Alfatron is, and has been known, as the premier, cost-effective devices when Video Switching, Matrixing, and Extension are required. We stick to our standards, and Alfatron has never let us down when it comes to video distribution, video scaling, and distribution networks. Their robustness and simplicity are a fresh breeze in the otherwise complex landscape. But before we get carried away in an AI-generated poem about how simple and great these units are, let me introduce you to a couple of Alfatron units you will most likely find in any of our AV installations.

Firstly, almost all our installations call for more than one HDMI Input. This is where the Alfatron WUK4A Automatic Video Switcher comes in. It’s a small frame, Video Switcher / Video Scaler that can either automatically detect the last HDMI Input connected and display that, or you can manually select which input to display via IR remote control or a manual switch on the unit. It conveniently splits the audio of any HDMI source to a mini Jack Audio output and can be controlled via RS232 (RS232 to mini jack connector in the box). The unit’s EDID – ID can also be set via dip switches at the rear. Very small, cost-effective, and reliable.

Now, you would need to extend that HDMI signal of yours to either one or more displays or projectors. Two units come into play here. Firstly, the Alfatron SUK2. This is a 1x HDMI IN, 2 x HDMI OUT Video Splitter, and does exactly that. Give it one HDMI Input and this will duplicate the signal on two identical outputs. Imagine two projectors, either side of a stage for instance. This unit duplicates whatever input you give it, to two identical outputs. For more complicated output configurations we regularly use the Alfatron MUH44E Matrix / Distribution system. This is an RS232 controllable matrix that switches and distributes 4 Input / output channels over HDBaseT. In the box, you get 1 Main-Unit with the HDMI (And Individual Audio) inputs and 4 HDBaseT Receivers. From MUH44E you can switch any of the input sources to any of the output channels, or have it automatically switched via RS232.

Then, you would need to extend those selected, switched, and matrixed signals to your displays. Either being large format laser projectors installed high in your roof, various outdoor, daylight screens at your casino, or various 24/7 LED screens in your retail store or restaurant. With the Alfatron MUH44E you already have the system, but without it, you would need an HDMI over CAT6 Extender Set.

Here we start with the Alfatron EXT60IR 18G, a very capable HDMI and IR Remote (Projector Remote – for instance) extender. The EXT60IR 18G is capable of extending a 4K or 1080P 60fps signal over 70 meters. This is ideal for any “non-mission-critical” solution or where budget is a particular worry and cable lengths do not exceed 50m.

For cable lengths exceeding 50 meters, where the CAT cable will be running alongside large power cables or where the display is of particular importance – such as highly politicized gatherings – we use the Alfatron TPUK15 RS Receiver Transmitter sets. These are rated at 1080P at 60FPS up to 150M or 4K up to 100M. What we really like about these TPUK150 units is the amount of noise you can introduce without losing an HDMI handshake. They are brilliant in situations where lots of power is present and other noises in the environment force lesser units to give up.