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Gefen's new monster 1080p-equiped 8x1 DVI switcher
Don't know how this slipped under our high-def radar but Gefen introduced a 8x1 DVI switch a few days back aimed for the truly HD obsessed. This monster can take eight different 1080p-enabled DVI connections and output 'em via a single DVI connection. Yeah, we know. DVI is so 2005 but don't forget that HDMI can work with DVI but you lose the audio stream. For some reason we don't envision this device on normal consumers media rack but rather a home distribution judging by the RS-232 port on the back. (top center) We are sure some HD nuts might just have enough DVI/HDMI equipped devices to fill this monster but at a whopping $899 we could see ourselves reaching behind of something to switch plugs to save a little cash.
Gefen rolls out 4x1 / 8x1 1080p-capable DVI switchers
Just in case you get the itch to hook up nearly every high definition source currently available (okay, maybe not all of them) in the comfort of your living room, Gefen has unveiled two new plug and play DVI switchers for the biggest of HD junkies. Doubling up on its DVI KVM device, the 4x1 DVI switcher sports 4 dual-link DVI inputs along with a single output, and supports local switching right on the box -- upping the ante even further is the 8x1 flavor, which conviently comes in a 1U rackmountable enclosure and touts HDCP passthrough capability. Both units sport IR remote switching, RS-232 serial ports, includes as many 6 foot DVI cables as inputs, and can sustain HDTV signals 1080p. Detangling that royal mess of DVI cables won't come cheap, however, as the little guy will run you $349, while the 8-port sibling demands a whopping (but not at all surprising) $899.
Gefen's DVI3000HD KVM extender with six-mile range
A lot of people like/need to do their computing away from the actual computer, and for most applications up to several hundred feet, a regular old wired or wireless KVM extender will do, but if for some reason you'd like to situate your machine up to six-and-a-quarter miles away, only the DVI3000HD from Gefen is up to the task. This new 1,280 x 1,024-capable extender uses single mode fiber optic cables to connect a transmitter situated by your PC to a receiver box located next to your workspace, and sports USB 1.1, DVI, and RS-232C ports for breaking the signal out to your keyboard, mouse, monitor, and/or serial devices. As you might expect, super-long-distance computing like this doesn't come cheap, so both boxes and the included cables -- available now for pre-order -- will set you back a cool two grand.
Gefen's new component extender
In today's home theaters, no one want to have all their fancy equipment sitting on top of their shiny new HDTVs, and yesterday's technology can't help much when it comes to distributing HD signals around the house. Transferring HD material throughout the house or even to another room just got a little easier with Gefen's new Component Extender. The extender uses CAT5 to extend your VGA or component signals up to 300 feet and handles 1080p transmissions. It has VGA ports on the box but includes the VGA to component adapter. I could have used one of these in my setup, but instead I used 3 coax runs which are a little harder to run than a single CAT5 cable. On the other hand 3 coax runs doesn't cost $300 like Gefen's new device.
Live next to a power station? Gefen's all-fiber DVI and HDMI cables are for you
If you're concerned about the EMI (electromagnetic interference) monster behind your TV interfering with your pristine digital HDTV signal, or just like putting your TV 100 feet away from the source, Gefen has got the cable for you. Made out of all fiber, it is extremely resistant to degradation due to length and interference, and extends the cables well past other manufacturers limits. Wireless or wired, Gefen seems to have HDMI for every possible occasion.Of course, you're going to pay for the privilege, no price listed for HDMI but the DVI cables start at $400 and go up to the thousands depending on length.
CES: Gefen's wireless HDMI solution
We all dream of a day that our audio/video equipment could be stored in a media closet or on a rack someplace else in the room. The only issue is that buying and running cables can be pricey, especially when you are talking about cables that transmit high definition video like HDMI or DVI. Gefen is showing off their wireless HDMI connections at CES. We have already proved that wireless HDTV can be done via the Xbox 360 but now it can be done with any HDMI connection. Gefen's solution can transmit HDCP compliant signals up to 30 feet and is not line of sight. They do plan on releasing systems that will work with DVI and component cables.
