The criteria for connectivity in the commercial market varies from that of the consumer home installation market. Until now, commercial installations have made due with more home-centric technologies and cables, as only a few cable standards can accommodate the feature set required for audio/video (A/V) connectivity. However, these standards-designed specifically for the consumer electronics (CE) market, place limitations on commercial integrators in terms of cable reach, feature capabilities, ease of installation and overall flexibility.
Whether installing a video wall in an airport, a projector in a classroom or placing digital signage in a mall, cable length remails the biggest A/V challenge for integrators. Addressing this key challenge and many more, a new technology called HDBaseT is gaining momentum as the installer's connectivity of choice.
Supported by the HDBaseT Alliance, a cross-industry alliance - incorporated by LG Electronics, Samsung Electronics, Sony Pictures Entertainment and Valens Semiconductor - HDBaseT is the first technology to enable 5Play convergence, sending video, audio, Internet, controls and power over a single, long reach cable.
Overcomes Common Installation Pitfalls
This seamless solution increases distance of data transfer, expands distribution, simplifies installation and lowers overall system cost.
With HDBaseT, distance is not a worry. Installers no longer need to count meters or worry about the cost of a repeater or extender when the distance is several meters long. For even short distances, there is no need to measure. Using a standard LAN cable, installers can field terminate after the cable is run. HDBaseT extends installers' networking reach at least four-fold to what has been previously offered through existing technologies, increasing cable distance while also expanding the range of distribution capable throughout a space.
Other common installation pitfalls resolved with HDBaseT include:
- Support for HD and 3D: HDBaseT utilizes a quality cable proven for transferring HD and new 3D formats
- Quality controls: HDBaseT sends various controls while ensuring reliability and low latency
- Power outlet proximity: Remove the electrician from the process-HDBaseT sends 100W of power simultaneously through the 5Play feature set eliminating the need for a power outlet to be installed near the display.
- Cable clutter: HDBaseT means fewer cables and less mess-a truly single cable solution.
To read a more comprehensive coverage of this white paper, you can download the pdf version here.
