The Extron FOX RS 104 is a four port fiber optic RS-232 inserter for long-haul transmission of control signals to remote devices over fiber optic cabling. Each port provides a bidirectional fiber optic connection to a FOX Series extender for the insertion and extraction of control data, while maintaining a continuous pass-through link for video and audio. Engineered for reliability and exceptional high resolution image performance, it uses Extron all-digital technology to deliver pixel-perfect HDMI, DVI, computer-video, and standard definition video. Output reclocking on the buffered fiber optic outputs ensures signal integrity, sending a fiber optic signal at its original power level.
As part of the extensive FOX Series of fiber optic products from Extron, the FOX RS 104 is compatible with FOX Series HDMI, DVI Plus, DVI, VGA, VGA/YUV, and AV transmitters and receivers. It also can be used in combination with FOX Series distribution amplifiers, switchers, and matrix switchers for support of enterprise-wide installations.
The inserter features industry standard LC-type connectivity, and is available in multimode and singlemode models. The FOX RS 104 MM supports multimode fiber at 850 nm, which is typically used within buildings or facilities with moderate-range transmission distances. The FOX RS 104 SM supports singlemode at 1310 nm, offering long-range transmission capability over extreme distances of several kilometers or miles. It is used in very large facilities such as airports and stadiums, and for connecting over very long distances between facilities such as on a university campus. Because transmission of content is inherently secure and immune to outside interference, fiber applications are particularly favored in government, military, and medical environments.
The FOX RS 104 is ideal for use in applications with a centralized control system that require the long-haul transmission of video, audio, and control signals over fiber optic cabling. It maintains the performance of optical signal transmission while providing bidirectional control from a control processor, eliminating the need for separate control system wiring to remote devices. Additionally, control data can be sent to more than a single fiber optic output to allow control of multiple devices. An embedded Web page allows for remote configuration, management, and monitoring of control ports, simplifying system set-up and operation.
When controlling a source device, each FOX RS 104 insertion port provides a two-fiber, bidirectional link to the transmitter. The inserter sends control signals to the transmitter over the second fiber. The transmitter provides the RS-232 control signal to the source device, sending the RS-232 response signal from the source, along with video and audio, to the FOX RS 104 over the fiber optic cable. The inserter extracts the RS-232 response data, provides the data to the control system over the Ethernet port, and sends the AV signal to its destination via the fiber optic output.
For control of a destination device, each port provides a bidirectional fiber optic link to the receiver with an optional second fiber. The inserter accepts video and audio from the transmitter, inserts the control data into the fiber optic signal, and sends the AV and embedded control signals to the receiver over the fiber optic link. The receiver provides the video, audio, and control signals to the destination device. If an optional second fiber is installed, the receiver also sends the RS-232 response data to the inserter. The FOX RS 104 extracts the RS-232 response data and provides the data to the control system via the Ethernet port.