Extron announced the immediate availability of the MTP/HDMI U T A D, a Decora-style, universal twisted pair transmitter for digital and analog video sources. Dedicated inputs on the MTP/HDMI U T A D accommodate digital and analog video, audio, and bidirectional RS-232 or IR signals and the signals are transmitted long distances over CAT 5-type cabling to remote receiver locations.

Unlike many other long-range twisted pair products, Extron’s includes an HDMI transmitter that’s HDCP-compliant and enables HDMI signals to be carried over distances significantly greater than the lengths of standard HDMI cables. The HDMI input supports data rates up to 6.75 Gbps for HDMI 1.3 Deep Color, Lip Sync, and HD lossless audio. The analog inputs offer dedicated VGA, HD component video, S-video, composite video, and audio inputs for sending a wide variety of video signals along with summed mono audio signals over one Cat5 cable.

For complete specs, go to:  http://www.extron.com/product/product.aspx?id=tphdutad&s=0

These types of hybrid (analog and digital) products are the new reality.  It’s anyone’s guess how long it will take to go full digital.  However, in education, we’re well versed on supporting “legacy” technologies for the real end user.
–GB