| Device Profile: Avocent MPX1000 HD media extender |
(Sep. 27, 2006)
 Avocent has announced a Linux-based media extender aimed at presentation and signage applications. The MPX1000 can extend audio and HD video content from one or more sources to up to eight synchronized display devices, over wired or wireless Ethernet, according to the company.
Avocent MPX1000 receiver
(Click to enlarge)
Typical configurations
(Click to enlarge)
Typical configurations
(Click to enlarge) |
Although best known for its KVM (keyboard/video/mouse server) products, Avocent offers a full line of audio/video connectivity and extension products.
The MPX1000 system actually combines several Linux-based systems. It requires at least one MPX1000T transmitter, which can be attached to video sources via DVI-D, or with optional modules, via HDMI (high-definition multimedia interface) or VGA.
The transmitter relays audio and video content -- including computer video up to 1254 x 768, or 720p/1080i HD video -- to up to eight MPX1000R receivers (pictured top of page). The receivers are connected via 10/100 Ethernet, or by 802.11a WiFi, to which a proprietary link-layer has been added, presumably to add synchronization capabilities.
The receivers, in turn, can be connected to display devices with DVI-D ports, or, with optional modules, HDMI or VGA ports. The receivers also have Infrared receivers and jacks, and can relay commands back to the video source.
According to Avocent, audio and video are kept in "lock-step" across all output devices. Maximum claimed latency of four frames makes the system suitable for live performance, it says.
Maximum touted extension distances are 3,000 feet, when using wired Ethernet, up to 150 feet, when sending wireless signals through walls, or up to 1000 feet line-of-site, with optional 8db directional antenna.
What's under the hood?
The Avocent Emerge MPX1000 HD multipoint extender transmitter and receiver are based on Intel XScale processors clocked at 266MHz. They boot a 2.6-series Linux kernel from flash, and have an undisclosed amount of DRAM.
I/O is "product-specific," Avocent says, but includes Dsub-15 VGA, HDMI, balanced audio, and RCA stereo audio. Additionally, the MPX1000 extender devices have RS-232 serial and infrared interfaces.
Rear panel I/O connections
(Click to enlarge)
According to John Jensen, a product marketing manager at Avocent, the MPX1000 devices are based on a Linux kernel sourced from an undisclosed embedded Linux support company.
The devices offer a front-panel display and buttons, which are used to configure the system and for basic control. A second web-based interface affords more detailed menus.
Mitch Friend, GM of Avocent, stated, "We are pleased to announce our first HD extension product. The Emerge MPX1000 extender was designed to meet the market's push for higher resolutions by providing true digital picture and sound content delivery to displays for presentation and digital signage applications."
Availability
Avocent demonstrated the MPX1000 at the CEDIA trade show earlier this month. Pricing and availability were not disclosed.
Related Stories:
(Click here for further information)
|
|
|
7 Advantages of D2D Backup
For decades, tape has been the backup medium of choice. But, now, disk-to-disk (D2D) backup is gaining in favor. Learn why you should make the move in this whitepaper.
4 Legal Reasons to Control Internet Access
The Internet is obviously a valuable resource for many organizations. However, many are exposed to legal liability concerns because they fail to control Internet access. Learn if you're safe in this white paper.
Rapidly Resolve J2EE Application Problems
Whether you are in the process of building J2EE applications or have J2EE applications already running in production, you must ensure that they deliver the expected ROI. Learn how in this white paper.
Load Testing 2.0 for Web 2.0
There are many unknowns in stress testing Web 2.0 applications. Find out how to test the performance of Web 2.0 in this white paper.
Build Better Games Online
For the game infrastructure providers, life is complex. Making money from games has become more complicated. Why? Find out in this white paper.
Building a Virtual Infrastructure from Servers to Storage
This white paper discusses the virtual storage solutions that reduce cost, increase storage utilization, and address the challenges of backing up and restoring Server environments.
Gaining Faster Wireless Connections with WiMAX
Welcome to what is quickly becoming the hyperconnected world where anything that would benefit from being connected to the network will be connected. Learn more in this white paper.
Is Your Desktop a Security Threat?
The new wave of sophisticated crimeware not only targets specific companies, but also targets desktops and laptops as backdoor entryways into those business’ operations and resources. Learn how to stay safe in this white paper.
Increasing SAN Reliability by 100 Percent
Storage area networks (SAN) are a strong part of storage plans. Learn how to increase your reliability and uptime by 100 percent in this case study.
|
|
|
|
|
news feed