AVPro Edge introduced the HEX and DEX USB 2.0 over IP extension solution for their MXnet Evolution II ecosystem. The HEX and DEX solution is compatible with high-endpoint systems and delivers seamless connectivity over long distances.

[No Clean Separation for AV and IT]

USB over IP is highly scalable, and multiple HEX and DEX devices can reside on the network, resulting in enhanced system flexibility. Both the HEX and DEX devices are PoE compatible, reducing the need for external DC power supplies and ensuring outstanding long-term reliability. To achieve futureproof device compatibility, the HEX transmitter includes a USB-C port for host devices, while DEX receiver offers two USB-A and two USB-C device ports, accommodating a wide range of peripherals.

“By leveraging an IP-based architecture, HEX and DEX enables scalable deployments where multiple endpoints can be routed and managed through MXnetʼs CBOX/Mentor platform,” explained Matt Murray, CTO at AVPro Edge. “This approach eliminates the limitations of traditional USB extension solutions, allowing integrators to create dynamic systems with seamless, reliable connectivity across limitless applications.”

The AVPro MXnet Edge HEX and DEX USB 2.0 over IP solution is ideal for a wide array of market applications, compatible with numerous HID devices such as keyboards and mice, as well as a broad range of higher speed endpoints like PTZ cameras, microphones, external storage transfers, and more.

I know USB-C is taking over the world, but there’s still a lot of USB-A gear out there. And some desktop computers aren’t exactly generous with ports once you get past the mouse and keyboard. Sonnet decided to solve the problem with its Allegro 7-Port USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type A PCIe Card, which it launched in October. The full-height card adds seven(!) USB-A 5 Gbps ports (six external, one internal) in a single slot on the back of your desktop. It also features SATA and PCIe power connectors in case your devices need more than 25 watts of power. You got a lot of USB peripherals? Now you have somewhere to plug them in.

SCN Stocking Stuffers is a seasonal series highlighting affordable Pro AV tools for professionals on your “nice” list. Stay caught up on the whole series below:

* Aurora Multimedia CW-1 4K Converter

* ViewSonic M1X

* Blackmagic 2110 IP Mini IP to HDMI SFP

* Juice Goose RX 30 Filtercord

* Visix EPS 42 Epaper Sign 

MSolutions, a leading supplier of AV test devices and collaboration solutions, has applied its problem-solving skills to USB transport and connectivity heading into InfoComm 2022. The company, which at ISE 2022 unveiled a broad range of video and audio-conferencing solutions for collaboration rooms, announced a remote USB powering option for its new 4K Ultra HD USB camera, all-in-one 4K soundbar, and third-party PTZ camera systems. MSolutions will also unveil a new USB module for its market-leading MSTestPro AV tester that will help installers verify USB cable and signal integrity.

MSolutions’ new remote powering option was developed to simplify and speed deployment processes for installers inside meeting and learning spaces. The application removes the need for a separate power source, and instead powers 12-volt cameras direct from MSolutions’ MS-6U1C extender over a single category cable for distances up to 333 feet (100 meters)—and with zero latency.  

[MSolutions Showcased New AV Portfolio at ISE—Here's What You Missed]

“We added this important feature with the systems integrator in mind,” said Eliran Toren, CEO, MSolutions. “Consider an AV integration project inside a university lecture hall or auditorium that specifies a ceiling-mount position for the camera. Remote powering from our extenders removes the expense of bringing in electrical contractors to add local power outlets. This is an open, plug-and-play solution that is viable with any camera powered by 12 volts, simplifying life for installers while saving significant labor costs for end users.”

The MS-6U1C extender set is an entry-level USB-C solution that offers uncompressed extension of USB data, ideally for USB-C PTZ cameras, hard drives, laptops, and other USB-C peripherals. The new extender set, along with the more feature-rich, five-input, USB 3.0-compatible MS-6U41A extender set, are both compatible with the company’s new MS-4KCam USB camera and MS-BEAM2 soundbar, which features an integrated tracking camera. All four products will receive their US debuts at InfoComm.

USB Testing

MSolutions will also officially add USB-C testing to its popular MS-TestPro handheld AV test devices, which today is globally recognized as the first handheld, portable AV test device to all-inclusively support HDBaseT, HDMI and IP testing. Users simply connect the new MSolutions UCT module to the MS-TestPro 104 (MS104B) tester to immediately start testing for structural cable integrity and signal presence. For example, installers can test the USB cable wire by wire to ensure that the cable can cleanly transport the signal. That includes confirming the existence of all necessary wires under the shield and verifying if any are damaged.

Additionally, the UCT module will confirm that the appropriate amount of bandwidth exists to carry a specific type of USB signal and confirm power consumption levels from USB devices. For example, USB-C signal failure typically happens when the transmitting device and cable cannot provide the amount of power required for the signal.

[The Inside Track—Straight from InfoComm Exhibitors] 

“Unlike HDMI, the USB-C signal itself does not just die,” said Ariel Marcus, CTO, MSolutions. “Power is lost over the cable, and that causes signal attenuation and the signal to toggle between detected and not detected. The receiving device, such as a camera, soundbar or touchscreen, is consuming power. That causes a voltage drop on the cable. Our UCT module will provide technicians with a measured parameter that precisely details whether the extender and cable can power the receiving device. That data, which our tester will automatically display on its GUI, will offer guidance on whether a different extender, cable or power supply is required.”

According to Marcus, the UCT module can test signal integrity across the USB-C spectrum. “We can tell if the USB-C cable can support USB 2.0 and USB 3.0,” said Marcus. “We can even test Display Port mode to USB-C, which is unique to MSolutions.”

The What: Yamaha Unified Communications is now shipping the Yamaha YVC-200 portable USB + Bluetooth speakerphone for conferencing anytime, anywhere. Available in select worldwide regions, the portable conferencing device is designed to provide users with ample, clear sound no matter where they work by leveraging Yamaha's superior audio technology to boost productivity when meeting remotely.

The What Else: The YVC-200 speakerphone is the ultimate portable device for on-the-go communication. The compact device fits in the palm of a user's hand and is integrated with Yamaha's leading sound processing technologies, including adaptive echo cancellation and Human Voice Activity Detection, which focuses on speech rather than background noise. The unit features an intelligent microphone and delivers full-duplex conversation without sound dropouts, even when multiple people are speaking at once. In addition, a powerful built-in speaker produces audio that sounds so natural, it feels as if every remote participant on the call is in the room. With the YVC-200, users can easily hear what's being said and be heard, enabling highly productive team collaboration anywhere.

To start a remote meeting, users connect the YVC-200 to their audio, video, or web conferencing client. Equipped with USB and Bluetooth, with fast pairing to NFC-enabled devices, the YVC-200 can connect to a PC, smartphone, or tablet. The built-in rechargeable battery provides up to 10 hours of operation.

It is software-agnostic and fully compatible with commonly used OSs and remote conferencing services, such as Skype for Business, Microsoft Teams, Cisco Webex, Zoom, Slack, and more. In addition, interactive touch-sensor buttons for easy and intuitive operation provide manual control of software functions, such as microphone mute and speaker volume. Users can start a meeting anytime, anywhere, including ad-hoc meetings in the office or a customer's site, without missing inspired ideas or cues for making immediate decisions.

The Bottom Line: Available in a choice of white or black, the YVC-200 blends into any home or corporate office. Its small, lightweight, and space-saving design is perfect for portability and deployment at laptop or mobile terminals. A headset jack allows for private listening and the option to enjoy music through the unit between calls.

The What: Designed for use with existing hardware devices, Epson, providers of the Moverio augmented reality (AR) smart glasses platform, launched the new Moverio BT-35E Smart Glasses.

The What Else: Featuring an interface unit with HDMI and USB Type-C ports to connect to popular output devices, the Moverio BT-35E Smart Glasses seamlessly blends digital content into the real world. The new smart glasses bring Epson’s optical expertise to an expanded audience for applications including enterprise drone piloting, remote field support, and visitor experience.

The Moverio BT-35E functions as a wearable display for any standard HDMI (HDMI1.4) output device, as well as any USB Type-C output device supporting DisplayPort Alt Mode, eliminating the need to create or port new content to the Moverio platform.

The Bottom Line: Comfortably and durably designed for daily use, the Moverio BT-35E glasses allow users to keep their display in front of them as they carry out their tasks allowing for increased productivity. Offering an easy out-of-box experience, the Moverio BT-35E smart glasses provide easy plug-and-play operation with no special software required.

The What: miniDSP, manufacturer of digital signal processing platforms and solutions for a wide range of applications, has released the WI-DG Wi-Fi/Ethernet to USB bridge, 2.4GHz router.

The What Else: Available WI-DG support for plugin control (with IP field) includes: DDRC-24/2x4HD, miniDSP 2x8/8x8/4x10/10x10, C-DSP 6x8, C-DSP 8x12, miniSharc series, OpenDRC series, DDRC-88A/D, and nanoAVR HD/HDA..

Available WI-DG Supported platforms for Alexa voice control include: DDRC-24/2x4HD, miniDSP 2x8/8x8/4x10/10x10, C-DSP 6x8, C-DSP 8x12, miniSharc series, OpenDRC series, DDRC-22 series, DDRC-88A/D, and nanoAVR HD/HDA.

“Our new WI-DG is pre-configured for plug and play discovery and control over IP networks,” said Tony Rouget, miniDSP CEO. “Thanks to this pocket-size router, you can retrofit your favorite miniDSP processor to be remotely controlled from our Android/IoS app or plugin interface. We are very excited by this little workhorse.”

The WI-DG also supports Amazon Alexa voice control via miniDSP’s free Amazon Skill, another way to easily control your DSP platform to recall a preset, set the volume, or mute your audio system.

“By joining an existing Wi-Fi network to easily integrate an existing setup, WI-DG acts like a Wi-Fi access point with its own Wifi SSID,” Rouget continued. “It also features a web-enabled GUI, allowing for self discovery of a miniDSP platform on a network.”

The Bottom Line: The WI-DG 2.4GHz router supports Amazon Alexa and is pre-configured for plug and play discovery and control over IP networks. Well suited for retrofits, the processor can be remotely controlled from miniDSP’s Android/iOS app or plugin interface.