[Inter BEE 2014] Kowa Optical Products Exhibits their HDMI Compatible “KSM080xHM2” Multi-scan Matrix Switcher Convert Multiple Signals into HDMI at Once

■ Convert Mixed HDMI and RGB Signals into HDMI
Kowa Optical Products exhibited various new products at Inter BEE 2014 including their “KSM080xHM2” series of HDMI compatible multi-scan matrix switchers.
Mr. Jun Ito of the imaging systems section of Kowa Optical Products explained the features of the “KSM080xHM2” series.
“You can mix both HDMI, from something like Bluray, and traditional RGB as inputs, and it can integrate them into one HDMI signal. There’s a scan converter inside, so it can change the resolution of input signals, their aspect ratios, and perform smooth switching.”.
Images and sound signals can be output separately as HDMI output and CAT5D.OUT output, and the CAT5D.OUT output can be extended as far as 180m by connecting it to the company’s twisted pair cable receiver. Furthermore, since it supports PJLink, a maximum of 8 units can be controlled at once.
Scheduled to go on sale in April 2015, Mr. Ito said “We think it’s best suited for large-scale conference systems and will meet demand from schools, businesses and hospitals.”

■ Exhibition of the Newest Lineup of Lenses for Micro Four Thirds
At the company’s booth, there were also many new products such as the new “KS1208SL” model switcher that supports a maximum of 12 inputs and 8 outputs with a slot type input/output board, the “KE101HT2/HR2” which can extend a 4K/60Hz (YCbCR 4:2:0) HDMI signal by up to 100 m with only one twisted pair cable, the “KE10FT/KE10FR” light extension device that can extend HDMI/DVI signals up to 1800 m, the “KV301MC” multi-converter that can switch analog image signals to digital image signals and vice versa, and a new type of device, the “KV201AD,” which can convert analog image signals, such as composite and RGB, to HDMIC/DVI output signals.
Furthermore, the newest lineup of lenses for micro four thirds was on display. Mr. Kazuhiko Kaku, deputy head of the 2nd optical systems section of the sales division, said “A lot of cameramen who came to the exhibit have had great things to say about us. We’ve received a lot of support for our high quality and high function lenses from professionals and enthusiasts alike.”

(*Report on the exhibitions at Inter Bee 2014 held at Makuhari Messe, November 19th-21st, 2014)