CEDIA Expo 2018: Metra Home Theater Group Highlights Three Ethereal-brand HDMI Extenders

The New Metra Spyclops SPY-NVR85MP1 is an eight-channel-display network video recorder (NVR)

Three new Ethereal-brand HDBaseT HDMI extender products that all support HDMI 2.0 and HDCP 2.2 and are U.S. Type IR compatible were rolled out at CEDIA 2018 by Metra Home Theater Group. With 4K/60Hz, 4:4:4 and HDR, the CS-HDBTP2UK-70, CS-HDBTP2UKA-70 and the CS-HDBTLPOEU-70 offer high-quality signal extension over category cable. These new products are simple to set up and will be available in different transmission distances and resolutions, says Metra.

Also newly introduced were next-generation HDMI GA2 gigabit accelerators. HDM-GA2 technology means an existing passive HDMI cable can be used for a 4K upgrade to a home theater system, according to the company. Jessy Crabb, general manager, said the GA2 “doubles down” on the capabilities found in the earlier model, HDM-GA1, which hit the market three years ago, extending that model’s bandwidth and flexibility.

In the Helios line, two new surge protection units were introduced: AS-P-208U and the AS-P-207. The AS-P-208U powers and protects up to eight 110v devices and can charge two mobile devices simultaneously via USB. The AS-P-207 powers and protects up to seven AC devices and outlets housed in a metal-case power strip.

Metra’s Spyclops security and surveillance line benefits with a dozen additions or updates at the show, including new NVR (network video recorder) models. The updates are said to be optimized to help installers reduce installation time; they also provide flexibility for system upgrades.

Spyclops fixed-position IP security cameras can now integrate with Control4 EA controllers, T3 touchscreens and mobile application for iPhone and Android devices. The camera software drivers are available to download for free on the Metra website. Once a camera driver is downloaded and installed, existing Control4 users can view live Spyclops camera feeds from their Control4 mobile app. Live camera feeds and other viewing options will still be available in the free Spyclops Surveillance Systems remote viewing app, says Metra.