HDBaseT is a standard for connecting and transmitting uncompressed multimedia content at very high definition.
It is used in the consumer (homes) and business (shops and commercial activities) sectors. Today, the strength of HDBaseT technology is the 5 Play function, i.e. a set of 5 functions transmitted via a single LAN cable for up to 100 metres. These functions are:
- an uncompressed ultra-HD video signal
- digital audio
- 100 BaseT Ethernet
- USB 2.0
- electrical power up to 100W
The latest HDBaseT specification allows the transmission of audio and video, Ethernet, USB and control over fibre optics, for distances over 100 metres.
Audio video
HDBaseT technology enables the transmission of uncompressed ultra-HD / 3D and 2K / 4K video to a network of devices (multi-point network) or to a single device (point-to-point ). HDBaseT is compatible with all HDMI formats and supports all key features, including EPG, CEC, EDID and HDCP. The unique video encoding system guarantees the highest video quality with zero latency. In addition, HDBaseT audio supports all standard formats, including Dolby Digital, DTS, Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD Master Audio.
Ethernet
HDBaseT supports 100Mb Ethernet technology, enabling communication between televisions, audio systems, computers and other electronic devices, as well as access to any multimedia content stored on a networked device (e.g. music or video streaming). HDBaseT also supports Ethernet fallback mode, which allows seamless integration between an HDBaseT device and an Ethernet-only infrastructure. In this case, only the capabilities of the Ethernet link will be enabled.
Control
HDBaseT enables the transmission of various signals for controlling electronic devices such as CEC (Consumer Electronics Control), the RS -232 standard, and infrared (IR) control. IP control, on the other hand, is enabled and thanks to Ethernet channel support. HDBaseT offers manufacturers virtually endless control opportunities.
USB
HDBaseT supports the USB 2.0 protocol, and can be configured as either USB host or peripheral. USB thus expands the functionality supported by HDBaseT to include KVM (keyboard-videomouse) switches, touch-screen functions, industrial PCs and USB extenders.
Energy
With HDBaseT 5 Play technology, up to 100W DC power can be transmitted from one device to another via the same CAT6a cable. This important aspect provides the freedom to install systems wherever one wishes and not only where an electrical source is present.
Advantages:
Distance
The length of the cable and the distances to be covered have always been a challenge. HDBaseT technology can be used for distances over 100 m with a single transmission or up to 800 m with 8 relays
5 Play
HDBaseT provides video, audio, Ethernet, control and power on a single cable, allowing the number of cables to be reduced to a single cable.
Elegance
HDBaseT requires only one cable. So elegance, aesthetics and grace.
Quality
HDBaseT ensures uncompressed video signal at very high definition (up to 4K effective resolution). HDBaseT technology fully supports all 3D video standards.
Simplicity
HDBaseT technology uses a standard Cat5 / 6 twisted-pair LAN cable with standard RJ-45 connectors, allowing for easy laying, quick deployment and testing.
Accessibility
HDBaseT uses a simple CAT 5e/6 cable, thus greatly reducing installation costs. Moreover, due to the high transmission capacity, electricity consumption is also minimised.
Standard
HDBaseT technology has become an industry standard. With the HDBaseT certification programme, it provides associate members with a comprehensive framework that ensures multi-vendor interoperability of products and certification standards.
Consumer electronics
HDBaseT technology meets all current demands in the consumer electronics sector, a market that is constantly growing and changing. HDBaseT technology provides an all-inclusive solution, setting a new standard for a new generation of digital connectivity. One can forget about hanks of cables hidden in the living room. From simple 2-component installations (TV box), or multi-zone applications (AV receiver), to the most comprehensive, state-of-the-art home networking solutions, the exceptional range of HDBaseT equipment provides a feature set with simple, elegant, and aesthetically perfect solutions.
Customised installations
HDBaseT™ technology is now integrated in hundreds of products from a wide variety of AV equipment manufacturers. These products are successfully distributed worldwide every day, making life easier for professional installers and integrators. HDBaseT is used in professional equipment such as adapters, converters, extenders, switches, and signal distribution equipment. An HDBaseT switch matrix can receive input signals of different types, such as HDMI, DVI, SDI etc. and provide the 5 Play feature set for HDBaseT-enabled remote devices over a single 100m/328ft Cat5e/6 cable.
Professional projection
HDBaseT offers the best solution for both professional and consumer digital projection. HDBaseT technology is currently integrated onboard, by several leading manufacturers in the projection market. These projectors are successfully distributed worldwide on a daily basis. We find them in the Cunsumer, Educational, Commercial etc. sectors. HdBaseT installations for video projection can be point-to-point or dumb/point. In many cases an HDBaseT switch matrix is used to select sources and route them to the chosen devices, providing each with a complete set of functions (on a single CAT cable). Taking advantage of the integrated control channel, it is possible via IR extender, to facilitate remote control (even from other environments) of the video matrix and thus of the signal routing.
Digital Signage
HDBaseT technology provides the ultimate solution for professional integrators and digital signage display manufacturers. HDBaseT technology is already integrated in dozens of devices marketed by leading AV manufacturers. This technology is ideal for all digital signage installations, such as in airports, shopping malls and more. Typically, an HDBaseT switch matrix is used to send the sources (e.g. PC or DVD/Blu-ray player) together with the 5 Play digital signage remote display feature set. The distance between source devices and devices can be up to 100m / 328ft in a single throw or up to 800m with 8 throws. HDBaseT also supports the chaining of multiple digital signage displays.
Industrial PC (IPC)
Even in the IT world, HDBaseT manages to meet all the requirements of the industry. Via a single cable, it offers video, USB, control and power services up to 100m away. HDBaseT allows powering multiple remote displays, providing plug-and-play installation, installations with existing systems, daisychain support for IPC-to-multi-display, and not to be underestimated a USB channel with bi-directional KVM function for remote management of keyboard, video, mouse, touch-screen, USB drives, and so on.
HDBaseT 2.0
HDBaseT 2.0 will bring the quality and experience of the AVPro industry to the consumer world HDBaseT 2.0 is the latest specification released by the HDBaseT Alliance in August 2013.
The new specification introduces features for HomePlay that, with HDBaseT 5 Play capabilities, will make it easier and more convenient for consumers to turn their homes into multimedia entertainment centres. HomePlay provides a clean, cost-effective plug and play solution that will allow the average consumer to enjoy the same multimedia benefits that professionals are accustomed to.
While HDBaseT 1.0 defined a point-to-point connectivity standard, HDBaseT 2.0 redefines multipoint connectivity, thus providing multi-stream support.
Spec 2.0 also adds inherent support for USB 2.0, and other native interfaces allowing manufacturers to remove more interfaces and conversion components required for HDBaseT 1.0
HDBaseT 1.0 was defined to support transmission of video, audio, Ethernet, power and control data, what is called the "5 Play" feature set. The 2.0 specification establishes an enhancement that will allow HDBaseT HomePlay the ability to control and distribute multimedia in all consumer homes.
HDBaseT 2.0 represents the culmination of more than two years of work and development for Pro-AV and CE manufacturers, offering an update on standards and new technologies demanded by the market. Examples of these improvements are visible in supported video resolutions (4K), control standards (USB 2.0), supported HDCP encodings (2.2), etc.
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