March 3, 2009 -- Black Box has introduced a high-definition, high-resolution video and audio over Ethernet (VAoE) media distribution system. The company says the technology provides an affordable, efficient method of sending live video and audio over Ethernet data and voice networks. With the Black Box Video and Audio over Ethernet (VAoE) extender system (part numbers: AC1140A; AC1140C; and AC1141A), users can leverage an existing Ethernet network to display video, digital signage, live TV, or other video and audio applications.
"This breakthrough technology provides a very cost-effective alternative to today's expensive solutions," comments Mario Calabro, Black Box's multimedia products manager. "With this system, all you need is a Cat 5, Cat 5e, or Cat 6 network infrastructure and you can transmit hi-def video and audio to one or more displays as far as 300 feet away. To go farther, you just add a standard network switch to the system."
Completely digital from end to end, the system transmits broadcast-quality video without amplifiers or signal tuning. It works with any brand of single-link DVI or HDTV display and supports 480p, 800 x 600, 1024 x 768, 720p, 1080i, and 1080p resolutions, no matter what the distance or the number of displays. "And because the extender system simulcasts video and audio synchronously, there's no lag from the first display to the last," adds Calabro.
The extender system clones a host PC's display using the DVI output from a graphics adapter, or accepts DVI or HDMI input from other sources. It also supports the live video streams from a camera. Altogether, the system provides up to six independent media streams including PowerPoint, Flash, DVD, or HDMI content over CATx cabling.
Though no software is required for the signal conversion, the system includes an application for uploading and scheduling content. "Through this user-friendly interface, you can instantly publish and update content, as well as assign content distribution schedules to the system's transmitter or receiver," Calabro explains. "If necessary, you can also interrupt scheduled content to broadcast an emergency announcement or ad-hoc messaging. It's that versatile."
In addition, the VAoE system receiver works as a Gigabit Ethernet switch, and supports IP cameras, NAS components, and other devices through its three 10-/100-/1000-Mbps ports. The system also supports a multiple-display setup or a digital signage network with screens in different areas. To distribute video to the screens, administrators simply have to daisy chain multiple receiver units via their CATx ports.
For more information, go to www.blackbox.com/go/VAoE.