Tag Archives: signals
HDBaseT in HDMI Extenders Over Cat5e/6/7 Cable
The main drawback of HDMI as an A/V connection standard, when it comes to high definition video distribution, is cable length limitation. Installation costs quickly add up when you consider HDMI cables, control cables and HDMI repeaters for solving distance limitation. To cope with this limitation, a multitude of HDMI extenders over standard cat5e/6 cable became available each of them providing proprietary solutions to support HDMI extension along with different control signals including CEC, IR, RS232, USB. The downside in all these implementations is that 150 feet proved to be the maximum distance for 1080p/24bit/60Hz resolution, with full HD support guaranteed well under 100 feet. With growing popularity of 3D formats, the need for a new technology became apparent.
HDBaseT is a new connectivity technology optimized for home and commercial multimedia distribution promoted by HDBaseT Alliance. The cornerstone of HDBaseT technology is the “5Play” feature, which means transmitting full uncompressed high definition video, audio, 100BaseT Ethernet, power, and various control signals through a single standard 100m/328ft Cat5e/6 solid cable. HDCP is also handled by the technology.
HDBaseT supports TV and computer video formats including standard, enhanced, high definition and 3D video, as well as all audio standards. HDBaseT delivers full HD/3D and 2K/4K uncompressed video in a point to point connection or a single to multipoint distribution supporting both daisy chain and star topologies. When cascading, extension limits can go beyond 100m/328ft up to eight additional 100m/328ft runs can be combined. This flexibility makes HDBaseT an ideal commercial technology for applications such as digital signage.
HDBaseT supports 100Mb Ethernet, enabling televisions, hi-fi equipment, computers and other devices to communicate to each other and to access stored multimedia content. Different types of control signals are also supported by HDBaseT technology, starting from Consumer Electronic Control (CEC) that operates basic functionality such as power-on, power-off play and stop, to RS232, USB and infrared (IR) that operate remote equipment even when located in a different room. This large variety of control signals gives equipment manufacturers and integrators the flexibility to choose the solution that best meets their needs.
The latest addition to the HDBaseT 1.0 specification is Power over HDBaseT or PoH. This enables the transfer of DC power, along with data signals, over a single Ethernet cable in a manner similar to Power over Ethernet (PoE). PoH safely delivers up to 100W over four pairs of Ethernet cable, which allows power to be supplied to the attached devices through the cable, requiring no additional power supplies. The latest Energy Star 5.3 Specification restricts all TVs to 108W of power consumption, regardless of screen size. Energy Star 6.0 Specification targets a cap of 85W for all TVs. At these levels, HDBaseT has ample power delivery capabilities for supporting even large displays.
Network Technologies Inc (NTI) integrates the HDBaseT technology into its new line of HDMI extenders. The ST-C6HDMI-HDBT extender supports full HD/3D extension to 328ft, HDCP, CEC, IR and optionally SPDIF. The ST-C6USBHE-HDBT supports all of the features listed for ST-C6HDMI-HDBT, plus 100BaseT Ethernet, RS232, and USB support for USB keyboard/mouse and an additional USB device, such as a USB touch screen monitor, USB CAC card reader or USB whiteboard. Both extender models require only one power supply to power the local and remote units, which can be attached at either end. SPDIF audio and USB are not standardized in HDBaseT technology; therefore NTI employs proprietary solutions in its extenders. The way power is delivered through the Ethernet cable is also a proprietary approach tailored to extender applications and provides flexibility at a lower cost.
HDBaseT in HDMI Extenders Over Cat5e/6/7 Cable
The main drawback of HDMI as an A/V connection standard, when it comes to high definition video distribution, is cable length limitation. Installation costs quickly add up when you consider HDMI cables, control cables and HDMI repeaters for solving distance limitation. To cope with this limitation, a multitude of HDMI extenders over standard cat5e/6 cable became available each of them providing proprietary solutions to support HDMI extension along with different control signals including CEC, IR, RS232, USB. The downside in all these implementations is that 150 feet proved to be the maximum distance for 1080p/24bit/60Hz resolution, with full HD support guaranteed well under 100 feet. With growing popularity of 3D formats, the need for a new technology became apparent.
HDBaseT is a new connectivity technology optimized for home and commercial multimedia distribution promoted by HDBaseT Alliance. The cornerstone of HDBaseT technology is the “5Play” feature, which means transmitting full uncompressed high definition video, audio, 100BaseT Ethernet, power, and various control signals through a single standard 100m/328ft Cat5e/6 solid cable. HDCP is also handled by the technology.
HDBaseT supports TV and computer video formats including standard, enhanced, high definition and 3D video, as well as all audio standards. HDBaseT delivers full HD/3D and 2K/4K uncompressed video in a point to point connection or a single to multipoint distribution supporting both daisy chain and star topologies. When cascading, extension limits can go beyond 100m/328ft up to eight additional 100m/328ft runs can be combined. This flexibility makes HDBaseT an ideal commercial technology for applications such as digital signage.
HDBaseT supports 100Mb Ethernet, enabling televisions, hi-fi equipment, computers and other devices to communicate to each other and to access stored multimedia content. Different types of control signals are also supported by HDBaseT technology, starting from Consumer Electronic Control (CEC) that operates basic functionality such as power-on, power-off play and stop, to RS232, USB and infrared (IR) that operate remote equipment even when located in a different room. This large variety of control signals gives equipment manufacturers and integrators the flexibility to choose the solution that best meets their needs.
The latest addition to the HDBaseT 1.0 specification is Power over HDBaseT or PoH. This enables the transfer of DC power, along with data signals, over a single Ethernet cable in a manner similar to Power over Ethernet (PoE). PoH safely delivers up to 100W over four pairs of Ethernet cable, which allows power to be supplied to the attached devices through the cable, requiring no additional power supplies. The latest Energy Star 5.3 Specification restricts all TVs to 108W of power consumption, regardless of screen size. Energy Star 6.0 Specification targets a cap of 85W for all TVs. At these levels, HDBaseT has ample power delivery capabilities for supporting even large displays.
Network Technologies Inc (NTI) integrates the HDBaseT technology into its new line of HDMI extenders. The ST-C6HDMI-HDBT extender supports full HD/3D extension to 328ft, HDCP, CEC, IR and optionally SPDIF. The ST-C6USBHE-HDBT supports all of the features listed for ST-C6HDMI-HDBT, plus 100BaseT Ethernet, RS232, and USB support for USB keyboard/mouse and an additional USB device, such as a USB touch screen monitor, USB CAC card reader or USB whiteboard. Both extender models require only one power supply to power the local and remote units, which can be attached at either end. SPDIF audio and USB are not standardized in HDBaseT technology; therefore NTI employs proprietary solutions in its extenders. The way power is delivered through the Ethernet cable is also a proprietary approach tailored to extender applications and provides flexibility at a lower cost.
Uses and Benefits of Video Test Pattern Generators
Video test pattern generators provide a convenient and effective way to calibrate, test and troubleshoot video display devices such as HDTVs, projectors, LCD (liquid crystal display) screens and CRT (cathode ray tube) monitors for the ideal viewing experience.
Specific patterns are produced by the video test pattern generators to determine a variety of performance criteria, including: video resolutions, brightness and uniformity, purity and color saturation, linearity, edge geometry, sharpness, stability, etc. By comparing the video input pattern to the video output on a display unit, it is possible to determine how accurately a monitor displays the video it receives and if any defects can be rectified. Some video test pattern generators also allow a user to test digital and/or analog audio signals through generated frequency waves. Using the corresponding video cable needed, simply connect the video test pattern generator to the supported display unit to run the test patterns on the screen. No other video source, such as a computer, DVD player or set-top box is needed for the testing process. If multiple display units are to be compared, the use of a video splitter can ensure that the same pattern is displayed on all desired monitors and subsequently calibrated so that the video output is identical on all screens.
Three of the most common video test patterns are: color bars, grayscale charts and crosshatch, with each serving a distinct function. Several variations of the color bar test pattern exist, with the most well-known being the SMPTE color bar, which are used to test analog NTSC video. All color bar test patterns serve the same purpose of testing and calibrating color saturation, balance and brightness. Most grayscale charts consist of a gradient of monotone bars with the goal being to obtain a smooth range of neutral grays from pure black to white. Adjustments can be made to brightness and contrast to achieve the optimal display. Crosshatch patterns are used to check and calibrate centering, aspect ratio, convergence, and both vertical and horizontal linearity. Other test patterns can range from focusing on one or two specific issues to universal patterns that cover most key aspects.
Most video test pattern generators are compact, portable devices that allow easy field calibration, testing and maintenance of many applications such as: production line quality assessment; studio equipment for both installers and users; television sets by TV engineers or technicians; digital signage configurations with extenders, switches, splitters or video wall processors; and discerning home theater users. High-end models tend to support multiple video signal types while lower-end models offer a more limited and specific selection. Video Products Inc (VPI) offers a wide selection of video test pattern generators that can fulfill the needs of varying applications.
VPI’s MONTEST-HDMI and MONTEST-HDMI-LC respectively provide a high-quality and low-cost option for testing HDMI or DVI display units. The low-cost unit can generate 34 video test patterns, 48 timings and a single audio tone. In comparison, the MONTEST-HDMI provides 39 distinct test patterns, 35 resolution and timing settings, and a range of analog and digital audio signals via a built-in sine wave tone generator. It can also be controlled via the IR remote control or RS232 in addition to its front panel buttons. Both units can test for HDCP compliance and support HDTV resolutions up to 1080p.
The MONTEST-LCD signal generator supports analog computer monitors, LCD displays and video projection systems with the following four connectors: VGA, MAC II, SUN and RGHHV for BNC. It can generate four video patterns with 16 colors and intensity control, and over 100 frequencies that cover a wide range of monitor types.
The MONTEST-HDSDI can generate eight video test patterns and seven timings up to 1080p resolution at full broadcast quality, making it ideal for testing and maintaining studio equipment such as monitors, cabling and recording equipment. It also supports single-tone audio testing and dual SDI output for side-by-side comparison of displays.
All encompassing, the MONTEST-DA supports both analog and digital video signals, including: HDMI, DVI, NTSC, PAL, component Y/Pb/Pr, S-video, VESA, and more. It not only provides a variety of video test patterns, but also allows a user to play stored video and audio files from an embedded 80G hard drive. Remotely control the unit via its RS232-port. Supporting stereo audio test signals, DDC2B, and HDCP, the unit can scale a source to fit a display based on its EDID data. The MONTEST-DA is an ideal, comprehensive solution for applications that need to test, calibrate and maintain various display types.
Video test pattern generators are necessary for achieving optimal displays in many different settings and VPI’s range of MONTEST video test pattern generators can help both consumers and businesses achieve the highest quality their display units can deliver.