Chapter 9
Understanding EDID Issues:
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Fusion Research | Studio Movie Server
When using HDMI for connecting components, it‟s important to under that
this connection is two-way and that the two pieces of equipment that you are
connecting must “talk” to each other. When there is a problem between two
pieces of equipment, typically referred to as “handshaking” problems, you
have experience undesirable results.
Typically, the result of a handshaking problem shows up with the
system’s resolution changing after powering down or very often the
complete loss of video. This section covers how to identify and resolve
these issues.
EDID stands for Extended Display Identification Data, and it's a piece of
information that is transmitted by a display or "sink" - a TV, a projector, or a
monitor - to describe its audio and video capabilities to an AV "source," such
as a Cable Box, Disc Player, or a Fusion system. Most important within this
EDID is the video resolutions and audio setups supported for the sink device.
Within the code the Fusion system will receive the video resolution as well as
the audio format and codes.
Normally when the Fusion is connected to a device, like a display or projector
the EDID is available from the device and the Fusion will understand what to
do. One problem can occur when the Fusion is left on (as it is designed to do)
and the target or display device is turned off. Many display devices will
continue to output its EDID even when powered off, but some do not so the
end result can be that the next time the display is powered on you will not
have video from the Fusion since the EDID has been lost.
This can also happen when the Fusion is connected to an HDMI switch and
there isn‟t a consistent EDID connection available to maintain the correct
resolution between the display devices so video can be lost. This is a very
common problem now that HDMI is becoming the mainstream and there are
several solutions available to solve this problem.
THE SOLUTION
If an HDMI switch is being used, most units have the ability to capture or learn
the EDID of the intended display device, in this case you must contact your
switch manufacturer or find the solution in the switches manual.
Fusion sells a small adapter that connects in-line between the server and the
switch or device, please check with Fusion for pricing and availability.
Gefen sells a device called the HDMI Detective, which also solves this common
problem, the adapter also connects in-line on the HDMI cable and retails for
$129.00.
