RGB Spectrum CAT-Linx 3 Plus RX – 4K HDMI KVM Extender Receiver

Product Overview

The RGB Spectrum CAT-Linx 3 Plus RX is the receiver half of a 4K HDMI KVM extender pair that carries HDMI 2.0 video, embedded audio and USB 2.0 over a single CATx run. It is specified where an operator needs both the picture and the keyboard, mouse and peripherals of a remote machine, which is the difference between this family and a video-only extender. RGB Spectrum publishes one USB host port and four USB device ports at each end for remote KVM control, with 3840x2160 support to 100 m over Cat 6a or Cat 7. The unit is deployed as a pair with its matching transmitter.

Product Description

Moving a workstation out of an occupied room and extending it back to the desk solves noise, heat and physical security problems at once, and it needs USB as well as video. The CAT-Linx 3 Plus RX provides that path over structured cabling: HDMI 2.0 with HDCP 2.2 on the video side, embedded HDMI audio, and a published USB 2.0 arrangement of one host port and four device ports at both the transmitter and the receiver for remote KVM control. Published transmission distance is 3840x2160 to 100 m and 1080P to 140 m over Cat 6a or Cat 7 cable, dropping to 70 m and 100 m respectively on Cat 5e or Cat 6. Control of connected equipment is available over RS-232 and via IR with emitter and receiver leads included. Power is 12V 3A DC or Power-over-CATx, and the chassis measures 9.6 by 3.55 by 1.0 inches at 1.45 lbs.

RGB Spectrum publishes a single shared specification table covering both directions of this pair, so the figures apply at each end; this part number is the receiver. Order it with the RGB Spectrum CAT-Linx 3 Plus TX, since neither end functions alone. Fixed installations add the 920 12033 table or wall mount bracket to secure the endpoint, and the 860 11989 replacement power supply is the spare to hold for the CAT-Linx family. Where a project needs video extension only and no USB, the CAT-Linx 3 RX is the lower-cost endpoint in the same product line.

Key Features

• KVM extension over one cable — Published USB 2.0 host and device ports at both ends carry keyboard, mouse and peripherals alongside the video signal.
• HDMI 2.0 with HDCP 2.2 — The published input signal type covers current commercial sources including protected content.
• 100 m at 4K — RGB Spectrum publishes 3840x2160 to 100 m and 1080P to 140 m over Cat 6a or Cat 7 structured cabling.
• Five USB ports per end — One USB host port plus four USB device ports at the transmitter and receiver support a full operator peripheral set.
• Power-over-CATx — A 12V 3A DC supply at one end can feed the far end, which simplifies installation where outlets are scarce.
• Embedded audio support — Stereo, LPCM 5.1 and LPCM 7.1 plus Dolby True HD and DTS-HD Master Audio travel with the video.
• RS-232 and IR control — Serial control and IR pass-through let a control system reach devices at the opposite end of the link.
• Commercial environmental rating — Published 0 to 45 °C operation at 10% to 90% non-condensing humidity fits conditioned commercial and control room spaces.

Typical Applications

• Control room — Operator desks reach racked workstations with keyboard, mouse and video over one structured cable, keeping noise and heat out of the room.
• Command center — Watch positions control machines held in a secured equipment room rather than under the desk.
• Operations center — Shift desks gain full peripheral access to remote hosts without a dedicated KVM-over-IP network build.
• Emergency operations center — Activation seats are cabled once and connected to whichever host the incident requires.
• Boardroom — A presentation machine in the credenza or rack is driven from the table with both video and USB on one run.
• Broadcast studio — Edit and playout machines stay in the machine room while operators work from the studio floor.

Technical Specifications

RGB Spectrum publishes one shared specification table for the CAT-Linx 3 Plus TX and RX; the values below are published by RGB Spectrum for that product line and apply to both directions of the pair. This part number is the receiver.

Specifications published by RGB Spectrum.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need both the transmitter and the receiver?
Yes. The link is a point-to-point pair, so order this receiver with the RGB Spectrum CAT-Linx 3 Plus TX.

What does the Plus model add over the standard CAT-Linx 3?
The published table for this family includes USB 2.0 connections — one USB host port and four USB device ports at each end for remote KVM control — and an HDMI 2.0 input signal type. The CAT-Linx 3 RX is the video-oriented endpoint in the same line.

How many USB peripherals can be connected?
RGB Spectrum publishes one USB host port and four USB device ports at both the transmitter and the receiver, at USB version 2.0.

How far will the link run at 4K?
Published distances are 3840x2160 to 100 m (330 ft) and 1080P to 140 m (460 ft) over Cat 6a or Cat 7, and 3840x2160 to 70 m (230 ft) with 1080P to 100 m (330 ft) over Cat 5e or Cat 6.

How is the endpoint powered?
The published power supply is 12V 3A DC or Power-over-CATx. Stock the 860 11989 replacement power supply as the spare for this endpoint family.

Can a control system reach equipment at the far end?
Yes. The published control method is RS-232, with external device control available via IR using the included emitter and receiver leads as well as RS232.

What mounting hardware should be specified?
The 920 12033 table or wall mount bracket secures a single CAT-Linx 3 or Zio endpoint to a table or wall in a finished room.

What warranty and support apply?
The RGB Spectrum manufacturer warranty applies to this part number, and Creation Networks supports specification and procurement for the deployment. Contact us for the current warranty documentation supplied with the order.