At InfoComm 2018, Hall Research introduced the EX-HDU, a product that can extend HDMI video and USB data on a single Cat6 cable up to 60m.

HDMI audio is extracted and provided both as analogue stereo and multi-channel digital. The EX-HDU can also be used to control other equipment by providing programmable contact closure I/O, RS-232 output, IR output, and optional LAN interface with internal WebGUI and IP control.

The EX-HDU extender consists of an EX-HDU-WP single-gang wall plate transmitter and an EX-HDU-R (or EX-HDU-R-IP) receiver. They connect using standard CAT5e/6 UTP cabling up to 60m.

The wall-plate sender gets its power from the receiver via the same UTP cable and does not need a separate power supply. The wall plate features a USB hub with two USB ports for connection of USB devices. The extender is compatible with PCs, Macs, and Android tablets and does not require driver installation. The PC's HDMI and USB ports are plugged into the sender and made available at the remote receiver.

The receiver provides HDMI video output, stereo audio output, four USB ports, IR output and a terminal strip that has RS-232 output as well as four programmable digital I/O ports. A mini-USB port is also provided for configuration upload from a PC for cases where the receiver is used also as a control system.

Users can upload RS-232 commands to the EX-HDU to control other equipment such as turning a projector on and off. Commands can be triggered automatically by detecting video, or manually via the internal WebGUI, or by sensing open and close contact events on the I/O ports. For example, a simple toggle switch can be connected remotely to activate RS-232 commands for turning a projector on and off. The I/O ports can be configured to act as inputs or outputs. When an I/O port is configured as output, it can trigger relays, for example to lower or raise a motorised projector screen.