Gefen announces the EXT-UHD600A-12-DS-- a 4K 600MHz 1:2 scaler with EDID detective and audio de-embedder the company says has independent scalers built into each of the two HDMI outputs.

One output downscales 4K 600MHz signals to 1080p, while the other upscales HD signals to 4K UHD 600MHz. In addition to the scaling and splitting capabilities, the unit also features advanced EDID management, with built-in, pass-through and user EDID capabilities.

Gefen claims the scaler has the capability to handle 4096×2160 to 60 Hz 4:4:4 and 4K Ultra HD 3860×2160 to 60 Hz, 4:4:4-- both at 10-bit colour-- with HDR-10. It also de-embeds audio from HDMI, and outputs it as L/R analog and TOSLINK optical digital audio (2-channel LPCM and up to 5.1 channels of Bitstream).

Savant announces an AV-over-IP product line aimed at the home entertainment market-- a switching platform able to deliver 4K/60 4:4:4 HDR video (10-bit colour) distribution over IP with "zero frame latency."

The system uses a 10GbE switch, enabling high-bandwidth ethernet connectivity throughout the project. It also allows installations from 2 to 128 zones. Products in the lineup include the Savant IP 4- and 8-input video transmitters, as well as Savant IP video output receivers available in either fibre or copper options.

Meanwhile the audio lineup includes the Savant IP Audio 50, a renamed version of the Savant Pro Audio 4 and the first wired music solution from the company. New to the line is the Savant IP Audio 125, a higher wattage amplifier/audio distribution system. It delivers all functionality of the IP Audio 50, only with 125W per channel and additional control ports.

Gefen from Core Brands starts shipping the EXT-UHD600A-88 4K UHD 600MHz 8x8 Matrix for HDMI, with support for 18.2Gbps of bandwidth and 600MHz TMDS Clock frequency.

First seen at ISE 2017, the EXT-UHD600A-88 handles the HDMI 2.0 standard. It routes eight 4K sources to eight 4K displays, and supports resolutions up to 4K Cinema-DCI (4096 x 2160 up to 60Hz, 4:4:4), 4K UHD (3860x2160 up to 60Hz 4:4:4) with HDR, 1080p full HD and WUXGA (1920x1200). It also supports HDCP 2.2 and 1.4, 3DTV pass-through and Lip Sync pass-through.

Researchers warn of a serious flaw in the WPA2 protocol securing all wifi networks-- one allowing attackers to steal passwords, emails and other supposedly encrypted data!

Dubbed Key Reinstallation Attacks (or KRACKs), such attacks even allow those with malicious intent to inject ransomware and malware into a website a user is visiting, all while simply being in range of a vulnerable device. These can be any wifi-capable device, although the flaw is "particularly devastating" in the case of Linux and Android 6.0.

How does KRACK works? As the researchers put it, attackers can duplicate a vulnerable WPA2 network, impersonate the MAC address and change the wifi channel. The fake network acts as a "man in the middle," forcing devices to connect to the rogue network instead of the protected original.

Comprehensive Connectivity launches the CHE-HDBT2010 4K (18Gbps)-- an HDBaseT extender kit able to extend 18G UHD 4K@60Hz HDMI signals for up to 70m to a compatible display.

The kit converts HDMI signals to a standard HDBaseT signal before transmission over a single ethernet (Cat5e or higher) cable. It also supports bi-directional POC, eliminating the need to run additional power, and includes x2 IR receivers and x2 transmitters to allow for bidirectional infrared control of a connected HDMI source and display.

MATRIX follows the MATRIX Creator Internet of Things (IoT) dev board with the addition of Z-Wave certification, marking the company's debut into the residential custom installation market.

As the company puts it, Z-Wave certification allows custom installers to use the MATRIX Creator to build custom smart home apps delivering highly specific functionality. In addition, such apps can be sold to other customers with similar unique requirements, creating an opportunity for a recurring revenue stream.

“The reality is that integrators may not be able to satisfy all of their client’s requirements with a big-brand automation system,” the company says. “With the MATRIX Creator in their toolkit, though, they can seamlessly build and add customized functionality to accommodate any request beyond the system’s out-of-box capabilities. The MATRIX Creator fills in the gaps, serving to seamlessly pair with a whole-home automation system and satisfy all of a customer’s requests, no matter the ask.”