Media Solutions proposes a solution for the compatibility issues involved with HDBaseT-- the MS-TestPro, a handheld HDBaseT testing tool complete with a systems certification mode.
The MS-TestPro allows for field testing fo HDBaseT communications systems and cabling. It features a built-in HDMI pattern generator, link monitoring, logging and link diagnostics capabilities, allowing for quick and accurate configuration analysis and troubleshooting of all HDBaseT ports and signals. It means installers can ensure consistent AV signal quality and guarantee interoperability with any HDBaseT device before completing installation.
The device consists of 4 parts-- the tester itself, a transmitter module, receiver module and remote unity adapter. Users can set source compatibility, display ability to accept HDBaseT, and either side of the cabling, allowing them to quickly isolate which part of the system is causing signal interoperability.
The first kit is the EXO ezEX-RJ45 (P/N 90140). It includes electrician scissors, cable jacket stripper, EXO Crimp Frame, EXO-EX DIE and 10 ezEX44 connectors, and provides an ideal mix of tools for both new and experienced installers. Meanwhile the EXO EZ-RJ45 kit (P/N 90141) includes electrician scissors, cable jacket stripper, EXO Crimp Frame, EZ-RJ45 Die and 10 EZ-RJ45 CAT5E connectors, and is designed to "allow the user to prepare and terminate with precision and speed."
Featuring a brushed aluminium finish, the adapter is compatible with a wide range of USB-C devices other than the latest MacBooks, including the ChromeBook, Lumia 950/950XL, Samsung Galaxy Tab Pro S, Samsung S8 (at WQHD), HP Spectre, Huawei Matebook, Dell XPS series and Xiaomi notebook 12”. Users simply need to connect an HDMI cable to the adapter, and one has to keep in mind it only supports a direct HDMI-to-HDMI connection.
Designed for commercial installers, the EX series cables support all HDMI features, including HDR, 18Gbps transfer rates, resolutions up to UHD and DCI 4K at 60fps in 4:4:4 Chroma sub-sampling, Audio Return Channel, Dolby Surround and more. The line has a solid aluminium internal EMI shielding jacket encasing the entire connector head overlapping the cable's shielding well.
“Based on the tremendous success of the award-winning VDV MapMaster 2.0, our 3.0 brings continuity testing, mapping, tone generator, and length measurement to the next level in one easy-to-use unit,” the company says. “Whether your jobs are commercial or residential, the versatility and added features of the VDV MapMaster 3.0 makes it a best value cable verifier for the professional installer.”
The cables offer a low smoke and fire-retardant plenum jacket, as well as UHD, 18G 4K 60 4:4:4 end to end performance, with high-speed, plug-and-play HDMI signal transmission in lengths of up to 33m. Active components in the connectors perform electrical-to-optical conversion, drawing power from the HDMI port.
The USB-C cable is certified by both the USB Implementers Forum, and includes a 5-year limited warranty. The length is 1.2m, and it comes in pink, gold, silver and black colours. The Kevlar used in the conductors is the same used in a broad range of industrial and consumer products, while longer, flexible strain-relief absorbs stress from bending, avoiding breakage.
