Atlona launches the AT-HDR-M2C-QUAD-- a multi-channel audio converter able to extract, decode and downmix multi-channel PCM, Dolby and DTS from four HDMI sources simultaneously, including HDR signals.

The AT-HDR-M2C-QUAD includes HDMI inputs in a single 1U rack-mountable unit. It enables integration of multiple HDMI sources into a whole-house or distributed audio system. TOSLINK digital and unbalanced analog audio outputs deliver stereo downmixed audio to displays, multi-zone audio amplifiers and other audio systems, with the ability to passthrough each HDMI input to a corresponding HDMI output without downmixing.

Just Add Power (J+P) announces the VBS-HDIP-3G 509POE daisy chain power-over-ethernet (PoE) receiver-- a means for installers to add multiple network devices at the endpoint or add more receivers for custom installations.

The VBS-HDIP-3G 509POE distributes UHD and 4K video over a single Cat-5e cable without need for fibre. The onboard passthrough network port allows connection of any PoE device, meaning a network soundbar, IP TV control or a single display location can be expanded into a video wall. The receiver also expands the number of PoE devices a system can handle by connecting a PoE switch to the port. As a result, installers have greater network flexibility, and any system can be expanded quickly and easily when customers want to add to the AV experience.

Luxul releases drivers for Control4, Crestron, RTI, Savant and URC control and automation systems for the PDU-2, PDU-8 and PDU-16 intelligent network power distribution units (PDUs).

The drivers enable seamless integration of the PDUs with the control systems, allowing any programmable capability to include power control over connected devices. Developed by RTI, Savant and Luxul in partnership with Middle Atlantic, the drivers allow devices plugged into the PDU-2, PDU-8 and PDU-16 to be powered up or down as part of scheduled and triggered events.

In addition, they provide users with outlet control to power-cycle locked-up components locally using handheld remotes, touchpanels and other controllers, or remotely via control system apps on mobile devices.

Atlona announces the JunoX 451 HDBT (AT-JUNO-451-HDBT)-- an HDMI and HDBaseT switcher with HDR and x3 HDMI inputs together with x1 HDBaseT input, able to support 4K/UHD video at 60Hz with 4:4:4 chroma sampling.

HDBaseT support allows the switcher to receive video, embedded audio and ethernet over Cat6a or Cat7 cable up to 100m. Automatic input selection using hot plug detect (HDP) and active video detection technology intelligently switches between inputs without intervention when the user connects a new source. The Juno X is HDCP 2.2-compliant and is compatible with the 4K HDR10 and Dolby Vision HDR formats at 60Hz.

The Wifi Alliance announces the next generation wifi security standard-- Wifi Certified WPA3, a set of security protocols adding on the feature set of WPA2 with capabilities aimed at both personal and enterprise networks.

WPA3 promises to simplify wifi security while enabling more robust authentication, deliver increased cryptographic strength and maintain resiliency of mission critical networks. It remains interoperable with WPA2, even as it disallows outdated legacy protocols and demands use of Protected Management Frames (PMF). While optional at launch, WPA3 certification should become required in the future.

The standard comes in two flavours-- WPA3-Personal and WPA-3 Enterprise. The Personal variant is aimed at consumers, and replaces the Pre-shared Key (PSK) of WPA2-Personal with Simultaneous Authentication of Equals (SAE), a technology resistant to offline dictionary attacks. As a result, users can choose natural, easy to remember passwords and data traffic remains protected even if the password is compromised.

TP-Link aims to combine the mesh router with the smart home hub-- the Deco M9 Plus mesh wifi system aims to handle both home wifi connectivity and the management up to 100 ZigBee and Bluetooth devices.

“From everyday activities like streaming Netflix and using smart voice assistants, to occasional video chats with friends or online gaming, our home lives are more connected than ever before,”  the company says. “Today, families need wifi systems that can support the higher demands put on their network, delivering reliable performance in every room of the home. Deco M9 Plus is a powerful solution designed to meet the wifi needs of the modern smart home.”