HDMI V1.3 OVER CAT-5 EXTENDER

Gefen has announced the release of its HDMI v1.3 over Cat-5 extra long range extender. This sender/receiver system sends high definition video with audio, Ethernet, and IR back channel up to 330 feet over just one Cat-5 cable. This is nearly double the distance previous systems could reach using two Cat-5 cables. The ability to extend Ethernet allows IPbased applications to be easily integrated into the system, and an IR blaster allows the remote source to be controlled by an IR remote pointed at the display. High-def resolutions up to 1080p/60 full HD supporting deep color and lip sync, and 8.1 digital audio with Dolby TrueHD and DTS Master Audio are delivered instantly from the local source to the extended display. The system’s sender unit connects to the source; the receiver unit connects to the display. One Cat-5 cable connects the sender to the receiver, and may be placed in conduit or run along the floor. It has an MSRP of $699. Visit www.gefen.com.

AV-ON-UTP RECEIVER

Hall Research has released the URA-SKU, a compact PC video and audio on twisted-pair receiver that features built-in RGB skew correction. The device uses five-stage active equalization and 62 nanoseconds of skew adjustment for any UTP cable. It can reproduce the original audio and video in real time and with perfect clarity at a distance of up to 1,000 feet. The URA-SKU supports video resolutions to 1920x1200 at any refresh rate. Digitally controlled adjustments eliminate the need to tweak pots or set dip-switches. The URA-SKU has a retail price of $299. Visit www.hallresearch.com.

USB 2.0 HUB

Extron Electronics’ new USB HUB4, four-port USB 2.0 hub for architectural mount applications allows the sharing of up to four USB devices on a single host port and is available in two versions: AAP (Architectural Adapter Plate) and MAAP (Mini Architectural Adapter Plate). It streamlines integration by eliminating the need for separate USB host ports and their cables, and is ideal for any environment where multiple USB devices must share a single USB port. For integration flexibility, the USB HUB4 is equipped with both USB “Mini” Type B and captive screw host inputs. The captive screw input is ideal for installation in lecterns, junction boxes, and other space-constrained applications. The MSRP for both the AAP and MAAP is $250. Visit www.extron.com.

INSTALLATION PROJECTOR

NEC has announced the NP610 entry-level installation projector, designed specifically for those users who require image quality with advanced capabilities in a powerful yet affordable package. The NP610 is geared particularly towards those users at the university level, as well as corporate environments, for areas such as training rooms, lecture halls, and conference rooms. With a brightness of 3,500 lumens, the NP610 creates images in higher ambient lighting conditions. With full connectivity, integration into classrooms is a breeze. The NP610 provides integrated RJ45 connection and remote diagnostics, which enable the administrator to monitor and make adjustments to the projector via the network from a remote location. Its virtual remote technology allows communication over the VGA cable to control the projector directly from a computaer without the need for additional control cables. These features save time for IT staff and simplify the process of maintaining preferred settings. The new NP610 has a MSRP of $1,499. Visit www.necdisplay.com.

AUDIO POWER AMPS

Stewart Audio has introduced three new subcompact power amplifiers: the AV25 and the CVA Series, which includes the CVA-25 and CVA-50. With each model weighing less than 1 pound, these ultra-compact, versatile power amplifiers are specifically designed to be located in places typically off limits to traditional-sized amplifiers — without compromising sound quality or power. Equally significant, these amplifiers are Energy Star compliant and incorporate Stewart Audio’s proprietary Signal Sense Power Technology that ensures the amplifier is only powered when there is a signal present, thus saving energy and extending product life. The Stewart Audio AV25, CVA-25, and CVA-50 are all Plenum rated and are designed to provide convenience and installation flexibility above the ceiling or in other environmental air spaces. MSRP for these models is $259 for the AV25, $289 for the CVA-25, and $359 for the CVA-50. Visit www.stewartaudio.com.

SINGLE CAT-5E EXTENDER

QVS has introduced the VAS-E Ultimate AV Single Cat-5e Extender Kit that provides PC VGA, stereo audio, RS232, bidirectional IR, and digital S/PDIF audio using a single Cat-5e RJ45 cable. It supports VGA resolutions up to 1920x1200 @ 60 Hz up to 330 meters. The design allows for all normal AV set up such as HDTV, projector, PC, and VGA movie camera to be extended using a single Cat-5e cable. Kit includes transmitter, receiver, and power adaptors. The QVS Ultimate AV plus Serial/IR Control Single Cat- 5e/6 300M Extender Kit’s MSRP is $795. Visit www.QVS.com.

HDMI-OVER-FIBER TRANSMITTERS AND RECEIVERS

Obonok Technologies has announced advanced HDMI-over-single fiber transmitters and receivers. Known as the Blu-Wire XP Fiber Series, the two transmitters and two receivers enable Pro AV integrators to utilize both multimode fiber and UTP backbones to distribute HDMI v1.3, HDCP plus addressable RS-232, IR or USB, out to 12.4 miles. At the same time, the new Fiber XP Series greatly reduces the cost of high-end HDMI extension in digital signage, broadcast, telepresence, retail HDTV display, conferencing, and residential applications. Starting at under $1,000, the Blu-Wire Fiber Series makes it possible to extend/distribute the most demanding HDMI configurations, featuring HDCP content protection, plus control signals, with virtually no limit. Visit www.interactav.net.

DVI-TO-MINI DISPLAYPORT CONVERTER

Atlona Technologies has released the newest version of its DVI-to-Mini DisplayPort Converter, the AT-DP200. Complete with USB power and a built in DVI pigtail, the all-new AT-DP200 will soon be available at an even lower price. The tenacious DP200 instantly made an impression on the AV world being the first ever conversion box that could allow conversion of DVI to Mini DisplayPort while maintaining the displays optimal resolution. Along with passing all EDID and HDCP information, this device converts while allowing your computer to scale to the optimal resolution offered by your display. With this unit’s new design and compact frame, it will easily find its home in the company of other Mac products. The ATDP200 has an MSRP of $149. Visit www.atlona.com.

VGA VIDEO OVER CAT-5 EXTENDER

StarTech.com has launched three new products in its Converge AV UTPE series family of VGA over Cat-5 extender devices, designed to work as part of an overall system of extending and splitting VGA video using Cat-5 cable between the transmitting and display points. Intended to provide AV and digital signage specialists with a convenient way to narrowcast VGA content to remote locations at distances of up to 950 feet, the wall plates add to the convenience of the UTPE series of VGA extenders, providing the option of neatly concealing the Cat-5 cabling used to extend the VGA video signal from point to point. Pricing for the new VGA Extender wall plates are $259.99 for ST124UTPEA VGA Video and Audio over Cat-5 UTP Extender with four ports, $399.99 for eight ports, $224.99 for the STUTPEALR VGA and Audio Cat-5 UTP Long Range Receiver, and $399.99 for the STUTPEA4X VGA Video and Audio over Cat-5 UTP Line Splitter. Visit www.startech.com.

DIGITAL SIGNAGE SOLUTION

Cisco has introduced new technology, partner programs, and service offerings for organizations interested in deploying network-based digital signage solutions to enhance customer experience, deliver communication and training, and accelerate sales. Cisco expanded its partner ecosystem and added new features and capabilities to the existing Cisco Digital Signs solution with a focus on the creation, management, reporting, and playback of digital media. Cisco Digital Signs, part of the Cisco Digital Media Suite, is a complete digital signage system that integrates management software, network-based media players, and liquid crystal displays. Combined with endto- end services and a robust partner ecosystem, Cisco Digital Signs delivers the most comprehensive digital signage offering. The new Cisco Digital Media Designer provides content creators with a simpler way to develop vibrant and compelling digital signage content with new layout features, enhanced image effects, new playlist capabilities, and a library of templates. Visit www.cisco.com.

3G HD-SDI AUTOMATIC STANDBY SWITCHER

Kramer Electronics has introduced the VS-211HDxl 2x1 automatic standby switcher for SDI, HD-SDI, and 3G HD-SDI signals. When configured as a standby switcher, the unit switches automatically to the secondary input when the signal on the primary input is lost. The unit automatically switches back to the primary input when the primary signal is restored. The VS-211HDxl has two inputs and two outputs and it is compatible with SDI, HD-SDI, and 3G HD-SDI signals with or without embedded audio. Either of the two inputs can be manually switched via contact closures to the outputs or the unit can be set to switch automatically. A switch on the unit can be set to indicate which input is the primary input. If the unit detects a loss of signal on the designated primary input, it switches automatically to the secondary input. The VS-211HDxl carries a list price in the U.S. of $995. Visit www.kramerus.com.

RGBHV OVER CAT-5 EXTENDER

TV One has expanded its range of RGBHV over Cat-5 extender products with the introduction of the new 1T-CT-420 system. Big on capability, but small in size, this lightweight, economical system was designed for installations where space is limited and budgets are tight. The 1T-CT-421 transmitter accepts resolutions up to 1280x1024 and is a unity gain device, which requires no adjustments for encoding of the signal. The included 1T-CT-422 receiver has gain and equalization adjustments to compensate for cable runs up to 590 feet in length. This avoids the loss of high frequency portions of the signal and results in clear text and picture elements with sharp edges and no degradation. Both units come with TV One’s space saving and twist secure locking power connector. The MSRP for the 1T-CT- 420 system is $275 for both the transmitter and receiver. Visit www.tvoneonline.com