8x8 DigitalMedia™ Switcher
Crestron
DM-MD8X8
someone decides to view the same signal on the 32” TV in the bedroom. 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.
The DM-MD8X8 uses 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.
QuickSwitch HD™ Technology
Many content providers are using a copy-protection scheme called HDCP to protect
products against unauthorized copying. To view HDCP encrypted content in full
high-definition requires the source device to “authenticate” every display and signal
processor through an HDMI connection before delivering an output signal. This
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 house.
Crestron’s QuickSwitch HD technology eliminates this issue by maintaining a
constant HDCP connection with each HDMI device in the system. By eliminating
the need to re-authenticate each time a different source or display is selected,
QuickSwitch HD achieves very fast switching of HDMI signals.
HDCP 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 Signal Management
The primary objective of every Crestron system is to enable precisely the control
desired for a seamless user experience. To ensure this outcome, the DM-MD8X8
intercepts the CEC signals that many HDMI devices automatically generate,
preventing any unwanted commands from being executed – like a Blu-ray player
attempting to turn off the video display when it gets turned off, or a DVD player
trying to pause the other players in the system when it is playing. Through proper
CEC management, DigitalMedia allows you to take control of each device as you
like.QuickSwitch HD™ Technology
Easy 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 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
approximately 15 minutes.
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8x8 DigitalMedia™ Switcher: DM-MD8X8
Operations Guide – DOC. 6755A
