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Author: Aalap Patel, Product Manager, Digital Media
The first HDMI® switching solution was introduced by Crestron in 2009. Since then, these devices have evolved greatly. Recently, we announced five new 4K60 4:4:4 HDMI® switchers covering a broad range of sizes, from 4x1 to 8x8. Let’s take a closer look at these new switchers and how they can co-exist with AV-over-IP distribution and their many different applications.
Our new HDMI switchers support the latest video formats and resolutions, including 4K60 4:4:4, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision®. AV designers can employ these “tools-of-the-trade” in a wide range of applications to route multiple sources simply and easily to single or multiple destinations. These switchers deliver out of the box functionality to solve 80% of the use cases you’ll encounter, with no added programming. Yet, they’re also extensible, so you can implement more sophisticated room designs that employ touch screens and occupancy sensors with .AV Framework™ software – and still with no programming required.
These switchers also offer an array of advanced features, including enterprise-grade security, simplified control and configuration using the built-in web interface, REST API for integration with your customers’ enterprise tools, and remote provisioning and management via the Crestron XiO Cloud® platform. With XiO Cloud and .AV Framework, customers can efficiently deploy, configure, manage, and monitor one or more rooms, as well as easily replicate room designs for scaled deployments. Last but not least, if an installation requires more customization, these switchers will be fully supported in Crestron programming tools.
These switchers also enable you to simplify the sales and design process. With a larger product offering, you can pick the right product for the application. The smaller 4x1 and 4x2 switchers are ideal for conference rooms or classrooms to provide multi-user, multi-input in-room video switching, either as a standalone system or an integrated solution with UC products or codecs.
Standalone system with out-of-the-box functionality –
auto-switching and display control.
Integrated solution with UC/Codec and HDCP
These systems provide a price optimized, multi-input switching solution for smaller spaces with reduced complexity. They enable you to automatically route the last connected source for true out of the box functionality, with the ability to configure input route prioritization and display control via integrated CEC or IP drivers using the built-in web interface.
Multi-source to multi-display distribution with .AV Framework
The larger 8x4 and 8x8 switchers are perfectly suited for big-box retailers, restaurants, or sports bars to distribute single or multiple sources across displays. Using .AV Framework, you can install a price-performance optimized system in a sports bar for AV distribution, source/display control, and scheduled system power management, all with still no programming required.
Aside from the ever-evolving AV formats and resolutions supported, there has been little to get excited about when it comes to basic HDMI switching technology – until now! Whether your customers need the system on an enterprise network or a standalone network, these new switchers give you the ability to design simple, yet extensible systems.
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