The Kramer WP-571 is an active wall plate transmitter designed to extend high-definition HDMI signals over long distances using standard twisted pair cabling, specifically Category 5e/6/7 network cables. This unit solves a common integration challenge in commercial AV installations by enabling the remote placement of HDMI source devices—such as media players, laptops, or set-top boxes—far away from the display or receiving equipment. The wall plate form factor provides a clean, professional finish for installations in boardrooms, classrooms, lecture halls, and digital signage networks, allowing users to connect locally via a standard HDMI input while the signal is transmitted through the building's structured cable infrastructure.

At its core, the WP-571 functions as a high-performance balun (balanced/unbalanced) transmitter. It converts the HDMI signal, which is unbalanced and designed for short copper runs, into a balanced signal that is highly resistant to electromagnetic interference (EMI) and capable of traveling significantly longer distances without degradation. The unit actively equalizes and amplifies the signal to compensate for cable loss, ensuring reliable transmission of high-bandwidth content, including full HD 1080p, 4K UHD resolutions, and multi-channel audio formats like Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. This active design is crucial for maintaining signal integrity and video quality over runs that can exceed 100 meters, far beyond the effective range of a standard passive HDMI cable.

Installation and integration are streamlined through the device's compact, single-gang wall plate design, which includes both an HDMI female connector and an RJ-45 jack for the twisted pair output. It typically receives power via Power over HDBaseT (PoH) from a compatible Kramer receiver unit located at the display end, eliminating the need for a local power adapter at the wall plate and simplifying system wiring. The WP-571 is designed for robust, always-on operation in managed AV environments and is often part of a matched Kramer ecosystem of extenders, switchers, and matrix systems, providing a reliable, high-quality, and architecturally discreet solution for distributed HDMI signal distribution.