European Custom Installer

System Integration for the Connected Home

Networking & IoT

USB Type-C Gets DisplayPort

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The Video Electronics Standards Association joins the USB 3.0 Promoter Group to add DisplayPort Alternate Mode (aka "Alt Mode") to the upcoming USB Type-C standard.

DisplayPort USBEssentially, Alt Mode adds DisplayPort capabilities to USB Type-C connectors and cables, allowing them the carrying of video signals (up to 4K), SuperSpeed USB (USB 3.1) data and up to 100W of power. It will also feature adapters to support existing DisplayPort, HDMI, DVI and VGA displays.

For the technically curious, VESA says Alt Mode "repurposes some or all of the four existing SuperSpeed USB lanes to deliver full DisplayPort performance, and uses other signaling available in the USB Type-C connector for DisplayPort’s AUX channel and HPD (Hot Plug Detection) function. This enables computers, tablets, smartphones, displays, and docking stations to implement the new USB Type-C connector at both ends while using the DisplayPort Standard over USB Type-C to transmit high-resolution A/V along with USB data and power."

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Extron Ships DSC HD-HD Scaler

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Extron starts shipping the DSC HD-HD-- a compact HDCP-compliant scaler able to convert between HDMI resolutions and frame rates ideal for applications requiring the scaling of HDMI video with different sources and displays.

DSC HD-HDIt handles video from 480i up to 1920x1200, 1080p and 2K, and offers upscaling and downscaling with multiple output rates up to 1920x1200, including HDTV 1080p/60 and 2K.

Advanced video processing provides 1080i deinterlacing and Deep Color processing for optimal image quality, while installer-friendly features include on-screen display, test patterns and EDID minder.

Remote configuration and control are also available via USB.

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Extron Does Wireless HDMI

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Extron launches the eLink 100-- a first wireless extender from the company able to push HDMI video and multi-channel audio signals by up to 30m, making it ideal for installations where hiding cables is problematic.

eLink 100The eLink 100 is HDCP-compliant and supports computer video at up to 1920x1080 resolution, including 1080p/60. Latency clocks at less than 1 millisecond for real-time wireless performance, while 5GHz spectrum use allows signals to pass through walls and other obstacles.

To ensure stable connections in environments with multipath signals the extender uses robust multi-input and multi-output (MIMO) technology with AES-128 encryption. It also uses Automatic Frequency Selection (AFS) with Dynamic Frequency Selection (DFS) to actively monitor the RF spectrum and select an available channel, thus avoiding interference from other devices.

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Netgear Intros Nighthawk X4

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Netgear launches the latest member of its Stealth Fighter-esque Nighthawk router range at IFA 2014-- the Nighthawk X4 AC2350 (R7500), claiming to push the fastest dual-band 802.11ac wifi via Quad-Stream wifi architecture.

Nighthawk X4It carries a 1.4GHz dual-core processor and the Quantenna 802.11ac Wave 2, 4x4 MU-MIMO (Multi-User MIMO) wifi solution, and reaches combined network speeds of up to 2.33Gbps (up to 1733Mbps on the 5.0GHz band + 600Mbps on the 2.4GHz band).

Meanwhile Dynamic QoS prioritisation recognises individual applications (such as gaming, video streams or file transfers) and allocates bandwidth accordingly. The company says the X4 is also device-aware to further ensure lag-free online games and jitter-free HD video streams.

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Extron: MediaLink Controllers with Sleek Design

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Extron Electronics introduces the MLC 55 Series. These economical, easy-to-use MediaLink controllers are used for common AV functions such as power, input selection, and volume in single display applications.

MLC 55They feature a sleek new look with redesigned backlit buttons and magnetically-attached faceplates that hide the mounting screws and configuration ports, giving the controllers a refined, uncluttered appearance.

All models include unidirectional RS-232 and IR display control, as well as discrete ON and OFF display power controls. The MLC 55 RS VC model features a newly-designed, larger volume knob, that provides smooth, precise volume control for Extron MPA Series and select XTRA Series amplifiers. The MLC 55 Series is available in four form factors to accommodate a variety of mounting options.

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UHD Switching Breakthrough From Leaf

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Leaf Leaf announces it will show off a "major breakthrough" in residential UHD switching and distribution at CEDIA Expo 2014 with the launch of HDCP 2.2-compliant matrix switchers.

The range includes both HDBaseT Class A and Class B models with POH, armed with features such as coax digital audio inputs, multi-zone variable line level audio outputs and variable audio delay.

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Aten Intros Video Extender Wall Plates

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Connectivity solution maker Aten announces VE156, VE606 and VE808 extender wall plates-- Decora-style wall plates extenders handling VGA, DVI, HDMI and audio signals over up to 150m of Cat5e cable.

Aten extender The wall plates eliminate bulky cables for a neat and convenient installation, making them ideal for home theaters, function rooms and other applications demanding hidden cables.

The Decora style provides easy installation, with the VE156 featuring adjustable compensation to ensure optimal video quality. The unit extends the distance between VGA source and display by up to 150m and uses a second Cat5e cable to transmit power to the "other unit."

Meanwhile the VE606 and VE808 extend DVI and HDMI signals respectively, with a second Cat5e cable providing EDID bypass, HDCP key authentication and power.

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