Semtech’s BlueRiver® chipset is uniquely designed to transmit AV content, up to 4K60 4:4:4 (HDMI 2.0b), over both copper category cabling and optical fiber. By leveraging the same technology used for 10G Ethernet, BlueRiver enables transmission up to 100m using Cat-6a unshielded twisted pair (UTP) cable, or tens of kilometers using optical fiber. BlueRiver-based devices simultaneously transmit uncompressed-quality 4K video, multi-channel audio, Gigabit Ethernet, USB, and other control signals, offering unprecedented levels of performance for standalone point-to-point AV extenders. As shown in the diagram, the low cost AVP1000 can be used to extend HDMI over 100m of Cat-6a standard copper category cabling, with imperceptible end-to-end latency performance. Combined with fully integrated USB-HID, the AVP1000 can also extend USB devices such as a keyboard and mouse, allowing PCs to be placed in remote, secure locations, while allowing the user more desk space and a quieter environment.

Figure 1. AVP1000 AV Processor can be used for HDMI distribution and extension over 100m of Cat-6a standard copper category cabling, including extending USB devices such as keyboard and mouse, when combined with fully integrated USB-HID.

Bidirectional Extender

The BlueRiver ASIC is a perfect replacement for existing AV extension technologies with a new generation of fiber-based products for true long reach performance at cost points lower than existing copper-based solutions. Unique to the AVP2000T Transceiver, the chip supports true bidirectional HDMI connectivity, providing simultaneous transmission of AV signals in both directions over a single fiber pair. These features enable manufacturers to develop a new class of point-to-point AV extension products which can dramatically reduce both material costs and the cost of installation. The AVP2000T integrates a broadcast quality scaler which can be used to convert the image format at the transmit or receive end. Using an AVP1000-based transmitter paired with an AVP2000T-based receiver, the output resolution can be fixed to that of the connected display resolution regardless of the original source format. The scaler can also be used to crop and scale images for video wall applications, saving the significant additional costs associated with dedicated video wall processors.

Figure 2. The AVP2000T Transceiver uniquely supports true bidirectional HDMI connectivity for simultaneous transmission of AV signals in both directions over a single fiber pair.

Inside the Box with AVP2000T: A True Bidirectional HDMI Solution

Using Semtech’s powerful AVP2000T AV Processor, only a small number of components are required to implement a true bidirectional HDMI extender solution. By enabling the AV processing engine of the AVP2000T, the HDMI output can be configured to match the optimum resolution of the connected display, so regardless of the image format at the source, the display is providing the best possible visual experience.

Figure 3. In this example using 10GBaseT, the HDMI output can be configured to match the connected display’s optimum resolution, based on the AVP2000T’s AV processing engine.

By pairing the AVP2000T with a standard SFP+ optical fiber module, cost effective HDMI extenders can be realized with cable reach performance far greater than any existing copper-based extender solution. Combined with full support of simultaneous HDMI in and out, the number of extenders required in an installation can also be reduced, saving on system costs.

Figure 4. When paired with a standard SFP+ optical fiber module, AVP2000T enables far greater reach performance than any existing copper-based solutions.

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