Crestron announced today the immediate release of another industry first design – its new line of HDMI® extenders. The HD-EXT extends HDMI signals long distance over a single low-cost shielded twisted pair (STP) wire. Uncompressed high-definition audio/video signals are transmitted up to 330 feet without loss of signal quality using DM 8G wire. With no special setup or configuration required, installation is easy and inexpensive. As a standalone system or part of a complete Crestron control system, HD-EXT makes HDMI long distance transmission and distribution simple, reliable and affordable throughout the home, classroom, boardroom or commercial building.

“Our new HDMI over STP extenders make long distance HDMI extension simple, affordable and without sacrificing signal quality,” explains Crestron director of marketing Vincent Bruno.

“Whether or not you have a control system installed, HD-EXT gives you a true uncompressed HD AV signal over a single wire, and spanning distances longer than a football field in length, whereas standard HDMI cables lose signal quality after just 30 feet. No other product can deliver that kind of convenience in the digital AV arena.”

Two HD-EXT models – HD-EXT1-C and HD-EXT2-C – serve a wide variety of applications. The HD-EXT1-C includes a compact HD transmitter and receiver that carry high-definition digital video and audio, plus two-way RS-232 and IR control signals, simultaneously over a single DM 8G STP cable. With support for HDMI with Deep Color and 3D, 7.1 channel HD lossless audio, DVI and DisplayPort components, and resolutions up to 1920×1200 and 1080p60, HD-EXT1-C brings a wide selection of pure, uncompressed HD entertainment and presentation sources to any room with minimal setup time.

For applications requiring the extension of analogue audio signals along with HDMI signals, the HD-EXT2-C substitutes the RS-232 and IR control with stereo analogue audio support. Simply connecting an additional STP or UTP cable between the HD-EXT transmitter and receiver enables analogue audio for devices that may not support digital audio capability.

HD-EXT is ideal for new construction and retrofits, as either a standalone system or as part of an integrated Crestron home automation or building control system. The transmitter mounts easily in a single-gang wall box, inside an equipment rack, or attaches to any flat surface. The compact receiver mounts discretely behind a display device, projector or wherever necessary. Linking the two components is simple requiring just one run of Crestron DM 8G shielded twisted pair cable.