Hall Research, a Tustin, Calif.-based maker of signal management equipment for the commercial audio-visual and digital signage market, has been granted a U.S. patent for the Hall Research EX-HDU HDMI & USB Single Wall Plate Extender.
[related]The patent was issued on December 11, 2018.
The Hall Research EX-HDU is an HDMI and USB extender comprised of a single-gang Wall Plate Sender and compatible Receiver, according to the company.
The product uses a single Cat 5/6 cable up to 200 feet long. HDMI audio is extracted and is provided both as analog stereo and multi-channel digital. The Receiver can also be used to control other equipment by providing programmable contact closure I/O, RS-232 and IR outputs. Receivers with LAN connectivity are also available offering integrated user configurable WebGUI and IP control.
“Our engineering prowess is second to none in the PRO-AV space,” says Ali Haghjoo, CEO, Hall Research.
“We are able to respond quickly and efficiently to customer needs and the EX-HDU is a perfect example of a product borne out of customer demand.” He goes on to say that “we are very proud of the granting of this patent and look to a great future for this award winning, innovative product.”
About the Patented Hall Research EX-HDU HDMI & USB Single Wall Plate Extender:
According to a press release by Hall Research, the patented wall-plate gets its power from the receiver via the same UTP cable and for convenience integrates a USB hub with two USB ports. The plug-and-play extender does not require driver installation and is compatible with all PCs, MACs, and Android devices.
More from the Hall Research press release:
The compatible Receiver provides HDMI video, stereo analog audio, 4 USB ports, IR emitter, terminal strip with RS-232 output and 4 programmable digital I/O ports. A mini-USB port is also provided for uploading user defined configuration for applications where the Receiver is used as a room control system.
Users can upload RS-232 commands to the EX-HDU to control other equipment such as turning a projector on and off. Commands can be triggered automatically by detecting video, or manually via the internal WebGUI, or by sensing open and close contact events on the I/O ports. For example, a simple toggle switch can be connected remotely to activate RS-232 commands for turning a projector on and off.
The I/O ports can be configured to act as INPUTS or OUTPUTS. When an I/O port is configured as OUTPUT, it can trigger relays, for example to lower or raise a motorized projector screen. This product, according to A.J. Shelat of Hall Research, is an excellent solution for conference rooms, class rooms, houses of worship and some Kiosk applications in digital signage.
A.J. states, “the product provides a tremendous amount of flexibility for control of devices and signals within a facility, while maintaining a zero footprint.”
