November 6, 2008 -- Omron Electronic Components has announced the manufacturing release of its P1TX6A-SX51-01M transmitter optical module and the P1RX6A-SX51-01M receiver optical module to serve the high-definition video market.
Omron says its easy-to-implement SX51 Module is ideal for addressing the distance challenges inherent in the bandwidth-intensive, high-speed data applications associated with HDMI rev1.3-compliant high-definition video. The 6-channel CWDM SX51 is the only optical offering available that allows direct mapping of TMDS bit streams over a single fiber without manipulation of the copyright protection or the video signal, say company representatives. The new module includes a heatsink, ESD protection circuitry, microprocessor, and firmware to run HDCP signals on a single fiber.
"Omron has been leading the way towards the adoption of fiber optics in the video transmission space for many years with our unidirectional SX4 OSA," comments Brian Peters, president of Omron's networking products subsidiary. "The new SX51 module with its bidirectional CWDM architecture is now the premiere optic for HDCP video transmission . . . . By enabling a single link that carries bi-directional communication in conjunction with unaltered high-speed data, the SX51 makes upgrading equipment to HDMI 1.3, DisplayPort, and high-definition protocols significantly easier."
"The SX51 module brings a couple of significant advantages to our customers in the HDMI and other HDCP video extender markets," adds Martin Smith, Omron product manager for the SX51. "By designing around Omron's optical modules our customers can quickly get products to market since much of the design work needed to implement an optical solution is already done. Customers can use any multimode fiber terminated with standard SC connectors, including standard, off-the-shelf fiber, ranging from very thin bare fiber to ruggedized patch fiber, which can be pulled through conduit. No other single-fiber, HDMI solution exists on the market with this ease-of-use and flexibility," he contends.
Smith continues, "In addition, the SX51 operates without altering the video stream. The [module] is like a freight train--granted a very, very fast freight train--that simply accepts containers loaded with precious content and moves them from one end to the next. No container has to be opened and the content extracted and repackage for transportation."
The sizable throughput of the SX51 is designed to fully support HDMI rev1.3 requirements. HDMI rev1.3 specifications allow for advanced Deep Color support, which utilizes up to 16 bits per pixel, effectively providing a dynamic spectrum of colors ranging in the billions of shades, as well as for true lossless audio playback through Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD audio formats, say company representatives.
In addition, Omron says the incorporation of bi-directional channels provides a level of control unique to the SX family of OSAs. This additional aspect of flexibility positions the SX51 as an attractive alternative for applications such as broadcast, in-flight entertainment, or any video/data application where bi-directional communication along a common optical fiber is desirable.
On the Web:
www.components.omron.com
