4K Auto Switcher Scaler Kit over Long Reach HDBaseT

The Kramer KIT-401/US-D(W) is a 4K auto-switcher/scaler kit designed to carry HDMI and VGA signals over long-reach HDBaseT. It combines the KIT-401T wall-plate transmitter/switcher with the KIT-400R receiver/scaler. The transmitter converts the user-selected input into an HDBaseT signal, while the receiver converts that signal back to HDMI and scales the picture to match the resolution of the connected HDMI monitor. This US-D configuration includes a white US-D size wall-plate frame.

Ideal Use Cases

This kit is suited to installations that need HDMI and VGA source connectivity separated from an HDMI display by a substantial cable run. Its wall-plate transmitter provides a defined source-side connection point, while HDBaseT carries the selected signal over CAT copper cabling. At the receiving end, the KIT-400R supplies an HDMI signal for the monitor and adjusts the picture resolution as needed. The design is particularly relevant when both modern HDMI sources and legacy VGA sources must share one display path without placing the source equipment directly beside the monitor.

Why Choose This Model

The KIT-401 combines three core functions in one coordinated system: source switching, long-reach signal transport, and output scaling. The KIT-401T handles HDMI and VGA source selection before converting the chosen signal to HDBaseT. The KIT-400R then receives that signal, converts it to HDMI, and performs up-scaling or down-scaling to match the HDMI monitor resolution. This arrangement keeps the complete signal path within a matched transmitter-and-receiver kit. The specified 18Gbps bandwidth and support for video up to 4K@60Hz make the system suitable for demanding video transmission within its stated format limits.

Installation and Integration

The system begins with the KIT-401T wall-plate transmitter/switcher. A user-selected HDMI or VGA signal is converted into HDBaseT for transmission over CAT copper cabling. The KIT-400R receives the HDBaseT feed at the other end of the run, converts it to HDMI, and sends the scaled image to an HDMI monitor. For the KIT-401/US-D(W) configuration, the supplied white frame is sized for the US-D wall-plate format. At up to 4K@60Hz with 4:2:0 color sampling and 24-bit-per-pixel video, the supported transmission distance is up to 40m, or 130ft. Lower HD video resolutions can be carried over an even longer distance, although a specific maximum for those resolutions is not provided.

Performance Highlights

The KIT-401 supports video resolutions up to 4K@60Hz using 4:2:0 sampling at 24bpp. Its published bandwidth is 18Gbps, and its maximum stated reach at that video format is 40m, or 130ft, over CAT copper cabling. The receiver’s integrated scaler can increase or decrease the incoming picture resolution to align with the HDMI monitor. This is useful when the transmitted source resolution and the display resolution do not match. Support for both HDMI and VGA also allows the transmission system to work with two distinct source-signal types.

What Makes It Different

This model does more than extend a single unprocessed signal. The transmitter incorporates switching for HDMI and VGA sources, while the receiver incorporates HDMI conversion and picture scaling. These functions divide the workflow clearly: source selection and HDBaseT conversion occur at the wall plate, and HDMI conversion plus resolution matching occur at the receiver. The selected KIT-401/US-D(W) variant is specifically identified by its white US-D size wall-plate frame. A separate KIT-401/EU-80/86(W) configuration is listed for white EU 80mm and UK 86mm wall-plate formats, distinguishing the physical frame options available for the KIT-401 platform.

Final Assessment

The KIT-401/US-D(W) provides a complete transmitter-and-receiver path for switching HDMI or VGA, transporting the selected source through HDBaseT, converting the received signal to HDMI, and matching the picture to the monitor through up-scaling or down-scaling. Its key specifications include 18Gbps bandwidth, support for up to 4K@60Hz 4:2:0 at 24bpp, and a reach of up to 40m at that format. For installations requiring a white US-D wall-plate interface and receiver-side HDMI scaling, its supplied components address the signal path as one integrated kit.