Chatsworth, Calif.
– Gefen today announced the release of an extra-long-range HDMI-over-CAT-5
cable extender.
Gefen’s HDMI v1.3-over-CAT-5
ELR extender is a sender/receiver system that sends HD video with audio,
Ethernet and IR back channel up to 330 feet over a single CAT-5 cable, nearly
double the distance previous systems could reach using two cables, the company
said.
“Installers can
now turn to Gefen for the most cutting-edge and affordable CAT-5 cable-based
extension system for HDTV,” said Hagai Gefen, president and CEO.
The ability to
extend Ethernet allows IP-based applications to be easily integrated into the
system, Gefen said, and an IR blaster allows the remote source to be controlled
by an IR remote pointed at the display.
The system
supports DVI-D when used with an HDMI to DVI adapter. It also extends Ethernet
and provides an IR back channel to control A/V sources using the same CAT-5
cable extension.
The system’s
sender unit connects to the source; the receiver unit connects to the display.
One CAT-5 cable connects the sender to the receiver and may be placed in
conduit or run along the floor.
Ethernet ports on
both the sender and receiver can be connected to standard network devices such
as 100Base-T routers and hubs. Multichannel digital audio is embedded into the
HDMI signal, including Dolby True HD and DTS Master Audio.
The extender is
fully HDMI and HDCP compliant when both power supplies are used.
The HDMI v1.3
CAT-5 ELR will begin shipping in December, retailing for $699.
