HDMI Splitter: Distribute the Signals without any Complication

HDMI Splitter is an electronic device which is used to split a single HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) signal coming from a single source to multiple HDMI output devices. The HDMI Splitters split the signals in a way that there is no difference between the original image and the display image at the devices which are connected to HDMI Splitters (Without any effect on the signals).

Some of the guys are confused with HDMI Splitters and HDMI Routing Switcher. The main difference between them is, the image that appears on all screens will be identical and cannot be independently controlled when connected to an HDMI compatible device such as HD receiver/antennas in case of HDMI Splitter while a Routing Switcher is used to place multiple HDMI compatible output sources into a signal which can be changed via manual or remote control which could dictate what output reaches the display(s).

The one of the advantage of HDMI connector is to connect your hdmi device to other HDMI source via a single cable instead of use of many cables. There are verity of HDMI Splitters which have functionality depends upon the number of sources and destination, distance between source and display etc. The some devices are as follows:

• 1x2 HDMI Splitter: The 1x2 hdmi splitter (distribution amplifier) is used to split the signals from one HDMI source to 2 HDMI outputs. Theses are very useful in home theaters and digital signage applications.
• 1x4 HDMI Splitter: The 1x4 hdmi distribution amplifier (hdmi splitter) is used to distribute one signal to 4 identical signals which point to other other HDMI outputs. It is also very useful for digital signage applications.

The some other hdmi splitters are 1x8, 4x2, 4x4, 8x8 HDMI Splitter and many more according to there splitting capability. Before going to buy any hdmi splitter products you must insure that the features according to your requirement or not. Because it varies from manufactures to manufactures.

VGA to HDMI Converter: Analog devices can now be connected to HDMI displays

A standard VGA signal can be converted to a HDMI signal using a VGA to HDMI Converter. Using this, one can connect the PCs to the latest plasma screen televisions and have an enriching home theater experience. This device is not a scaling device as it does not upscale or downscale the resolution. Output images are in the same resolution as the input images. Standard VGA resolution of 1080p is supported by these converters. The aspect ratio control is done from either the source device or the HDTV. This device is compatible with any display device that has a HDMI port.

Along with video, this conversion device also relays audio. It has R/L audio for maximum audio performance. The audio output of this VGA to HDMI conversion device can be connected back to a PCs monitor as well as speakers. Both digital and stereo audio are supported by them. Analog to digital conversion is made possible by these converters which are easy to install and work on plug and play functionality. They do not require any additional software for operation. HDMI 1.3 and RoHS compliant, the operating frequency of these devices is up to 165 MHz and the video amplifier bandwidth is 1.65 Gpbs. Equipped with agency approvals from CE and FCC, these products also have the flexibility to replicate the images on multiple screens simultaneously using the cascading feature. Requiring no external power supply, these VGA to HDMI devices have the flexibility to replicate the images on multiple screens simultaneously using the cascading feature. They also have front panel buttons which direct the input selection.

LEDs indicate the connectivity status. Using this piece of hardware, content from PCs or internet can be easily watched on plasma TVs, LCD TVs or projectors. Some models are also available with a wall mountable feature. Compact in size, they are perfect for digital signage applications, conference room presentations, school and corporate training environments, since by using these converters, power point presentations and excel sheet data can be shown on digital displays. The face of home entertainment has also been changed with this VGA to HDMI Converter as one can now enjoy output from his computer on the large screen without any over the top investment in hardware.

HDMI over CAT5: Extend HDMI devices without the limitation of distance

Long distance HDMI extension is made possible by using the HDMI Extender. Since HDMI cables have a restriction on the distance to which the video signals can be extended, the HDMI over CAT5 extender was designed. This device uses Category 5 or 6 cables for connecting the source and display devices. Consisting of a local transmitter which is placed next to the computer or other video source and a remote receiver placed next to the display, this compact extension device relays uncompressed digital streams. The image which is displayed is as clear as it would be if directly connected to the display device. Resolutions supported vary with different distances at which the source and display are placed. At 60M, the resolution is 1080p and 60MHz while at 120M it is 1080i and 60MHz.

Both HDMI as well as DVI inputs can be supported by this Cat5 HDMI Extension device. Following a standard IEEE-168B protocol, it has features like auto adjustment of feedback, equalization and amplification. Some models are also available with Infra red remote control and can extend video up to a distance of 330 feet. Other models use two easy to install twisted pair of Cat6 cables for longer transmission or a single cable for shorter distances. Compatible with almost all operating systems, these devices support digital video along with audio. HDCP compliant, it also supports DDWG standards for HDMI compliant monitors. Along with this, it is also compliant with standard modulated IR and the latest IRDA.

The home theater experience can be enhanced using this Audio video Extender as it relays both audio and video in real time. One can connect their PCs to the latest LCD monitors or TVs and watch movies or browse the internet in high definition. Data broadcasting institutions, training and presentation facilities, corporate and educational environments and digital signage applications can all use this device. Operating on plug and play functionality, HDMI video can be easily extended to large distances without running multiple wires from source components to a display device. This results in reduced costs and higher ROI.

This device supports protection of copyrighted digital content and encrypts the video signal between the source device and the display. This feature ensures that the HDMI over Cat5 Extender is widely used in security and surveillance organizations.

DVI to HDMI cables: Enables interfacing of computers with home theater systems

The advent of high definition television has increased the demand for DVI and HDMI. A DVI to HDMI cable can be used when a user wants to convert and relay video from a DVI source to a HDMI display device without the need for a converter. Use of these cables has no negative effect on video quality as the same high resolution will be maintained. As such, there is no difference between DVI and HDMI since both make use of digital video signals, but the debate regarding which is better is an ongoing one. Both these technologies use the same encoding/decoding scheme and can be connected by using these cables.

The major difference between the two is that while HDMI uses a different 19-pin connector which allows it to carry audio as well as video over a single cable, DVI only carries video over a single cable. Available in varying lengths, ranging from 6ft to 15 ft, the cable is not bi-directional since DVI does not pass audio and it needs to be routed separately with standard audio cables. The cable is DVI male to HDMI male and is pin to pin compatible with DVI. Reduction in noise and elimination of electro-magnetic interference are some of its key features. This cable relays HDTV at 2.2 Gbps at a high resolution of 24 bits per pixel.

Since DVI and HDMI are compatible, one does not need adapters while connecting host and display devices with these video outputs. A high quality DVI to HDMI cable makes it easy and affordable to integrate a computer with a home theater allowing users to play content from their computers and display it on an HDTV. Many laptops are also manufactured with a DVI output and this cable enables connecting the computer’s video card to an HDTV as well. It supports simple, enhanced or high definition video and works with HDMI monitors, LCD TVs, Plasma TVs and Projectors. The user friendly connector allows for easy setup of the device.

These high-quality DVI to HDMI cables can be used to connect DVI to HDMI and watch high resolution video over a single connection.

Outdoor Vs Indoor Digital Signage

The digital out of home (DOOH) market has grown exponentially year on year over the last decade. Finally, the market is slowing as a zenith of digital signage screens has been reached in our shopping malls, concourses and transport hubs. However, there is one location where the ubiquity of digital signage has not yet been reached - outdoors.

Outdoor digital signage is a growing and now makes up a substantial proportion of all outdoor adverts, but there is still plenty of room for more. Outdoor digital signage has many advantages over indoor systems too, with larger audiences being the most prominent.

One of the reasons that digital outdoor signage is trailing behind indoor DOOH is that there are more hurdles to clear in taking a screen outside than for indoor signage. The first problem that has to be countered is weather protection. Weather protection is no just about rainfall protection, either. While the rain is one of many elements that can damage a screen, permanently, there are others: snow, hail, sleet and wind blown dust can all disable an outdoor screen so the device has to be protected against all of them.

Temperature protection is also a requirement for digital outdoor signage as in many locations. Screens can overheat during the height of summer but also freezing temperatures of winter can disable a screen too - so both extremes need to be prepared for.

Sunlight too can have an effect on an outdoor screen. Direct sunlight can cause glare and overheating, so precautions need to be taken to ensure the screen is either not under direct sunlight or that the problems are countered in other ways. Bright sunlight can also make a screen unreadable so high brightness screens are recommended to ensure readability during bright sunny days.

Finally, physical protection is also something that has to be countered before a screen can be left outside. The screen has to be secured from both accidental and deliberate impacts, whilst also secure enough to prevent theft.

Smartvm have an all round method of providing digital outdoor and indoor signage protection as the steel, waterproof enclosures will provide physical protection and prevent damage from the above elements enabling peace of mind and trouble free outdoor and indoor digital signage.

Peter Pal Disuja is a technical author and a specialist in the digital signage industry helping to develop outdoor and indoor digital signage and protection for plasmas. Please visit us Smartvm for more information about digital signage hardware and software or other digital signage solutions.

KVM Switch: Connect the Multiple Computers

The KVM switch (short form of keyboard, video or Visual Display Unit, Mouse) is hardware input device that allows the user to exercise control over multiple computer using single video monitor, mouse and keyboard. There is also another type of KVM switch available which function exactly in the reverse way where in a single computer can be connected to multiple keyboards, monitors and mouse.

The remote KVM devices are further divided into two main types the Local remote and the KVM over IP. In the local remote KVM device the users can control computer equipment within 300 meters of range. In this type a standard category 5 cabling is used which makes the use of proprietary protocols across a closed loop local area network infrastructure. With this type of connections the users can operate the computer in real time as there is no noticeable latency.

The KVM over IP type device uses the micro-controller and specialized video captured hardware for capturing video, mouse and keyboard signals. The signals captured are compressed and converted into packets which are further send over an Ethernet link to a remote control application where they get unpacked and they reconstitute the dynamic graphic image. The KVM over IP are connected to the systems standby power place which allows its availability during BIOS boot process. With the KVM over IP connections the users can connect and control multiple computers across WAN, LAN and telephone line with the help of TCP/IP protocols.

The type and number of devices to be connected depend on factors like area, number of computers and range. Usually a KVM switch is more beneficial in the areas where multiple computers need to be connected without having separate keyboard, mouse or monitor for each computer.

The KVM Switches enables users to control two capable computers using a single keyboard, mouse and monitor while capitalizing on the impressive graphical and audio capability of the interface.

The 2 port KVM switch offers a native resolution of 2560 x 1600 (at 60 Hz, 30 bpp) as well as 7.1 channel HD digital audio, making it a suitable solution for professional multimedia and high definition content development applications.

The KVM comes like most on the market that don’t have integrated cabling – the main unit and power supply. You then order cables that match your specific needs. This makes sense because everyone has different configurations.

HDMI Cables: The future of multi-media applications

High definition multimedia Interface or HDMI as it is known is an audio video interface which transfers uncompressed digital streams over a single cable. The cables which are used to do this relay are HDMI cables. Available in two categories, category 1, tested at 74.5 MHz, known as standard and category 2 tested at 340 MHz and called high speed, these cables also fall in the two categories because of their specific lengths. Since both audio as well as video can be transferred over a single cable, it is also changing the face of the multi media and entertainment industry. A variant of this cable, the HDMI extension cable, supports standard HDMI video, enhanced HDMI video and high definition HDMI. Compatible with almost all digital display devices such as HDTV’s, plasma displays, LCD TV’s and projectors, these cables are referred to as the future of HDTV. Another variant is the DVI to HDMI cable.

If a user needs to convert video from a DVI source and present it on an HDMI monitor or display device and vice versa, they can make use of the DVI to HDMI cable. They perform the same action as the HDMI cable since they use the same encoding scheme. The only difference is that while HDMI uses a single connection to carry both digital video and audio, DVI can transfer only video. Equipped with either type of connectors, they are ideal for connecting DVD players, satellite set-top boxes and Blu-Ray players to Projectors, LCDs and Plasma HDTVs and HD displays. The cables used are known as the DVI to HDMI cables. These cables reduce EFI-EMI interference and provide crystal clear picture quality. Available in lengths ranging from 6 ft to 15 ft, they transmit HDTV at 2.2 Gbps. Supporting high resolutions of 24 bits/pixel; they are pin to pin compatible with DVI.

Since the DVI variants do not relay sound, they cannot be used for all multi- media applications. In such cases one can use the HDMI cable which delivers high frequency response and supports resolutions of 1080p using gold plated conductors. They also reduce cross talk and interference and isolate outside noise. Depending upon the distance between the source and display devices, HDMI cables with lengths ranging from 3ft to 75 ft can be used. Since more and more products supporting HDMI interface are being developed, these cables are gaining popularity.