Gefen and Marshall Electronics Combine Technologies to Enable Live Streaming Video for Digital Signage Applications

CHATSWORTH, CA – Digital connectivity solutions provider Gefen today announced a new relationship with Marshall Electronics to enable live video footage on any HDTV display. Support for live video is particularly beneficial for many industries including entertainment, hospitality, retail and more.

The Marshall Electronics HD Encoder/Decoder (VS-102-HDMI) accepts video from any non HDCP-encrypted HDMI source, including satellite set-top boxes, hi-def cameras and more. When used in a Gefen Digital Signage Creator project, users are able to feed live video in the HDMI format to any HDTV display, delivering all the features of digital video with digital audio.

The Gefen Digital Signage Creator works with any Windows-based system and gives users full control over their digital signage content creation when connected to the LAN. The intuitive layout program offers the ability to create templates, insert music, layer video images, write scripts to control content and pull RSS feeds off the Internet. Content can be pushed to the Digital Signage Creator for immediate updates or pulled automatically from another server.

“When combined with the Marshall Electronics VS-102-HDMI HD Encoder/Decoder, the Gefen Digital Signage Creator can also deliver a live video stream that remains in the HDMI domain,” explained John Novak, director, Digital Signage for Gefen. “This is an extremely valuable solution for many digital signage applications, especially sporting events and advertising functions.”

Equipped with both HDMI and VGA outputs, the Gefen Digital Signage Creator delivers a digital video output or traditional analog video. Video resolutions are supported up to 720p at 60 frames and 1080p at 24 frames in both landscape and portrait alignments. An RS-232 port allows for remote control of content through the display(s).

“By combining our resources and approaching the market together, Gefen and Marshall Electronics can now offer one of the most cost-effective solutions for streaming live video in a complete digital signage system,” said Perry Goldstein, manager, Sales & Marketing for Marshall Electronics. “This is a natural fit solution that has a small footprint, operates effectively and works with any size HDTV display.”

Both the Gefen Digital Signage Creator and the Marshall Electronics HD Encoder/Decoder are currently shipping. Sales inquiries may be addressed to sales@gefen.com or to Perry Goldstein, sales and marketing manager, Marshall Electronics at perry@marshallelectronics.net.

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About Marshall Electronics:

Marshall Electronics is a leading manufacturer of professional LCD rack-mountable monitors and industrial digital signage displays. Marshall’s product line has grown to meet the demands of system integrators and broadcast, multimedia, video, film, and news professionals worldwide. The company remains dedicated to providing the highest quality products and service to customers. For more information on Marshall Electronics and its various divisions, please visit www.marshall-usa.com.

About Gefen:

Gefen supplies a wide selection of signal switchers, splitters, extenders, scalers, converters, KVM, digital signage and home theater accessories that enable audio/video and computer systems to be easily integrated, extended, distributed and optimized to maximize performance. Continual product innovations ensure the company maintains its reputation as a reliable resource for installers and integrators. The GefenTV line offers professional quality home theater accessories for plug and play operation. The Gefen ToolBox line delivers portable, wall-mounted solutions for the nuts and bolts of system integration. The GefenPRO line supplies 24/7 technical support and valuable features for demanding professional industries. All products include lifetime support from technical representatives and engineers available for consultation. Detailed product information is available at www.gefen.com.