InfoComm. HDbaseT has become a de facto standard, reaching 190 manufacturers that have developed compatible equipment that supports this form of packaging. It is a very versatile distribution protocol, not only for the main signal (video up to 4K without appreciable latency) but for the versatility of the bidirectional auxiliary channel (audio, RS232, infra-red, USB devices, power up to 100 watts, ethernet channel).
However, the counterpart is a certain susceptibility of the signal to be affected by interference and the "alien crosstalk" (when inserted into decks or "bundles").
"For all this it is worth betting on a quality infrastructure, which supports the different signals well, and also grants future scalability in the installation (for example, when you want to implement 4K content, or use screens with that resolution)," said Juanma Cortes, manager of Belden AV in Mexico.
"Belden recommends a shielded CAT6 or a CAT6a UTP (which has solved the noise generated by the attached cables). Or, if we want to take advantage of the full potential of the HDbaseT signal (when we carry a 4K resolution and 100 watts up to 100 meters), Belden has developed a special cable (code 2183) designed to reach the potential of HDbaseT without degradation or loss," he added.
By the way, that this cable (2183) has been certified by UL for Power over HDbaseT. "And we must be careful when we carry such a large number of signals (modulated in PAM16 amplitude), accompanied by the heat generated by a PoH of 100 watts and wrapped in a group of cables, up to 100 meters. The UL certification for this cable gives the installer a lot of security when we handle such an amount of power. Keep in mind that the PoE 802.3at standard delivers a maximum of 25.5w to the PD (powered device), according to the Ethernet standard, "said the Belden representative.
In addition, to provide greater security to the end user, Belden is establishing a certification program for installers on good practices in HDbaseT, as well as an extended warranty for its facilities, after a field inspection. This would be in both 1080 and 4K resolution, since each signal demands different connectivity.
"We look forward to launching it at InfoComm Orlando, where Belden will have its booth and is actively involved with the HDbaseT Alliance. We think it will be a very interesting expo regarding this standard, since we may have more details about the new HDbaseT 3.0, "said Juanma Cortes de Belden.
