Crestron HD-MD8X1

The HD-MD8X1-4K from Crestron® provides an ultra high-definition presentation switcher with advanced features optimally suited for installation in a huddle room, conference room, or classroom. It integrates a multi-format auto-switcher, 4K video scaler, audio DSP, and control interface, all into one compact device that mounts conveniently under a table or in an equipment rack. Built-in Crestron Connect It™ functionality affords a complete collaboration solution that’s easy and affordable to deploy in any meeting space.

The HD-MD8X1-4K works out-of-the-box to provide automatic switching between four HDMI® or VGA sources, plus on/off control of the display device. Outputs include HDMI and balanced stereo audio. Built-in 4K scaling ensures the highest possible image quality and compatibility with the widest range of sources and displays. Easy web browser setup allows for configuration of the audio DSP and other settings. Centralized monitoring is supported using Crestron Fusion® Cloud, and fully-programmable control can be enabled through integration with a 3-Series Control System®.[1]

Crestron Connect It™
Crestron Connect It is a cost-effective, simple-to-use presentation solution that works seamlessly with the HD-MD8X1-4K. Simply add up to four Crestron Connect It Cable Caddies (TT-100 series [2]) to provide BYOD connectivity and one-touch control for multiple participants around a conference table. Four USB ports on the HD-MD8X1-4K provide power and communications for each cable caddy.

4K Ultra HD
The HD-MD8X1-4K handles 4K and Ultra HD video signals, which is essential to ensure support for the latest generation of computers and monitors with native resolutions beyond 1080p and WUXGA.

Multi-Format Auto-Switcher
The HD-MD8X1-4K provides high-performance automatic switching between four groups of inputs, each including HDMI, VGA, and unbalanced stereo audio. The HDMI inputs are compatible with DVI and Dual-Mode DisplayPort sources [3], and the VGA inputs can handled RGB, composite, S-Video, and component video sources [4]. Digital audio is supported by the HDMI inputs, plus each analog audio input may be used in combination with its corresponding VGA or HDMI video input.[5] Input auto-detection eliminates the need to configure the inputs — simply connect your source and the HD-MD8X1-4K selects the right audio and video combination.

4K Scaler
With its high-performance 4K video scaler on board, the HD-MD8X1-4K ensures an optimal image from every video source on practically any display device. It allows SD, HD, and all types of computer sources to look their best on Ultra HD and 4K displays, and it allows sources with resolutions above HD 1080p to be viewed reliably on 1080p and lower resolution displays. It accepts any input resolution, from standard definition NTSC 480i to ultra high-definition 4K DCI, and scales it perfectly to match the native resolution of any screen up to 4K DCI (4096 x 2160). Interlaced sources are converted to progressive scan using motion-adaptive deinterlacing. Intelligent frame rate conversion enables support for 24p and PAL format sources. And, 3D to 2D conversion allows 3D content to be viewed on 2D-only displays.[6]

Flexible Audio Outputs
The switched audio signal is routed to the HDMI output as well as to a separate balanced analog audio output, with individual level adjustments provided for each output. All inputs and outputs support stereo audio, with the option to configure the analog output for mono. Dolby® TrueHD, Dolby Atmos®, DTS-HD®, and 7.1 linear PCM audio signals can also be routed through the HDMI inputs and output.[7]

Professional Audio DSP
The analog audio output includes professional digital signal processing, allowing the signal to be adjusted for optimum performance and sound quality. The analog output is ideally designed to be connected to an external power amplifier and used to drive a set of ceiling or wall mount speakers. In addition to volume, bass, treble, and mute controls, the DSP provides 10-band graphic equalization, fully-adjustable limiting, and up to 80 ms of delay. All settings are adjustable using the HD-MD8X1-4K’s web browser user interface for easy setup. The output volume level is also adjustable using the front panel volume knob.

EDID Format Management
The HD-MD8X1-4K provides comprehensive management of the EDID (Extended Display Identification Data) information that passes between display devices and input sources, ensuring that each source gets displayed at its optimal resolution and format. Most applications require no changes to the default settings. For applications requiring custom configuration, the HD-MD8X1-4K allows for easy assessment of each device’s format and resolution capabilities, with the ability to configure signals appropriately for the most desirable and predictable behavior.

QuickSwitch HD™ Technology
Handling digital media signals means handling HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection), the encryption scheme used by content providers 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 it a “key” before delivering an output signal. Crestron QuickSwitch HD manages these keys to ensure fast, reliable switching and immunity to “blackouts.”

Embedded Device Control
The HD-MD8X1-4K includes built-in IR and RS-232 control ports, which may be utilized through integration with a Crestron 3-Series Control System to enable programmable control of local AV equipment and other devices. Some video devices can also be controlled through their HDMI connections using CEC (Consumer Electronics Control). Without a control system, control capability is limited to turning a single display device on and off via CEC, RS-232, or Ethernet based on detection of an active video signal.[1,8]

Note: For a version of the HD-MD8X1-4K with built-in 3-Series Control system, see model DMPS3-4K-50.

Key Features

• Ultra high-definition, multi-format presentation switcher, scaler, audio DSP, and control interface
• Out of the box Crestron Connect It™ collaboration system functionality
• Supports up to four TT-100 series Crestron Connect It Cable Caddies [2]
• Includes four auto-switching HDMI®, VGA, and stereo analog audio inputs [5]
• Also supports Dual-Mode DisplayPort, DVI, and analog video sources [3,4]
• Input auto-detection configures each input automatically
• QuickSwitch HD™ technology manages HDCP keys for fast, reliable switching
• Performs automatic AV signal format management via EDID
• Provides adjustable input level compensation on each audio input
• Provides a single HDMI output
• Features a built-in, high-performance 4K scaler
• Upscales input signals to match the native resolution of any screen — including 4K and Ultra HD displays!
• Downscales 4K, UHD, and ultra high-resolution computer signals to fit 1080p and other lower-resolution displays
• Handles any input resolution from standard NTSC 480i or PAL 576i, to UHD and 4K
• Provides intelligent frame rate conversion, content-adaptive noise reduction, and motion-adaptive de-interlacing
• Provides 3D to 2D signal conversion, and passes 3D video (without scaling) to 3D displays[6]
• Provides a balanced stereo audio output with graphic EQ, limiting, and delay
• Enables analog-to-HDMI audio embedding and de-embedding
• Handles Dolby® TrueHD, Dolby Atmos®, DTS-HD®, and uncompressed 7.1 linear PCM audio[7]
• Includes onboard IR and RS-232 control ports [8]
• Supports universal remotes via built-in RC-5 compatible IR receiver [8]
• Provides a 10/100 Ethernet LAN connection
• Includes front panel controls for switching and volume adjustment
• Includes customizable front panel label strips
• Allows complete AV setup and adjustment via a web browser
• Fully-controllable over Ethernet from a Crestron® 3-Series Control System® [1]
• Communicates natively with Crestron Fusion® Cloud
• Features an internal universal power supply for worldwide compatibility
• Mounts under the table or in a single 19” rack space