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Getting the Most out of Strato
Strato is a high performance source device, capable of playing 4K Ultra HD
content encoded at data rates of 100 megabits per second (Mbps) or higher. It
supports 10-bit color, and high dynamic range (HDR) content. Taking full
advantage of Strato’s capabilities requires careful attention to HDMI
connections, cabling, and configuration.
This section discusses background information on HDMI and HDCP, and best
practices that will help you to maximize Strato’s performance within the larger
A/V system.
In particular, we discuss cases where using the second HDMI port will allow you
to achieve maximum video and audio quality, even when audio equipment does
not support HDMI 2.0 and/or HDCP 2.2.
We also include some information on ensuring your installation is ready for
HDR. We conclude with a brief tutorial covering the use of Strato’s new HDMI
Capabilities tool in the Browser Interface.
About 4K Ultra HD, HDMI 2.0, and HDCP 2.2
Achieving Strato’s highest video output quality requires a display capable of
receiving and displaying that signal. As well, if Strato is connected to the display
via intermediate devices (such as an audio processor, an A/V matrix switch, an
active HDMI cable, or an HDMI extender),
every
device in that chain must
support the required HDMI and HDCP versions in order to display 4K Ultra HD at
full fidelity.
The earliest 4K displays may not be able to display 4K Ultra HD content from
Strato at all, and other displays may be able to display 4K Ultra HD content, but
be unable to handle all of the latest features. This section describes the
features present in 4K displays, and how Strato will interoperate with those
displays.
First and foremost, HDCP 2.2 copy protection is required to play any 4K Ultra
HD content with Strato. Some early 4K display devices do not support HDCP
2.2, and will not be able to display 4K Ultra HD content when used with Strato.
Consult with the display’s manufacturer to see if an upgrade is available.
If a display does not support HDCP 2.2 copy protection, but does support HDCP
1.x, Strato will down-scale the 4K Ultra HD content and output it at up to 1080p
resolution.
Strato also requires HDMI 2.0 to properly display 4K Ultra HD content and the
Kaleidescape onscreen display. One might expect that a display that supports
HDCP 2.2 is also an HDMI 2.0 display, and vice-versa. Unfortunately, the
situation is more complicated.