New Remote-Operation Control Of Your Mac Includes USB Capabilities

by , 7:30 AM EST, January 30th, 2002

Gefen has released a new version of their ex-tend-it product that allows for remote-operation of USB devices in addition to keyboard & monitor. The ex-tend-it line is designed to allow Macs to be controlled from up to 330 feet away through the use of CAT5 cables. The new product is called ex-tend-it CAT5-5000, which can control up to two USB devices. From Gefen:

Gefen's two new ex-tend-it CAT5 extenders employ a core USB technology that enables a single CAT5 cable to carry signals for both USB and monitor peripherals. Without the need for separate cables, installation is much easier and cost has dropped significantly.

The ex-tend-it CAT5-1000 is a simple solution for those who want to operate a computer from a remote location. It works by using a highly effective extension system that consists of a sender unit, a receiver unit, and a CAT5 cable up to 330 feet in length. The computer's audio, video (for monitor) and USB signals (for keyboard and mouse) are connected to the sender unit. Up to 330-feet away, the receiver unit is connected to the monitor, keyboard, mouse and up to two USB peripherals. Sender and receiver units are connected with a single CAT5 cable.

The ex-tend-it CAT5-5000 is a more comprehensive solution that supports two dual-monitor workstations both remotely and locally, which means the sender and receiver units support a local set-up consisting of two monitors, as well as a remote set-up consisting of two monitors and two USB peripherals. With the CAT5-5000, users are able to work on two dual-screen workstations locally and remotely using just one computer. The CAT5-5000 is particularly helpful for those who work in this kind of dual-screen environment such as musicians, graphic artists, broadcasters and gamers.

Both the CAT5-1000 and the CAT5-5000 are cross-platform solutions that maintain the highest video resolution of any CRT or LCD analog monitor and extend audio for multimedia applications.

The CAT5-1000 is priced at US$695, while the CAT5-5000 is priced at US$995. You can get more information on both at Gefen's Web site.

Gefen