By Joseph Palenchar, TWICE

Metra Home Theater Group is targeting retrofit installs and upgrades with three new video-distribution products that will be displayed at the CEDIA Expo and shipped Oct. 15.

They include the M3B (Metra Multimedia Broadcast) System, which comes in two versions to let installers add a multisource video-distribution system to a home using either wireless RF or existing coaxial cables and splitters.

The $349 coax-based M3B System consists of receivers and transmitters to send multiple video sources to multiple displays at 1080p resolution. The receivers come with an IR remote to control remote-source selection, and a complete Hex code setup is available for learning remotes. The transmitters provide channel-selection buttons and include an LED channel display and 100-channel output selection.

The $989 wireless version works up to 200 meters line of sight with full 1080p support and delivers through-wall transmission. Optional antennas are available to boost signals.

"Said general manager Jessy Crabb, “By eliminating wire runs to a centrally located matrix, requiring no networking skills for setup and no need for a control system, video distribution just took a major step forward in affordability for many end-users who previously only dreamed of this convenience."

A third product is the $399 Ethereal HDM-GA1 Gigabit Accelerator, which lets installers upgrade existing in-wall passive 24-gauge HDMI® cables up to 15 meters in length to support HDMI 2.0a capabilities such as 4K/60 fps video, expanded color gamut, and high dynamic range. It also works with 26-, 28- or 30-gauge HDMI cables at lengths up to 10 meters

The in-line Accelerator features 2- by 1-inch aluminum chassis powered from an external USB power supply through a USB mini connector.