News

Opus announces HDCX103 HDMI over coax solution (6/2/2009)

Integrated Systems Europe 2009

Opus Technologies, the UK’s leading multi-room entertainment company is excited to launch a range of solutions focused on using commonly available coaxial and Cat5 cable to distribute high definition video and multi-channel audio over much greater lengths and more cost-effectively than has previously been possible.

Most significant of these launches is the unveiling of Opus’ HDCX103, a solution designed to distribute HDMI signals using standard coaxial cable.

Key features and benefits:

*A simple method of installing high definition video distribution in projects of all sizes with minimal cost add-on

*75 Ohm satellite grade coaxial cable (CT100, RG6) can distribute 1080p signals in excess of 80m

*Requires no additional cables in retrofit environments – transforms existing coaxial cable into a high definition highway to distribute virtually lossless video and multi-channel audio

*The HDMI-over-Coax is fully HDCP compliant

*Perfectly suited to pre-wiring large-scale new build developments – adds huge perceived value with minimal investment

*Supports 480i, 480p, 576i, 1080i and also 1080p video formats

*Consumer Electronic Control (CEC) and IR Blaster enables full control of all connected high definition sources from any Opus-equipped room using existing learning remotes.

*Offers end-users the ability to share one BluRay player / HDTV set-top box across the home

BluRay and High Definition TV broadcasts have been the key drivers of the rapid growth in demand for a whole-house HD video distribution and the HDCX103 from Opus transforms the once-impossible quest of achieving such complex distribution of HD content into reality.

Coaxial video feeds are perhaps the most familiar cabling methods to installers and this neat device takes transmission quality of this commonplace cable to the zenith. A cost-effective way of achieving long distance runs in all installations, one of the key benefits is the ability to utilise existing cables in properties fitted with standard definition multi-room systems and revolutionise the user experience without disruption to existing decor.

The HDCX103 is a simple HDMI extender solution and is suitable for wide range of multi-room installations. In fact just two small units are all that’s required to utterly transform the user’s video experience. A small HDMI-over-coax transmitter converts an HDMI output from the source onto a serial data stream which is sent over coax cable then reinstated to HDMI format – at the matching HDMI-over•coax receiver which is normally located close to the screen in each zone. An HDCX103 is required for each zone.

More on Opus HD developments...

In addition to its landmark HDMI-over-coax development, Opus is also set to launch a range of high definition video distribution solutions which initially include the HDMX104 4x4 HDMI video matrix and the HDEX103 HDMI extender.

Developed as an extremely high quality multi-room video distribution system for users with the latest high definition screens and video sources, the HDMX104 video matrix distributes four HDMI sources to up to four HD displays across the home. Offering unsurpassed ease of set-up, the HDMX104 is equipped with four HDMI inputs, four HDMI outputs and an RS232 port for connection to Opus’ SCU600 Serial Control Unit.

Meanwhile, the HDEX103 HDMI extender opens-up the world of high definition to a whole new audience. In many cases, installers need a simpler high definition multi-room solution - often it’s just the main living room where true 1080p video is required for instance. Yet despite its low price tag, this neat device distributes high definition sources to selected rooms in the home over a single run of Cat5e/Cat6 cable with aplomb. Indeed a single run of Cat5e cable can transmit unblemished HD quality images up to 60 metres - or a staggering 200 metres with Cat6 -for total flexibility. This is a true plug and play solution, with no programming or set-up required making it the ideal HDMi over Cat5e/Cat6 extender for projects of all budgets.

These important new products offer vast gains in the video performance possible through multi-room systems and are a clear statement of the company’s investment in high definition video distribution.

www.opus.eu