May 2009
Systems Integration
Understanding HDMI
What is HDMI?
Like it or not HDMI is here to stay!
HDMI is the global standard for connecting high-definition Consumer Electronics and PC products. It’s an uncompressed, all-digital interface that delivers digital High-Definition video, multi-channel surround sound, HDCP (Digital Content Protection, or copy protection) and advanced communications and control data in a single cable.
Why do I need HDMI at my business?
Presentation systems display content, usually from computers, laptops, and DVD players. Dell PCs and DVD players all have DVI (a video-only digital connection with embedded HDCP copy protection) or HDMI outputs, and Macs have DVI connectors. Blu-Ray drives are being shipped with laptop and desktop computers. At some point in the near future you will not be able to access High-Definition content from your computer unless it’s through the HDMI connection.
It’s all about Copy Protection
In this digital age, where anyone can record or download content, and instantly distribute that content globally on the Internet, movie studios are understandably concerned about piracy. Financial institutions and universities are also concerned about protecting content. Investment banks and hedge funds conduct morning video teleconference meetings in which they discuss stocks and commodities they will buy and sell that day. Millions of dollars are at stake if the information is intercepted. Universities record and distribute classes and conduct distance learning courses. Students are now recording these lectures and posting them on YouTube, which costs universities thousands of dollars in lost tuition each semester. HDCP is designed to prevent content from being recorded, played, displayed, or distributed without authorization.
How does this affect how I view HDTV?
If you already have a HDTV display with an HDMI input and a HDTV source (like a Blu-ray player or High-Def cable box) with an HDMI output in a single viewing location, all you will need to do is connect a quality HDMI cable from the source to the display to enjoy a fantastic picture with multi-channel audio! If however, you want to create a company-wide video distribution system where multiple displays can receive the signal from a single cable box/DVR, or you want to discretely locate all of your source components in a centralized location and distribute them to any or all of your displays, a completely different wiring scheme is required.
The challenges of HDMI
There are many challenges to facility-wide HDMI distribution:
· The largest challenge lies in processing and distributing the control signal embedded in the content and transmitted via HDMI. HDCP is a highly complex technology developed by Intel to control the distribution of digital content. A simple digital video switcher cannot manage the multiple levels of encryption, key codes, and handshakes that are required to distribute an HD signal. HDCP is designed to block noncompliant signals. If the HDCP encryption is not properly managed by any mid-stream device, the signal will not be displayed.
· HDMI cable lengths over 50 feet require line drivers or other technologies to extend cabling lengths while preserving proper signal integrity.
· The communications and content protection protocols inherent in an HDMI signal dictate that polling, or “handshakes” frequently occur between the source and display to validate that the HDTV signal is in fact traveling to a display and not a recording device. With some devices this handshake can take up to 15 seconds to occur, causing a long “blackout” period.
· Issues with an HDMI signal can result in dropped or frozen frames, HDCP errors, or complete signal loss, making troubleshooting very difficult.
The Solution!
Crestron has recently introduced a revolutionary new technology called DigitalMedia,™ which is designed to route and distribute HDMI signals over extended distances (up to 1Km) while processing and managing HDCP content protection. Please ask us about this industry-changing family of products for your needs!
For more information on HDMI, please contact Craig Winterhof at 303-758-1818, or via e-mail at cwinterhof@imageav.com.
In This Issue:
Top Women-Owned
Businesses
Understanding HDMI
Case Study - Lab Integration
Tech Tip - Calibration
Main Newsletter
Jason Shelton
Commercial Division
Image Audiovisuals, Inc.
2130 S. Dahlia Street
Denver, CO 80222
303-758-1818
jshelton@imageav.com
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