Solution Extends HDTV/HDMI Reach
Key Digital’s solution to the problem of sending digital HDTV/HDMI and control signals as far as 600 feet via CAT6 cable is scheduled for release next week.
The N.Y.-based company’s HDBaseT-based extenders/baluns, including its FatCat Series model KD-CATHD500FW HDMI balun, when used in conjunction with Key Digital’s special CAT6/STP cable (FatCat Series model KD-CAT6STP1X) and RJ-45 connectors (FatCat Series model KD-RJ45SC), reportedly create durable connectivity for signal transmission. Such signals as HDTV/HDMI video, HDMI audio, bi-directional 100 Mb/s Ethernet, bi-directional RS232 and bi-directional IR can be sent over a single CAT6/STP cable.
Here’s how the company says this works:
>> HDbaseT connectivity: This data communication method utilizes a more advanced method of modulating data in two dimensions: amplitude and time. The more traditional TMDS method using only one time dimension for data. By using data modulation in two dimensions HDbaseT places less stress on time dimension that way allows slower clocks to be used. Slower clocks makes pulse edge jitter to be less impactful on the data eye and allows data eye to be open for longer distance then traditional TMDS method utilized in standard HDMI cables and extenders.
>> Special CAT6STP cable. This cable is specifically designed to give most protection to data and to minimize jitter effects for longer runs: a. Cable video bandwidth is 550 MHz to reduce jitter. Overall braided STP prevent RF interference from household appliances and ground loops between source and sink. Individually shielded twisted pairs prevent interference inside the cabled. Closely matched twisted pair turns will align arrival time for data "eyes" enabling a better capture at the Rx.
>> EDID control. KD-CATHD500FWTx is equipped with an EDID control buffer that allows it to replace the display EDID with a number of preprogrammed EDID files. To enable 600 feet connectivity, the system has to be switched to 1080i/1080p-24/720p resolution. That class of resolution maintains a maximum of 74.25 MHz video data clock that allows the data eye to be of sufficient length in order to avoid cable jitter degradation. Selecting EDID position 1 (Picture 1) will prevent the source from exceeding that resolution range.
