Hall Research, a Tustin California based manufacturer of signal management equipment for the commercial Audio Visual and digital signage marketplace is please to announce the granting of a US patent for it’s EX-HDU HDMI & USB single wall plate extender. The patent, which was issued on December 11th, 2018, illustrates the unique strength in engineering that Hall Research brings to the marketplace.

Ali Haghjoo, CEO of Hall, explains it this way. “Our engineering prowess is second to none in the PRO-AV space. 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.”

EX-HDU is an economical HDMI and USB extender comprised of a single-gang Wall Plate Sender and compatible Receiver. The product uses a single Cat5/6 cable to 200 ft 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.

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.

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 both 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.”