system integration. The transmitter’s built-in memory stores and emulates pre-programmed
factory EDIDs, user’s EDID and the monitor's EDID that is connected to the receiver. The
transmitter stores the EDID of the attached monitor or projector in a non-volatile memory.
This way the EDID from a monitor is available when the monitor is unplugged or switched
off.
The EDID emulated on the HDMI / DVI / DP input can be copied from the transmitter's
memory (static EDID emulation), or from the last attached monitor’s memory (dynamic
EDID emulation). For example, the transmitter can be set up to emulate a device, which is
connected to the receiver’s DVI output. In this case, the EDID is automatically changed, if
the monitor is replaced with another display device (as long as it has a valid EDID).
Advanced EDID management can be controlled via Lightware Device Controller.
INFO
The user is not required to disconnect the HDMI / DVI / DP cable to change an EDID as
opposed to other manufacturer’s products. EDID can be changed even if the source is
connected to the input and powered ON.
INFO
When EDID has been changed, the transmitter toggles the HOTPLUG signal for 2 seconds.
Some sources do not observe this signal, so in this case the change is not recognized by
the source. In such cases, the source device must be restarted or powered OFF and ON
again.
3.4. HDCP Management
Lightware Visual Engineering is a legal HDCP adopter. Several functions have been
developed which help to solve HDCP related problems. Complex AV systems often have
both HDCP and non-HDCP components. The extenders allow transmitting HDCP encrypted
and unencrypted signals. The devices will be still HDCP compliant as they will never output
an encrypted signal to a non-HDCP compliant display device. If an encrypted signal is
switched to a non-compliant output, a red screen alert or muted screen will be shown.
3.4.1. Protected and unprotected content
Many video sources send HDCP protected signal if they detect that the sink is HDCP
capable – even if the content is not copyrighted. This can cause trouble if an HDCP capable
device (e.g. an extender-pair) is connected between the source and the display. In this
case, the content cannot be viewed on non-HDCP capable displays and interfaces like
event controllers.
Rental and staging technicians often complain about certain laptops, which always send
HDCP encrypted signals if the receiver device (display, matrix router, etc.) reports HDCP
compliancy. However, HDCP encryption is not required all the time e.g. computer desktop
image, certain laptops still do that.
To avoid unnecessary HDCP encryption, Lightware introduced the HDCP enabling/disabling
function: the HDCP capability can be disabled on the extenders. If HDCP is disabled, the
connected source will detect that the sink is not HDCP capable, and turn off authentication.
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