HDMI® matrix switchers with HDBaseT™ outputs have long been popular with pro AV integrators for delivering high-performance, dependable AV signal distribution and extension. They’ve been extensively used to send content from sources in a centralized location, to displays throughout hospitality and retail venues, student centers, office buildings, training rooms, and many other installations.
Despite the continuing growth of networked AV, these matrix switchers continue to be appealing, because they’re self-contained systems that do not require network configuration. We’ve received inquiries about continuing to offer them since the discontinuation of the PRO3 and Opus™ product lines in 2021.
With this in mind, we are pleased to introduce the PRO5 Series, our latest generation featuring something new and notable: SDVoE® as the core technology for extending AV signals.
The PRO5 Series product family includes the following:
- AT-PRO5-MX810 – matrix switcher with eight HDMI inputs, eight SDVoE extension outputs, and two HDMI outputs
- AT-PRO5-101-SC-RX – SDVoE receiver with scaler for the AT-PRO5-MX810
- AT-PRO5-101-RX – SDVoE receiver for the AT-PRO5-MX810
SDVoE for Point-to-Point AV Extension
SDVoE is widely known as a technology platform for distributing AV over IP networks. However, it is also ideal for point-to-point AV extension, similar to HDBaseT.
SDVoE is capable of extending video up to 4K/60 4:4:4 as well as 4K HDR, along with bidirectional control (IR and RS-232) and Gigabit Ethernet up to 100 meters over Category network cable. SDVoE can also extend USB HID data and audio.
As with our previous HDMI matrix switchers with HDBaseT outputs, each output on a PRO5 matrix switcher is connected point-to-point to an SDVoE receiver.
Benefits of SDVoE for AV Extension
SDVoE technology offers several inherent features that make it compelling for transmitting signals over long distances, and opening up new possibilities for AV integration projects.
SDVoE Extension over 10 Gigabit Ethernet
With SDVoE technology, AV and data signals are extended through 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10GbE) connectivity from transmitter to receiver, up to 100 meters over Category cable. This basically is a standard 10GbE network link, which means SDVoE extenders can be used with CAT6a cabling.
There are no specific requirements regarding shielding construction for CAT6a cable. SDVoE extension products can be used in projects where new cable needs to be installed, or with existing cable infrastructure designed for 10 Gigabit Ethernet.
Extend Signals Over Copper or Fiber
Another notable aspect of SDVoE is the ability to extend signals with your choice of copper or fiber optic cabling. This is because fiber capability is built right into the SDVoE technology platform.
For each output of the AT-PRO5-MX810 matrix switcher, and on both PRO5 receivers, there are RJ45 and SFP+ interfaces provided for copper or fiber transmission. (The SFP+ interface is a cage that requires a compatible SFP+ transceiver module.)
Fiber optic signal extension offers the opportunity to send AV signals over distances far exceeding the 100-meter capability with copper, such as up to 300 meters over commonly used OM3 multimode fiber. It also allows integration with available fiber in a facility, bypassing the need to pull new cable.
Available Video Signal Processing
The AT-PRO5-101-SC-RX receiver features an SDVoE chipset with built-in signal processing features that include 4K upscaling and downscaling, 1080i deinterlacing, frame rate and color space conversion, aspect ratio control, and video wall processing. The latter is especially ideal for hospitality and retail venues such as sports bars, without the need for an external video wall processor.
The key benefit of video scaling for a receiver is enhanced switching performance and integration of signals at various resolutions, such as with 4K and HD sources in a system. Likewise, video scaling can be effective for serving a mix of 4K flat-panel displays and projectors with native resolutions below 4K.
Summary
The PRO5 Series is our newest generation of HDMI matrix switching with AV extension, featuring SDVoE technology which offers standard 10GbE connectivity, a choice of copper or fiber optic cabling, and available video processing. With these features taken together, PRO5 can help broaden AV integration opportunities while delivering dependable, high-performance signal distribution.