Lewis CaliburnMSolutions, a supplier of AV cabling, collaboration, extension and test devices, is heading to InfoComm next week with two meeting room solutions that reflect the changing connectivity needs coming into view.
With a clear shift toward fewer wires and simpler connections, the growing company has developed two meeting room innovations that address the thirst for USB-C — with some engineering twists that push the technology in new directions.
Visitors to InfoComm next month can see those twists in action at the Stirling Communications Booth (6675), where MSolutions will present the MS-3RU-DPA-C, the world’s first USB-C Extender to support DisplayPort Alternate Mode over USB-C and 1Connect, a complete AV connectivity and room control ecosystem that opens the meeting room environment to new possibilities such as dual-screen connectivity.
“We rolled out the 1Connect platform at ISE in February to help our customers streamline room integration and fully harness in-room AV and USB resources with ease and efficiency,” says Eliran Toren, CEO, MSolutions. “1Connect MS-63DOC-P achieves this through a single USB-C connection to a docking extender at the front end, with all room connectivity options opened at the output. Our new MS-3RU-DPA-C extenders take a different approach as a USB-C to USB-C solution that takes source content direct to displays with USB-C connections.”
The ‘DPA’ in the MS-3RU-DPA Series reflects the system’s DisplayPort Alternate Mode capability, which allows native transmission of video, audio, data and power through a single USB-C cable with no drivers or software required. This means that a single USB-C connection runs from the source to the Host extender and again from the Device extender to USB-C-ready displays.
“We have seen an increasing number of displays coming to market with USB hubs that support a variety of room peripherals,” says Ariel Marcus, CTO, MSolutions. “With DP Alt Mode support built-in, our MS-3RU-DPA-C extender kit takes uncompressed 4K60 4:4:4 video, Power over Cable (PoC), and more straight to the display. With long-distance extension up to 328 feet (100 metres) supported, it represents another step toward simplifying meeting room installations and reducing cable clutter.”
To support mixed environments, the MS-3RU-DPA Series is also available in hybrid extender configurations, allowing the Host or Device to include HDMI and USB ports. This enables USB-C to HDMI/USB connectivity or the reverse — ideal for AV systems not fully transitioned to USB-C.
The 1Connect ecosystem removes the complexities of USB-C and HDMI connectivity when moving signals over long distances. 1Connect is anchored through the MS-63DOC Docking Extender Kit, which pairs Host and Device units for AV and USB transport. 1Connect streamlines connectivity on the front end by moving all video (up to 4K@60 4:4:4), audio and data signals from the originating source — typically a computer or laptop device — to the local MS-63DOC Host unit over a single USB-C cable.
New for InfoComm, MSolutions will introduce the MS-63DOC-P extender, which adds support for 60W of device charging from the Host unit to a laptop or similar source. All Device units include a built-in control system to manage the third-party meeting room elements such as display or camera control, further enhancing operational efficiency.
1Connect’s design offers flexible placement for Host and Device units that transform BYOD connectivity and enable new opportunities for seamless collaboration such as dual-screen functionality. The Host unit acts as a docking station gateway, maintaining a single-cable efficiency by moving all signals (including control) to an MS-63DOC-P Device unit over category cable.
The MS-63DOC-P Device unit functions as a robust docking extender and unlocks all connections to destinations on the back end. Those connections can include up to two displays (via separate HDMI connections), a USB or PTZ camera (via USB 3.2 or USB-C connections), and an digital or analogue audio speaker output.
“1Connect centralises all connections on the output, allowing installers to eliminate to simplify installations and deliver a cleaner, more efficient user experience in meeting rooms, classrooms and collaborative spaces of all sizes,” says Eliran. “Its exceptional performance ensures reliable, full-bandwidth 5G video, audio and control coming out the docking extender with added benefits including dual-screen connectivity.”
InfoComm takes place June 11-13 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando.