UK-based Smart-e’s new modular HDMI and HDBaseT splitter, the 4K-1:3, is now shipping. This splitter is able to transmit high resolution 4K HDMI signals to multiple displays. It features one selectable input, three selectable outputs and one fixed HDMI output. The 4K-1:3 transmits video signals together with Ethernet, RS232 and IR over a single CAT6 […]

We’ve all heard the jaw-dropping stats about HDBaseT and how consumers won’t be able to get their hands on it fast enough, with experts such as Futuresource Consulting expecting the demand to quadruple in 2016. But our role in the AV industry is to educate consumers along the way on what their transition to HDBaseT […]

Aurora Multimedia is now shipping its DXE-CAT-RX3 series of HDBaseT receivers. There are four models all incorporating balanced analog stereo audio input and output with mixing capabilities, and dual relays for screen/lift control. The DXE-CAT-RX3A model adds a 2×35-watt amplifier. Two additional models come complete with on-board IP/web based control (DXE-CAT-RX3-C and DXE-RX3A-C). The “C” […]

Digital Projection International (DPI) has announced the launch of the HIGHLite LASER WUXGA 3D, which offers 10,000 lumens from a solid-state light source, capable of producing over 20,000 hours of illumination and WUXGA (1920×1200). Due to the light source and lack of a lamp, this projector offers a lower total cost of ownership. Image edge […]

Aurora Multimedia has announced DXE-CAT-RX3 series of HDBaseT receivers are now shipping. These new HDBaseT receivers consist of four models all incorporating balanced analog stereo audio input and output with mixing capabilities, and dual relays for screen/lift control. The DXE-CAT-RX3A model adds a 2×35-watt amplifier. Two additional models come complete with on-board IP/web based control […]

Extron’s new IN1604 DTP is an HDCP-compliant scaler with three HDMI inputs, a universal analog video input and a DTP output, all housed in a 1U, half rack enclosure. The IN1604 DTP is designed for installation beneath conference tables and in lecterns to provide localized switching support for sources such as presenter devices, as well […]

4K Ultra HD TV is here and Crestron says the DigitalMedia is ready for it. At ISE in Amsterdam, the company demonstrated its complete range of 4K DigitalMedia switching and video distribution devices. These include: The DMC-4K-HD input card enables 4K HDMI input to 8X8, 16X16, and 32X32 DM switchers, and the DMB-4K-I-HD input blade […]

By Josh Srago Presentations like rAVe founder Gary Kayye’s Krystal Ball do a phenomenal job of painting broad strokes over where we are headed as an industry, but when the information is incomplete or disregards alternatives, it can leave those in attendance with the wrong impression. In the spring of 2013, Gary gave his Krystal […]

Extron hasn’t had a complete answer to either Crestron’s DMPS-300 Series or AMX’s Enova line — until today! Extron hasn’t officially announced it, but I found the DTP CrossPoint 84 Series on the company’s website and immediately called Casey Hall, Extron’s vice president of sales and marketing. Although the official announcement isn’t until Thursday, it’s real. […]

Extron’s new Annotator 300 is a hardware-based annotation processor that allows a presenter to draw, point or type over live presentations using a touch display, graphics tablet or a keyboard and mouse. The HDCP-compliant Annotator 300 includes HDMI and DisplayPort inputs, a universal analog video input and three simultaneous outputs including two HDMI and a […]

Extron’s new XTP DTP 24 Shielded Twisted Pair Cable has been independently tested in an HDBaseT Alliance Recognized Testing Facility and verified to exceed performance requirements for recommendation by the Alliance. The HDBaseT Alliance’s Cable Recommendation Program helps AV installers to select cables that are engineered for optimum signal transmission within a twisted pair infrastructure. […]

Liberty AV Solutions’ Intelix group has launched a four-input, four-output HDMI/HDBaseT matrix switcher dubbed the FLX-44. The FLX-44 features four HDMI inputs and four HDBaseT outputs with mirrored HDMI ports on outputs 1 and 2. The FLX-44 includes HDBaseT transmission chips to reach 70 meters (230 feet) over a single Cat6 or greater cable, and […]

It’s the end of the year as we know it. This year in review and its companion peek into my pixel and ink-stained crystal ball at the year coming up will be largely “pixel” posts in that I’ll talk about commercial AV. Perhaps one or two literary mentions to round things out. And more on […]

AV social media maven and rAVe Pubs founder Gary Kaye is making waves with a recent blog post in which he lambasted the HDBaseT Alliance for its failure to properly monitor and implement the “standard” of HDBaseT.  His article is well researched, and makes a number of very valid points. A few weeks prior to Gary’s post, another well-respected AV blogger, Leonard […]

One comment I frequently hear about HDBaseT is that it’s a “bridge technology” between the old days of simple point-to-point connectivity and a future in which AV joins the rest of our data on those great big IP networks which dominate the rest of our lives. Are we ready for this paradigm shift? Is the […]

Savant Systems is now shipping the SmartLink matrix switch and the SmartAudio SSA-3220, both of which were shown at CEDIA Expo 2013. Savant’s SmartLink technology is available in three versions, each with eight HDMI video/audio inputs and eight S/PDIF audio-only outputs. Integrators can select between four, six or eight HDBaseT 5Play or HDMI video and […]

I’ve been a fan since the first time I heard about and read the so-called HDBaseT standard. Here’s a system that’s spec’d to send video, audio, control, Ethernet and power (marketed by the HDBaseT Alliance as “5Play”) over a Cat5e or Cat6 cable. Perfect, huh? It is, when it’s done right — and that isn’t […]

Today I’d like to share a moment to discuss everyone’s  favorite transport mechanism, HDBaseT. For those not in the know, the HDBaseT alliance have defined HDBaseT as a technology for transport of video, audio, power, Ethernet and control over standard category cable. As a point-to-point (as opposed to routable) signals, HDBaseT cannot be routed with […]

I had the pleasure of supporting a distributor of ours, Almo ProAV at their E4 Expo in Irvine last week.  That event was kicked off by a keynote from rAVe’s very own Gary Kayye.  During the Q&A section of the keynote, someone asked is Gary saw HDBaseT as a replacement for HDMI in the future, […]

Kramer’s TP-580T and TP-580R are a transmitter and receiver, respectively, using HDBaseT Lite technology to send HDMI with embedded audio, bi-directional RS232 and IR over distances of up to 230 feet (70 meters). For resolutions above 1080p60 and up to 4K, they can transmit up to 131 feet (40 meters), according to Kramer. The TP-580T […]

Crestron will debut at CEDIA Expo a new family of HDMI over HDBaseT extenders, which transmit and receive 4K content using standard CAT5e/UTP cables. Crestron says it’s upgraded its DigitalMedia matrix switchers to handle 4K resolutions (4096×2160). The HD-EXT3-C and HD-EXT4-C are specified to support 4K content and can transmit HDMI long distances (up to […]

At CEDIA, Savant Systems will launch a new family of multi-room media distribution products composed of three video distribution systems (8×8, 8×6, 8×4), an audio distribution system (32×20) and two HDBaseT receivers. Video Switches: Savant’s three new SmartLink HDMI matrix video switches leverage HDBaseT 5Play technology, which allows integrators to use a single CAT5e/6 cable […]

Aurora’s second generation Digital Xtreme Matrix (DXM) switchers with HDBaseT CAT I/O cards offering 1080p 60Hz transmission over single CAT cable up to 600 feet. Three card cage sizes for up to 32 discrete channels of Input and output. Aurora claims it has auto EDID learning and management. The DXM-G2 also offers flexible RS232 signal […]

Crestron has announced the availability of its new HDMI over HDBaseT Transmitter (HD-TX3-C) and HDMI over HDBaseT Receiver (HD-RX3-C). The new devices support 4K and offer a solution for extending uncompressed HDMI signals up to 330 feet (100 meters) via HDBaseT over a single CAT5e/UTP cable without signal degradation. Available in a black or white […]

Aurora’s new DXB-8 is a low-cost, eight-button, single-gang wall keypad with two RS232 outputs. It mates with Aurora’s DXW-2 series HDBaseT Wall plates, allowing RS232 control via HDBaseT to the display over a single cable. The new button panel comes in black and white with an assortment of laser-etched backlit buttons. The DXB-8 can also […]

HDBaseT is a funny name for a new connector that is likely to have a big impact on ProAV integration as well as connections in the home. In a nutshell, it is a networked-based protocol that allows delivery of video, audio, control, Ethernet and power over a Cat5e/6 cable – something almost every professional installation […]

InfoComm 13 is over, and after 3 days on the floor there, I started asking myself if I found what I was looking for.   I made a comment that I was looking for three Howard Hughes-esque traits in manufacturers or their employees.  Those traits were Courage, Passion, and Innovation. I only received a couple nominations […]

Anyone who followed my last couple posts about my scAVenger hunt on the floor may be curious to know how things turned out. Well we invited quite a few folks to come and try out their Cat5 based extenders on the show floor. Who we invited and what they said: Atlona — Wanted to come, but […]

Primeview this week is unveiling its new 84” 4K HDBaseT-enabled display, a solution to the 4K distance problem that plagues commercial projects. HDBaseT can deliver 4K video up to 100 meters over a single Ethernet cable, making the installation process much simpler and more cost effective compared to all other cabling options for professional installers […]

RGB Spectrum told rAVe it’s added HDBaseT capability to its Linx Prime matrix switchers with a line-up of UTP/STP extender products, including input/output cards and endpoints that incorporate HDBaseT transmission technology at InfoComm 2013. RGB Spectrum’s Linx Prime switchers provide connectivity solutions for a variety of applications that require signal distribution within rooms, and across […]

Gary’s popular Rants and rAVe video series is back! You may remember that in 2011 and 2012, he produced some hilarious, some serious, but all educational videos that addressed subjects like the GreenAV movement, reasons to hire young people, how HomeAV is infiltrating the ProAV market and his disdain for 3D. All in all, over […]

Wyrestorm’s new MX-PP-POH Pro Plus Matrix is a built-to-order HDBaseT switcher that offers a choice of eight or 16 fully customizable expansion bays, RS232 control signal routing and power over HDBaseT. HDBaseT allows for HD video, high-resolution audio, RS232 and IR, as well as low voltage power via a single Cat5e/6 cable (removing the need […]