Gefen wants to help you push HDMI over a distance as well as offering control from a remote source. It is introducing its HDMI RS-232 CAT-5 Extender for around $600.

The Gefen HDMI RS-232 CAT-5 Extender lets one adjust their displays, change settings and access audio/video sources from up to 50 meters (150-feet) in distance. Sender and receiver units connect the A/V source to the remote display using category-5 cables that transmit 1080p full HD resolutions as well as RS-232.

Onkyo has released an upgrade to its TX-SR605, HDMI 1.3a home theater receiver with the announcement of the TX-SR606, while still keeping the price under $600. This new model comes similar to the original but with two more HDMI inputs added in which bring the total to four. They’ve also added in 1080i video upscaling, Audyssey’s new Dynamic EQ loudness compensation technology and the companies new Music Optimizer.

This is an impressive set up for the price, allowing four high-definition video inputs each with high-def 7.1-channel surround sound, and will also convert non-high-def signals up to 1080i. Aside from the new add-ons, the TX-SR606 receiver comes equipped with a 90 watt-per-channel amp, Remote Interactive HDMI control, has a number of surround sound codecs and is equipped to handle Sirius Satellite Radio.

When will HDTV manufacturers include more than a few HDMI ports on the back of sets? I don’t know, but right now there is a real need for HDMI hubs and switchers. Here’s some info on a new compact HMDI hub named Medusa. It actually looks pretty nice, and supposedly it will be reasonably priced.

Some specs: HDMI Spec 1.3, Compliant HDCP Rev 1.2 Spec, Wide Frequency Range : 25MHz – 225MHz, Supports 12-bit deep color up to 1080p, CEC support, HDMI 3 out port. There isn’t very much info aside from that, but they should start showing up in about a month.