The HDBaseT Alliance releases the specifications of HDBaseT 2.0-- now with a HomePlay feature set adding USB 2.0 and point-to-multipoint video distribution to HDMI, ethernet, IR and RS-232 signals carried over Cat 5e/6 cable.
"The HDBaseT 2.0 specification defines the required adaptations across all 7 layers of the Open system Interconnection (OSI) model to support time-sensitive, high throughput video/audio and other time sensitive applications," the Alliance says. "The HomePlay switch is designed to provide all required services for the multimedia home."
HDBaseT 2.0 adds networking, switching and control point capabilities, as well as point-to-multipoint connectivity for multi-stream support. The first version, on the other hand, defined a point-to-point connectivity standard with a 5Play (video, audio, Ethernet, power and controls) feature set.
Meanwhile USB 2.0 support allows vendors to eliminate the multiple interfaces and conversion components required for HDBaseT 1.0 products-- allowing the production of simpler, smaller HDBaseT switches at more consumer-friendly prices.
"The key to making HDBaseT more cost effective for consumers and professionals is making the HDBaseT-enabled components more affordable, and the new features HDBaseT 2.0 offers will help manufacturers do just that," the Alliance concludes.
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