MSolutions has announced that it is introducing a new remote USB powering option for its 4K Ultra HD USB camera, 4K soundbar and third-party PTZ camera systems as well as a new USB module for its MSTestPro AV tester that’s designed to help installers verify USB cable and signal integrity. The new developments will be on display at the upcoming InfoComm 2022 show at the Las Vegas Convention Center at booth W155.
The new remote powering option was developed to simplify and speed deployment processes for installers inside meeting and learning spaces. The application removes the need for a separate power source and instead powers 12-volt cameras direct from MSolutions’ MS-6U1C extender over a single category cable for distances up to 333 feet (100 meters).
“We added this important feature with the systems integrator in mind,” says Eliran Toren, CEO, MSolutions. “Consider an AV integration project inside a university lecture hall or auditorium that specifies a ceiling-mount position for the camera. Remote powering from our extenders removes the expense of bringing in electrical contractors to add local power outlets. This is an open, plug-and-play solution that is viable with any camera powered by 12 volts, simplifying life for installers while saving significant labor costs for end users.”
The MS-6U1C extender set, also introduced at ISE 2022, is an entry-level USB-C platform designed to facilitate uncompressed extension of USB data for USB-C PTZ cameras, hard drives, laptops and other USB-C peripherals. The new extender set, along with the more feature-rich, five-input, USB 3.0-compatible MS-6U41A extender set, are both compatible with the company’s new MS-4KCam USB camera and MS-BEAM2 soundbar, which offers an integrated tracking camera. All four products will receive their US debuts at InfoComm.
The new USB-C testing to its MS-TestPro handheld AV test devices that support HDBaseT, HDMI and IP testing. Users connect the new MSolutions UCT module to the MS-TestPro 104 (MS104B) tester to immediately start testing for structural cable integrity and signal presence. For example, installers can test the USB cable wire by wire to help ensure that the cable can cleanly transport the signal. This includes confirming the existence of all necessary wires under the shield and verifying if any are damaged.
Additionally, the UCT module will confirm that the appropriate amount of bandwidth exists to carry a specific type of USB signal and confirm power consumption levels from USB devices. For example, USB-C signal failure often happens when the transmitting device and cable cannot provide the amount of power required for the signal.
“Unlike HDMI, the USB-C signal itself does not just die,” adds Ariel Marcus, CTO, MSolutions. “Power is lost over the cable, and that causes signal attenuation and the signal to toggle between detected and not detected. The receiving device, such as a camera, soundbar or touchscreen, is consuming power. That causes a voltage drop on the cable. Our UCT module will provide technicians with a measured parameter that precisely details whether the extender and cable can power the receiving device. That data, which our tester will automatically display on its GUI, will offer guidance on whether a different extender, cable or power supply is required.”
According to Marcus, the UCT module can test signal integrity across the USB-C spectrum: “We can tell if the USB-C cable can support USB 2.0 and USB 3.0. We can even test Display Port mode to USB-C, which is unique to MSolutions.”
