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-MD16X16 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.

The DM-MD16X16 is field-configurable to handle up to 16 AV sources of virtually any type. The outputs are factory-configurable to provide up to 16 DM room outputs and/or HDMI outputs in a single chassis, with expansion capability possible for up to 80 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! User-friendly setup and troubleshooting tools are provided through the DM-MD16X16 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™
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 new 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 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 a room, structure or across a campus from a centralized rack location.

DigitalMedia (DM) distributes uncompressed digital video and audio signals over a choice of shielded twisted-pair (STP) copper wire or multi-mode fiber, supporting cable lengths up to 450 feet (137 m) using Crestron DM cable and repeaters, or 1000 feet (300 m) using CresFiber® fiber optic cable. 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 networking and USB HID distribution allows computers and media servers to be installed out-of-sight and accessed from anywhere in the house or building. And naturally, Crestron control is also built-in for controlling the displays and other room devices without additional wiring.

DigitalMedia 8G™
New DigitalMedia 8G (DM 8G) breaks even further ground, providing the world's first 8 gigabit AV distribution and control network. DM 8G delivers a true one-wire transport for moving high-definition video, audio, and Ethernet over low-cost STP copper wire or fiber without any need for repeaters. Just one 8-conductor shielded twisted-pair cable or simplex fiber is required, supporting distances up to 330 feet (100 m) using DM 8G cable, or 1000 ft using a single strand of CresFiber fiber optic cable.

Modular Architecture
The DM-MD16X16 features a modular architecture with 16 input card slots. Input cards are 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, SDI, analog video and RGB, SPDIF and analog audio, and DigitalMedia.

The outputs on the DM-MD16X16 are factory-configurable to feed up to 16 DM Receivers/Room Controllers using your choice of DM CAT (DigitalMedia over shielded twisted-pair), DM Fiber (DigitalMedia over duplex fiber), DM 8G STP (DigitalMedia 8G over shielded twisted-pair), or DM 8G Fiber (DigitalMedia 8G over simplex 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-MD16X16 switchers, it is possible to support an incredible 80 separate outputs.

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. Equipped with a DMC-HD-DSP input card, the DM-MD16X16 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.

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-MD16X16 also allows bulky surround sound processors and amplifiers to be located centrally instead of at the display location via optional local HDMI outputs.

Computer Compatibility
Besides handling every available HDTV format supported by HDMI, DigitalMedia also supports the distribution of DVI, DisplayPort Multimode^[1], and RGB computer signals, and is fully compatible with DVI computer monitors up to 1920 x 1200 WUXGA.

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. 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.

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.

EDID Format Management
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 (Extended Display Identification Data). 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 system full of different displays and audio components, and you're likely to experience some serious conflicts and disappointing picture and sound quality. 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 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-MD16X16 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 processor. All DigitalMedia wiring is also tested for integrity and bandwidth capability, optimizing system operation by instructing sources to output only resolutions and formats that the wiring can reliably handle.

QuickSwitch HD® Technology
Crestron exclusive QuickSwitch HD technology minimizes the annoying switching latency that plagues typical HDMI switchers. As the move to digital takes hold, more and more movie studios and television service providers are using HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection) to protect their DVDs, Blu-ray Discs, and broadcast signals against unauthorized copying. Viewing the HDCP encrypted content in its full high-definition format requires a source device to "authenticate" each display and signal processor in the system through an HDMI connection before delivering an output signal. Normally the authentication 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 system.

QuickSwitch HD technology achieves very fast switching of HDMI signals by maintaining a constant HDCP connection with each HDMI device in the system, eliminating the need to re-authenticate each time a different source is selected.

HDCP Key Management
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-MD16X16 tests the HDCP limits of each HDMI source, allowing the installer to configure the system around any limitations, or substitute a different component.

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-MD16X16 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-MD16X16'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 16x16 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 Design Guide, Doc. #4789 for additional information.

• Distributes uncompressed digital video and audio over shielded twisted-pair wire or fiber
• Supports HDMI™ with Deep Color and 7.1 channel HD lossless audio
• Supports video resolutions up to WUXGA 1920x1200 and HD 1080p60
• Allows cable length to 450 feet using DigitalMedia™ Cable, 1000 feet (300 m) using CresFiber®
• Supports new DigitalMedia 8G™ technology for a true one-wire solution
• Supports up to 16 DM receivers and 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 achieves low-latency HDMI switching
• Manages HDCP digital rights management for every device
• Performs automatic AV signal format management via EDID
• 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
• 7-space 19-inch rack-mountable

Notes:

1. DisplayPort Multimode connectivity is supported via an HDMI or DVI input port using a suitable adapter or interface cable. CBL-DP-HD interface cable available separately.
2. DVI output is supported via an HDMI output port using a suitable adapter or interface cable. CBL-HD-DVI interface cable available separately.
3. For external DMNet power, use a Crestron CNPWS-75, C2N-SPWS300, or other Cresnet power supply as required. Do not interconnect DMNet with Cresnet.

Blu-ray Disc is a trademark of the Blu-ray Disc Association. Dolby, Dolby Digital, and the double-D symbol are trademarks or registered trademarks of Dolby Laboratories. DTS is a registered trademark & the DTS logos and Symbol are trademarks of DTS, Inc. HDMI, the HDMI Logo, and High-Definition Multimedia Interface are trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing LLC in the United States and other countries.

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.
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.