There is a demand in many areas for the distribution of HD video and audio signals over existing cabling. HDBaseT technology is a connectivity technology optimized for both home and commercial multimedia distribution over Cat 5 cables. HDBaseT can connect many devices with full HD digital video, audio, 100BaseT Ethernet, power over cable and control signals through a single 100m CAT5 cable with RJ45 connectors. It can support up to 10.2 Gbps (effectively 4K2K Ultra High-Definition Blu-ray resolution). Both Panasonic and projectiondesign recently announced projectors utilizing this technology.

The PT-RZ470 and PT-RZ370 Series from Panasonic are the world’s first 1080p lamp free projectors with HDBaseT technology. The 20,000 hour LED/laser diodes light source is 3,000 lumens. The 1-Chip DLP PT-RZ470 and PT-RZ370 Series will be available in two different resolutions, 1080p(1,920 x 1,080) and WXGA (1,280 x 800). These projectors offer many installation features – including lens shift capability, and include Edge Blending and Color Matching features.

projectiondesign showed a new version of their F82 series – 3-chip, 10,000 lumens, WUXGADLP projector equipped with an HDBaseT interface for video and data connectivity. projectiondesign said that HDBaseT will reduce costs, cabling and infrastructure requirements, and work load, for their installers. In adopting HDBaseT, projectiondesign becomes a member of the HDBaseT Alliance, joining many players such as AMX, Exton, Crestron, Samsung Electronics, Sony Pictures Entertainment and LG Electronics.

Projector market research firm Pacific Media Associates follows new projection technology closely, and will keep an eye on this latest connectivity development.