jhulsey
asked on
video over network solution needed
We have a large conference room with a plasma TV on the wall and a large conference table wired with several cat6 jacks connected to our network. We would like to add the ability to use the plasma as a monitor to a laptop connected to the table for DVD video playback and demonstrations. So, I'm looking for some kind of network routable video controller that would allow us to connect the laptop monitor output to the plasma monitor input via the network.
Has anyone seen such a setup? I have come across KVM and video extenders, however, they only use a single cat cable to connect the two units directly and aren't designed to work across a network.
Thanks experts,
J
Has anyone seen such a setup? I have come across KVM and video extenders, however, they only use a single cat cable to connect the two units directly and aren't designed to work across a network.
Thanks experts,
J
After you finish choking on the price of the Avocent unit ( I think its around $1200 or so) you might want to consider one of three routes,
Just have an appropriate video extension cable run into the table with the network wires. This can be done with DVI or VGA and even after paying to have it done would likely be less than half the cost of a actual hardware IP KVM unit.
If you cannot run the extension cable for some reason you still could use a CAT5 video extender with one of the existing network wires, just take it off the network and dedicate it for use with the plasma.
Go with a wireless VGA or DVI unit. Wireless VGA is fairly inexpensive, most stuff would be under a few hundred, consumer type products (often called PC to TV). DVI capable units are higher end but there are some for down around $200, though Avocent make some that are up around $600 range.
http://addlogix.com/peripheral_sharing/echoviewfm.htm
Of course if you bought a really big plasma the Avocent may not seem so expensive, it will work well.
Just have an appropriate video extension cable run into the table with the network wires. This can be done with DVI or VGA and even after paying to have it done would likely be less than half the cost of a actual hardware IP KVM unit.
If you cannot run the extension cable for some reason you still could use a CAT5 video extender with one of the existing network wires, just take it off the network and dedicate it for use with the plasma.
Go with a wireless VGA or DVI unit. Wireless VGA is fairly inexpensive, most stuff would be under a few hundred, consumer type products (often called PC to TV). DVI capable units are higher end but there are some for down around $200, though Avocent make some that are up around $600 range.
http://addlogix.com/peripheral_sharing/echoviewfm.htm
Of course if you bought a really big plasma the Avocent may not seem so expensive, it will work well.
ASKER
We have tried the Avocent Wireless VGA and it does the job, but the unit's have noisy fans and are susceptable to interference - as wireless is. It's not practical to run another cable from the table to the plasma because we have concrete floors. The original cables were installed in a channel cut into the concrete before they put in the carpet and there's no room for additional cables. Perhaps I can look into using one of the cables as a dediated line to the TV and use a low cost extender box - thanks for that idea Kodee99.
Utlimately, I was looking for a solution like grblades suggested. I hoped to find something around the $600 mark, but aparently there aren't many options. I think the IP/Hardware solution would prove itself helpful in additional applications as well... but I have a hard time justifying the $1200 price tag.
I would like to keep the question open for another day or so for additional solutions. Thanks for your help so far.
Utlimately, I was looking for a solution like grblades suggested. I hoped to find something around the $600 mark, but aparently there aren't many options. I think the IP/Hardware solution would prove itself helpful in additional applications as well... but I have a hard time justifying the $1200 price tag.
I would like to keep the question open for another day or so for additional solutions. Thanks for your help so far.
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
membership
This solution is only available to members.
To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.
ASKER
I checked it out and there are 2 wires coming from the table right up the wall behind the TV and back to the switch. I should be able to dedicate one of those wires to the TV and be set - thanks for the suggestion kode99.
One of those IP units would be nice, but I don't want to spend $1000 (plus) on this project.
One of those IP units would be nice, but I don't want to spend $1000 (plus) on this project.
http://www.zantech.com.au/avocent/ecms2000u.html