Atlona Throws in with HDBaseT Alliance

We've been watching HDBaseT with much enthusiasm, seeing it as the next logical evolution of digital audio & video networking. This week, Atlona Technologies  announced it had joined the HDBaseT Alliance. HDBaseT Alliance incorporated nearly a year ago and was formed by LG, Samsung, Sony Pictures, and Valens Semiconductor. The goal was to form an alliance to standrdize and develop a standard for distributing HD audio and video over standard Cat5e or Cat6 cabling - a feat that HDMI simply cannot dream of attaining. HDBaseT is optimized for video applications and can connect all entertainment devices in a setting by providing the 5Play convergence of uncompressed full HD digital video, audio, 100BaseT Ethernet, power over cable, and various control signals.

"We are honored to welcome Atlona as a valued member and representative of HDBaseT Alliance. With support from leading companies such as Atlona, HDBaseT technology is positioned to become the unrivaled next-generation home networking transport. By working collaboratively to leverage our members' collective and invaluable expertise, we are confident we can accomplish this goal."

- Ariel Sobelman, president and chairman, HDBaseT Alliance

Atlona currently offers a number of product solutions for remotely locating computers, video codecs, and matrix switchers that are based on HDBaseT technology. These include the AT-DVI4-100SR and AT-HD4-V110SR DVI HDMI extender kits. The units extend DVI and HDMI transmissions up to 350 feet with resolutions up to 4Kx2K over a single Cat 5/6/7 cable. Later this year, Atlona will introduce its new AT-PRO2HD88M-SR and AT-PRO2HD1616M-SR true 8x8 and 16x16 high-speed HDMI matrix switchers with HDBaseT technology. The switchers extend HDMI sources up to 330 feet at 4Kx2K resolution, in addition to providing analog 2-channel stereo, bidirectional RS-232, and zone-specific bidirectional IR pass-through up to 60 KHz.