The HDBase-T Alliance recently released the Power over HDBase-T (POH) Addendum to the HDBase-T 1.0 specification. HDBase-T is a set of specifications for whole-home distribution of uncompressed high-definition (HD) multimedia content. POH delivers up to 100 watts of power to TVs and other devices over distances up to 100 meters via a Category 5e or Category 6 cable with standard 8-pin, 8-conductor (RJ45) connectors. The Alliance points out this means it is no longer necessary to connect a device's electrical jack to a power supply.
The Alliance also stated that the POH spec completes its trademarked 5Play feature set, adding power distribution to the offering of video, audio, Ethernet and control via standard LAN cabling. Additionally, the HDBase-T Alliance says, using the POH spec significantly reduces overall network power consumption, enabling the introduction of new power-saving applications. It also allows consumers to place network components in locations of their choice, regardless of the availability of electrical outlets. POH will also help manufacturers design thinner and more cost-effective devices that can be connected with a single network cable, by eliminating the AC-to-DC elements within the devices.
Micha Risling, vice president of sales and marketing at Valens Semiconductor and the HDBase-T Alliance's marketing chair, said, "There is a clear trend and market need for high-power transmission over cable. However, HDBase-T is the only transport technology that delivers true all-in-one connectivity to whole-home and commercial-grade networks, taking the title as the most advanced power over cable connectivity standard on the market today by enabling the transfer of up to 100 watts of power to consumer devices. This breakthrough innovation will have substantial effects on the marketplace, significantly benefiting consumers, manufacturers and installers alike."
Kurt Scherf, vice president and principal analyst with home-networking market research and analysis firm Parks Associates, noted, "The HDBase-T Alliance reaches a significant milestone in its quest to change the future of networking with the addition of Power over HDBase-T to the 1.0 specification. HDBase-T is the first connectivity technology to provide power capabilities within a fully comprehensive audio/video feature set. Sending enough wattage to power TVs and other CE devices, POH promises to affect consumer purchasing decisions, manufacturer product design and installation complexity."
HDBase-T Alliance members that may be familiar names to professionals in the structured cabling industry include Bel Stewart Connector, Extron Electronics, Crestron Electronics, Legrand Ortronics, Microsemi Corporation, Panduit Corporation, Structured Cable Products and TE Connectivity.
You may also be interested in reading this article: The power behind HDBase-T networking technology, authored by Daniel Feldman of HDBase-T Alliance member Microsemi.