This is our guide on the HDMI over Ethernet system that facilitates highly efficient signal transmission for various purposes.
It utilizes highly advanced transmission technologies to allow the best quality video and audio content display.
Continue to read below as we elaborate on all the details related to this system.
About HDMI Distribution
The phenomenon of HDMI distribution is performed by AV devices like matrices, switches, extenders, etc. This process involves the receiving of a solo input signal that is then distributed across many single outputs or final devices. It is a very efficient process as it doesn’t involve any signal loss or loops.
HDMI distribution is used for many tasks related to engineering, amplification, monitor splitting, television cable transmission, house mixing, etc. Another common use involves the tapping of a signal for facilitating its transmission via different effect units, for having a dry signal allows future experimentations.
PS: if you are experiencing the HDMI Port not working issue, here are the top solutions for you.
Method of Running HDMI Over Longer Lengths
For the video signal extensions meant to be laid along long lengths like 5m plus, coax cabling, or standard display methods don’t prove useful. Devices like analog video cables, components, composites, VGA, etc., result in the loss of video quality and frequency. Also, these devices prove good for shorter distances only.
Thus, for the longer extensions, additional extender instruments like HDMI over Ethernet can be used to support transmissions. They do so by enabling the usage of horizontal wiring or backbone. They also prove better than the coax cables or analog videos that are difficult to pass via closer conduits as well as hard to terminate.
In most buildings today, fiber or copper cabling is pre-installed to facilitate easier servicing of data communications. The fiber extenders are much better than the CATx copper-based extenders, but they are a little pricier. They have a higher bandwidth that helps in smooth extension lying along much longer distances. The VGA cables or coax-based extension systems prove inefficient as they demand supportive cable connection in the conduit. The additional cable, like a USB or RS-232, performs the control signal transmission on display.
Another great option is the CATx cable which uses only one cable for delivering cable and video signals alike. The MediaCento VX can transmit around 1920×1200 video VGA signals as it supports signal inputs from analog VGA videos.
Method of Sending Video Signals Over Ethernet
One common method of sending video signals along longer distances is IP extension like HDMI over Ethernet. KVM/AV extension systems can be used to extend videos over longer distances that have around 4K@60Hz resolutions.
The advantage of this includes the loss-free transmission of compressed video signals through optical fiber cables. The bandwidth generated in this method proves good for 1.2 video signals of DisplayPort high-resolution audio, RS232, USB 2.0, and mouse/keyboard.
High-end systems like AV over IP can send data pockets over much longer distances via compression algorithms. This involves the shrinking down of signal delays up to mere 2-3 frames per second. The result is a better viewing experience along with video editing and live watching.
The IP extensions use the standard Ethernet switches for extending video signals over very long distances. They perform even better this way than the CATx cables that allow extension only to 100 meters.
Also, here are the best RCA cables and the best HDMI 2.1 monitor screens for your reference.
About HDMI Over Ethernet
Also called HDMI over IP, the system is used for distributing HD video signals via any pre-set Ethernet setting. It picks the signals from any particular source and transmits them to as many screens as possible.
Any setup that allows the scaling of videos in various grid layouts can use HDMI over Ethernet. Some examples include video wall processing, one-to-many distribution, and point-to-point extensions.
The absence of distance limitation makes this system better than others. You can use it to switch video signals from any medium over plenty of screens without thinking about distance, unlike CATx video extenders.
Method of Using Ethernet for HDMI Distribution
Following are some methods for using Ethernet for HDMI transmission:
Digital Signage or Multiroom HDMI
A multicasting HDMI can be used for audio and video distribution to screens via a signage network. A solo transmitter doesn’t need to operate video links for projection on lobby displays and still can perform multimedia transmission on many displays at once.
It combines all the solutions provided by video and matrix extenders, USB, peripheral extenders, and switches. The result is plenty of configuration solutions for different applications like informative signage displays and methodical displays.
Video Wall Processing
An IP-based controller instrument can be an effective method of content transmission from sources to displays of various kinds. It can make a video wall control or AV matrix switching system out of any video distribution system.
Moreover, the combination of many AV receivers with video walls can allow preset creation, particular content zoning, or remote content control. The mobile system allows remote controlling, access, or activation of the presets from devices like tablets, phones, etc.
Video Matrix Switching
This process uses a switch called a video matrix or crosspoint that establishes a connection between many inputs and outputs. These switches also allow multiple configurations for supporting different numbers and types of inputs and outputs both.
The input and output can be connected in multiple ways, including the routing of every source input to the output receiver, routing of the same input to different output receivers, etc. An 8×8 matrix switch will be able to allow routing of 8 inputs for 8 outputs, 1 input for 8 outputs, or 9 more combinations.
The main thing is that you can use just one cable for displaying videos on many screens from many sources. You can also make many combination set-ups between plenty of analog or digital sources and digital output displays.
On that note, HDMI signals picked from different video sources get cast on different devices through amplification and routing. This includes devices like tablets, DVD players, PCs, projectors, LCDs, speakers, etc.
Different Products of the HDMI Over Ethernet System
Following are some of the products that work on the HDMI over Ethernet system:
HDMI Splitters
This instrument is used to divide signals for multi-screen displays along with audio separation from videos. The result is depletion and degradation-free video reproduction with higher levels of reliability and accuracy.
Audio channel separation becomes very helpful in environments where speakers are used independently of any video output. It can be used on the school campus, shopping malls, etc.
The HDMI splitters by Black Box can perform audio separation in any HDMI source for many outputs and without any quality loss.
HDMI Scalers and Converters
These instruments are used for converting digital HDMI sources into analog component video, SDI, VGA, and vice versa. It does so for both analog stereo and digital audio. It is a very efficient method for connecting non-digital or legacy screens with the DVO or latest digital HDMI sources.
The HDMI scalers and converters by Black Box facilitate immediate conversions between analog videos and digital HDMI. They do so with the help of analog stereo and SPDIF digital audio. You can use these converters for connecting analog video receiving systems like TVs with HDMI sources like consoles and players.
HDMI Adapters
These instruments can be used to establish connections between VGA, DVI, DisplayPort displays, and HDMI input devices. The HDMI adapters by Black Box are compatible with all the video formats and have high bandwidth.
HDMI KVM Extenders
The KVM and AV extenders provide for the distance and bandwidth requirements of the HDMI, DVI, VGA, USB, and PS/2 cables. The conventional or direct connect extenders facilitate long-distance video signal transmission through CATx or fiber technology. Fiber allows transmission up to 10kms while CATx is only 100m.
The HDMI KVM extenders by Black Box facilitate video signal transmissions for serial RS232, audio, USB 2.0, and 4K60.
HDMI Over Ethernet Switches
These switches, as we have discussed above, facilitate the transmission of HDMI video signals from numerous sources to IP display outputs. It also allows the creation of a customized matrix by allowing the connection of many input and output units via a particular Gigabit network switch. The same can be done by point-to-point extension between input and output via any solo CAT5e/6 cable directly.
The MediaCento™ Video over IP system by Black Box allows the multicasting of HDMI videos and audios on around 256 screens via a solo Ethernet network. Thus, it is the best method for the distribution of high-resolution audio, videos, or other digital signage data.
HDMI to IP Streamers or HDMI to IP Decoders and Encoders
Firstly, the encoders facilitate the conversion of all kinds of HDMI input signals into the H.264 streaming data through an IP network system. Then, the decoders facilitate the decryption of coded IP data for display on any external output device. These decoders are also called IP streamers as they get combined with particular codecs.
The VS2000-DEC H.264 encoders and decoders by Black Box allow the processing of video data content through a standard IP network system. The decoder proves very efficient at decoding HD audio and video content due to the low bandwidth H.264 compression technology. The product also allows encoding of AAC audio content for delivering the audio data even in low bandwidth situations.
HDMI Ethernet Extenders
IP Extension allows long-distance application extension in future-proof and flexible ways like HDMI over Ethernet. You can perform different kinds of transmissions using fiber optic or CATx depending upon the distance and signal type. The IP extenders can transmit data over a distance like 100m, but they can work for even longer distances with repeaters or Ethernet switches. With fiber cables, the distance further increases to 10 miles or 16kms.
The HDMI over-IP extenders by Black Box allow the transmission of both audio and HDMI video through an Ethernet network. You can use them to cast videos on as many screens that can be connected to your network. Choose unicast or multicast, or both, and these extenders will provide the most efficient help.
Another great option is the HDMI extender or HDMI over Ethernet cable by Cable Matters. The length of this HDMI extension is 300 feet which makes it best suited for all types of long connections.
The cable supports both Cat 6 STP/UTP and Cat 5 connections for devices including CP, media streamers, gaming consoles, Blu-Ray players, etc. The device allows multiple digital connections through both single cables and particular network switches. You can connect max 8 displays at once with the cable.
The IR cables in this extender allow remote control of different video sources by extending commands over DDC channels. This ensures safer and securer data transmission at the easiest of controls. This adapter converter can be used with any HCPC-compliant device for reading protected data.
The extender cable allows the creation of creative and authentic audio and video transmission. It does so by supporting numerous major video resolutions including 480p, 576p, 720p, 1080p, etc. It also supports all the major HDMI audio formats, including Dolby TrueHD, DVD-Audio, etc.
Other major advantages of this extender include no voltage drop, the ability to stretch distances, higher durability, noise interference minimization, and sturdy metal-enclosed built for no wear and tear. This extender cable is very cost-effective and can be used very simply with just plug-and-play operability.
The Right Way to Creating a Video Distribution System
This is a difficult task that requires proper planning, and here are some important things to consider:
- The type of video extension
- Number of source and output connections
- Required video resolution and quality
- Ability to deliver EDID information
- Video signal embedded with audio data
You can get help regarding KVM and AV solution creation from Black Box for a fully designed plan. Solutions for various fields, including production, broadcasting, medical, government, and many other industries, are covered.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use any Ethernet cable for HDMI over Ethernet systems?
A1: It is recommended to use Cat5e or Cat6 Ethernet cables for HDMI over Ethernet systems. These cables provide the necessary bandwidth and signal quality for optimal performance.
Q2: How far can HDMI signals be extended using an HDMI over Ethernet system?
A2: The transmission distance depends on the specific HDMI over Ethernet extenders used. Some extenders can support distances of up to 150 feet or more.
Q3: Can I mix different HDMI versions when using an HDMI over Ethernet system?
A3: It is generally advisable to use HDMI over Ethernet extenders that are compatible with the HDMI version of your source and display devices. Mixing different HDMI versions may result in compatibility issues or reduced functionality.
Q4: Can I use an HDMI over Ethernet system for gaming consoles?
A4: Yes, HDMI over Ethernet systems are suitable for connecting gaming consoles to displays. However, ensure that the system supports the required video resolutions and refresh rates for gaming purposes.
Q5: Are there any latency issues with HDMI over Ethernet systems?
A5: HDMI over Ethernet systems typically introduce minimal latency, which is generally not noticeable in most audiovisual applications. However, for time-sensitive applications like gaming, it is advisable to choose extenders with low-latency features.
Final Words
This was all about the HDMI over Ethernet system that performs way better than its competitors in signal transmission. For technology solutions related to this, reach out to us in the comment section below.
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