
CCrreessttrroonn DDMM--MMDD88XX88
8x8 DigitalMediaTMSwitcher
> Distributes uncompressed digital video and audio over
CAT5e/6 or fiber
> Supports HDMI 1.3 with Deep Color and 7.1 channel
HD lossless audio
> Supports video resolutions up to WUXGA 1920x1200
and HD 1080p/60
> Allows cable length to 450 feet using DigitalMedia Cable,
3280 feet (1 km) using CresFiber™
> Supports up to 8 DM room controllers with easy expansion
for more outputs
> Configurable inputs support a complete range of digital
and analog signal types
> Detects and displays detailed video and audio input information
> QuickSwitch HD™ technology minimizes HDMI switching latency
> Manages HDCP digital rights management for every device
> Performs automatic AV signal format management via EDID
> Distributes USB HID mouse, keyboard, and game controller signals
> Allows full audio and USB breakaway switching
> Integrates with analog audio distribution systems
> Enables simultaneous output of stereo and surround sound audio
> Includes integrated Ethernet switch with Gigabit LAN port
> Includes built-in power distribution for DM transmitters,
repeaters, and room controllers
> Provides easy setup and diagnostics tools via front
panel or software
> 4-space 19-inch rack-mountable
Crestron DM Switchers provide the foundation for a complete DigitalMedia system,
delivering an advanced, true high-definition multi-room AV signal routing solution
that’s extremely flexible and installer-friendly. The DM-MD8X8 affords low-latency
switching and pure, lossless distribution of HDMI and other signals to support the
latest Blu-ray DiscTMplayers, HDTV receivers, digital media servers, video game
consoles, and all your other AV devices.
The DM-MD8X8 is field-configurable to handle up to 8 AV sources, and provide
up to 8 DM room outputs with expansion capability for even larger applications.
A full selection of DM switcher input cards, DM transmitters*, and DM room
controllers provides extensive connectivity throughout the home or office,
supporting a complete range of analog and digital signal types — all through
one switcher! User-friendly setup and troubleshooting tools are provided through
the DM-MD8X8 front panel, or via Crestron ToolboxTMsoftware, to make setting
up a complete multi-room HD system easy.
TTMM
DDiiggiittaa llMMeeddiiaa
talking about high-definition, and creating a professional HD AV distribution system
means handling the challenges that come with HDMI. HDMI is the new standard
——
You can’t talk about AV and home entertainment today without
for interfacing high-definition AV equipment, but despite its many benefits, wasn’t
developed with multi-room distribution in mind. So, as the leader in HDMI and
control system technologies, Crestron has developed DigitalMedia, the first
complete HD AV distribution system that takes HDMI to a higher level, and
allows virtually any mix of AV sources to be distributed throughout the home
from a centralized rack location.
DigitalMedia (DM) distributes uncompressed digital video and audio signals
over a choice of CAT5e/6-based copper wiring or multi-mode fiber*. DigitalMedia
thoughtfully manages all of the different signals and devices, matching each
source’s output to the capabilities of the selected display(s) without using
scaling or compression. Every signal is preserved in its native video resolution
and audio format, ensuring a pure, lossless signal path throughout.
Of course DigitalMedia handles more than just audio and video. Integrated
Ethernet and USB HID distribution allows computers, media servers, and
video game consoles to be installed out-of-sight and accessed from anywhere
in the house. And naturally, Crestron control is also built-in for controlling the
displays and other room devices without additional wiring.
MMoodduullaarr AArrcchhiitteeccttuurree——
input card slots, and 2 quad output card slots. Each card slot on the DM-MD8X8
is field-installable, allowing for easy and flexible system configuration with the
ability to make changes to the system as needs change.
A wide selection of DM input cards are offered to support a complete range of
digital and analog AV signal types. One or two output cards may be installed to
feed up to 8 DM Room Controllers (receivers) using either DigitalMedia Cable or
CresFiber* fiber optic cable. DigitalMedia allows for cable lengths up to 450 feet
(137 m) using DM cable, or 3280 feet (1 km) using CresFiber*. HDMI outputs
are also available for connection to a centralized surround sound processor or
video monitor.
OOuuttppuutt EExxppaannssiioonn——
to allow the inputs of up to 5 DM switchers to be daisy-chained, enabling the
configuration of very large distribution systems with many DM outputs.
VVeerrssaattiillee AAuuddiioo RRoouuttiinngg——
sound formats like Dolby®TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. Great for your
high-end home theater, but how do you share that same source with other
audio zones in the house?
DigitalMedia provides the answer, allowing for the simultaneous distribution
of multi-channel surround sound and two-channel stereo signals from the
same HDMI source. Equipped with a DMC-HD-DSP input card, the DM-MD8X8
employs onboard DSP processing to derive a stereo down-mix from the original
multi-channel signal. Both signals can be routed separately or simultaneously
from any of the switcher’s DM outputs, allowing either signal to be selected
for output at each DM receiver location.
The DM-MD8X8 features a modular architecture with 8
An HDMI “pass-thru” output is provided on every input card
HDMI is the key to handling all the latest 7.1 surround
www.crestron.com |800.237.2041

CCrreessttrroonn DDMM--MMDD88XX88
8x8 DigitalMediaTMSwitcher
Back at the switcher, the digital stereo signal is also converted to analog to
enable sharing with every other room in the house via an AAE, CNX-PAD8A, or
other multi-room audio distribution system. The DM-MD8X8 also allows bulky
surround sound processors and amplifiers to be located centrally instead of at
the display location via optional local HDMI outputs.
CCoommppuutteerr CCoommppaattiibbiilliittyy††——
Besides handling every available HDTV format
supported by HDMI, DigitalMedia also supports the distribution of DVI and
RGB* computer signals, and is fully compatible with DVI computer monitors
up to 1920 x 1200 WUXGA.
BBuuiilltt--iinn EEtthheerrnneett SSwwiittcchh——
In addition to digital video and audio, DigitalMedia also
carries 10/100 Ethernet to each Room Controller, supporting streaming media
for multimedia devices, or just providing LAN connectivity for any room device
that requires Ethernet or Internet access. Its Gigabit Ethernet connection to the
external LAN helps maximize bandwidth for each network port. Ethernet is also
utilized internally by the Crestron control bus to manage all of the DM devices
in the system and provide display control in each room.
UUSSBB HHIIDD SSwwiittcchh——
DigitalMedia lets you centralize ALL of your HD sources - not
just television receivers and DVD changers, but also media servers, computers,
and even video game consoles. Built-in USB HID (Human Interface Device)
signal routing allows USB HID compatible keyboards, mice, and game
controllers to be connected at each display location, extending their signals
through to the centralized equipment via USB HID ports provided on select
switcher input cards.
EEDDIIDD FFoorrmmaatt MMaannaaggeemmeenntt——
With HDMI comes a slew 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. In a typical one-room system, HDMI attempts
to resolve this confusion using EDID. When two HDMI devices are connected
together, the receiving device (a display or surround sound processor) uses
EDID to announce its format capabilities to the source device (a TV tuner or
video player), which in turn configures itself to output the most effective
format that both devices can support.
But, try to distribute a bunch of disparate sources to a house full of different
displays and audio systems, and you’re likely to experience some serious
conflicts. For instance, the Blu-ray player that’s feeding your 1080p projector in
the theater may restrict itself to a lower resolution, or even shut off completely,
if someone decides to view the same signal on the 32" TV in the bedroom. And
instead of enjoying the incredible 7.1 Dolby TrueHD format supported by your
high-end theater sound system, you may find your listening experience limited
to Dolby 5.1, or even plain old stereo.
The DM-MD8X8 takes full advantage of 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.
QQuuiicckkSSwwiittcchh HHDD
TTMM
TTeecchhnnoollooggyy——
As the move to digital takes hold, more and
more movie studios and television service providers are using a copy-protection
scheme called HDCP to protect their DVDs, Blu-ray Discs, and broadcast signals
against unauthorized copying. To view HDCP encrypted content in full highdefinition 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 exclusive 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.
HHDDCCPP KKeeyy MMaannaaggeemmeenntt——
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.
CCEECC SSiiggnnaall MMaannaaggeemmeenntt——
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 generate without your knowledge, 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.
EEaassyy SSeettuupp——
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 even 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 only 15 minutes.
SPECIFICATIONS
Video
SSwwiittcchheerr::
Modular input/output card based 8x8 digital matrix w/resolution
management and HDCP v.1.1 copy protection support, Crestron QuickSwitch HD
IInnppuutt SSiiggnnaall TTyyppeess::
RGB*, component (YPbPr), S-Video (Y/C), and composite video, DM (DigitalMedia)
over copper wire* or fiber*
OOuuttppuutt SSiiggnnaall TTyyppeess::
wire or fiber*, HDMI
FFoorrmmaattss::
NTSC or PAL, HDTV up to 1080p/60 (HDMI v.1.3 w/Deep Color),
RGBHV up to UXGA/WUXGA
IInnppuutt RReessoolluuttiioonnss,, IInntteerrllaacceedd::
IInnppuutt RReessoolluuttiioonnss,, PPrrooggrreessssiivvee::
@ 60Hz maximum
OOuuttppuutt RReessoolluuttiioonnss::
Audio†
SSwwiittcchheerr::
8x8 stereo matrix for audio breakaway
IInnppuutt SSiiggnnaall TTyyppeess
(stereo or surround encoded 2-channel), SPDIF, DM over copper wire* or fiber*
OOuuttppuutt SSiiggnnaall TTyyppeess
NNoottee::
Some input cards also include analog pass-thru audio outputs
Ethernet
GGeenneerraall::
10/100/1000BaseT, auto-switching, auto-negotiating, auto-discovery,
full/half duplex, TCP/IP, UDP/IP, CIP, DHCP, IEEE 803.U compliant
SSwwiittcchh::
(1) 10/100/1000BaseT Gigabit Ethernet port (rear panel);
(16) 10BaseT/100BaseTX Ethernet ports (actual hardware ports are exposed
on select outboard devices)
Connectors
LLAANN::
(1) 8-wire RJ45 female w/2 LED indicators;
10/100/1000BaseT Ethernet port;
Green LED indicates link status;
Yellow LED indicates Ethernet activity
Configurable via plug-in cards supporting HDMI, DVI*,
Configurable via plug-in cards supporting DM over copper
480i, 576i, 1080i
640 x 480 minimum to 1920 x 1200
Matched to inputs
8x8 multi-channel audio-follow-video switching, plus independent
: Configurable via modular plug-in cards supporting HDMI, analog
: DM over copper wire or fiber*, HDMI
Crestron Electronics, Inc.
Tel: 800.237.2041 / 201.767.3400lFax: 201.767.1903
www.crestron.com
15 Volvo DrivelRockleigh, NJ 07647