Sherwood Adds HDMI To Newcastle And Sherwood Lines

New HDMI Linkô Transcodes Component Video To HDMI And Switches Two HDMI Sources

26-Sep-05

Sherwood America Inc. announces the introduction of the HDMI-Link?. The HDMI-Link? is an advanced audio/video switcher and video format converter designed to integrate the video output from an advanced A/V receiver with the A/V output of two HDMI capable digital A/V source units into an HDMI capable video monitor or TV.According to Jeffrey Hipps, Sherwoodís Sr. VP for Marketing and Product Planning, consumers have been clamoring for an easy way to intermix different generations of audio/video source units such as VCRís, satellite receivers, cable boxes and HDTV tuners in a simple-to-use system that still maintained the highest possible level of performance. ìWhen we analyzed the situation,î said Hipps, ìit was clear that the best performance required that we establish and maintain an HDMI signal path.îHowever, instead of building HDMI capability into their advanced A/V receivers, Sherwood designed a free-standing unit. When asked why, Hipps responded, ìHDMI is a moving target. With the HDMI 1.3 standard probably 2 years away, any of todayís HDMI devices risk obsolescence. Rather than have a $4,000 audio receiver be viewed as obsolete because it canít support HDMI 1.3, weíd prefer to offer a low cost option. Our HDMI-Link? is only $299.95.îWhile Sherwoodís HDMI-Link does provide remote (or RS-232) switching for 2 HDMI source units, what really makes it useful is its ability to convert any component video input into an HDCP compliant HDMI output. According to Hipps, ìWe already have two generations of receivers from Sherwood and other manufacturers that convert composite video and S-Video inputs into a component video output. Simply adding our HDMI-Link? to the output chain will complete the conversion of those legacy video formats to HDMI.î The Sherwood Newcastle HSB-600 is available in Newcastleís titanium finish while the Sherwood HSB6501 is available in black. Both models have an SRP of $299.95 and both will be available in December, 2005.

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