MSolutions launched a gateway switching device that “removes the need for HDBaseT transmitters and receivers” (or even HDMI switchers) for most USB 2.0/USB 3.1 camera-switching ecosystems that support collaborative environments.

MSolutions introduced its MS-0401 Series of Gateway switching devices at ISE 2023 in February, including a PoE-powered HDBaseT-to-IP Gateway device for switching HDBaseT cameras onto IPMX networks. But, the new MSolutions MS-0401U device and cables claim to remove the need for extenders when switching USB cameras.

MSolutions’ PoE-powered MS-0401U is a small-form-factor unit with five ports and onboard channel selection. The device offers two types of switching, allowing up to four independent source devices or hosts to be linked through the MSolutions Gateway to a single output. This allows users to switch between cameras to provide different viewpoints during a presentation or lecture, for example.

As with other MS-0401 switching devices, MSolutions allows the user to deploy the device in a reserve configuration, with a single input switchable to four selectable outputs. MSolutions says this is an ideal configuration for a larger space with projectors or displays positioned around the room, where the single output replicates camera content to two or more end points connected to the MS-0401U switch.

In either configuration, MSolutions says it has reduced the cost of deployment inside meeting and learning spaces by using special RJ45-to-USB cables to carry signals from host devices with no extenders required. Special firmware is added to the device on request to enable USB 3.1 switching for high-speed devices including 4K cameras. Msolutions says the MS-0401U supports distances of 50 feet or more for USB or USB 3.1 signals without extenders.