AV Technology - February/March 2009 - (Page 58) avassets product forum THE SPECIFICATIONS GEFEN Gefen HD Mate Scaler Dimensions (HxWxD): 2.125 x 6.875 x 6.875 inches Weight (shipping): 6 lbs. Digital Video Amplifier Bandwidth: 1.65 Gbps Component Video Bandwidth: 350 MHz Input DDC Signal: 5 volts p-p (TTL) Input Video Signal: 1.2 volts p-p Single Link Range: 1080p/1920 x 1200 Input/Output DVI Connector: DVI-I (29 pin) female Component Video Connectors: Three (3) RCA Digital Audio Connector: By Josh Tonasket THE PROS Because the HD Mate is a scaler and switcher, it can achieve the best mix of non-HDCP HD component and HDMI/DVI signal output and then output the best signal possible via DVI-I/D to the commercial touchscreen LCD monitor we use/specify. All AV switching is done through the HD Mate via IR remote, which is a nice plus. THE CONS The only improvements I can think of would be to add picture-in-picture (PIP) functionality, RS-232 control, and discrete remote control codes to use with universal remotes. The latter is probably the most important, and the other two are “nice to haves.” THE APPLICATION The Thomas Properties Group, a full-service THE PRODUCT: Gefen HD Mate Scaler THE MANUFACTURER: Gefen, www.gefen.com THE PRICE: $349 MSRP WHERE TO USE IT: Home theater, digital signage applications real estate company based in Los Angeles and Philadelphia, was looking for a digital interactive presentation to fully engage prospective tenants at their leasing center in El Segundo, CA. Part of the equipment spec called for a 42-inch commercial touchscreen that did not have AV inputs. In addition to serving as the control surface, the end-customers also wanted to use the same screens to receive television signals. The AV gear was to be housed in a large cabinet in the front of the office space, about 50 feet from the displays, but all cabling had to be hidden in a conduit placed in the open-beam ceiling. The challenge was that the touchscreen display was non-HDCP compliant — so we had to figure out how to get a HDTV signal into a nonHDCP compliant monitor with VGA and DVI-I input. We needed a scaler/switcher that could be located with the PCs within 10 feet of the touchscreen displays. I found the Gefen HD Mate to be the only scaler/switcher to offer two component inputs and one DVI-I input with three separate optical audio inputs or three mini stereo inputs. This meant that I could use the best output possible from each source, and then output everything via the DVI-D output at whatever resolution I wanted. Optical TOSlink Analog Audio Connector: Mini-phone stereo 3.5mm THE RESULT The HD Mate Scaler was the perfect solution to a compatibility problem due to HDCP regulations and different cable/video formats. Because the HD Mate is a scaler and switcher, I was able to achieve the best mixture of non-HDCP HD component and HDMI/DVI signal source input, and then output the best signal possible via DVI-I/D to the touchscreen LCD. All video switching is done through the HD Mate via IR remote while standing in front of the monitors. Through this project and others, we’ve had to learn about the challenges of the AV world that are a result of spec’ing equipment that lacks “pro AV”-type connectivity. Gefen has allowed us to keep moving forward while meeting all our customers’ expectations. Bottom line: The HD Mate Scaler helped us keep installer troubleshooting hours to a minimum on this project. Josh Tonasket is an account executive and digital signage specialist for Informetrics, a Houston, TX-based full-service marketing company that develops integrated marketing programs. www.avtechnologyonline.com 58 | AV TECHNOLOGY | february | march 2009 http://www.gefen.com http://www.avtechnologyonline.com
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