Extron has introduced its USB Extender xi Series, designed to give Pro AV integrators greater flexibility when USB peripherals need to be located far from their host computers.
The new series can extend and switch USB signals up to 1,980 feet (600 m) over a Gigabit Ethernet network, or up to 330 feet (100 m) point to point using a single CATx cable. Supporting USB 2.0 High Speed and earlier devices, the system is aimed at applications where conventional USB cabling cannot provide the required reach.
The transmitter can draw power directly from the host computer or from the included power supply. It also provides USB peripheral emulation, allowing a host computer to boot reliably even when a keyboard or mouse is not physically connected.
At the receiver end, an active four port USB hub provides up to 500 mA per port for connected devices. A matrix controller enables integrators to configure and manage distributed USB switching across an Ethernet network.
The series supports a broad range of peripherals, including interactive whiteboards, keyboards, mice, mass storage devices, webcams, headsets and speakers. USB Extender xi HID models can also restrict connectivity to authorised device types, helping secure installations where control over connected peripherals is required.
For larger deployments, the USB Matrix Controller xi can be combined with the extenders to create distributed USB switching systems supporting up to 64 transmitters and receivers, with centralised management and control.
The USB Extender xi Series is suited to applications including courtrooms, conference and meeting spaces, classrooms and lecture halls, where USB devices may need to be positioned well away from their host computers while remaining accessible and centrally managed.
