USB-C® connectivity is becoming standard for BYOD environments — and we have the solution for its limited range

Oct. 31, 2023 - It's a small annoyance, but it's going away. The days of trying to attach a USB cable and discovering you need to flip the plug over are rapidly coming to an end.

That's just part of the good news as USB-C® connectivity becomes standard. In addition to gaining traction as one of the most popular means of connectivity (even replacing HDMI® connectivity in most devices), USB-C cabling has a broad range of other benefits to boot: It's a terrific single-wire solution for audio and video (and even power), and USB-connected devices (including mics, cameras, collaboration bars, and more). As the hybrid workforce expands, demand for wired bring-your-own-device (BYOD) and bring-your-own-meeting (BYOM) solutions grows, too — and USB-C connections fill that bill.

The problem, though, is one of range. Without assistance, the maximum cable length for USB 2.0 is just four meters.

The Solution: Crestron DM Lite Extenders

As the need for BYOD connectivity spreads to larger and larger spaces in the modern world of hybrid work, Crestron's new DM Lite® Extenders (transmitters and receivers) are the perfect solution. It's a simple, plug-and-play, point-to-point system that solves distance issues and more.

The DM Lite family of products is well known as an excellent solution for distributing high-quality 4K60 4:4:4 audio and video. These new extenders now provide USB 2.0 data extension — in addition to video extraction and extension — over the same single CAT cable at a distance of up to 230 feet (70 meters). Peripherals and laptops can now be connected instantly — regardless of signal format — to share crystal-clear content while leveraging the USB devices in the room for BYOD situations.

Benefits of Crestron DM Lite Extenders Include:

• Seamless integration into your overall Crestron ecosystem
• Multiple form factors that meet the needs of any deployments, including wall-plate transmitters and receivers
• USB-C connectivity device charging (up to 60w) available
• Automatically converting signals to HDMI connectivity when using devices featuring USB-C connectivity DisplayPort outputs
• Network-connected models that allow the unit to be managed both locally with a control processor connection and remotely via the Crestron XiO Cloud® platform
• Models with multiple inputs, allowing for the creation of a distributed matrix right in the unit (Found in models HD-TXU-4KZ-211, HD-TXU-4KZ-211-CHGR, HD-RXU-4KZ-202)
• Removing the need for USB-C to HDMI connectivity adaptors and dongles
• Eliminating additional points of failure and reducing poor signal integrity
• Easy deployment, no custom programming
• "Plug-and-display" capability: content displays automatically when the source is connected
• Automatic display power on and off to reduce system wear and tear
• Options for network pass-through
• Enterprise-grade, HDCP 2.3 security to ensure your content is safe
• Smart features like auto and priority routing for multiple inputs

Applications Abound

All of this means that Crestron's new DM Lite Extenders are perfect for:

• Connecting personal devices such as laptops that need an extension to the display and in-room USB peripherals at distances that were previously prohibitive — that includes everything from huddle spaces to board rooms, from hybrid workspaces to classrooms and lecture halls.
• USB 2.0 audio and video peripherals such as microphones, cameras, and soundbars.
• Applications with multiple peripherals. Peripherals connected to either the transmitter or receiver will be available to the host device, whether it's a user's laptop or an in-room PC.
• There's flexibility here, too: The dual-output capabilities of the RXU-202, for example, allow switching between BYOM and Native modes for sharing peripherals between in-room devices and BYOD solutions, and multiple inputs give the user even more options.

Crestron's new DM Lite Extenders are another example of the kind of simple, easy-to-use solutions we're developing for hybrid work and learning environments. As always, we welcome your feedback as these new products are developed. We want to help you find the systems and solutions that fit your needs — and your budget.

By Josh Carlson, Senior Product Marketing Manager