Product Sneak Peek: Uncompressed HDBaseT Extension is Finally Here

We've been waiting a long time for this one, its official, the AVPro Edge AC-EX100-UNC made its debut at InfoComm 2021 and will be shipping soon. The AC-EX100-UNC is a full 4K60 4:4:4, HDR, 18Gbps, and 1G Ethernet supported HDBaseT extender over a single CAT – that doesn’t use ICT. Using the powerful Valens VS3000 chip, it transfers an entirely uncompressed signal from point to point, delivering the crispest connection and picture possible in HDMI extension.

Each AVPro Edge uncompressed 100-meter HDBaseT extender kit consists of two identical
units that act as either a transmitter or receiver unit. We call this a “Transceiver.” Depending on how the installer wants to use the transceivers, a toggle switch allows them to select either transmitter or receiver. This way, they never have to worry about installing a transmitter or receiver on the wrong end of the signal.

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Key Benefits of the AC-EX100-UNC (There are several!)

Uncompressed 4K HDMI Extension: When extending an HDMI signal over category cable, devices compress the signal, and data is lost. There is just no way around it in audio/video signals. The only way to deliver the unaffected 4K signal from the source to the sink is with uncompressed methods. Uncompressed 4K HDMI signals over category cable just haven’t been possible since the introduction of 4K signals and faster frame rate until now. By partnering with HDBaseT, we can use a new chipset to extend 18Gbps audio/video signaling over standard CAT-6A or better cabling. 

Extend 4K 60 4:4:4 and HDR Signals: The length of manufactured 18Gbps HDMI cables are unchangeable, and they are unreliable after about 25FT. Additionally, technicians can only terminate HDMI connectors in a specialized factory environment due to their high frequencies and density. Factors like these do not allow installers or users to remake or make cables on a DIY basis. CAT-6A cables are available widely and can be reworked easily by the installer or end-user. Using CAT cable allows the user to change components as technology changes. By using AC-EX100-UNC-KIT, the transmission distance for uncompressed HDMI signals is variable up to 100 meters. 

Gigabit Ethernet Extension (10/100/1000): The AC-EX100-UNC can drive network communication over the HDBaseT link. Connect one ethernet port into a router, and the other ethernet port now accesses the network with up to gigabit (1000Mbps) speed. Integrators have the flexibility to use this port to extend WIFI or use a router to hardwire TVs for 4K streaming applications, gaming consoles for increased online performance, or for supplying server content to a remote display.

KVM (Keyboard Video Mouse): USB extension makes this unit a favored KVM solution. A USB host connection and hub can be found on each transceiver unit, allowing for bi-directional USB signaling from either end. The transceiver carries the USB signal alongside the audio and video data on the category cable. KVM is perfect for schools, contractors, drafting houses, constructions companies, and anywhere USB extension is required. 

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Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC / ARC): The Audio Return Channel in HDMI 1.4 and 2.0 enables a TV to send audio data “upstream” to an A/V receiver or surround audio controller via a single HDMI cable. Our transceiver will continue the audio upstream to the other end, where it can be connected via HDMI eARC/ARC or extracted via Toslink. Now you can route the audio from internal TV apps like Netflix or Disney+.
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Down Scaling: The AC-EX100-UNC has a scaling circuit built into the transceiver. The scaler can scale 4K (and HDR)  1080P. A common application is when you have a 4K distribution and have one or two older displays. You can use the extender to scale down where you need to and not reduce the entire system. The AC-EX100-UNC does the heavy lifting, eliminating the need to add additional boxes.

Total EDID Management: The AC-EX100-UNC has robust EDID control. EDID management allows you to manage the input device and request specific video resolutions and audio codecs. 

IR & RS232 Management: IR & RS-232 are bidirectional and can control the sources from the sinks or vice versa. You can use the I-PASS port to plug your control system emitter ports directly into the IR input (I-PASS) port on the transceiver (via mono 3.5mm cable) for a clean and reliable IR pass-through. Our unique VPC (Voltage Protection Circuit) allows you to do this without wear and tear on the electronics inside.

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Stay tuned to AVPro Edge for the official launch date and training webinar!