Specifications

DM-MD8X8 8x8 DigitalMedia
™
Switcher
crestron.com
|
800.237.2041
Each streaming output is actually fed internally by two separate switcher
outputs, allowing any two input sources to appear picture-in-picture or
side-by-side in a single stream. Instant, single-frame switching between
two full screen images is also possible. The audio signals from both input
sources can also be mixed, allowing both signals to be
heard simultaneously.
The DM-MD8X8 can receive streaming signals as well as transmit them.
Streaming input capability enables IP cameras and other H.264 encoded
sources to be distributed via DigitalMedia alongside HDMI and other non-
streaming sources. It also allows DM switchers to be bridged together
across a campus or around the world, enabling simplified routing of HD
content between buildings and global offices.
DigitalMedia provides many deployment options to address a wide range
of streaming applications and accommodate each organization’s specific
IT requirements. DM with streaming supports both unicast and multicast,
with or without RTSP (Real Time Streaming Protocol). Streaming
connections can be configured to stream directly to one or more specific
IP addresses, or to use RTSP to manage the configuration of numerous
connections automatically. Any streaming input or output may be
configured to stream via the DM switcher’s LAN port or via a dedicated
“CONTENT LAN” port, allowing the option to combine control and content
on a single network or isolate them onto separate networks.
Modular Architecture
The DM-MD8X8 features a modular architecture with 8 input card slots,
and 4 dual output card slots. Each card slot on the DM-MD8X8 is field-
installable, allowing for easy and flexible system configuration with the
ability to make changes to the system as needs change. A wide selection
of input cards is offered to support a complete range of digital and analog
AV signal types including HDMI, DVI, DisplayPort Multimode
[11]
, SDI,
RGB/VGA and analog video, SPDIF and analog audio, HDBaseT, H.264
streaming, and all types of DigitalMedia. Available outputs include all
types of DigitalMedia, as well as HDBaseT, HDMI, analog audio, and
H.264 streaming.
[1]
Output Expansion
An HDMI “pass-through” output is provided on every input card to allow
the inputs of up to 5 DM switchers to be daisy-chained, enabling the
configuration of very large distribution systems with many outputs. Using
five DM-MD8X8 switchers, it is possible to support up to 40
separate outputs.
QuickSwitch HD
®
Handling high-definition digital media means handling HDCP (High-
bandwidth Digital Content Protection), the encryption scheme that content
providers use to protect their DVDs, Blu-ray
™
discs, and broadcast signals
against unauthorized copying. Viewing HDCP encrypted content requires a
source device to “authenticate” each display and signal processor in the
system and issue it a “key” before the content can be viewed. Ordinarily
this causes a complete loss of signal for up to 15 seconds each time a new
source or display is selected anywhere in the system. To make matters
worse, every source device has a limited number of keys available, so
connect too many displays and the source will simply stop outputting a
signal without warning.
Not to worry — Crestron QuickSwitch HD manages the keys for every
HDCP-compliant device in the system, maintaining continuous
authentication for each device to ensure fast, reliable routing of any source
to any number of display devices.
Auto-Locking
™
Technology
Crestron Auto-Locking Technology enables super fast signal switching by
instantaneously configuring every device in the signal path as soon as the
signal hits the first device. Whether switching between sources or TV
channels, Auto-Locking significantly reduces the time it takes each device
to sense the new signal and configure itself to handle the changes,
virtually eliminating any noticeable gap while switching.
EDID Format Management
With all of today’s varied AV sources comes a multitude of confusing video
and audio formats to keep track of, and chances are not every device in
your system supports all of the same formats. Such conflicts can wreak
havoc any time you route one source to more than one display or audio
component. The media source feeding your 1080p or Ultra HD projector
in the theater may restrict itself to a lower resolution, or even shut off
completely, if someone decides to view the same signal on a smaller TV
in another room. And, instead of enjoying your theater’s incredible 7.1
surround sound, you may find yourself limited to 5.1 or even plain
old stereo.
DigitalMedia eliminates such conflicts by managing the EDID (Extended
Display Identification Data) that modern digital devices use to
communicate their capabilities. Via Crestron Toolbox software, the format
and resolution capabilities of each device can be assessed, allowing the
installer to configure EDID signals appropriately for the most desirable and
predictable behavior.
A Scaler for Every Display
High-performance scaling capability can be added to any DM system
using select DM receivers with built in HD and 4K scalers. By placing an
independent scaler at every display device, DigitalMedia truly delivers
the most flexible and user-friendly solution for routing multiple disparate
sources to many different display devices. This “Distributed Scaler
Approach” ensures an optimal image on every screen no matter what
sources are selected. Distributed scaling allows a high-res computer
source to be viewed on any display in the building. It also allows an HD,
Ultra HD, or 3D video source to be viewed simultaneously on the 4K display
in your theater and on lower-resolution 2D displays throughout the house.
Versatile Audio Routing
HDMI is the key to handling all the latest 7.1 surround sound formats like
Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. Great for your high-end home
theater, but how do you share that same source with other audio zones in
the house?
DigitalMedia provides the answer, allowing for the simultaneous
distribution of multichannel surround sound and two-channel stereo
signals from the same HDMI source. Using a choice of “DSP” type input
cards, the DM-MD8X8 employs onboard digital processing to derive a
stereo downmix from the original multichannel signal. Both signals can be
routed separately or simultaneously from any of the switcher’s DM outputs,
allowing either signal to be selected for output at each DM receiver location.