Digital Signage Video Signal Extenders

Inexpensive solutions for Digital Signage installations

We are often asked by customers how to install the Digital Signage PC next to the monitor. Customers want to know the best method they can use to hide the PC, so it seems the monitor is standalone.

The purpose of this document is to guide into some hardware solutions.

Many are unaware of the hundreds of digital signage hardware accessories which are available in the market. Here is a short list of some of the type of devices available:

• Repeaters / extenders : used to extend the length of a video monitor output cable
• Splitters: used to split an output source out to multiple monitors
• Media Devices: connect monitors over your existing ethernet network (LAN)
• Media Players: Regular computers incased in small cases that usually run embedded XP or Linux.

Repeaters:
Repeaters allows you to overcome VGA length limitations without compromising signal quality. The TruLink UXGA Video Signal Booster features built-in amplification and equalization, allowing you to place your monitor up to 210 feet away from the video source. No software is required - installation is as simple as connecting the monitor to one end, the VGA cable to the source end, and connecting the included power adapter. Daisy-chain two signal boosters together to extend the VGA signal even further - up to 420 feet! From use at test benches, to data centers and help desks, classrooms, and multimedia centers, the Video Signal Boosters delivers both performance and value for about $30.00 per device.

A convenient video distribution system simplifies implementing digital signage solutions by allowing a single VGA source to be broadcast to multiple displays at up to 492 ft. (150m) away. Comprised of a 4 port VGA extender unit (this device - ST1214T) or an 8 port VGA extender unit (ST1218T) and one ST121R Receiver Unit per display as necessary, the VGA and Audio extension series can transmit a single VGA output and corresponding audio to four or eight displays/receivers over standard Cat 5 UTP cable.
For even more versatility, the VGA over Cat 5 Repeater (ST121EXT) can be used to increase the total VGA extension distance by an additional 492 ft., allowing the VGA signal to be broadcast at a total distance of 984 ft. from transmitter to receiver. Similarly, up to three repeater units can be used between the transmitter and receiver units allowing monitors to be connected between the two units, while still extending the total distance between the transmitter and receiver units.

A DVI Passive extender is a 100 ft DVI extender over CAT5. It supports DVI input / output and works perfectly for high definition from your PC DVI to your Monitor’s DVI. It is extended over inexpensive CAT5 ethernet cable and works perfectly without any signal lose.
IOGears option is to connect to a VGA display wirelessly from your PC up to 30 ft. away across the room. Eliminate the long and unattractive cable runs Extended your PC desktop or clone the same content to a remote display Up to 720p video streaming from your desktop or laptop (max range 15 ft.) Support resolutions up to UXGA (1600 x 1200 pixels) or WSXGA+ (1680 x 1050 pixels)  Easy host selection to switch to another PC* for different video content Certified Wireless USB 1.0 compliant WiMedia 1.0 MAC and 1.1 PHY compliant
And while we are not big fans of wireless techlogy when it comes to Digital Sinfnage (since signage must be reliable without interference), this solutions may appeal to some.