Extron’s UCS 504, a powerful 4K collaboration switching transmitter and scaling receiver kit that combines AV and USB switching with twisted pair signal extension, is NOW SHIPPING. With USB cameras, microphones, and other peripheral devices becoming more common in small meeting spaces, the ability to connect users’ laptops to these devices at multiple locations in a room has become critical to a successful meeting experience.
The UCS 504 is a 4K collaboration switcher and receiver kit that combines AV and USB switching with twisted pair signal extension. The transmitter supports USB‑C and dual HDMI with USB inputs for BYOM laptops. The scaling receiver provides an additional HDMI with USB input for a dedicated UC computer and an HDMI output to the room display. Six USB device connections support cameras or mics up to USB 10Gbps and HDMI outputs enable resolutions up to 4K/60. The system supports auto-switching and automation capabilities including CEC, RS‑232, or IR control to a display. The compact half‑rack width transmitter can mount under a table while the 1″ (2.5 cm) high receiver easily mounts behind a display. The UCS 504 makes it easy to integrate AV sources and USB cameras for Teams® and Zoom™ meetings into conference and collaboration spaces.
With USB cameras, microphones, and other peripheral devices becoming more common in small meeting spaces, the ability to connect users’ laptops to these devices has become critical to a successful meeting experience. The UCS 504 supports switching up to six USB room devices, one that supports rates up to USB 10Gbps while providing 5V, 900 mA power, and five that support rates up to High Speed (USB 2) while providing 5V, 500 mA power per port. Integrating traditional AV display switching with USB peripheral device switching in one unit takes collaboration between local and remote users to a new level.
Simplify Equipment Placement with Signal Extension
Many meeting spaces need to extend AV and USB signals between a presenter sitting or standing at a table, lectern, or other furniture to a display at the front of the room, where equipment such as a dedicated computer or USB camera may be mounted. The UCS 504 uses a single CATx cable to extend the video and High Speed (USB 2) signals up to 330 feet (100 meters) between the transmitter and receiver for easy room installation of signals over a single cable. For rooms that use a USB camera with rates up to USB 10Gbps (USB 3), an optional USB cable provides extension between the transmitter and receiver. The UCS 504 provides flexible signal extension, making it easy to install AV and computer equipment in multiple locations within a space.
USB Breakaway Switching
For more complex room setups that may want to switch the USB devices separately from the AV inputs, the UCS 504 offers USB breakaway switching. This enables flexibility in switching by allowing the DisplayPort Alt Mode video from the USB‑C input and HDMI input video and audio to be switched to the display without the corresponding USB data bus. For example, USB devices, such as a USB camera or microphone, could be left connected to a dedicated HDMI computer in the room while video from the other inputs is sent to the room’s display via the HDMI output. This enables USB peripherals to be switched independently of video and audio signals when needed for users who may only want to use the space for a traditional BYOD presentation meeting.
Intuitive Collaboration
The user-friendly UCS 504 is easy to use in any meeting space, including simple rooms without a control system. The auto switching feature can be configured to prioritize inputs if more than one laptop or computer is connected at the same time. This can be used in rooms that have a dedicated computer connected to one input, leaving other inputs for other devices such as laptop computers. As laptops connect, the switcher will automatically switch that laptop to the display and connect the USB camera or other room devices to the laptop for use in a Teams or Zoom meeting. When a laptop is disconnected, the system will automatically switch back to the dedicated computer for users who may want to use the room without a laptop. This empowers users to collaborate intuitively, with minimal interaction with the AV hardware.
Convenient Content Sharing
Control can be brought to users’ fingertips using Show Me® cables or Retractors housed in elegant Cable Cubby or AVEdge table mounted cable access enclosures. Users simply connect their laptop computers to a Show Me cable and press the Share Button to share content to the room’s display. This can eliminate the need for a control system and button panel or touch panel for simple presentation or Bring Your Own Meeting (BYOM) spaces.
Comprehensive USB-C
The UCS 504 utilizes the full capabilities of USB‑C connections, enabling transmission of all three primary AV functions, video/audio, USB data, and power over a single cable. This all‑in‑one connection eliminates the need for laptops to have a separate power or USB data connection and streamlines the user experience with a single cable connection.
BYOM Convenience
Bring Your Own Meeting (BYOM) rooms offer collaborative spaces for local and remote users without the need for more complicated room setups that use dedicated computers, switching, and control equipment. BYOM spaces can use USB cameras and microphones in conjunction with portable laptops brought by the users. Utilizing a collaboration switcher with extension capabilities integrates USB switching with traditional AV switching and extension, enabling the room to seamlessly switch between multiple laptops or computer sources while also providing access to USB-connected equipment. These spaces are more convenient for users, less expensive to set up and maintain, and offer more flexibility. BYOM spaces also serve a dual function and operate as traditional presentation spaces when users want to present content locally and don’t need to run a UC meeting. BYOM spaces feature powerful and effective local and remote collaboration capabilities for today’s meeting and collaboration rooms.
