Specifications

DM-MD8X8DM-MD8X8DM-MD8X8DM-MD8X8 8x8 DigitalMedia™ Switcher 8x8 DigitalMedia™ Switcher 8x8 DigitalMedia™ Switcher 8x8 DigitalMedia™ Switcher
connection to the external LAN helps maximize bandwidth for each network
port. Ethernet is also utilized internally by the Crestron control bus to
manage all of the DM devices in the system and provide display control in
each room.
USB HID SwitchUSB HID SwitchUSB HID SwitchUSB HID Switch
DigitalMedia lets you centralize ALL of your 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 ManagementEDID Format ManagementEDID Format ManagementEDID Format Management
With HDMI comes a slew 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. 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.
But, try to distribute a bunch of disparate sources to a house full of
different displays and audio systems, and you're likely to experience some
serious conflicts and disappointing picture and sound quality. For
instance, the Blu-ray player that's feeding your 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 enjoying the incredible 7.1 Dolby TrueHD
format supported by your high-end theater sound system, you may find your
listening experience limited to Dolby 5.1, or even plain old stereo.
The DM-MD8X8 takes full advantage of 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 TechnologyQuickSwitch HD TechnologyQuickSwitch HD TechnologyQuickSwitch HD Technology
Crestron exclusive QuickSwitch HD technology minimizes the annoying
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.
HDCP Key ManagementHDCP Key ManagementHDCP Key ManagementHDCP Key Management
Another aspect to HDCP is its use of "keys" to manage the handshaking that
occurs between any two devices. Every HDMI source device has a limit to
how many downstream devices it can support, determined by the number of
HDCP keys it has available. Rarely is that limit advertised or specified
by the manufacturer or service provider, so connect too many displays or
processors and the source will simply stop outputting a signal without
warning.
To prevent such surprises, the DM-MD8X8 tests the HDCP limits of each
HDMI
source, allowing the installer to configure the system around any
limitations, or substitute a different component.
CEC Embedded Device ControlCEC Embedded Device ControlCEC Embedded Device ControlCEC Embedded Device Control
The primary objective of every Crestron system is to enable precisely the
control desired for a seamless user experience. DigitalMedia provides an
alternative to conventional IR and RS-232 device control by harnessing the
CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) signal embedded in HDMI. Through its
connection to the control system, the DM-MD8X8 provides a gateway for
controlling many devices right through their HDMI connections, potentially
eliminating the need for any dedicated control wires or IR probes.
Through proper CEC signal management, DigitalMedia allows you to take
control of each device as you like.
Easy SetupEasy SetupEasy SetupEasy Setup
Via the front panel or using Crestron Toolbox software, every step of the
DM-MD8X8's setup process is designed to be quick and easy, configuring
inputs and outputs automatically while letting the installer make
intelligent design decisions along the way. The switcher even tests and
measures the length of each DM cable, automatically making the
appropriate
calibrations for optimal signal transmission to every room. With
DigitalMedia, an entire 8x8 system can be commissioned in as little as 15
minutes.
To configure a DM switcher complete with input and output cards, cables,To configure a DM switcher complete with input and output cards, cables,To configure a DM switcher complete with input and output cards, cables,To configure a DM switcher complete with input and output cards, cables,
and other peripherals, please use the DigitalMedia™ SwitcherDigitalMedia™ SwitcherDigitalMedia™ SwitcherDigitalMedia™ Switcher
Configuration Tool.
Please refer to the DigitalMedia Design Guide, Doc. #4789DigitalMedia Design Guide, Doc. #4789DigitalMedia Design Guide, Doc. #4789DigitalMedia Design Guide, Doc. #4789 for
additional information.
> Distributes uncompressed digital video and audio over
twisted-pair wire or fiber
> Supports HDMI™ with Deep Color and 7.1 channel HD
lossless audio
> Supports video resolutions up to WUXGA 1920x1200 and
HD 1080p60
> Allows cable length to 450 feet using DigitalMedia™
Cable, 1000 feet (300 m) using CresFiber®
> Supports up to 8 DM receivers and room controllers
with easy expansion for more outputs
> Configurable inputs support a complete range of
digital and analog signal types
> Detects and displays detailed video and audio input
information
> QuickSwitch HD technology achieves low-latency HDMI
switching
> Manages HDCP digital rights management for every
device
> Performs automatic AV signal format management via
EDID
Crestron Electronics, Inc. 15 Volvo Drive | Rockleigh, NJ 07647
Tel: [phone] | Fax: [phone]
www.crestron.com