Specifications

DigitalMedia Switchers Crestron DM-MD8X8/16X16/32X32

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DigitalMedia Switchers: DM-MD8X8/16X16/32X32 Operations Guide – DOC. 6755D

USB HID Switch

DigitalMedia lets you centralize all HD sources – not just television receivers and

DVD changers, but also media servers and computers. Built-in USB HID (Human

Interface Device) signal routing allows USB HID compatible keyboards and mice to

be connected at a remote display location, conference table or presentation lectern,

extending their signals through to the centralized equipment via USB HID ports

provided on select switcher input cards.

EDID Format Management

Using HDMI provides a variety of video and audio formats to keep track of, and

chances are not every device in a system supports all of the same formats. In a

typical one-room system, HDMI attempts to resolve this confusion using EDID

(Extended Display Identification Data). When two HDMI devices are connected

together, the receiving device (a display or surround sound processor) uses EDID to

announce its format capabilities to the source device (a TV tuner or video player),

which in turn configures itself to output the most effective format that both devices

can support.

However, serious conflicts arise in a facility filled with different displays and audio

systems. For instance, the Blu-ray Disc player that is feeding a 1080p 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 the 20” TV in the kitchen. And, instead

of listening to a 7.1 Dolby TrueHD format supported by a high-end theater sound

system, the listening experience may be limited to Dolby 5.1, or even stereo sound.

DM switchers use EDID to prevent such conflicts, assessing the formats supported

by each system device, and then allowing the installer to assign compatible devices

in logical arrangements. Conflicting combinations can be prohibited so only the

optimum signal formats get delivered to each display and audio system in the house.

All DigitalMedia wiring is also tested for integrity and bandwidth capability,

optimizing system operation by instructing sources to output only resolutions and

formats that the wiring can reliably handle.

QuickSwitch HD Technology

Crestron QuickSwitch HD technology minimizes the switching latency that plagues

typical HDMI switchers. As the move to digital takes hold, more and more movie

studios and television service providers are using HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital

Content Protection) to protect their DVDs, Blu-ray Discs, and broadcast signals

against unauthorized copying. Viewing the HDCP encrypted content in its full high-

definition format requires a source device to “authenticate” each display and signal

processor in the system through an HDMI connection before delivering an output

signal. Normally the authentication process occurs every time any HDMI signal is

switched, causing a complete loss of signal for up to 15 seconds whenever a new

source or display is selected anywhere in the system.

QuickSwitch HD technology achieves very fast switching of HDMI signals by

maintaining a constant HDCP connection with each HDMI device in the system,

eliminating the need to re-authenticate each time a different source is selected.