Technology Overview

Just Add Power's HD/IP™ technology allows you to simultaneously send out a HDMI® signal to one or more HDMI® displays over a single CatX cable Ethernet infrastructure. The flexibility, scope and scalability of everyday Ethernet Networks is brought to the world of AV distribution. This breakthrough HDMI® over IP technology can be used to distribute HD digital content from multiple sources to practically any number of remote displays on a LAN. Sources can be rack centralized, decentralized or even a mixture of both. Cascading multiple Ethernet switches allows displays to be located hundreds of metres away from the source devices, while sustaining consistent 1080p quality.

Second-Generation (2G) 1000BT Gigabit

The second generation (2G) HD/IP™ Transmitter/Receivers use a patented process to send visually lossless 1080p video across a 1000BT Network identical to a direct HDMI® cable connection. In addition, 2G models now feature 2-way RS232 communication capabilities for powerful system control of individual source and display functions.

Immune from problems that affect traditional HDMI® Baluns

TCP/IP packet data travels around a network with ease and is immune to the skew, distance, interference and resolution issues that affect traditional HDMI® extenders and baluns. HDMI® sent over IP is far more robust and can extend a full HD 1080p HDMI® transmission reliably and consistently much further.

Advanced Video Processor

Just Add Power HD/IP™ technology uses powerful video processing to encode the HDMI® transmission as TCP/IP packet data. The HDMI® signal is broadcast across the network and decoded back to 1080p video at the display in real-time with zero detectable latency. This revolutionary technology achieves bit rate savings previously unachievable, enabling Ethernet LAN to carry the HDMI® signal with very minimal, or in the case of the new 2G models, zero visual loss. HD/IP™ uses a proprietary encoding and decoding process, similar to that used in such applications as Blu-ray Discs, iTunes Store HD video downloads, DVB-HD broadcasts, direct-broadcast HD satellite television services and cable HD television services. Advancements in processor performance mean that HD/IP™ 2G can now deliver visually lossless HDMI® video quality. The 2G platform utilises a newly developed, fully patented video compression engine and a proprietary lossless codec.

Independent HDCP key management

HDMI over IP devices are fully HDCP compliant and conform to HDMI standards. HDCP is handled independently between the TX/RX and source/display which greatly reduces the potential for authentication handshake headaches. This is a tested and approved revolutionary HDMI over IP technology and HDMI/HDCP repeater chipset.

HDMI ATC Compliance & Licensing

The Just Add Power products have been submitted to and passed the HDMI Authorized Test Center requirements for approval under HDMI Compliance Rules for hardware and software implementations of the HDMI/HDCP Specification in a Licensed Product.

Sound Quality

The 2G solution supports a wide range of PCM and compressed audio formats up to 7.1 multi-channel audio. This includes Dolby Digital, DTS, and THX. We do not distribute the lossless audio formats at this time.

HD/IP HDMI “Any Size” Matrix

One of HD/IP’s primary benefits is that when it is used in conjunction with a compatible Managed Ethernet switch setup, a flexible, any-combination HDMI matrix switching distribution solution can be created.

Practically Limitless (source x display) distribution combinations can be created. From 1-source x 200-screen scenarios in a commercial setting, to a 10-source x 30-screen matrix switch in a luxury home. With the 2G solution it is theoretically possible to have 4000-source x 65,000 screen matrix switch. This is made possible by the process of “stacking” compatible Ethernet switches making it possible to grow beyond the normal 48 port limit. Only the number of ports available on your chosen Ethernet LAN setup limits the scope of the project.

Great distances can be covered by stacking compatible switches with fibre connections and other advanced connectivity technologies between switches, breaking down the traditional HDMI matrix transmission distance barriers. We have had reports of installations spanning distances of over 20 miles using well designed Ethernet LANs.

The units can of course be made to perform as a splitter using a standard Gigabit switch. Transmitters and receivers, with their plug and play operation, will also act as better baluns in a point to point solution for HDMI transmission over CatX. Their ability to perform over single catX cable runs and be immune from traditional HDMI balun problems can make them useful for troublesome projects.

How an HD/IP Matrix Works

The key element within the system is the Managed Ethernet switch setup; this is an essential requirement to create an HDMI over IP matrix with source switching. It is important to understand that the HDMI over IP devices themselves are not capable of performing any switching functions, the units function on the LAN as simple plug and play devices. It is the configuration adjustments of the Managed Ethernet switch that performs the switching operation between sources.

Source Transmitters use virtual local area networks (VLAN’s) set up on the Managed Ethernet Switch to create HDMI audio and video streams. Each Transmitter has its own VLAN creating a number of individual networks on the switch, each with a HDMI “channel” created on them. Display Receivers attached to a port on the Managed Ethernet switch can be connected to any chosen VLAN to display that particular HDMI channel.

For example, you could have a Satellite TV box on one VLAN, a Blu-ray player on another VLAN, a HD Games Console on another, and so on. It is possible to control which VLAN a Display Receiver views by adjusting the port configuration of the Managed Ethernet Switch. This sounds complicated, but it’s made easy with RS232 and IP drivers available for practically any automation system on the market.

Here is an example of a 2G matrix setup, using Control4 to command the managed Ethernet switch, is shown in the diagram below.

Control

Switching between HDMI video sources on a HD/IP matrix distribution network can be easily and elegantly administered in a number of ways.

From a PC, Mac, or Linux Computer. Mediaswitcher, a piece of software designed and built specifically for the HD/IP product will allow you to do this quickly and easily. x.

Home Automation Controller

We support Dell, Cisco and Planet network switches and have Control4, RTI, URC, Savant and Crestron modules available.