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.
• And many more...

Repeaters:

TruLink 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 TruLink Video Signal Booster delivers both performance and value for about $30.00 per device.

 

StarTech’s 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.

Atlona AT-DVI15SRS 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.

Splitters:

StarTech’s  8 Port transmitter unit is designed for use with our ST121 VGA Video over Cat 5 extension series. This 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 an 8 port VGA extender unit (this device - ST1218T) or a 4 port VGA extender unit (ST1214T) 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.

Media Devices

D-Link’s Media Extenders use your existing Network to connect a PC with a Monitor.
Simply by installing a driver on the Digital Signage PC, that PC will be able to transmit its own Video signal output to the remote Media Player. One of these devices is the D-Link DPG-1200 PC-on-TV Media Player.

Simply plug your Digital Signage to the local network (Ethernet network).
Connect the D-Link Media Player to your network as well ( via wired or wireless connection ) and plug in your Digital Signage monitor to the D-Link device.
In essence you will be using your existing LAN to run Digital Signage over it.
While the quality of the image may be a bit lower due to network performance, this solution may work well for customers trying to avoid running wires.

Micro PC / Media Players:

Micro PC or Media Players are nothing more than just smaller PCs which are designed to fit in smaller cases. In fact, some digital signage integrators choose to use a laptop as the Digital SignagePlayer. They configure the Laptop to continue and operate even when the lid of laptop is closed. Velcro is used to mount the Laptop at the back of the Digital Signage monitor. Another option is to use a low end PC such as the one from Asus, Eee Box. However it retails for about $350.00 for a 1.6gHz machine. We like our hardware solution better and you can use VGA extenders to place the PC away from the monitor

Conclusion:

Many options exist to to make your Digital Signage robust and cost effective.
You can connect a small PC right behind the monitor or use VGA peripherals to extend the monitor to hundreds of feet.

Be sure to follow the links below so you can find the device that’s right for you.

Resources:

Actual Weight  2.00 lb(s) 
Contents  Video signal booster, power adapter, documentation 
Physical Dimensions  2"h x 6"w x 8.6"d 
Ports/Connectors  Input:
(1) HDDB15 (M)

Type: Cable Extender
Remote Unit Connectors:
2 - DB15 High Density Female
Remote Unit Connectors: 1 - RJ45 Female
Remote Unit Connectors: 2 - 3.5 mm Stereo
Audio Output: 4 x 3.5mm audio jacks for each display
Maximum Cable Length: 500 ft [152.44 m]
Number of Ports: 2
Max Resolution / Distance: 1024x768 at 500ft / 150m, 1280x1024 at 300ft / 100m, 1440x900 at 150ft / 50m
Cable Type Category: 5e recommended
Dimensions: 0.79" x 2.36" x 3.27"
Weight: 6.39 oz.

DVI extender over CAT5

 Video Streaming: Up to 720p (720p only available at resolution 1024 x 768 or lower)
Screen Mode: Extended and Mirror mode
Color Depth: 32-bit True Color
Data Rate: 480 Mbps; Real Through-put 130Mbps
USB Specification: Certified Wireless USB 1.0; USB 2.0

VGA
3.5mm Stereo
Ports Out CAT5
Specifications Color: Black
Connector Types: 1 - High Density 15 pin Female
Connector Types: 1 - High Density 15 pin Male
Connector Types: 8 - RJ45 Female
Enclosure Type: Aluminum
Power Adapter - Amperage: 600mA
Power Adapter - DC Voltage; 12V DC
Maximum Resolution:
- 1024x768 @ 300m / 950ft
- 1280 x 1024 @ 200m / 600ft
- 1600 x 1200 @ 100m / 300ft
- 1920 x 1200 @ 50m / 150ft