Optical Modules Enable Video-over-Fiber Systems

Real4K embedded optical modules are optical sub-assemblies allow AV system OEMs to build "Video over Fiber" systems, which offer uncompressed 18-Gb/s (Real4K) video links. Inneos' new embedded products use the same technology that is inside of Inneos' award-winning Real4K Optical Adapters. Both types of products are interoperable and offer uncompressed 18Gbps over a single optical fiber. This means that AV switches, video extenders, and rack mountable systems from third party OEMs that use Inneos Real4K™ Embedded Optical Modules will be able to send full 4K, 18-Gb/s video to Real4K optical adapters that are deployed up to a kilometer away.

 

4K & 8K Video Data Rates And Distance

 

The AV industry has been struggling with the physics challenge of data rates required by 4K video with all its' bells and whistles. HDMI 2.0 has a data rate of 18Gbps uncompressed. Copper cables can't handle this for distances beyond roughly 6-7 meters. The data rate for 8K video is 48Gbps and copper cables can only move a 48Gbps signal a few meters at most. The industry has been trying to address this problem by reducing 4K features, using data compression, or by adding active electronics that both compress and extend electrical signals. Reducing features reduces the great user experience that 4K video was designed to deliver. Compression requires processing, loses data, and introduces latency. These are significant sacrifices for a short-term fix. None of these solutions solves the video bandwidth problem in a meaningful way.

 

Video over Fiber Solves Bandwidth Problem

 

Fiber optic cables don't have the bandwidth limitations of copper cabling. Fiber has the bandwidth to handle many times the current data rates for 4K video (100Gbps and more). New fiber cabling technologies are inexpensive and as easy to deploy as category cable. Active optical cables offer the full bandwidth required with the exact deployment model used by extended length copper HDMI cables. Proactive companies in the AV industry are preparing for the transition from copper to optical interconnects.

 

Inneos' Real4K Embedded Optical Modules promise simplify the design of HDMI 2.0 matrix switches and optical extenders by providing a standard electrical interface while handling all electrical-optical conversion and EMI effects inside the module. The Real4K™ Embedded Optical Modules Transmitter and Receiver support 18 Gb/s HDMI data channels, including all HDCP, EDID, CEC and DDC, over a single multimode fiber for distances up to 1000m. These modules allow faster time-to-market with a verified (and field tested) optoelectronic design of the HDMI optical link.

 

Curiosity piqued? Get more info about Inneos' Real4K Embedded Optical Modules now.