HDMI over IP 2G is visually lossless - available from Connectivity UK only

Breakthroughs in processor performance enable the new 2G units to deliver lossless full HD 1080p video over IP – visually identical to using a direct HDMI cable. HDMI over IP is a new and exciting solution for Installers that overcomes the all too familiar challenges of distributing HD, and particularly HDMI around a home.

In comparison to alternative HDMI switching and extender products, HDMI over IP is essentially just two device types, Source Transmitters and Display Receivers. The technology’s primary benefit is the ability to utilise an everyday £500 IT Network Switch as a flexible, any-combination 24/48-port HDMI matrix that provides dropout-free, instant source switching, and now of course the all important – lossless HDMI picture quality. This, undoubtedly, makes using the 2G solution the most cost-effective large scale HDMI matrix available for integrators, and all over single Catx!

The cost-advantage is clear, and now that the video performance is there to satisfy even the most demanding of clients. It is easy to see how making the transition to HDMI over IP-based distribution can open up new markets and new project possibilities for the CI Pro.

Connectivity UK will be supplying the 2G devices exclusively to registered account holders only, taking steps to ensure that 2G HDMI over IP is an ‘Integrator-Only’ product and that attractive dealer margins are maintained.

Pricing is released June 10th 2010. For details, please register at http://www.connectivityuk.com

For the most up-to-date news follow @hdmioverip on Twitter.
 
Visit us at the ICC London ExCeL from 15 – 17 June  – Stand B7
 
www.hdmi-over-ip.co.uk

The first of the emerging IP-based solutions to achieve the lossless ambition Just Add Power’s 2G devices have been redesigned from the ground up. Crucially under the bonnet is a custom proprietary processor and video compression engine packing some serious power. 

The 2G processor is a silicon-on-chip (SOC) design built with several unique and patented features, at its heart is the British designed ARM9 CPU with a maximum running frequency of 275MHz.  The CPU core includes 16KB I-cache, 16KB D-Cache, a Memory Management Unit (MMU), and two AHB system buses.  The same ARM9 family of processors has been embraced by hundreds of prominent companies including NVIDIA, Panasonic and Apple.

The 2G units work on a 1000BT Gigabit network platform.  This 1000% increase in specified network speed provides the necessary bandwidth to implement a proprietary lossless 1080p content CODEC. The end result is the ability to replicate stunning 1080p video that cannot be distinguished from the source content, allowing Custom Installers to satisfy the video quality demands of the most demanding clients.

Unlike competing HD/IP solutions, Just Add Power’s trump card for the Custom Installer is add a Managed Network Switch and a flexible; virtual, ‘any-size’ matrix can be created – providing dropout-free, instant source switching and impeccable picture quality.

Initially the 2G Just Add Power HDMI over IP devices will be offered in the same 4 form factors as the 1G family (Standard Transmitter, Rackmount 3X Transmitter, Standard Receiver, and PoE Receiver).  Pricing details for the 2G solution will be publicly released early June prior to the official product launch demonstration at the CEDIA Home Technology Event in London 15th -17th June. 

For the most up-to-date news follow @hdmioverip on Twitter.
 
Visit us at the ICC London ExCeL from 15 – 17 June  – Stand A2
 
www.hdmi-over-ip.co.uk
www.connectivityuk.com
www.hometechnologyevent.co.uk

With Just Add Power HDMI over IP you can create an any-size matrix

Connectivity UK hosts the European launch of the eagerly anticipated 2G series in London at the CEDIA Home Technology Event 2010, 15-17 June.  Visitors will be able to see the new and improved integrator-friendly devices in action on Stand A2 by the entrance.

The new 2G feature-set offers enhanced video performance and improved ease-of-use in the field.  TCP/IP packet data eases the fastest flow of data travelling through a network and is immune to the skew, distance, interference and resolution issues that affect traditional HDMI extenders and baluns. HDMI over IP is far more robust and can extend an HDMI transmission reliably and consistently much further.  Genuine Flexibility, Scalability, and Affordability that no other solution can offer for the Custom Install Professional.

Advancements in processor performance means that HDMI over IP offers near to original HDMI video quality.  Similar to the video compression used in iTunes Store HD movie downloads, Just Add Power’s revolutionary technology uses Advanced Video Coding (AVC) to digitally compress the HDMI transmission and achieve huge bit rate savings – enabling 1080p to be streamed across an Ethernet network with near-lossless results.

Connectivity UK MD, Chris Pinder commented, "We understand why CI’s find this technology hard to believe.  CEDIA will put any doubts to bed and showcase that HDMI over IP really is an integrator’s dream.   When you consider the reliability, cost and ease of the solution, its clear why it will become the CI industry standard method for HDMI distribution."

More details about the full 2G device specs will be released in the coming weeks leading up to the show.  

For the most up-to-date news follow @hdmioverip on Twitter.

Visit us at the ICC London ExCeL from 15 – 17 June  – Stand A2

www.hdmi-over-ip.co.uk
www.connectivityuk.com
Consumer sales at HDCable.co.uk
www.hometechnologyevent.co.uk

Undoubtedly the most exciting new product this year, HDMI over IP has got integrators across the country all hot under the collar. Exclusive UK distributor connectivityuk.com have already put the product in the hands of some eager CEDIA award-winning integrators keen to put the technology through its paces – so far feedback and results have been extremely impressive. The professionals all agree, HDMI over IP is “game-changing”.

There is so much to talk about; it’s hard to know where to start!

HDMI over IP brings together the scope and scalability of everyday Ethernet LAN networks to distribute full HD 1080p video and 5.1 audio. Using advanced processing technology the HDMI data stream is encoded, broadcast over the network as IP packet data and then decoded back to a full 1080p signal… a completely different technology to traditional baluns and extenders.

Comprising of two products currently, the Transmitter and the Receiver, HDMI over IP can be implemented as a point-to-point solution just like a traditional balun pair, a point-to-many solution like a traditional distribution amp or most excitingly a many-to-many solution like a traditional matrix switcher.

Reliability is also one of HDMI over IP’s strong points being the only HDMI over Cat5 cable extender solution that is immune to the skew, distance, and resolution headaches that plagues all the other HDMI extender offering on the market. HDMI over IP requires just a single Cat5/6 cable and this can be run over a huge 300 metres without loss.

HDMI over IP is an integrator’s dream, not only because of its virtually limitless application scope, but also because of its easy integration with Crestron, Control 4 and pretty much all widely used control systems.

To implement a matrix solution a Managed Ethernet Switch is required, this is because the HDMI over IP technology uses virtual local area networks (VLANs) to create HDMI channels on a network. Receiver units on the network can connect to any chosen VLAN to display that particular HDMI channel. For example, you could have Sky HD on one VLAN, a Blu-ray player on another VLAN, a HD Games Console on another, and so on. It is possible to control which VLAN a receiver connects to by adjusting the configuration of the Managed Ethernet Switch. This can be done via an RS-232 or Ethernet control device or just a simple web-browser window.

HDMI over IP takes advantage of Internet Group Management Protocol (IGMP). This enables instant switching – there is absolutely no picture dropout. IGMP is the vehicle that allows a Receiver to join an already in progress data stream broadcast. When you tell a Receiver to change to a different VLAN, it joins the already in progress video instantly.

HDMI over IP has some clear benefits over rival systems:

1. Scalability – typically an Ethernet switch will have more than enough ports to accommodate all the TX and RX units required in a set-up, often there will be spare ports left over, especially on 24 or 48 port switches. If another HDTV or HD source is required to be added to their collection, another TX or RX unit can simply be purchased and added into the network. With traditional Matrix switches you are buying into a fixed form factor that does not typically accommodate upgrading or expansion.

2. Flexibility – you can mix and match different resolution displays on the network without having to lower the quality of your HDMI sources. Other HD Matrix solutions typically require the inputs to match the resolution of the least common denominator. Because the HDMI over IP Receivers have built-in resolution adjustment, you can go ahead and set your HDMI sources to their highest resolution supported (1080p, 1080i, 720p, etc). This means you can enjoy 1080p content on the main screens, and save some money by installing 720p screens for the kitchen or the kid’s bedrooms.

3. Affordability – when you compare a legacy HDMI Matrix switch with all of the devices needed to distribute the signal throughout the home, the HDMI over IP solution generally comes out as better value. Not to mention the frustration of wondering if the long HDMI cables or the finicky baluns will work with the necessary cable distances. The HDMI over IP solution can extend a HDMI source much further than Baluns, and it is always reliable and consistent.

It is hard not to see the huge potential in HDMI over IP technology. What can be now be achieved with High-Def distribution projects exceeds all previous limits.

Visit www.hdmi-over-ip.co.uk to learn more.