Gefen from Core Brands have announced it is now shipping two new award-winning
4K Ultra HD Video Over IP products. The Sender and Receiver KVM units (the EXT-
UHDV-KA-LANS-TX and EXT-UHDV-KA-LANS-RX) join the existing Gefen Video Over
IP products and add 4K support, a built-in scaler, videowall capability, Power-over-
Ethernet (PoE), and digital/analogue audio break-out.
The Video Over IP products can transmit 4K video content up to 3840 x 2160 at 60
Hz and 4:2:0 Chroma subsampling. This new pair utilises an effective and time-
tested compression codec to ensure that the most popular formats for today’s 4K
sources are supported, while also retaining the ability of Gefen’s current generation
to exist on the most commonly deployed Gigabit network infrastructures. Both
products support HDMI input resolutions up to 4K 60Hz 4:2:0 and output resolutions
up to 4K 30Hz 4:4:4, HDCP 2.2 and 1.4, and 7.1 channels of HBR (High Bit Rate)
lossless and LPCM digital audio up to 330 feet.
Additionally, both the Sender and Receiver units support the concurrent connection
of a VGA and HDMI device. The Sender acts as a switcher, allowing the user to
select either the analogue VGA input or digital HDMI input as a source for the video
over IP network. A local VGA output is also available to monitor either selected
signal. On the Receiver, the VGA and HDMI outputs are both active and function as
a video splitter, providing analogue and digital outputs for nearly any display
present. The VGA input and output support VESA resolutions up to 1920×1200 at
60Hz (WUXGA). This product also provides RS-232 and 2-way IR routing between
the Sender and the Receiver units, allowing the transfer of IR commands and RS-
232 communications among all sources and the displays.
In addition to the current generation’s analogue audio output capabilities, the new
products feature an optical digital output that supplies bit-perfect audio for a
crystal-clear sound experience. The new digital and analogue audio break-out
feature allows the audio from the HDMI output to be sent to a separate audio
system, enhancing the experience in any venue. The Receiver’s 4 USB outputs
accommodate touch panels, keyboards and mice, and a variety of other supported
devices. Along with analogue audio inputs and outputs, this makes these products
perfect for use in collaborative and interactive workstation environments.
The cable run from a Sender to a Receiver can be up to 330 feet (100 meters). The
Receiver features a built-in Gigabit switch, allowing the connection of additional
receivers to provide daisy-chaining functionality. In applications such as digital
signage, where there may be a need to replicate content on multiple displays
throughout an installation, the ability to cascade receivers removes the requirement
for additional cables to be connected directly to the main network switch, thereby
optimizing cable runs and extending the range of these units far beyond the limits
of a point-to-point video distribution system.