted parallel digital bus used for 10Mbps and PSE (Power Sourcing Equipment) — A
audiovisual content. 100Mbps Ethernet. device that sends power to a PD over an
HPD (Hot Plug Detect) — One of the OSI model (Open Systems Intercon- Ethernet cable.
HDMI control signals. The HPD signal is a nection model) — A conceptual model that RMII (Reduced Media Independent In-
sink device output that is sent toward the characterizes and standardizes the internal terface) — A standard developed to reduce
source, indicating that the sink E-EDID functions of a communications system by the number of signals required to connect
memory is available for reading. partitioning it into abstraction layers. a PHY to a MAC.
I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit) — A two- PAM (Pulse Amplitude Modulation) — RTF (Recognized Testing Facility) — A
wire, low-speed, serial data connection IC A form of signal modulation in which the facility capable of performing HDBaseT
bus used to run signals between integrated message information is encoded in the Compliance Tests for new HDBaseT-en-
circuits, usually on the same board. amplitude of a series of signal pulses. abled devices.
IC — A semiconductor device that PD (Powered Device) — A device that TMDS (Transition Modulated Differential
combines multiple transistors and other receives its power from a PSE over an Signaling) — A technology for transmitting
components and interconnects on a single Ethernet cable. serial data at very high speeds. TMDS is a
piece of semiconductor material. PDIF(Programmable Data Interface) — core technology used in both DVI and HDMI.
LAN (Local Area Network) — A com- A general-purpose interface that serves as UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair cable)
puter network, usually within a single an information pipeline with a predefined — Found in many Ethernet networks and
building, that connects computers, file capacity. telephone systems, UTP cables are the
and mail servers, storage, peripherals and PHY — Physical layer of an OSI model. most common cables used in computer
other devices in a way that enables data PoE (Power over Ethernet) — The networking. n

[Link] | [Link] HDBaseT eBook 11

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Gefen’s Comprehensive Signal

Extension Solutions Have
Evolved Alongside HDBaseT™

G
efen has long been recognized as a leading provider of
innovative add-on solutions that are easy to implement
and simple to operate. Gefen has traditionally been the
first-to-market with scalable solutions that assist both legacy and
cutting-edge audio/video systems. Such is the case with HDBaseT,
a digital connectivity technology that was developed by Valens
Semiconductor. When HDBaseT hit the market in 2010, Gefen was
the first to incorporate this new technology.
The benefits of HDBaseT were many. It allowed the extension of
multiple signals, including HDMI at 1080p Full HD, IR back-channel,
RS-232 and Ethernet using the same CAT-5 cable. Gefen imple-
mented its ELR (Extra Long Range) feature based on HDBaseT as
well as POL (Power Over Line), which eliminates the need to power Gefen featured at the HDBaseT booth at InfoComm 2012.
the receiver at the remote location. Installers were finally able to
streamline their systems and rely on one cable to deliver video, au- HDBaseT CTS (Compliance Test Specification), ensuring it worked
dio, power, data and control. in accordance to all specifications of the HDBaseT 1.0 standard and
was interoperable with other HDBaseT products. All Gefen products
EARLY ADOPTER are guaranteed to pass video, audio, Ethernet, IR and control and
Recognizing the inherent value, Gefen was quick to offer HDBaseT HDCP, at a range up to 150 meters in distance (select models).
solutions that would alleviate common installation problems. HD- Gefen has since developed several other products supporting
BaseT meant no more cutting into the ceiling or walls for an elec- HDBaseT including both extenders and matrixes. As a member of
trical outlet, and no running multiple cables to deliver multiple the HDBaseT Alliance, Gefen is proud to play an integral role in
signals long distance. bringing HDBaseT certified products to market and promoting the
“Gefen has long been a supporter of HDBaseT, and was influen- adoption of HDBaseT across the industry.
tial in bringing this new technology to the professional audio/video
industry,” said Micha Risling, Marketing Chair of the HDBaseT Alli- LOOKING FORWARD
ance and Vice President of Marketing and Business Development at HDBaseT makes it possible to streamline and simplify cabling in
Valens Semiconductor. “Gefen was the first in the world to use the any installation environment when you need to extend high defi-
HDBaseT technology, which has nearly doubled the distance high nition video, audio, control, Ethernet and power.
Gefen delivers many products that utilize HDBaseT including
Gefen’s Extender for modular matrix switchers that enable HDBaseT extension of its
HDMI 1.3 over CAT5 with
Ethernet was the first HDMI outputs.
product passed thorough With 4K Ultra HD content on the horizon, you can be sure Gefen
testing based on HDBaseT is already working closely with Valens Semiconductor on incorpo-
CTS (Compliance Test rating the new and improved HDBaseT 2.0 technology to deliver
Specification).
4K resolutions at even longer distances and to incorporate im-
prove and added functionality to its upcoming products.
definition video can be extended over just one Cat-5 cable.” A highlight from Gefen’s upcoming roadmap should excite in-
Being a pioneer of sorts for the new standard meant that Ge- tegrators. The Ultra HD 4K HDMI ELR Extender over one CAT-5 with
fen had to first decide how the technology would fit into its exist- RS-232, Bi-Directional IR and POL, and the Gefen ToolBox 4K Ultra
ing line-up. HD ELR-POL Extender w/ RS-232 and 2-way IR, will both feature
switchable Extended Range up to 150m. (EXT-UHD-CAT5-ELRPOL
FIRST CERTIFIED and GTB-UHD2IRS-ELRPOL)
The creation of the HDBaseT certification program set the perfect HDBaseT™ is a trademark of the HDBaseT Alliance.
stage for an expanded range of compatible products supporting
HDBaseT to enter the market. In 2011, Gefen announced its first
For more information on Gefen, please visit:
HDBaseT certified product: the Gefen Extender for HDMI 1.3 over
[Link] • [Link] • [Link]
CAT5 with Ethernet. This product passed thorough testing based on
 Advertisement

Aurora Multimedia’s One Room —

One Cable™ Low Cost End-to-End
Room Solution

C
elebrating over 15 Years in business, Aurora Multimedia’s DXE-CAT-RX3 Aurora’s new HDBaseT receiver line adds four mod-
products utilize state-of-the-art technologies, providing els, all incorporating screen/lift control, external audio inputs from
solutions that surpass typical specifications and features. mic/paging systems as well as an audio output. Two models add
Aurora’s HDBaseT video distribution and IP control solutions, a powerful room amplifier as well as an embedded Web Control
have become a dominant force providing solutions for a variety of
global markets including government, education, security, hospi-
tality, corporate and house of worship. Aurora Multimedia manu-
factures all HDBaseT products showcased here in the USA at their
facility in NJ.
Engine for overall system control from any tablet or web-based
THE CONCEPT device. The DXE-CAT-RX3 series puts all this power at the display.
One Room — One Cable™ solution based Perfect for Classroom, Conference room and AV-Cart applications.
products all incorporate HDBaseT
technology at DXB-8 8-button single-gang wall panel has
the core. This two RS232 outputs and mates with Aurora’s
new group of DXW-2 series HDBaseT Wall plates allowing
products brings out the full force of complete room-control over a single um-
Aurora combining the two driving forces of bilical. When used in-conjunction with the
the company: IP Web-Based Control products DXE-CAT-RX3-A, the DXB-8 allows easy & in-
and HD Video Distribution into a single platform. tuitive source selection, display and screen
A typical small conference-room or classroom consists of a pro- control as well as audio volume control
jector, screen, amplifier, computer and video sources. With One through the on-board amplifier.
Room — One Cable™ a single umbilical between the podium/table The DXB-8 can also be used in stand-
and the display is utilized providing all of the HD Video switching alone operation to control a single display
& distribution, projector/screen control, room-volume control & and a video switcher.
speakers.
SKR-22T 2’x2’ Ceiling Tile speaker is a light-
THE COMPONENTS weight, easy-to-install speaker that installs
DXW-2 Aurora’s series of 2-gang Wall-Plates all accept 1-HDMI & into a standard 2’x2’ suspended ceiling grid.
1-VGA video signal with audio allowing new and legacy comput- With the SKR-22T’s technology fewer speakers
ers to be connected. The family consists of three models: DXW-2, are required with even-sound dispersion over a
DXW-2E with Ethernet and DXW-2EU with Ethernet and USB2.0 for wider area. This 35W speaker is equipped with
use with interactive displays. 8ohm/70v and 100v inputs.
Video sources are automatically selected when connected or
via the front-panel buttons as
well as 3rd party control-sys-
tems and passed over a single
cable to a display up to 600ft
away. The Wall-Plates do not
require a power-supply allow-
ing easy connection & quick
installation.

For more information on Aurora Mulitmedia, please visit: [Link]

 HDBaseT eBook

WHY HDBaseT 2.0 IS AWESOME:

USB AND MULTIPOINT
VIDEO DISTRIBUTION
The technology gets even better with the 2.0 spec, supporting
USB streaming and point-to-multipoint video distribution —
with no pricey matrix switch required. by John Nemesh

point-to-point solution. If you want Incompatibilities between different

to take your cable box video and pieces of equipment were bad enough,
send it to multiple screens in the but it was hit or miss if that dual Cat 5
home, you will have to purchase HDMI extender would really work once it
a separate matrix switch. was installed.
Now, with HDBaseT 2.0, you Every manufacturer used different tech-
will simply need an inexpensive switch nologies and chips to extend the signal.
that will distribute your video through- Often, these solutions were lossy, result-
out the home, again using that same Cat ing in errors in transmission that could, at
5e or Cat 6 wire. This should dramati- best, degrade the image; at worst, render
I HAVE SEEN THE FUTURE! Strangely, cally lower the cost to implement video nothing more than a black screen and an
it looks like the plain old Cat 5e and Cat distribution, thereby increasing consum- error message.
6 cables we already know and love. It er interest in video distribution … and
supports HDMI with 3D and resolutions up give dealers yet another money-making
IN THE FUTURE, DISPLAYS
to 4K, and carries Ethernet, IR and RS-232 opportunity.
traffic. I speak, of course, of HDBaseT. Keep in mind that it will be some time
UP TO 40 INCHES COULD
But it gets even better with the recently before we see the HDBaseT 2.0 products BE POWERED DIRECTLY
released HDBaseT 2.0 spec. for sale, as the specification was just re- FROM THE TRANSMITTER
What’s new? USB 2.0 support for one leased in August 2013. It is also unclear as WITH THE CAT 5/6 CABLE
thing. Having an extender with integrated to whether the HDBaseT 2.0 products are POWERING THE TV.
USB 2.0 support means that gamers can backwards compatible with the current
hook up their controllers in the TV room, 1.0 products on the market, but again, It was not uncommon to hear of
while the console is tucked away in a rack we are probably at least a year or two three, four or even five service calls —
on the other side of the home. from seeing 2.0 gear. In any case, the cost diagnosing and troubleshooting HDMI
It means that computer users can have savings that should exist with this system extender problems and swapping out
their noisy and clunky computers stored should compensate somewhat if they hap- different brand extenders, trying to find
in a remote room while keeping their work pen to require new equipment. one that works.
space quiet and tidy. Manufacturers were frustrated as well,
It means you can integrate an Xbox 360 THE BEAUTY OF HDBaseT so much so that Samsung Electronics,
with Kinect without having to buy an addi- So that’s the new and exciting stuff. If you Sony Pictures Entertainment, LG Electron-
tional extender, and without an additional still are not in the HDBaseT game, here’s ics and Valens Semiconductor formed the
run of Cat 5. what you need to know. HDBaseT Alliance to promote the technol-
More significant than USB support is Many integrators still haven’t recovered ogy originally created by Valens.
the support for point-to-multipoint video from the unholy mess that was HDMI in the The result of this was the HDBaseT
distribution, and the addition of HDBaseT early days … and messier still when you 1.0 standard, which was finalized in
2.0 switches. HDBaseT 1.0 is strictly a consider the new HDMI Rev. 2.0. June 2011. Not only was reliable HDMI

16 HDBaseT eBook [Link] | [Link]

 HDBaseT eBook

transmission in the specification, but they cost my company over the past year in
managed to squeeze in 100Mbps Ether- service calls?” JOHN NEMESH is an inside sales rep at
net, along with IR and RS-232 for control, If the answer to that is any money at all, AVAD and has been in custom electronics
as well as providing audio back from the you may want to consider a change. n for more than 20 years.
TV to the AVR with ARC or, in some cases,
Toslink. All over one cable.
Three years later, we have products on Handling 4K Distribution
the market from multiple manufacturers
in multiple product categories — extend-
Using HDBaseT 2.0
ers, TVs, projectors, receivers, switchers — THE TECHNOLOGY LANDSCAPE for video distribution advanced significantly when HDMI
that are all certified to work properly. 2.0 and HDBaseT 2.0 were introduced. But there will still be new challenges for integrators
The specification also allows for up to trying to transmit 4K content over 60Hz.
100 watts of power to be transmitted. For HDMI 2.0 and HDBaseT 2.0 are not fully compatible when it comes to bandwidth. Trans-
now, this simply means that the extenders mitting 4K content over 60Hz requires the “full envelope” of 18Gbps bandwidth in HDMI
need only be powered on the “transmit” 2.0, but HDBaseT 2.0 does not extend beyond the 10.2Gbps bandwidth found in HDMI 1.4.
side. The display side box simply pulls “Clearly, the big word is 4K content over 60Hz, and you will need the entire 18Gbps
its power over the Cat 5/6 cable from the envelope to do that,” says Jeff Boccaccio, president of DPL Labs.
transmitter. There’s not much 4K content at this point, but integrators looking to send HDMI over Cat
In the future, though, displays up to 40 5 using HDBaseT need to check the size of the signal being distributed.
inches could be powered directly from the “HDBaseT does not support the full 18Gbps of HDMI 2.0,” admits Micha Risling, market-
transmitter, with the “receive” side built ing chairman at HDBaseT Alliance. “If we see a need for the full 18Gbps, it will require a
into the set itself. Imagine being able to new chip, and the Alliance has started looking into this solution.”
relocate a customer’s wall-mounted TV There is another potential challenge for integrators with bulky 4K content, even over
anywhere in the home without having to short distances. According to Boccaccio, integrators need to use active HDMI cables vs.
have a line-voltage electrician relocate passive. He advises integrators to move to active cables for any 4K HDMI transmission over
a power outlet! That same Cat 5/6 cable 3 meters or about 10 feet. Of course, active cables are more expensive and require a power
that is carrying the audio and video would source, which will cause some new design and sales challenges for integrators.
be powering the set. “From the experience and testing we have done, I personally believe it is going to be an
Now, while the HDBaseT group has active cable environment in the future,” says Boccaccio.
shown this functionality at various He believes the price for active HDMI cables will plunge as they become more pervasive.
tradeshows, we have yet to see TVs on the “Power is an issue. Watch what they are using. Some [cables] do an amazing job,” noting
market with this feature. Here’s hoping that he has been testing many of the active cables and seen them maintain their efficiency
that this is a temporary situation. with various levels of power provided to the cable.
The HDBaseT Alliance has taken a great “I can’t stress this hard enough. If you don’t know what the products are doing, call
concept, the extension of HDMI over a the manufacturers and find out,” Boccaccio says. “Ask them these questions. If they don’t
Cat 5/6 cable, and standardized it for the know, walk. If they think they don’t know, walk a little faster.” —Jason Knott
industry. They have created a certification
program that ensures interoperability and
performance. They have taken all of the
guesswork out of HDMI extenders for the
integrators, and made sure we have reli-
able equipment that we can specify. The
end result is happier customers, and fewer
service calls.
With the addition of the 2.0 specifica-
tion, they have now standardized resi-
dential video distribution as well. With
more manufacturers getting on board
with HDBaseT, I would recommend that
every integrator familiarize themselves
with this technology. And if you aren’t
using HDBaseT products currently, you ▷ Check out this slideshow of 4K/UHD displays from CES.
might ask yourself this question: “How
much has not using HDBaseT products

[Link] | [Link] HDBaseT eBook 17

 Established 1980

Paving The Way For CE Professionals!

800-844-9555
[Link]
"We've been paving the way for our dealers
to succeed for over 30 years."
At Skywalker, we pride ourselves on our 30+ years of success in the industry. We're a family-owned business that has
built itself on a few simple ideas – offer a great assortment of products, provide the most affordable prices, and deliver
undeniable customer service. These straightforward ideas have allowed us to build long-lasting relationships with our
dealers, who as a result, have their own success.

Over the years the industry has changed alongside technology, and we've changed and adapted along with it. From
our new and more user-friendly website to the sheer accessibility of Skywalker's products and information, our dealers
are able to enjoy the perks of a modern interface with fully-loaded features. We've updated our freight policy and even
developed a new and easy-to-use color-coded system for all of our product categories – the goal being to make
business with Skywalker as simple as possible.

So, if you're considering becoming a dealer with Skywalker, or even if you already are one, you can find comfort in our
established history within the CE Industry. What's more, is that we're still growing – and we have no plans of letting
up. Go ahead, read on and find out what makes Skywalker the ideal distributor for you and your business.

$500 Freight Prepaid

We know how costly freight can affect your business. That's why Skywalker has updated its freight policy to be one of the most
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shipped free with no exclusions!

In By 4p CST Out Same Day

One of our top priorities is that orders are shipped fast… and we mean fast. We know how vital our products are for your business and
how important it is that your order arrives on time. That's why you can bet that for any order placed by 4:00pm CST, we'll be hustling to
get it shipped that same day.

Order Online 24-7-365

Our website has undergone major changes making it one of the best in the industry. The new, user-friendly design offers more fluid
navigation as well as better accessibility to Skywalker's products and information. As always, our dealers can place an online order
anytime – day or night, weekday or weekend. We're not done improving though; we're still looking for ways to make it better. Feedback
from our dealers on how to improve [Link] is always welcome.

200+ Years Expertise

You better believe that a seasoned company in the industry has a veteran staff. Collectively, Skywalker touts over 200 years of
industry expertise. It's that same veteran know-how that has helped us flourish for over 30 years. From our sales staff to our technical
support team, we guarantee that we have the knowledge to direct you and your business towards success.

3,500 Items in Stock

We know it can be frustrating when a distributor doesn't have everything you need. That's why we've gone to extensive lengths to
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3 Full Service Locations

Skywalker is strategically placed in three locations across the US. We're headquartered in O'Fallon, MO, and we also have full service
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 HDBaseT eBook

POH:
NO MORE
ELECTRICIANS
NEEDED?
Power over HDBaseT (POH) seems ready to be a game-changing technology due to
its ability to power televisions over a single Ethernet cable. Like other installations,
however, proper system testing is key. by Jason Knott

ONE OF THE MOST OVERLOOKED others already out there delivering up to on the market designed just for this specific
aspects of HDBaseT might be its ability to 60W per port, enough power for cameras, need. The 780A Test Instrument from Quan-
carry 100W of power over a single Category wireless mesh network access points, tum Data is a battery-powered, portable
5e or Cat 6 cable. remote extenders and small TVs. Devices HDMI video and audio generator and ana-
The technology, which is gaining are currently being designed with POH to lyzer that enables quick, on-site verification
widespread adoption among installers, deliver 100W, which means vendors will testing and troubleshooting of HDBaseT.
promises to transform how televisions are start implementing full POH.
installed by integrators. Second, some integrators, including WHAT TO TEST
Similar to HDMI, the technology allows Derek Flickinger, vice president of R&D for According to this detailed App Note from
for a single cable to be pulled carrying Interactive Homes Inc. in the Philadelphia Quantum Data, there are several tests that
multiple signals, but this time with several area, have raised the potential concern for should be done pre-installation and on-
added twists (pun intended). First, it’s overheating of the cables when packed in site before commissioning for an HDBaseT
way skinnier — a Cat 5e/6 cable vs. a po- tight bundles. Therefore, the type of cable setup. Among the key tests are:
tentially clunky HDMI. Second, and most used for POH is important. Risling advises Pseudo-random Noise Pattern Testing:
importantly, among the signals the single the use of shielded cable. This loop test involves sending a pseudo-ran-
cable carries are both video and 100W of dom noise test pattern out of the analyzer’s
power, aptly named Power of HDBaseT POH MEANS INTEGRATORS HDMI transmit port through the network
(POH). It means low-voltage integrators components in the design and analyzing the
WILL BE ABLE TO MOVE AND
will be able to move and mount flat-panel A/V stream at the HDMI receive port. The test
TVs without the assistance of an electri-
MOUNT FLAT PANEL TVS is run at multiple resolutions (4K and 2K) and
cian or the need to earn their own high- WITHOUT THE ASSISTANCE at color depths up to 36-bit deep color. This
voltage electrical license, because there is OF AN ELECTRICIAN OR NEED test should be done pre-installation.
no power outlet required. OF AN ELECTRICAL LICENSE. Emulation and Function Testing: This
Besides the home theater implications, test is designed to check the continuity on
the technology is well suited for commercial PROPERLY TEST SYSTEMS the DDC channel and the hot plug voltage.
applications for digital signage and venues So you might not need an electrician The DDC channel carries the HDCP authenti-
requiring long cable runs. handy, but you should show up to install cation transactions and EDID exchange. This
The POH standard is based on IEEE an HDBaseT system with the proper test- test should also be done pre-installation.
802.3at standard with appropriate ing tools. Just like any network or A/V End-to-End Testing: During commis-
modifications to enable safe delivery of installation, HDBaseT systems should be sioning and turn-up of an HDBaseT system,
up to 100 watts over the four pairs of the tested by integrators. a final end-to-end test of all the A/V compo-
Ethernet cable. However, the 100W of Verification and troubleshooting can nents should take place. These tests include
power is not enough to power projectors, be particularly tricky since an HDBaseT checking the HDMI stream at the far end
even small ones. infrastructure is typically carrying HDMI (sink end), the clock rate, frame compare,
signals, which entails the need for various video pattern, audio, EDID and HDCP.
WILL IT REALLY WORK? “handshakes” to take place for HDCP and Passive Monitoring: Passive monitor-
When anything sounds too good to be EDID. These data exchanges often occur ing enables an integrator to view the HDCP
true, there can be hitches. First, there are among multiple devices, further justifying transactions, EDID exchange, as well as
no devices currently on the market that the need for proper testing. the connection events between the actual
are delivering the 100 watts, but there are Luckily, there are specific test instruments devices in the network. n

20 HDBaseT eBook [Link] | [Link]

 HDBaseT eBook

DISPLAYS WITH
HDBaseT
STILL ALL ABOUT Not quite,

COMMERCIAL
but close …
flat panels
with solely a
RJ-45 port for
HDBaseT vs.
NEC, Samsung, Ciil, Panasonic and Philips an HDMI port
will soon hit
show off HDBaseT flat-panel solutions at the market.

ISE 2014. by Julie Jacobson

THE BIG DREAM OF HDBaseT when it Europe show in Amsterdam, the HDBaseT Demonstrated at ISE, the TH-42LF60 is
launched in 2010 was for the technology to Alliance showcased all of the currently ship- an LED backlit display that is part of the LF60
be embedded within mainstream electron- ping displays that offer HDBaseT options. Series of HDBaseT-enabled “LCD monitors.”
ics including consumer displays. While the NEC Display Solutions of America Like the others, it requires an add-on
HDMI circuitry would necessarily still exist, enables HDBaseT for any of its commer- module. Available in 42-, 47- and 55-inch
it would be hidden behind the case with the cial displays that include Open Pluggable sizes, the monitors start at about $1,400.
HDBaseT mechanics, exposing nothing to the Specification (OPS) option slots. OPS is an
consumer but an RJ-45 port for a Cat 5 cable. Intel-inspired standard for the design and
We’re close, but not quite there yet. development of digital signage
Philips had
While numerous sources and switchers devices and pluggable media
the only
(primarily of the high-end variety) include players. prototype at
HDBaseT options, the feature has yet to In January, NEC announced ISE with an
make it into consumer TVs. an HDBaseT option, demonstrat- integrated RJ-
There is hope, however. Several ing the solution with its P553 45 port.
commercial-grade displays provide HD- commercial display.
BaseT ports for long-range Cat 5 delivery Similar to NEC, Samsung has a line of dis-
of audio, video, data and control signals plays that supports its own Plug-In Modules
— ideal for digital signage where displays (PIM). The company this year introduced an
are often located far from the sources. Can HDBaseT module, the PIM-HDBT, for its PIM- Ciil, has plans for a mount from parent
consumer models be far behind? enabled large format displays (LFD). company Peerless-AV, bundled with an
During February’s Integrated Systems Currently, Samsung offers eight edge- HDBaseT transceiver from WyreStorm. A
and direct-lit LED commercial displays with spokesperson tells us that Ciil does intend
The HDBaseT
module at PIM support, from 40 to 95 inches. to incorporate HDBaseT into its displays
the rear of At ISE, Samsung demonstrated in the future.
the Samsung HDBaseT with its ME-C Series 75-inch Finally, Philips recently joined the
ME-C Series TV edge-lit display. While the TV itself is only HDBaseT Alliance and demonstrated
adds 1 inch of
1.9 inches thick, the module adds (it ap- at CES and ISE the only fully integrated
depth.
pears) about an inch of depth. display to date. The TV featured an RJ-45
Panasonic likes to give its own name to port built right into the case, adding no
technology standards and HDBaseT is no depth to the display.
different. Panasonic calls it Digital Link. Granted, such mock-ups have been
The company has the most extensive line shown in the past but have yet to be com-
of HDBaseT-enabled projectors but recently mercialized. Still, the demonstrations bode
introduced displays to the Digital Link family. well for HDBaseT in the displays category. n

[Link] | [Link] HDBaseT eBook 21

Does meet your expectations?
By: Ali Haghjoo, CEO Hall Research

There is a lot being said and written about HDBaseT, so it is fair to assume that most AV profes-
sionals have heard the term, may be familiar with the concept, or have even used it in some
installations. This article is intended to explain the technology and highlight its strengths.

The Need for Video Extension

Cable length remains one of the biggest A/V Another shortcoming of extenders that use compres-
challenges for integrators. High definition video sion is that they can handle only a few input resolu-
standards from VGA to DVI and HDMI are typically tions, like 1080p or 720p. Give them a 1280x800
developed with a home-centric mindset, meaning signal (common notebook PC output) and they choke.
that the standard developers consider a typical setup In contrast HDBaseT is resolution agnostic, it just
where sources such as PCs or video players, and does not care. It supports virtually all PC and HDTV
sinks such as TVs, are in close proximity to one resolutions from 640x480 to 1920x1200@60. Even
another. If a maximum cable length is specified in the the HDMI 1.4's 4Kx2K@30 is supported.
standard, it is typically only a few meters. In the real
Like a conduit, HDBaseT passes the signals blindly
world, we often need to extend the HD video signals
from one side to the other. This is a good thing!
to much longer distances and there exists a need to
Digital video signals can have different color spaces
overcome the limitations in terms of cable reach,
such as RGB or YCbCr. Being blind to the format of
features, ease of installation and overall flexibility.
the video data and just treating the data as 1s and 0s
Prior to the advent of digital, HD video signals were
avoids color issues (such as screens that can appear
analog such as VGA or YPbPr. To overcome distance
purple). The same is true for HDCP (content protec-
limitations many companies, including Hall Research,
tion). Video that has HDCP is scrambled and extend-
came up with ways to utilize inexpensive and ubiqui-
ers that use compression need to decode it first with
tous Category cable (Cat5/5e/6 UTP or STP) to extend
HDCP keys, then compress, encrypt, decode,
video and even pack other signals (such as audio, and
decompress, and re-apply HDCP. But just like the
control) in the same cable. However due to a lack of
“honey badger”, HDBaseT does not care! It is acting
industry-wide standard for video over UTP, each
as a virtual direct connection between the ends.
manufacturer had come up with their own proprietary
implementation creating incompatibility among
As mentioned earlier, besides HD video and audio,
extension devices.
HDBaseT can also extend power and bi-directional IR
and RS-232. The standard allows 100-BaseT exten-
HDBaseT Offers a Standard Solution sion as well on the same cable.
HDBaseT was conceived by Valens Semiconductor to
provide an industry-wide platform for sending HDMI Are there any limitations in HDBaseT?
video and audio to 100 meters or longer. The standard
also addressed the common need in commercial AV Though not a limitation per se, it is important to point
space to extend control signals (IR, RS232, CEC, out that HDBaseT is not a LAN/Ethernet signal and
Ethernet) and even power so only one end of the therefore it cannot be connected to any network
extension needs a power supply, allowing the other switches or routers. Also be very careful in reading
end to be powered through the UTP cable, and even the distance specs of the extenders that utilize
allow for extra power to be available for external HDBaseT. There are actually 3 levels of distance
devices such as low-power display screens. performance. The most economical is HDBaseT
Class-B (formerly referred to as HDBaseT-Lite), this
class depending on cable type or resolution used
What Makes HDBaseT Great? allows a maximum cable length of 60 to 70 meters
Besides HDBaseT, there are other ways to extend HD (200 to 230 ft). The standard HDBaseT can extend
video over a single UTP. Virtually all non-HDBaseT signals to 100 meters (328 ft), but the chipset has a
methods use some sort of compression scheme feature called Long-Reach that some manufacturers
such as H.264/MPEG-4 coding to reduce the data are utilizing. In this mode the signal can be extended
rate. Lossy compression schemes affect image to 150 meters (approximately 500 ft), however this
quality and create visual artifacts. One of HDBaseT's mode supports a maximum resolution of 1080p@60
main advantages is that it uses no compression. The with 8-bit color, so 1080p with "deep-color" and 4K
video signal at the receiving end is pixel-by-pixel video are not supported.
identical to that of the source.

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 CELEBRATING 30 YEARS OF INNOVATION
In the beginning there was Analog Video

1984 SIGNAL CONDITIONER

1990 KVM AUTO-SWITCH

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 HDBaseT eBook

CONNECTING
A/V IN

17 LARGE
THEATERS
Empire Cinemas in the
U.K. uses WyreStorm
extenders to connect new
Barco digital projectors
with loudspeakers.

THE COMPETITION FOR Empire Cine- throughout the U.K., know they have
mas is not limited to other movie theaters, to create an immersive viewing experi-
but rather it’s the same that other com- ence that audiences cannot replicate
mercial cinemas face these days: consum- anywhere else. So Empire is replacing all
ers who rely more on watching movies on 35mm projectors with digital projectors,
their high-definition televisions, laptops, which provide a much sharper picture
tablets and even smartphones. and support 7.1-channel surround
Executives at Empire Cinemas, which sound. Empire Cinemas has implement-
operates 17 modern multiplex cinemas ed HDBaseT-enabled WyreStorm extend-
ers sets to not only keep the projects on
time and on budget, but also to future-
proof the new equipment.
Each Empire Cinemas theater, includ-
ing those in its flagship facility in Leices-
ter Square, features seating supporting
from 120 up to 350 people with screens
up to 18 meters/60 feet wide.
“I chose WyreStorm equipment for
many of our multiplexes due to the speed
and ease of installation we enjoy, com-
bined with an excellent compatibility with
our audio and projection equipment,” says
Andre Mort, technical director for Empire
Cinemas. “There’s also the reliability factor
to consider, which is vital with our audi-
ence numbers attending multiple viewings
in multiple screens, day in and day out.”
The HDBaseT technology enables
connectivity between the digital projec- At each cinema location, signals are
The flagship Empire Cinemas location in tors and audio components through a distributed via a single Cat 5/6 cable using
Leicester Square features theaters with HDBaseT to Barco projectors via Wyre-
single 100-meter/328-foot Cat 5e/6 cable.
screens up to 60-feet wide. Storm extender sets.
For commercial projects installers can

24 HDBaseT eBook [Link] | [Link]

 HDBaseT eBook

The theaters seat up

to 350 people and
the technology in
place allows for a
future upgrade path
to 4K if needed.

save time and money by running the

single Cat cable.
“The installation process was very, very
easy and it only took a few minutes,” adds
Mort. “35mm film is being phased out
because digital is a much more versatile
technology that allows for an upgrade
path to a format such as 4K or UHD. That
upgrade path will be much easier because
we can connect components using
HDBaseT and one inexpensive cable that
is cost effective and stable.”
Mort implemented the following
components: ▷ Check out this slideshow of various images from the Empire Cinemas’ installation,
including the equipment used.
▷ Large-format Barco projectors used
on all screens at all multiplexes control of source and display from panel to the large-format Barco digital pro-
displaying scope at 2.39: 1 or flat either location to multiple screens jectors, while the other 1-to-4 SDI distribu-
1.85 (16:9) with lamp ratings at 2kw throughout theatres distances up to tor carries the audio stream, again via the
3kw, 4kw and 6.5kw dependent on 100 meters/328 feet patch panel, to the respective digital audio
screen and audience capabilities, ▷ WyreStorm SP-SDI-0104 SD/ processors and amplified as multichannel
respectively HD/3G-SDI 1-to-4 distributor units audio to the high-performance speaker sys-
▷ “Live events” fed over SDI at (SP-SDI-0104) used for each of the tems installed in the theatre auditoriums.
distances up to 75 meters/246 feet eight Empire multiplexes currently “We have been running this particular
via an Arqiva Digital Cinema DVB at showing live events WyreStorm HDBaseT product model for
resolutions of 1080p 60Hz to Digital Audio and video feeds to the Arqiva are over a year now, with it proving a robust
Barco series 2 15/12C and 32B connected through dedicated WyreStorm and reliable unit with excellent video and
projectors SDI 1-to-4 distribution units, which are in audio quality along with a high feature
▷ WyreStorm EX-1UTP-IR-100-HDBT turn output via broadcast-quality patch count,” says Mort. “That is critically impor-
HDBaseT extender sets capable panels with BNC type connectivity high- tant when running a cinema.” n
of transmitting full 4K resolution, quality cabling utilized throughout.
48-bit color HD video and high One WyreStorm 1-to-4 SDI distribution Reprinted with permission of the HDBaseT
quality HD audio with bidirectional unit transmits the video feed via a patch Alliance.

[Link] | [Link] HDBaseT eBook 25

 Advertisement

Lightware Bolsters
Support of HDBaseT

Lightware 80x80 Multi-format Digital Crosspoint Matrix

populated with HDBaseT cards

L
ightware Visual Engineering has furthered its support of matrix to all end points. Our UMX transmitters also can support
HDBaseT with its HDBaseT-enabled 65x65 and 80x80 modu- any connection type.”
lar matrix switchers and the new UMX-TPS product family, The new UMX-TPS product line includes HDBaseT extenders
featuring HDBaseT extenders. Live working demos of the entire with wall and floor plate models. Targeted to environments such
product line will be shown in the Lightware booth at InfoComm as small boardrooms and classrooms, these devices transmit uni-
2014 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, June 14-20. versal video at resolutions up to 4K, audio, and control up to 180
The HDBaseT connectivity standard for whole-home and com- meters over one CAT cable. The UMX-TPS-TX140 transmission unit
mercial distribution of uncompressed HD multimedia content has is compatible with both Lightware’s HDBaseT extenders and ma-
become “increasingly popular and is an exciting step trix switchers.
forward for the industry,” says Drew Taylor, director of Lightware’s own Hybrid architecture is an equiv-
sales and applications at Lightware U.S.A., the US dis- alent of HDBaseT technology delivering video, au-
tributor for Budapest-based Lightware Visual Engineer- dio, Ethernet, IR, RS232 and power over a single CAT
ing products. “HDBaseT is playing an important role in cable.
the capabilities of Lightware’s growing product range.” “Where Lightware separates itself from the com-
HDBaseT’s 5Play feature set, which delivers uncom- petition is with its 65x65 and 80x80 matrix switch-
pressed full HD digital video, audio, 100BaseT Ethernet, ers, which offer Hybrid architecture with HDMI local
power and control signals over a single CAT5e/6 inputs and outputs mixed with TPS boards,”
cable, makes it ideal for commercial integra- says Taylor. “No other company provides
tion, Taylor says. “By supporting HDBaseT that kind of solution. And Lightware switch-
Lightware is responding to needs from the ers support 4K today – none of our competi-
integration space for remote power and the tors are shipping products with 4K capabili-
ability to extend RS232 and Ethernet from the ties yet.”

Lightware U.S.A. is the US distributor of professional AV products manufactured by Lightware Visual

Engineering in Budapest, Hungary. For more information on these products, visit [Link].
Intuitive Graphical User Interface Advanced Room Management 4K, 3D support
Forward and return audio HDBaseTTM and HDMI 1.4 integration Ready for DP 1.2

The 25G 160x160 matrix is now available in a compact 80x80 version

[Link]
 HDBaseT eBook

INTEGRATOR SAVES
$3,600 IN LABOR, HARDWARE
TO BUILD VIDEOWALL
Integrator and designer collaborate to create 2x8-array videowall for
Vertex Pharmaceuticals using 16 HDBaseT-enabled Primeview displays
and four 4K inputs.

WHEN VISITORS ENTER the new Vertex

Pharmaceuticals corporate headquarters
building in Cambridge, Mass., an enormous
2x8-array videowall made up of 55-inch
Primeview Ultra Narrow Bezel monitors
greets them with the company’s new
corporate branding, product news and Vertex Pharmaceuticals uses the video-
information and company history. The wall in its new corporate Welcome Center
effect is striking and reflects the modern to display static image slideshows, infor-
design throughout the building. The use of mation, video and RSS feeds.
the HDBaseT-enabled Primeview displays
not only saved thousands of dollars in to provide the HDBaseT-enabled displays to category cable terminated at the Prime-
materials and labor costs, but also keeps reduce the time and costs of installation. view monitor with the embedded HDBaseT
maintenance costs low and ensures the “We were the first company in the transmitter. The other monitors in each of
videowall is futureproof. world to integrate HDBaseT into a dis- the 2x2 arrays were then simply daisy-
The HDBaseT technology, powered play,” says Shay Giuli, CEO, Primeview. chained with DVI-D cables. The installation
by the Valens chipset, enables all-in-one “Cable management and the limitations process was simple and we did not have to
connectivity between HD video sources of traditional connectivity technologies waste time troubleshooting the four cables
and remote displays through a single can make a project complicated or cause to find areas for potential failure.”
100-meter/328-foot Cat 5e/6 cable, deliv- problems. Integrating HDBaseT into the Mike Dodge with HB Communications,
ering uncompressed high-definition 4K display makes life for the installer much the company ACT hired to install the
video, audio, Internet, control signals and simpler, and that in turn translates into videowall, reports that using the Prime-
up to 100 watts of power. cost-savings for the customer.” view displays translated to cost savings
Vertex built its corporate headquarters The Vertex videowall is configured of approximately $2,000 in hardware and
to bring employees spread out across dis- with 16 55-inch Primeview LCD monitors cabling, and an additional $1,600 in labor.
parate locations together into one modern divided into four 2x2 arrays with a total of “Also, do not overlook the cost-savings
space. The new building features close to eight inputs. Each 2x2 array comprises one in terms of on-going maintenance,” added
100 conference rooms with open designs signal. There are seven computer inputs Dodge. “We don’t have any receivers or
that better facilitate collaboration, and a and one digital signage input, the latter other devices behind the displays, which
large space for all-staff meetings. via a Visix media player. Four outputs are means there is nothing that will fail and
The new Welcome Center mirrors that currently in use, so the system has room require us to service. A traditional system
design, with the reception area and large to grow in the event Vertex decides to would require a receiver behind the wall
open seating area directing visitors’ eyes leverage 3D and 4K video content. which would require two days of labor to
to the videowall. Each 2x2 array can dis- “From an installation perspective, fix if it goes down, and at $1,600 per day for
play static image slideshows, information, HDBaseT just made wiring these displays two technicians, that’s a minimum savings
videos and RSS feeds. that much easier,” says Peter Thompson, of $3,200 for one incident of repair.” n
Vertex brought on A/V consultant ACT a principal at ACT Associates. “We only
Associates, based in Storrs, Conn., as the needed to run one category cable from our Reprinted with permission of the HDBaseT
project designer. ACT turned to Primeview A/V closet that’s about 100 feet away. The Alliance.

28 HDBaseT eBook [Link] | [Link]

 anywhere
anywhere

[Link]
[Link]

Not all HDBaseT products

are made equal.

Register
Register your
your interest
interest at
at

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Boosting your retrofit Bottom Line.
HDBAset Boost HAnDs on.
Vanco’s HDBASET BOOST - An Integrator’s Perspective (Discussion to follow are comments from “hands
on” use by integrator of HDBASET BOOST)
I have heard it so many times over the years. This cable will “Future Proof” your installation. Such is the
story of the ever evolving HDMI cable. With so many different versions from 1.1 to present that have been
buried in walls, attics, floors, and behind expensive tile, wood, and custom finishes I have often joked
“How’s your “Future Proofing now?” And so here we are with HDMI at version 1.4 with 3d, ARC, 4k, and
other features that were only dreams in the 1.1 days. How can we deal with the ghost of future proofing sales
speak now? Other than demolishing rooms to bring in new equipment there has not been an answer for this
until now.
Today, retrofitting in the CEDIA industry is at an all-time high. Most of the retrofits that are being done
are customers that are finally moving towards a home automation/control system. The 1st case scenario
are systems that did not need Cat5e for control as OEM or URC IR remotes were used to directly control
a display or projector. In this method you will most likely only find a couple of old HDMI’s and analog video
cables. NO WAY to support 3d, 4k, etc. The 2nd case is one we are all familiar with. Taking over a Big Box
stores job to improve, upgrade, and take a system to current standards. With these setups you will be lucky
to have anything more than a very expensive outdated HDMI Cable. The 3rd case is the nightmare case.
DIY. Here the end user put whatever they read about on CNET in their walls, sealed it up, and a couple years
later said “Uh-Oh” while writing very angry blogs about HDMI and their personal distaste with it and the
Analog Sunset.
From the 50 year old company Vanco International, we finally have an answer. Vanco is shipping in April
the HDBASET BOOST extender that actually makes the “future proofing” with a 1.1 HDMI or above cable a
true statement. HDBASET BOOST gives an integrator the ability when faced with old HDMI video distribu-
tion to send 3d, ARC, 4k UltraHD, and the newest color depths over any old existing HDMI cable. HDBASET
BOOST converts HDBASET to travel over existing HDMI utilizing the specific structure of an HDMI cable.
The Fun doesn’t stop there. I am a big fan of multi-use devices. This product was created as the Swiss
army knife of video distribution. Not only can it send HDBASET over HDMI it can also send it over Cat5e or
greater category cable. This means this is THE ONLY HDMI extender you need to carry to not only support
your current distribution methods but also to overcome the cases where it is more cost and time effective
than ripping up walls to deliver current and future technologies. It is even more cost and time efficient than
fishing new wires through accessible chases.
I have always wanted to say this so here it goes. “But wait there’s more!” Besides the common support in
most extenders with IR (in HDBASET BOOST it is bi-directional) Ethernet is also supported. Why is this
important? Smart TV’s are a huge trend right now. And let’s face it, most standard home WiFi networks are
not capable of handling heavy non-buffering streaming video. With HDBASET BOOST you can add “and
I successfully did myself” 3d content from a source and hardwire streaming media from a single HDMI 1.1
cable. This also translates well to newer versions
of HDMI cable where a consumer upgrades to a
Smart TV with no Cat5e cable and insufficient
Wi-Fi. It is a perfect solution. With the ability to
add Ethernet over the same HDMI cable I could
go on and on about the benefits with IP con-
trolled displays like Panasonics line of IP control-
lable displays.
Overall Vanco International has done a great
job of bringing a product to market that makes
every integrators installations easier and makes
the end users experience complete. My personal
experience with the device makes it a must
stock for our company and a have to use in my
own home. HDBASET BOOST comes in 220ft.
(70 meter) and 330ft. (100 meter) versions.

ADVERTISEMENT
 HDBaseT eBook

AS PART OF THE RECENTLY COMPLETED Integrated Systems Europe (ISE)

2014 show in Amsterdam this past February a number of manufacturers introduced
their latest HDBaseT solutions. Utilizing technologies developed by Valens Semi- Crestron HD-XSPA
conductors, these latest generation HDBaseT products enable simple connectivity The Crestron HD-XSPA 7.1 high-definition
between HD video sources and remote displays through a single Cat 6 to deliver professional surround processor makes it
uncompressed HD video, lossless audio, Ethernet, control signals and up to 100 easy to include high-quality surround sound
watts of power distances as far as 100 meters (328 feet). as part of a whole-house A/V distribution
system. The high-quality surround processor
with integrated high-performance 8-channel
amplifier delivers 140 WPC at 8 ohms, with a
dedicated subwoofer channel for powering
a passive in-wall subwoofer. 4K video input
is supported through the Crestron DM 8G+
input port, which can accept signals from any
HDBaseT compliant source, or any of four
local HDMI inputs. [Link]

Atlona PRO-MXM
modular matrix switcher
Atlona’s PRO-MXM is a customizable modular
matrix switcher designed to serve virtually
any need. The PRO-MXM provides integrated Crestron Type 8 Output Card
signal processing, as well as a single point of Crestron’s Type 8 Output Card for Crestron
control for multiple digital or analog signal DigitalMedia switchers. The new output cards Cypress Technology HDMI HDBaseT
types, and a foundation for future system enable 4K HDBaseT output from Crestron 8x8, Modular Matrix with PoE
expansion in a configurable chassis. 16x16, and 32x32 DigitalMedia switchers. The Consisting of two models at launch, the 16
[Link] output can be connected to a DigitalMedia HDMI input x 16 HDBaseT output PU-16HBT
receiver or directly to any HDBaseT compliant and 8 x 16 PU-8H16HBT products offer inte-
device. [Link] grators performance and flexibility, the com-
pany says. The solutions are engineered to
send HDBaseT signals over lengths of up to
100m via CAT 5e/6/7 cables, and both models
support the full HDBaseT feature sets, includ-
Crestron DMB-4K-O-C Output Blade ing 2-way IR , RS-232 and PoE (Power over
Crestron’s new output blades enable 4K Ethernet). [Link]
HDBaseT output from Crestron 64x64 and
128x128 DigitalMedia switchers. The output
Crestron Electronics DM-RMC-4K-100-C can be connected to a DigitalMedia receiver
Crestron unveiled a complete range of 4K or directly to any HDBaseT compliant device.
HDBaseT switching and distribution products [Link]
at ISE 2014, including the DM-RMC-4K-100-C
receiver and room controller. The DM-RMC-
4K-100-C provides a simple one-box interface
for a single 4K display device as part of a
complete Crestron DigitalMedia system, and
it can be used for connections directly to any
HDBaseT source. In addition to lossless audio Cypress Technology HDBaseT Receivers
and 4K video, the DM-RMC-4K-100-C provides Both models are supplied with dual remov-
Ethernet, RS-232 and IR control ports. Its able internal power supplies that allow for
compact, low-profile design enables discreet easy inspection and maintenance with zero
installation behind a flat-panel display or
above a ceiling-mounted projector. ▷ Take a video tour of Crestron’s
ISE 4K product debuts.
downtime. In addition, each bank of eight
HDMI inputs (2 x PU-16HBT and 1 x PU8H-
[Link] 16HBT) and two banks of eight HDBaseT

32 HDBaseT eBook [Link] | [Link]

 HDBaseT eBook

outputs are also easily exchangeable for

maintenance and other unique scenarios.
Integrators can create 16-zone A/V systems
with the knowledge that any maintenance
will result in minimum disruption for the
user, the company says. [Link]
includes a chassis and independent signal Hall Research UHBX-3S HDMI
cards. The switch’s changeable I/O default on HDBaseT 1x3 Splitter
configuration is set up with HDMI in, HDMI The UHBX-3S is an HDMI 1.4 compliant split-
and HDBaseT simultaneous out. The unit ter with one local HDMI output and three
enables HDBaseT out up to 100 meters, sup- HDBaseT outputs for transmission over one
DEXON Universal Scaling Extender ports standard PoE from matrix to receiver, Cat 6 cable to a compatible receiver up to 150
(DUSE) and control signals over HDBaseT, and can meters (500 feet away). The Splitter supports
DEXON’s DUSE devices are universal extend- transmit bi-directional IR and RS-232 over HDCP, 3D, Deep Color and 4K. EDID manage-
ers designed for demanding A/V projects HDBaseT channel to a remote receiver. Other ment is integrated into the unit with a USB
in which different signals are used to drive features include 4K support, independent IR port so advanced users can download and/or
remote displays. The DUSE-200 and DUSE- and RS-232 routing, and support for RS-232, upload EDID data to and from the device. The
201 extenders accept all industry-standard RS-485 and LAN control with Telnet and web unit provides a single RS-232 connector that
input signal formats; they switch and scale server capabilities. [Link] can be used to receive or send commands
those signals to the correct output resolution to remote projectors or screens that feature
and transmit them up to 100 meters via Cat RS-232. Compatible receivers include the
6 to remote displays with HDMI inputs. Com- UH1BT-R for HDMI and the UHBX-R.
patible formats include composite, S-video, [Link]
analogue RGB (VGA) digital DVI and more,
plus SDI, HD-SDI and 3GSDI in the case of the
DUSE-201. [Link]
Grandbeing Sandex Transmitter
Sandex’s latest transmitter incorporates VGA/
HDMI/DP switching capabilities, daisy-chain
provisions and EDID management to ensure
reliable signal transmission. Other options Key Digital KD-CATHD250Lite
the transmitter offers include support for Key Digital’s KD-CATHD250Lite extends HDMI
HDMI, Display Port and VGA+3.5 stereo audio 4K UHD (@2160p/24) signals up to 120 feet
Gefen ELR Extender for HDMI in, HDMI output with HDCP, and the ability and HDMI 1080p/60, 1080p/24, 1080i, 720p
over Cat 5 with POL to send these signals as far as 100 meters. signals up to 210 feet over one Cat 5e/6 cable.
The ELR (Extra Long Range) Extender for [Link] In addition, the unit also extends either IR or
HDMI over one Cat 5 with POL (Power over Bi-Directional RS-232 control signals over a
Line) provides a point-to-point transmis- single Cat 5e/6 cable. [Link]
sion of 4K Ultra HD content with RS-232 and
bi-directional IR. POL provides power to the
receiver unit using the same single Cat 5, alle-
viating the need for an external power supply
at the receiver side. The extender transmits Hall Research UHBX-8X Multiport
1080p distances up to 150 meters and 4K up HDMI-to-HDBaseT Extension Box
to 100 meters. Gefen says content is delivered The UHBX-8X is a 1RU box that converts eight
with near-zero latency, and integrators can HDMI inputs to corresponding HDBaseT out- Key Digital KD-CATHD300Lite
upgrade clients’ A/V systems without uproot- puts for extension up to 150 meters (500 feet) The KD-CATHD300Lite extends 1080p/60,
ing cabling. [Link] on single UTP. The extender supports HDCP, 1920x1200, 3D signals up to 250 feet when
3D, Deep Color, CEC, and 4K video. Compatible used with KD-CAT6STP1X/KD-RJ45SC cabling
receivers include the low-cost, self-powered and connectors. Featuring EDID control and
Grandbeing MX0808-2013 UH-1BT-R and UH-1BTX-R for HDMI extension auto equalization and amplification adjust-
8x8 Matrix Switcher to 230 feet or 330 feet respectively, and the ments, the unit is designed to provide the
Grandbeing’s MX0808-2013 8x8 Matrix UHBX-R-PD that supports RS-232, IR, PoH, and best possible signal quality given cabling
Switcher features a modular design that Long Reach modes. [Link] length. [Link]

[Link] | [Link] HDBaseT eBook 33

 HDBaseT eBook

Key Digital KD-CATHD250POH Kramer Electronics VP-773 Switcher sis allows for an 80x80 matrix and ensures full
The KD-CATHD250POH is engineered to Kramer Electronics’ VP-773, 8-Input Presenta- modularity and cross compatibility between
extend HDMI 4K UHD (@2160p/24) signals tion Scaling Switcher with digital and analog the various I/O boards without any limitation
up to 120 feet and HDMI 1080p/60, 1080p/24, inputs and HDBaseT output scales video, or signal latency, the company says. It also
1080i, 720p signals up to 210 feet over one embeds the audio, and simultaneously out- features redundant power supplies, built-in
Cat 5e/6. Key says the extender requires puts the signal to two HDMI outputs and an control panel and a CPU board with live input
a power supply at TX end only through its HDBaseT output, together with a digital audio signal analysis. [Link]
implementation of benefit of its POH (Power out and a balanced stereo audio out. The unit
Over HDBaseT). [Link] features Kramer’s PixPerfect scaling technology
and other features such as picture-in-picture,
Luma-Keying, emergency alert notifications,
built-in web pages, built-in test pattern genera-
tor and more. [Link]

Lightware TPS Series

Key Digital KD-CATHD500Pro The TPS series matrix boards support resolu-
The KD-CATHD500Pro extends 1080p/60, tion up to 4K/UHD with full HDCP, EDID com-
1920x1200, 3D signals up to 400 feet when pliance and advanced EDID management.
used with KD-CAT6STP1X/KD-RJ45SC cabling Long distances can be reached with Light-
and connectors, according to the company. ware’s Long Reach operation mode, which
The product features IR, RS-232 and Ethernet can transmit up to 170 meters on Cat 7 cable
for simultaneous and bi-directional control at 1920x1080p full HD. Monitor cable length,

▷
signals, as well as EDID Control and HDMI Check out this 4-minute video with signal quality, and signal integrity can be set
passthrough. [Link] key details on the Kramer VP-773 in a user-friendly way via Lightware’s Control
Presentation Scaling Switcher.
Software. [Link]

Kramer Electronics HDBaseT Extenders

Key Digital KD-HD4x4/6x6/8x8Lite The TP-580T/R, WP-580T/R, TP-580TXR/RXR,
Key Digital’s KD-HD4x4/6x6/8x8Lite HDBaseT WP-580TXR/RXR HDBaseT Range Extenders NEC P553 55-inch Pro Display
Lite HDMI Matrix Switchers are capable of are available as standalone and wallplate ver- Almost all of NEC’s large-format displays and the
switching up to eight HDMI video sources/ sions that feature a special XTRA Mode that majority of its Installation Projector series sup-
inputs and up to eight independent zones/ transmits up to 590 feet. Kramer’s HDBaseT port HDBaseT. In some cases these devices have
outputs via Single Cat 5e/6 cabling. This certified Ultra HD video extension family sup- a built-in HDBaseT receiver, in other cases it is
matrix family supports Audio Return Chan- ports 4K resolution, and it adds the extenders available via the Option Pluggable Specification
nel (ARC), IP Control, and routing of IR and provide a simple, direct connection with any (OPS) slots. The OPS modules provide high flex-
RS-232 control signals. Other features include other certified HDBaseT product. ibility as they can get easily exchanged, upgraded
a built-in Compass Control master control- [Link] and maintained according to the customer’s
ler that provides 32(8x8), 24(6x6), or 16(4x4) demand. With no cables required due to internal
control ports; Key’s Full Buffer Technology; connection for power, video, audio and control,
and simultaneously active HDMI and HDBT Lightware MX-FR80R the option board fits neatly within the display or
outputs. The switchers are also 3D Ready and The Lightware MX-FR80R digital crosspoint projector profile for a more elegant installation.
they transmit 4K (@2160p/24) signals up to router frame with TPS input and output The NEC P553 incorporates this technology as well
120 feet and 1080p/60, 1080p/24, 1080i, 720p boards support resolutions up to 4K/UHD and as LED backlighting and a build quality designed
signals up to 210 feet. [Link] any 3D formats over long distances. The chas- for harsh environments. [Link]

36 HDBaseT eBook [Link] | [Link]

 Introducing the 780C
Multi-Interface Interoperability Tester with native HDBaseT!
for Video and Audio
The Quantum Data 780C Multi-Interface Interoperability Tester is a
portable digital video generator and analyzer that enables you to
run tests on various digital video devices and network distribution
devices on site or in the R&D lab. The 780C instrument provides a 7
inch color touch screen for operation and for viewing status of
outgoing and incoming video and audio. The 780C is equipped with
multiple interface types including HDMI®, HDBaseT™, 3G-SDI and
component analog. Testing digital interfaces is supported by both
an output port and an input port to allow testing of digital video
sources, displays, audio devices and distribution devices. Testing
hybrid converter devices such as HDMI / HDBaseT and distribution
networks is a key application of the 780C as well. The 780C features
the following interfaces:
- HDMI 300MHz for 4K UHD TVs including 50/60Hz
(output and input port)
- HDBaseT 300MHz for 4K UHD TVs including 50/60Hz
(output and input port)
- 3G-SDI up to 2.97 Gb/s (output and input port)
- Analog RGB and YPbPr up to 80MHz (output only)
Available 2Q/2014

Sample Applications

Quantum Data Quantum Data

780C 780C
HDBaseT HDMI

Testing HDBaseT Projectors Testing HDMI 4K Ultra HDTVs and other Sinks

HDMI/HDBaseT Switch
HDMI
HDMI Source Quantum Data
780C HDMI Switch
HDBaseT Extender
HDMI
HDBaseT Quantum Data
780C HDMI HDBaseT
Testing upstream HDBaseT distribution networks Testing HDMI cables, sources and HDBaseT distribution devices

HDMI

Video
Stream
Quantum Data 3G-SDI Quantum Data
780C 3G-SDI 780C

Testing 3G-SDI to HDMI converters Testing incoming 3G-SDI video stream

Quantum Data Inc. - 2111 Big Timber Road - Elgin, IL 60123-1100 USA - Phone: (847) 888-0450 - [Link]
 HDBaseT eBook

typical Cat 6A performance headroom and

eliminates both internal and external cross-
talk, the company says. [Link]

NEC P553 55-inch Pro Display all include one HDMI-A output port and one
The PA Series of installation projectors will be HDBaseT output port, and they can work
equipped with an HDBaseT receiver among simultaneously. Additional features include
the rich feature set. The new optional 3D support, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master
HDBaseT slot-in model as well as the new Audio, and the matrix can transmit up to 100
projectors featuring the integrated receiver meters via Cat 5e/6 cables. The unit also sup- WyreStorm Pro Plus HDBaseT MX-PP-
will be available in the second quarter of ports RS-232, remote control, on-panel con- POH and MX-PP-POH-CUSTOM Matrix
2014. [Link] trol and IP Control (Telnet), HDCP and external With the introduction of its MX-PP-POH
and internal EDID settings. [Link] and MX-PP-POH-CUSTOM Pro Plus HDBa-
seT matrix models WyreStorm now offers a
greater range of HDBaseT matrix devices. The
products offer integrated Power-over-HDBa-
seT and RS-232 routing capabilities. These
features enable central powering and control
of display zones to the already full feature
set delivering full distribution and control
Samsung Electronics ME75C Display of 1080p 36-bit HD video, audio and bidirec-
Samsung has added HDBaseT to select mod- tional IR control up to 230 feet.
els of its large-format display product (LFD) Silvertel Ag5600 100W [Link]
line. The ME75C is part of the MEC Series and POH/POE Module
is a slim, lightweight 75-inch display that The Ag5600 is a 100-watt capable fully POH
supports the new HDBaseT plug-in module. compliant powered device (PD) module. This
Samsung says it is also a reliable and cost- module provides all the necessary POH/POE
effective way to convey a more impactful signatures and isolation to be compliant to
message in retail environments, conference the HDBaseT POH specification, while main-
rooms, public spaces and educational ven- taining compatibility with both the IEEE802.
ues. The ME75C provides increased energy af and 802.3at standards. Working with Sil-
savings over CCFL backlit displays with a thin vertel’s Ag6600 or any other POH-compliant

▷
chassis and narrow bezel to help simplify PSE, the Ag5600 is an ideal power solution This 9-minute video from Wyre-
Storm runs through all the ports on
installation and provide an impactful mes- for a full 5-play HDBaseT digital display or its new MX-PP-POH matrix device.
sage, the company says. [Link]/us LCD TV design. [Link]

WyreStorm HDBaseT Presentation

Switcher (PS-0901-010)
Offering a complete end-to-end, multi-for-
Samsung Electronics PIM-HDBT Module mat A/V connection, distribution and control
The new HDBaseT plug-in module, PIM-HDBT, Structured Cable Products (SCP) ecosystem solution, WyreStorm’s first Pre-
will be available with compatible Samsung HDBaseT Optimized Category Cables sentation Switcher is a full-featured platform
LFDs now available to dealers to support A couple years ago, Structured Cable Prod- that integrates full HDBaseT technology
HDBaseT connectivity. [Link]/us ucts Inc., (SCP) introduced one of the first and connectivity with seamless HDMI-to-
HDBaseT Category cables with the SCP HDMI switching. The PS-0901-010 features a
HNCPRO series for Cat 5e and the HNCPROP- wealth of I/O functionality with nine mixed
Shenzhen Shunxun Electronics LUS+ series for Cat 6. These Category cables format inputs, including HDMI, HDBaseT, Dis-
SX-MX48 HDBaseT Matrix were the first cables tested and approved by playPort, composite, component, VGA, and
This matrix featuring the HDBaseT technol- the HDBaseT Alliance. SCP has expanded its options such as boosting, upscaling, down-
ogy enables installers to connect any four HNCPROPLUS series with the HNCPROPLUS- scaling, and auto scaling over transmission
sources to any four displays. The four outputs 6A for Cat 6 Augmented. This cable increases distances up to 328 feet. [Link] n

38 HDBaseT eBook [Link] | [Link]

 HDBaseT eBook
HDBaseT PRODUCT SHOWCASE

WyreStorm
HDBaseT 8x8 Modular Matrix
One Matrix. Endless Solutions. WyreStorm Pro Plus Modular MX-0808-PP-
POH-CUSTOM Matrix takes truly custom A/V distribution to the next level
with a totally modular, built-to-order HDBaseT matrix solutions.
The new 8x8 custom matrix features a completely modular design,
RS-232 routing capabilities, integrated PoH and near-limitless selec-
ICE Cable Systems
tion of input configurations. Simply select from nine digital and ana- Introducing HDBaseT Certified
logue transmission cards to build a matrix to exact specifications Cat 5e and Cat 6
— configured online, built and delivered to you within With our new HDBaseT Certified Cat 5e and Cat 6,
10 business days. [Link] you’ll get guaranteed performance. Send 4K signals
70 meters or more over Cat 5e and over 100 meters
with Cat 6. With our proprietary tangle-free box,
UL listing and ETL verification, this is as
good as it gets. [Link]

Comprehensive Cable
HDMI RS-232 Extender HDBaseT
The CE-HDBT100 uses HDBaseT technology to deliver an HDMI signal
and control signal (IR or RS232) over a single STP cable up to 230 feet.
The CE-HDBT100 is the perfect HDBaseT solution for video conference
rooms, educational facilities, control rooms, government
institutions and more. [Link]

Quantum Data
HDanywhere 780C Multi-Interface
The Managed Modular Matrix Interoperability Tester
HDanywhere Modular was recently voted ‘Best Video Distribution The Quantum Data 780C Multi-Interface Interoperability
Solution’ in the UK. It is a customisable Ultra HD 4K compatible HDMI Tester is a portable digital video generator &
matrix switcher that uses a patented system of interchangeable analyzer with a built-in color touch display. The
input/output (I/O) modules, enabling bespoke-built HD distribution instrument enables you to test a variety of digital
systems that in terms of size and spec, are perfectly matched to the video devices on-site or in the lab. The 780C is
individual nature of the project. Integrators are able to specify which equipped with HDMI, HDBaseT and 3G-SDI input/
signal transmission technology is used for each TV location. Modules output ports and an analog output. Because the
include HDMI, 100m HDBaseT Pro, 60m HDBaseT Lite out and now 780C is equipped with both output and input ports,
HDBaseT-in for remote source integration, all of which can you can test sources, sinks, cables, and
be mixed and matched in a single system. even distribution networks comprised of
[Link] multiple technologies. [Link]

[Link] | [Link] HDBaseT eBook 39