There are many instances where it is necessary or desirable to separate the location of a video source such as DVI or HDMI from the location of the display. Some applications may have a single DVI source driving one or more screen via a DVI distribution box. Similar HDMI distribution boxes exist for creating synchronised copies of an HDMI video source. The implementation of a copper cable based solution creates a limiting factor and trade off between the length of cable and maximum resolution which can reliably be obtained from the cable. Even higher quality cables have limits below 10Metres and significant reduction in video resolution available.

One solution is by converting the DVI or HDMI signal and transmit this using Cat5 cable which provides a great improvement on transmission length but still has some drawbacks regarding the ultimate length of separation that can be achieved for a given resolution.

Advantages of using fibre extenders

Fibre Optic extenders are a very effective for providing electrical isolation. They are just the right product to be used in circumstances where electrical isolation from a high voltage strike is essential. They are also immune to radiating electrical noise, heavy machinery; lifts and other motor driven products can affect the content seen on a display. The Fibre optic cables ensure that the DVI and HDMI signals are immune to any radiated electrical noise. Fibre Optic cables do not carry any metallic components, ensuring safety in Power Stations, GSM communication towers and Test equipment in high voltage environments. Fibre optic cables are very suitable for data connections where an intrinsically safe connection is a necessity.

The disadvantage with using fibre extenders relates to installation of the fibre cabling. Like all cable installations care has to be taken with bending of the cables to ensure that the minimum bend radius is not exceeded. Routing a cable through a tight bend radius may cause damage to the cable. Care should also be taken not to pinch the fibres when fixing. Most fibre products have a protective outer layer so the application of common sense approach should result in a successful installation.

DVI fibre optic extension cables

By using a fibre optic cable to extend the DVI signal it is possible to extend the distance between the DVI source and display by up to 2Km. Smaller distances of 10-100M are easily accomplished and Fibre also has some extra advantages. The DVI extenders use multimode fibre which supports more than one propagation mode. The DVI extender consists of a transmitter and receiver box. The transmitter box connects to the source of the DVI signal (e.g. PC) and may have additional inputs for stereo audio and RS232.

HDMI Fibre Extenders

Similar in size to the DVI fibre extension boxes, HDMI fibre extenders are devices for providing separation between a HDMI source (PC, DVD player etc) and display. The advantage over a DVI extender is that by using HDMI you have the audio synchronised with the video. The HDMI fibre extenders carry HDCP information to ensure the protection of copyrighted content from DVD players.

HDMI and DVI fibre extenders can be used in conjunction with DVI/HDMI matrix routers and distribution boxes so all of the sources and routing can take place in one location with the DVI and HDMI signals then routed to displays in a different part of a building.

USB Fibre Extenders

There are many applications where a PC is used to drive a screen at some distance using the DVI fibre extenders. The display may also incorporate a touchscreen element which would normally be connected back to the PC using a USB cable. USB signals also have a limiting distance as they are usually only used for connecting peripherals to a PC locally. The USB fibre extenders enable extension of the USB connection up to 50m.