DM-MD8X8

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 Disc® players, HDTV receivers, digital media servers, computers, and all your other AV devices. Integrated Ethernet networking and USB HID distribution provide a complete connectivity solution. And naturally, Crestron control is built in for managing the displays and other room devices without necessitating any additional wiring.

The DM-MD8X8 is field-configurable to handle up to 8 AV sources of virtually any type. The outputs are also field-configurable to provide up to 8 DM room outputs and/or HDMI outputs in a single chassis, with expansion capability possible for up to 40 outputs using multiple chassis. A full selection of DM switcher input cards, DM transmitters, and DM receivers provides extensive connectivity throughout a residence or commercial facility, supporting a complete range of analog and digital signal types — all through one switcher!

DigitalMedia thoughtfully manages all of your disparate AV signals and devices to ensure an optimum video image and audio signal at every location. User-friendly setup and troubleshooting tools are provided through the DM-MD8X8 front panel, or via Crestron Toolbox™ software, to make setting up a complete multi-room HD system easy.

To configure a DM switcher complete with input and output cards, cables, and other peripherals, please use the DigitalMedia™ Switcher Configuration Tool.

DigitalMedia 8G™
You can't talk about AV and home entertainment today without talking about high-definition, and creating a professional HD AV distribution system means handling the challenges that come with HDMI. HDMI is the standard 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 developed DigitalMedia, the first complete HD AV distribution system to take HDMI to a higher level, allowing virtually any mix of AV sources to be distributed throughout a room, structure or across a campus from a centralized rack location.

DigitalMedia 8G is the latest generation of DM, providing the world's only truly professional, one-wire digital AV distribution and control network. Engineered for ultra high-bandwidth and ultimate scalability, DM 8G™ handles uncompressed video beyond high-definition with support for HDCP, Deep Color, and 3D, plus high-bitrate 7.1 audio formats including Dolby® TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio™, uncompressed multichannel PCM audio, and high-speed Ethernet, all over one 8-conductor twisted-pair wire or simplex multimode fiber. DM 8G enables wire distances up to 330 feet (100 m) via DM 8G+ (DM 8G over CAT5e)^[1,5], or 1000 ft via DM 8G Fiber (DM 8G over simplex multimode fiber)^[2,5], without any need for repeaters.

The DM-MD8X8 provides full support for Crestron DigitalMedia 8G devices as well as all first-generation DM CAT^[3,5] and DM Fiber^[4,5] products, letting you take advantage of the latest Crestron DM technology without compromising your existing investment.

Modular Architecture
The DM-MD8X8 features a modular architecture with 8 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 input cards is offered to support a complete range of digital and analog AV signal types including HDMI, DVI, DisplayPort Multimode^[6], SDI, analog video and RGB, SPDIF and analog audio, and DigitalMedia.

One or two output cards may be installed to feed up to 8 DM Receivers/Room Controllers using your choice of DM 8G+, DM 8G Fiber, DM CAT, or DM Fiber. HDMI outputs are also available for direct connection to centralized audio processors and video monitors.

Output Expansion
An HDMI "pass-thru" output is provided on every input card 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 and HDMI outputs. Using five DM-MD8X8 switchers, it is possible to support an incredible 40 separate outputs.

Computer Compatibility
Besides handling every available HDTV format supported by HDMI, DigitalMedia also supports the distribution of DVI, DisplayPort Multimode^[6], and RGB computer sources, and is fully compatible with DVI computer monitors up to 1920 x 1200 WUXGA.

EDID Format Management
With all of today's varied AV sources 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 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 20" TV in the kitchen. And, instead of enjoying your theater's incredible 7.1 surround sound, you may find yourself limited to 5.1 or even plain old stereo.

DigitalMedia eliminates such conflicts by managing the EDID (Extended Display Identification Data) that many 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.

A Scaler for Every Display
Scaling capability can be added to any DM system using select DM receivers with built in high-definition scalers.^[7] By placing an independent high-performance scaler at every display device, DigitalMedia truly delivers the most flexible and user-friendly solution for routing multiple disparate sources to many different display devices. This "Distributed Scaler Approach" ensures an optimal image on every screen no matter what sources are selected. Distributed scaling allows a high-res computer source to be viewed on any display in the building, and allows a high-definition 3D source to be viewed on lower-resolution 2D displays without compromising the original signal, letting you share your theater's full HD 1080p 3D image with smaller, lesser displays in the kitchen, bathroom, and bedrooms.

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 it 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 of any source to any number of display devices.

Versatile Audio Routing
HDMI is the key to handling all the latest 7.1 surround 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. Using a choice of DSP-based input cards, the DM-MD8X8 employs onboard digital 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.

Back at the switcher, the digital stereo signal is also converted to analog to enable sharing with every other room in the house via a Sonnex™, Adagio®, 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.

Built-in Ethernet Switch
In addition to transporting digital video and audio, DigitalMedia can also extend 10/100 Ethernet out to each display and source device via DM room controllers and select DM transmitters, providing high-speed connectivity for any room device that requires a LAN connection. 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. Through its Gigabit Ethernet port, the DM-MD8X8 provides a single-point connection to a corporate LAN or home network, requiring just one IP address for the complete DM system.

USB HID Switch
DigitalMedia lets you centralize ALL of your HD sources - not just television receivers and DVD changers, but also media servers and computers. Built-in USB HID (Human Interface Device) signal routing allows USB HID compatible keyboards and mice to be connected at a remote display location, conference table or presentation lectern, extending their signals through to the centralized equipment via USB HID ports provided on select switcher input cards.

CEC Embedded Device Control
The primary objective of every Crestron system is to enable precisely the control desired for a seamless user experience. DigitalMedia provides an alternative to conventional IR and RS-232 device control by harnessing the CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) signal embedded in HDMI. Through its connection to the control system, the DM-MD8X8 provides a gateway for controlling many devices right through their HDMI connections, potentially eliminating the need for any dedicated control wires or IR probes. Through proper CEC signal management, DigitalMedia allows you to take control of each device as you like.

Easy Setup
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 as little as 15 minutes.

To configure a DM switcher complete with input and output cards, cables, and other peripherals, please use the DigitalMedia™ Switcher Configuration Tool.

Please refer to the DigitalMedia Resources Webpage at http://www.crestron.com/dmresources/ for additional design tools and reference documents.

• Provides lossless HD AV signal routing over twisted-pair wire or fiber
• Integrates video, audio, networking, and control over one wire
• Affords full matrix switching with ultra high 12.5 Gbps backplane data rate
• Handles HDMI® with Deep Color, 3D, and high-bitrate 7.1 encoded audio
• Supports video resolutions up to WUXGA 1920x1200 and HD 1080p60
• Allows up to 330 ft (100 m) wire distance via DM 8G+™^[1,5]
• Allows up to 1000 ft (300 m) wire distance via DM 8G Fiber^[2,5]
• Also supports all first-generation DM® CAT and DM Fiber products^[3,4,5]
• Supports up to 8 DM receivers and room controllers with easy expansion for more outputs
• Modular inputs support a complete range of digital and analog signal types
• QuickSwitch HD® technology manages HDCP keys for reliable, low-latency switching
• Detects and displays detailed video and audio input information
• Performs automatic AV signal format management via EDID
• Allows independent scaling for every display through select DM receivers^[7]
• Enables device control via CEC
• Distributes USB HID mouse and keyboard 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
• Half-million hour rated internal universal power supply
• 4-space 19-inch rack-mountable

Notes:

1. The maximum DigitalMedia 8G+ cable length is 330 ft (100 m) using DM-CBL-8G DigitalMedia 8G cable, DM-CBL DigitalMedia Cable, DM-CBL-D DigitalMedia D Cable, or generic CAT5e (or better) UTP or STP. Shielded cable and connectors are recommended to safeguard against unpredictable environmental electrical noise which may impact performance at resolutions above 1080p.
2. The maximum DigitalMedia 8G Fiber cable length is 1000 ft (300 m) using CRESFIBER8G fiber optic cable, or 500 ft (150 m) using standard CRESFIBER, CRESFIBER-SINGLE-SC, or generic OM3 simplex multimode fiber optic cable.
3. The maximum DigitalMedia CAT cable length is 450 ft (137 m) using DM-CBL DigitalMedia Cable. Actual cable length depends upon multiple factors. Up to two DM Repeaters (Model DM-DR) may be required.
4. The maximum DigitalMedia Fiber cable length is 1000 ft (300 m) using CRESFIBER, CRESFIBER8G, CRESFIBER-DUAL-SC, or generic OM2/OM3 duplex multimode fiber optic cable.
5. Refer to the DigitalMedia Infrastructure Guide, Doc. #4556 for complete wiring guidelines, and the Crestron DigitalMedia Design Guide, Doc. #4789 for complete system design guidelines. All cable sold separately.
6. DisplayPort Multimode connectivity is supported via an HDMI or DVI input port using a suitable adapter or interface cable.
7. DM receivers with built-in scaling include the DM-RMC-SCALER-C and DM-RMC-200-C. All DM receivers sold separately.
8. DVI output is supported via an HDMI output port using a suitable adapter or interface cable. CBL-HD-DVI interface cable available separately.
9. For external DMNet power, use a Crestron CNPWS-75, C2N-SPWS300, or other Cresnet power supply as required. Do not interconnect DMNet with Cresnet.

This product may be purchased from an authorized Crestron dealer. To find a dealer, please contact the Crestron sales representative for your area. A list of sales representatives is available online at www.crestron.com/salesreps or by calling 800-237-2041.

Crestron, the Crestron logo, Adagio, CresFiber, Crestron Toolbox, DigitalMedia, DigitalMedia 8G, DigitalMedia 8G+, DM, DM 8G, DM 8G+, DMNet, QuickSwitch HD, and Sonnex are trademarks or registered trademarks of Crestron Electronics, Inc. in the United States and other countries. Blu-ray Disc is either a trademark or registered trademark of the Blu-ray Disc Association in the United States and/or other countries. Dolby, Dolby Digital, and the double-D symbol are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Dolby Laboratories in the United States and/or other countries. DTS, DTS-HD Master Audio, and the DTS logos and Symbol are either trademarks or registered trademark of DTS, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. HDMI and the HDMI Logo are either trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing LLC in the United States and/or other countries. Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities claiming the marks and names or their products. Crestron disclaims proprietary interest in the marks and names of others. ©2011 Crestron Electronics, Inc.

2010 SVI Trade Awards
DigitalMedia™ and TPMC-4SM Win First Place at 2010 SVI Trade Awards Recognized by industry peers at the third annual SVI Trade Awards, Crestron technology won first place honors in two categories: Best Wired Control Device: TPMC-4SM 4.3" Touchpanel Best Video Distribution System: DigitalMedia™ DigitalMedia™ is the world's only complete end-to-end digital solution, distributing all analog and uncompressed HD digital signals long distances via copper or fiber. The TPMC-4SM features single wire PoE connectivity, a wide choice of mounting options, and provides complete touchscreen room control and room scheduling. SVI Trade Awards celebrate innovation in the audio/video and professional custom installation industries. Winners were honored at CEDIA's 12th Annual 2010 Home Technology Event in London.
2010 Technology InAVation Awards
Crestron DM-MD8X8 and TPMC-3X Control First Place at EMEA InAVation Awards InAVate announced the winners of the internationally recognized Technology InAVation Awards at Integrated Systems Europe in Amsterdam. A global panel of judges evaluated all qualifying products based on product design, functionality and usability. Crestron proudly accepted first place honors in two competitive categories: Most InAVative Video Processing or Distribution Product for Residential Use: DM-MD8X8 DigitalMedia™ Switcher Most InAvative Control Product for Residential Use: TPMC-3X Handheld WiFi Touchpanel TPMC-3X is a 2.8" handheld touchpanel that transforms WiFi remote control. DM-MD8X8 distributes and manages analog and uncompressed digital video and audio long distances over a single copper wire or fiber.
AV Awards 2009 (International)
AV Awards 2009 Winners of the AV Awards 2009 were announced at the exclusive London Hilton on Park Lane. Crestron garnered top honors for two prominent awards: Grand Prix Award Manufacturer of the Year The Grand Prix Award is judged on the basis of four strict criteria: - Innovation and business practices of benefit to the sector as a whole - Market development and industry leadership - Technical and creative innovation and Documented business objectives and results.
2009 BEST (Best Electronic Systems Technologies) Awards
CE Pro BEST Awards CE Pro announced the winners of its inaugural BEST (Best Electronic Systems Technologies) Awards at CEDIA EXPO in Atlanta. The BEST Awards recognize the most noteworthy new products and technologies. Winners were selected based on creativity, innovation, incorporated equipment, obstacles overcome, aesthetics, and lifestyle benefits. Three new Crestron products were first place winners in these leading categories: BEST Media Server: ADMS Intermedia Delivery System BEST Keypads, Controls, Remotes & IR Extenders: TPMC-3X Handheld Touchpanel BEST A/V Preamplifier/Processor/Switcher: DM-MD8x8 DigitalMedia™ Switcher The ground-breaking ADMS Intermedia Delivery System with exclusive WorldSearch™ technology revolutionizes home entertainment. The TPMC-3X 2.8" touchpanel offers a powerful new handheld remote control experience. The DM-MD8X8 distributes analog and uncompressed digital video and audio long distances over a single copper wire or fiber.
2009 CEDIA Electronic Lifestyles® Awards
Best New Product - DM-MD8X8 DigitalMedia™ Switcher CEDIA's Electronic Lifestyles® Awards Competition is the most prestigious form of recognition in the custom electronics industry. These highly sought after awards are presented each year to recognize industry excellence. The DM-MD8X8 DigitalMedia™ Switcher won top honors for Best New Product. Distributing analog and uncompressed digital video and audio long distances over single copper cable or multi-mode fiber, the DM-MD8X8 provides true HD signal management with advanced HDCP support, EDID resolution management and CEC signal management. Two panels consisting of members from the American Institute of Architects (AIA), American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), and CEDIA, evaluated the winning entries and scored them on technical merit and design/aesthetics.