Crestron QuickSwitch HD® 8×2 HDMI® Switcher HD-MD8X2

QuickSwitch HD® switchers from Crestron® enable high-performance HDMI signal selection with groundbreaking new features designed by Crestron to deliver fast, trouble-free switching of all your DVD and Blu-ray Disc® players, HDTV receivers, media servers, game consoles, multimedia computers, surround processors and high-def displays. The HD-MD8X2 model features eight HDMI inputs, and two independently switchable HDMI outputs to feed two separate displays, or to support a single display that has built-in PIP capability.

HDMI is the standard for interfacing high-definition AV equipment, and it is key to handling the latest HD video and audio formats. As the leader in HDMI and control system technologies, Crestron has designed its QuickSwitch HD switchers to provide unparalleled performance, functionality, and custom integration capability. The HD-MD8X2 supports HDMI with HDCP, Deep Color and 3D, handling 1080p60 HD video and WUXGA computer resolutions, and multi-channel HD lossless audio.

QuickSwitch HD® Technology

Handling high-definition digital media means handling HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection), the encryption scheme that content providers use to protect their DVDs, Blu-ray discs, and broadcast signals against unauthorized copying. Viewing HDCP encrypted content requires a source device to „authenticate” each display and signal processor in the system and issue each one a „key” before the content can be viewed. Ordinarily this causes a complete loss of signal for up to 15 seconds each time a new source or display is selected anywhere in the system. To make matters worse, every source device has a limited number of keys available, so connect too many displays and the source will simply stop outputting a signal without warning.

Not to worry — Crestron QuickSwitch HD manages the keys for every HDCP-compliant device in the system, maintaining continuous authentication for each device to ensure fast, reliable routing switching.

EDID Format Management

With HDMI comes a multitude 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. Such conflicts can wreak havoc any time you route one source to more than one display or audio component. For instance, the Blu-ray player that’s feeding your 1080p projector may restrict itself to a lower resolution, or even shut off completely, if you try to view the same signal on a lower resolution display at the same time. And, instead of enjoying 7.1 surround sound from your main audio system, you may find yourself limited to 5.1 or even plain old stereo.

The HD-MD8X2 eliminates such conflicts by managing the EDID (Extended Display Identification Data) that the devices use to communicate their capabilities. Via Crestron Toolbox™ software, the format and resolution capabilities of each device can be assessed, allowing the installer to configure EDID signals appropriately for the most desirable and predictable behavior. Signal information such as resolution, frame rate, aspect ratio, color depth, and audio format can also be sent to the control system and displayed on a touch screen to allow custom functionality and enhanced diagnostics.

High-Definition Scaler Option

High-performance scaling capability can be added to the HD-MD8X2 using the optional HD-SCALER^[1]. The HD-SCALER features fully automatic operation and is compact enough to install right at the display location, ensuring an optimal image no matter what source is selected. It also provides analog video and audio inputs to accommodate additional analog sources.

Computer Compatibility

Besides handling every available HD format supported by HDMI, the HD-MD8X2 also supports computer resolutions up to 1920 x 1200 WUXGA, and is compatible with DVI and DisplayPort Multimode computer signals using a suitable adapter or dongle^[2].

Audio Breakaway

Audio signals may be routed independent of video in the HD-MD8X2, allowing listening to one source while viewing another. For instance, listen to your favorite music from your media server while playing a video game or surfing the Internet on screen.

Front Panel Controls

The HD-MD8X2 works right out of the box without requiring any connection to a control system or computer, providing intuitive signal switching via its front panel. The front panel is great for everyday use, or may be used just for initial system testing. Front panel buttons may be locked out to prevent unauthorized tampering or accidental switching, while the LED indicators remain active to show signal routing status. The input and output controls can be labeled easily using Crestron Engraver software or standard 3/8″ tape labels.

Native Crestron Control

Via the choice of Cresnet® or high-speed Ethernet, the HD-MD8X2 allows direct communication with a Crestron control system for a fully integrated signal routing solution as part of any high-end home theater, boardroom, classroom, or command center system.

Easy Setup

Despite its many powerful features and capabilities, the HD-MD8X2 is simple to set up using Crestron Toolbox software. The Toolbox setup tool allows the installer to view information about each HDMI device and easily make intelligent choices to ensure a reliable system setup.

Adagio® Media System Expansion

The HD-MD8X2 provides transparent input expansion for the Crestron AMS-AIP, increasing its input capacity to 9 full-featured HDMI inputs with all signal routing controlled right through the AMS-AIP’s front panel and remote. The AMS-AIP’s onboard video processor supports PIP and PBP multi-window display of any two connected video sources including those connected to the HD-MD8X2. Adding the HD-MD8X2 to an AMS-AIP system is made simple using Adagio Composer software.