(via Gefen)
I can never have HDMI cables the length I need, especially when trying to connect devices from two separate rooms. Manufacturer, Gefen, thinks the same. The prominent cable/connection company has recently released their GefenToolBoX Extender series for HDMI connections that lengthens the cables from a paltry 25, 50 or even a 100ft to distances of up to an astounding 330ft! Gefen is able to achieve great distances, without signal degradation, by using the company’s ‘POL’ (Power Over Line) technology. The GefenToolBox Extenders work by providing a digital through-put over CAT-5 (up to 330ft) or CAT-6 (up to 230ft) over Bi-Directional IR Sender and Receiver units. The POL powers the Receiver unit, which eliminates the need for an external power-supply which, according to Gefen, simplifies installation. The Extender system works by connecting the Sender unit to a HD source (such as a PC) using a standard HDMI cable and connecting the Receiver unit to an HD display or 3DTV using another HDMI cable. Power is supplied to both units through a 24v power-supply connected to the Sender unit with the Receiver drawing power over the CAT-5/6 cable connection, hence the company’s POL technology which negates the need for an additional power-supply or external amp. The Extender series is also compatible with IR that enables the user to control devices remotely using Gefen’s IR Extender (EXT-RMT-EXTIRC) so there’s no need to constantly move from one room to another to control media. For those looking to ‘pipe’ HD content over long distances the Extender line runs from $399 US for the basic GTB-HDBT-POL model to $1,099 US for the HD KVM ELR (meant for post-production editing for media companies).
Cabe