Hi,

I have two older Crestron based sites that are still using analogue video distribution (PVID). HDMI devices are using HD Fury units to convert them to component.

Both clients are looking to replace these with digital systems, and whilst I would normally just convert them to DM systems in these cases it doesn't really stack up.

Both clients have in excess of 12 sources, but only 6 or less displays. one site has two sources located remotely from the rack. All in all to go to a 16x16 DM chassis and then use remote transmitters for non rack sources etc. just becomes total overkill (and there is no space in the rack for a 16x16 chassis anyway!).

Having looked for alternative solutions I came across Just Add Power, and it looks like a very workable solution for what I require.

Can people who have used this system provide me with feedback on how you found it in terms of operation, picture quality, reliability, switching, etc.?

TIA Nick

Have used the JAP system on about 15 Savant installs. We use the Cisco SG 300 switches and have had very few problems. They had a batch of bad wall warts a while back, but we typically use all POE now. The switching is one of the fastest I have ever seen.

Thanks, sounds good so far! what was the image quality like?

Video quality is good. Mostly feeding them to Samsung displays and no problems at all. Cable boxes, Apple TV's, Bluray Players, never any issues arise as they due with Baluns for me. Two systems I installed I havent heard anything in a couple years, thought they had found a new AV guy. Called me a couple weeks ago to add a Roku. System had just been running, no issues.

Just did a large JAP system. 3X3 Video wall and 10 other TVs. It works great, tech support was top notch, and everyone is VERY happy happy happy.

This is a great question as I have a client in the same situation. Any idea on a distance limitation from the rack to the display if I am using existing CAT5E cable?

Thanks for your input guys,

looks like its all positive...I have just learned that I can have a 3x3 loan system to play with so will give it a go.

Thanks again,

Nick

I have Jap specked in a project and looking forward to playing with it. Everyone I talked to loves it. Concerning the distance question, basic networking protocols apply. Max distance for data over cat is 330 feet.... I may be off a few feet. You can also run it over fiber to get it longer.

For another perspective, I have worked for a manufacture that competed with Just Add Power and I also consulted for them. The company is staffed by very passionate people who love the products and the business. They have -very- few returns and many happy customers. The products are reliable, the performance very good and the support top notch. You'll find them a pleasure to do business with!

Can't disagree. Control systems feel threatened by them, taxing it dealers for using them, and a little birdie told me they even got a system from JAP to profile it, no profile, and would not return the units....Maybe they need to take a lesson from JAP on customer service, Top Notch....

I'd like to share a couple things when it comes to using Just Add Power over long distance.

1) The official "supported" distance for CAT5E is 330ft (100M) between network points. If you put an extra baby switch in the middle (a dirt cheap 4 port GB switch for under $30 will work), you can easily go 660ft. Add another baby switch, and you are up to 990ft from the main switch to the display.

2) Going through fiber to expand the network is also supported. I'm personally aware of installations over fiber that have exceeded 6 miles from the HDMI source to the target HDMI display using our devices.

3) The longest distance install I've encountered was over 20 miles using some pretty sophisticated network extenders.

4) We have had dealers call to report that they were able to use a single CAT5e cable over 500ft long with no problem, but that's just crazy talk.

5) If you can build a working network with sufficient bandwidth, there is really no distance limitation using our products.

We have had a bunch of our Just Add Power dealers use these.. They are powered by POE and have enough POE output to still power the JAP Receiver


[Link: store.blackwiredesigns.com]


 

okay guys, no-one has chimed in witha negative, so I'm pretty well convinced... I'm going to get the  loan system and have a play, and assuming nothing ugly rears its head, then I will propose it to my clients, heck I may even re-do the showroom with it, I have way more sources than displays and the video wall integration looks very enticing...!

Sorry, I also meant to say; many thanks for you guys taking your time to help out (as always).

It is rock solid and fast, use the SG switches. New firmware allows updates sans Bonjour which is awesome. 2G+ strips audio for distribution as well. I heard buzz about a 3G product touting 4K, so there's that... Keep in mind that the lowest res capable display requires dumbing down the entire system to match (1080i/720p) so you may need to upgrade some displays to achieve 1080p.