Kramer Electronics TP-574 HDMI, Bidirectional RS-232 and IR Over Twisted Pair Receiver

Before diving into the specifics, let's introduce the Kramer Electronics TP-574 HDMI, Bi-Directional RS-232 & IR over Twisted Pair Receiver. This high-quality, durable device is designed to receive and convert HDMI along with control commands via twisted pair cables, such as CAT-5, and revert them back to HDMI, RS-232, and IR signals for output to a display device.

This efficient and reliable receiver is typically used in conjunction with a Kramer TP-573 transmitter. Together, they extend the range of an HDMI source, making it possible to feed a display across a large facility. While traditional HDMI cables have a limited range of approximately 50', CAT-5 cables paired with the TP-574 receiver can transmit pristine HDTV video and associated audio signals over distances in the hundreds of feet.

The transmission range of this system varies based on several factors, including signal resolution, graphics card, display, and the type of cables used. Kramer has conducted extensive testing with their own cables to ensure optimal performance. For instance, with shielded BC-DGKat524 cable, the device can receive signals from up to 295' away at 1080i, or up to 98' at 1080p. The range extends to 295' at 1080i or up to 230' at 1080p with shielded BC-DGKat623 cable. And with shielded BC-DGKat723 cable, the range can reach up to 330' at 1080i or up to 295' at 1080p.

One of the standout features of the TP-574 is its support for bi-directional RS-232 and infrared signals. This means that a computer source, for example, can be used to control a display device hundreds of feet away and receive data from that device. Control signals are received along with converted video and audio signals over the twisted pair cable and outputted to the display device.

The TP-574 is user-friendly and compatible with a wide range of devices, including computers, cameras, and other HDMI devices. It supports HDMI output, allowing it to deliver video and multi-channel audio to an HDMI display such as a plasma or LCD flat-panel TV set or a computer display. This makes it a versatile and essential tool for transmitting audio and video signals in professional settings like conference rooms or live events.