HDBaseT Extender for HDMI Signal Transmission Over Cat5e
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Solution Overview
Problem
HDMI cable length limitations and installation costs escalate when extending high definition video distribution, necessitating the development of HDMI extender protocols that support longer distances while maintaining compatibility with HDCP and control signals.
Innovation Solution
The integration of HDBaseT technology into HDMI signal extenders, allowing for the transmission of converged media signals over twisted pair cables and HDMI cables, enabling the extension of full uncompressed high definition video, audio, Ethernet, and control signals, including CEC, IR, RS232, and USB, through a single category 5e, 6, or 7 cable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If HDMI cable length is extended, then transmission distance is improved, but signal quality and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces HDBaseT technology as an intermediary solution that converts HDMI signals to electrical signals for transmission over Cat5e/6/7 cables. This mediator enables long-distance transmission while maintaining signal quality through proper electrical signal management and protocol handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical HDMI cable connection system with an electrical signal transmission system over twisted pair cables. This substitution allows for extended transmission distances by using electrical signaling protocols designed for long-range communication while maintaining HDMI signal integrity.
2Device complexity
If multiple control signals are integrated into a single cable, then device complexity is reduced, but signal compatibility and reliability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple control signals (CEC, IR, RS232, USB) with video and audio signals into a single cable transmission system. This consolidation reduces installation complexity by eliminating the need for separate cables for each signal type while maintaining full functionality through protocol integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal cable system that can handle multiple signal types simultaneously. The HDBaseT protocol provides multi-functionality by enabling video, audio, Ethernet, power, and various control signals to traverse a single Cat5e/6/7 cable, simplifying installations while maintaining signal integrity through dedicated protocol handling for each signal type.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of transmit and receive connectivity devices are described. In one embodiment, a transmit connectivity device includes a first high definition multimedia interface (HDMI) port, signal processing circuitry configured to receive a media signal and to convert the media signal to a converged media signal, a multi-position multi-contact port, and a second HDMI port. The multi-position multi-contact port may include a first plurality of contacts coupled to the signal processing circuitry to transmit the converged media signal to at least one sink device, and a subset of a second plurality of contacts of the HDMI port may be coupled to the first plurality of contacts. Using the connectivity devices described herein, HDMI cables may be relied upon to communicate combinations of media signals, including full uncompressed high definition video, audio, 100BaseT Ethernet, and various control signals.