The Technology Behind HDBaseT
HDBaseT is designed to meet the needs derived from the nature of the application and the target market price. Although the technology is based on data communication techniques taken from the LAN domain, it is exploiting the differences between the nature of the multimedia transmission and LAN transmission to provide a cost effective solution.
HDBaseT is using an a-symmetric method, sending Video, Audio, Ethernet and Controls from source to sink, but only 100Mbit are transferred back (Ethernet and Control). Unlike conventional data communication which is a symmetrical application by nature with required BER of at least 10^-12, the a-symmetric nature of HDBaseT is based on an innovative DSP engine and an AFE architecture. A special line coding scheme was developed to provide a better transfer quality to some kinds of data (Audio, Controls, Ethernet) without the need to “pay” the protecting overhead for the video content which consumes most of the BW.
HDBaseT is also dealing with video control signals and the reconstruction of the video clocks. These elements are not part of the conventional LAN communication and required deep understanding of uncompressed video interconnect.
The barrier of transferring Full HD over UTP cable is high by any standards with the additional aspect of video specific expertise, which doesn’t usually exist in classic UTP transceiver vendors. When combined with the special architecture required to achieve the target product cost, this creates a significant barrier for competitors.
Figure 1: Different usage cases require different solutions
Different Usage Cases, Different Solutions
It is almost impossible to define one connectivity technology that can perfectly address the different usage cases. HDMI is still a valid technology when it comes to providing a few meters of only video and audio point-to-point connectivity where no fancy installation is needed and the cost is affordable.
Uncompressed wireless technologies, such as WirelessHD and WHDI, can be considered as an alternative for short HDMI cable assuming that the cost, power consumption and reliability will be improved over time.
When it comes to long-reach connectivity, clearly neither HDMI nor the existing wireless technologies are the answer. HDBaseT 5Play convergence via 100m LAN cable has the perfect match. Its benefits are even clearer in the case of in-home multimedia distribution, as HDBaseT solves the complexity involved with connecting multiple entertainment devices to multiple display devices.
As the consumption of and demand for high quality HD content continues to evolve and increase, so will the interest of the end user in enhancing his entertainment experience. The need for easy access to premium content increases together with the desire to easily distribute, control and consume the content and enjoy a home entertainment experience with an improved look and feel.
HDBaseT answers these needs and delivers significant value to the entire home entertainment ecosystem, from CE/PC equipment manufacturers and audio/video connectivity product suppliers, through systems integrators and retailers, to installers and consumers.
Valens is working towards creating HDBaseT as the new digital connectivity standard for multimedia distribution. With support from consumer electronics manufacturers, content providers and organizations such as the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), HDBaseT is revolutionizing the multimedia distribution of uncompressed HD multimedia content in the home entertainment environment via a single LAN cable.
While overcoming the limitations of existing wired connectivity technologies such as HDMI, MOCA, HomePlug and the emerging wireless technologies such as 802.11n, WHDI and WirelessHD, HDBaseT is the answer to all of today’s and tomorrow’s usage scenarios.
About the author:
Micha Risling is VP Marketing for Valens Semiconductor. Previously, Micha was director of marketing and strategy at Saifun Semiconductor, Israel (acquired by Spansion), a leading provider of intellectual property (IP) solutions for the non-volatile memory (NVM) market. Prior to that, he was director of the mobile division product strategy at M-Systems, Israel (acquired by SanDisk), a world leader in flash memory addressing the mobile, portable and embedded markets. Micha also previously served as director of technical customer integration at M-Systems, managing a group of technical experts (System/HW/SW) responsible for the integration of M-Systems’ products at leading mobile handset manufacturers, such as Nokia, HTC, Motorola, Samsung and Sony. Prior to that, he was a senior VLSI engineer at semiconductor companies OptiX Networks, Conexant and LSI Logic. Micha received an executive MBA from the Kellogg School of Business through Northwestern University in Chicago and the Recanati Business School at Tel Aviv University. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Tel Aviv University. He can be reached through info@valens-semi.com.
