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Review: Zektor SoloCAT Component Video Extender
The SoloCAT from Zektor is a 2-piece extender that passes HD component video over a single Cat5 cable.
Despite the fact that HDMI has continued to evolve and win over integrators after a shaky start in the marketplace, there's still great demand for distributing component video HD signals throughout the house.
Whether as a multi-source matrix switcher or a point to point solution, integrators want simple and repeatable solutions for video distribution.
The SoloCAT from Zektor is a 2-piece extender that passes HD component video over a single Cat5 cable. It's available in two configurations:
For distances up to 500 feet, only a single power supply is required at the head end. For longer distances, Zektor recommends using a power supply on both the transmitter and the receiver.
In order to test the SoloCAT, I recruited the services of Jeff Weeks, owner of Edmonton, AB-based Home Theatre Solutions. In his test bench area, we connected the SoloCAT extender to a 200-foot length of Cat5e (chosen because it was handy, honestly).
Our source was a Denon Blu-ray player and an LG 37-inch LCD. To compare the component video output through the SoloCAT, we also connected source and display via HDMI, and set the Denon's output to 720p as a constant for comparison.
The receiver for the SoloCAT includes focus and brightness controls that are adjustable via small switches that can be adjusted with a jeweller's screwdriver.
While the picture didn't need a lot of dialling in to match the HDMI output, the ease of adjustment was appreciated.
Getting the extender set up and dialled in was a snap. Once done, the 720p component video looked great, and was indistinguishable from the HDMI's 720p. The video quality definitely passed the test.
On the build quality side, the units are robust steel construction. Both units are flanged so that they can be easily mounted to a rack, a wall, or to a display's wall-mount bracket.
When it came time to nitpick, Weeks and I both agreed that we'd like to have RS-232 passthrough capabilities, or even IR. The lack of a control passthrough somewhat limit's the SoloCAT's flexibility as a tool for video distribution.
I also questioned the need to include a SPDIF output. After all, how often do you have a video display that has a SPDIF in?
According to Zektor's Jeff Haynes, "We decided that the minimal cost to include SPDIF was outweighed by the potential benefit to have it there if you do need it."
Still, for the price, Zektor's SoloCAT is a handy video extender and competitive with similar products from other brands. It performed admirably in our test, and I was more than pleased with it's video quality.
The SoloCAT retails for $409 for the video only model and $459 for the video + audio model.
Whether as a multi-source matrix switcher or a point to point solution, integrators want simple and repeatable solutions for video distribution.
The SoloCAT from Zektor is a 2-piece extender that passes HD component video over a single Cat5 cable. It's available in two configurations:
- one that passes video and power up to 1000-feet
- one that transmit component video, stereo analog audio, S/PDIF digital audio.
For distances up to 500 feet, only a single power supply is required at the head end. For longer distances, Zektor recommends using a power supply on both the transmitter and the receiver.
In order to test the SoloCAT, I recruited the services of Jeff Weeks, owner of Edmonton, AB-based Home Theatre Solutions. In his test bench area, we connected the SoloCAT extender to a 200-foot length of Cat5e (chosen because it was handy, honestly).
Our source was a Denon Blu-ray player and an LG 37-inch LCD. To compare the component video output through the SoloCAT, we also connected source and display via HDMI, and set the Denon's output to 720p as a constant for comparison.
The receiver for the SoloCAT includes focus and brightness controls that are adjustable via small switches that can be adjusted with a jeweller's screwdriver.
While the picture didn't need a lot of dialling in to match the HDMI output, the ease of adjustment was appreciated.
Getting the extender set up and dialled in was a snap. Once done, the 720p component video looked great, and was indistinguishable from the HDMI's 720p. The video quality definitely passed the test.
On the build quality side, the units are robust steel construction. Both units are flanged so that they can be easily mounted to a rack, a wall, or to a display's wall-mount bracket.
No Control Passthrough
When it came time to nitpick, Weeks and I both agreed that we'd like to have RS-232 passthrough capabilities, or even IR. The lack of a control passthrough somewhat limit's the SoloCAT's flexibility as a tool for video distribution.
I also questioned the need to include a SPDIF output. After all, how often do you have a video display that has a SPDIF in?
According to Zektor's Jeff Haynes, "We decided that the minimal cost to include SPDIF was outweighed by the potential benefit to have it there if you do need it."
Still, for the price, Zektor's SoloCAT is a handy video extender and competitive with similar products from other brands. It performed admirably in our test, and I was more than pleased with it's video quality.
The SoloCAT retails for $409 for the video only model and $459 for the video + audio model.
Technical Specifications
- Cable CAT5/5e/6
- Video resolutions 1080p / 1920X1200 (WUXGA)
- Video enhancement Optimized gain control and equalization
- VGA version Local DDC pass through
- Transmission distance 500' powered one side, 1000' powered both sides
- Audio Stereo analog stereo / SPDIF
- Audio Connections RCA or 3.5mm jack
- Video Connections BNC / RCA / VGA
- Power 15V DC <1 Amp
- Operating temperature 32 to 131 deg F (0 to 55C)
- Connectors BNC male bayonet, RCA (Component & SPDIF), 3.5mm jack (L / R stereo), VGA DB15F (send & receive), RJ45F
- Enclosure Metal, RF shielded
- Dimensions 7" X 4" x 1.5"
- Weight 3 lbs
- Warranty 3 years
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1 Comments (displayed in order by date/time)
Page 1 of 1 comment pages
We appreciate Lee and Jeff’s time to accomplish this review. I would like to address a couple of points in the article; the SoloCAT extenders send Audio, video and power over a SINGLE CAT5 500’ with power required only on ONE side. Distances between 500 and 1000’ require power to both sides. Zektor will have another version by May which will have the audio removed and R232 in it’s place and an IR option shortly after that. Like all extenders, they are easy to setup with superb audio and video quality. Zektor will be producing a CAT5 distribution switch also in May. You can find out more information at http://www.zektor.com.