DM-MD8X8-CPU3 - 8x8 DigitalMedia™ Switcher

The DM-MD8X8-CPU3 delivers an advanced 4K60 4:4:4 AV signal routing solution to provide the foundation for a complete DigitalMedia™ system. The DM‑MD8X8‑CPU3 affords ultra fast switching and lossless distribution of HDMI® and other signals to support digital media players, HDTV receivers, computers, cameras, and display devices.

The DM-MD8X8-CPU3 is configurable to handle up to eight AV sources. The outputs are configurable to provide up to eight DM, HDBaseT®, and/or HDMI outputs, or up to four H.264 streaming outputs, in a single chassis.1 Based on the 3‑Series® platform, the DM‑MD8X8‑CPU3  provides enterprise‑grade security.

Integrated Ethernet networking and USB distribution provide a complete connectivity solution combined with built‑in Crestron® control2 for managing the displays and other room devices without any additional wiring. User‑friendly operation, setup, and troubleshooting tools are provided through the DM‑MD8X8‑CPU3 front panel, or via Crestron Toolbox™ software, to allow for easy setup. A web browser interface is also provided.3

4K Ultra HD
The DM‑MD8X8‑CPU3 is designed to meet the extreme bandwidth requirements for handling 4K and Ultra HD video signals. Support for 4K video also ensures support for the latest generation of computers and monitors with native resolutions beyond 1080p and WUXGA.4

DigitalMedia 8G+® Technology
The DM-MD8X8-CPU3 provides full support for Crestron DigitalMedia 8G+ devices as well as first-generation DM CAT 8,10 and DM Fiber 9,10 products, letting you take advantage of the latest Crestron DigitalMedia 8G+ technology.

A DigitalMedia 8G+ system handles high resolution video signals and can simultaneously distribute stereo and multichannel surround sound signals that support high bitrate 7.1 audio formats as well as uncompressed linear PCM. Signals are transported over one CAT type twisted pair cable or one strand of multimode or single-mode fiber.

HDBaseT® Certified
Using DigitalMedia 8G+® technology, the DM‑MD8X8‑CPU3 can be connected directly to an HDBaseT compliant device without requiring a DM transmitter or receiver.

H.264 Streaming
The DM‑MD8X8‑CPU3 streaming input capability enables IP cameras and other H.264 encoded sources to be distributed via DigitalMedia alongside HDMI and other non‑streaming sources. It also allows DM switchers to be bridged together for simplified routing of HD content between buildings and global offices. Large‑scale streaming to computers and mobile devices can be facilitated through integration with a streaming media system such as a Wowza® or Kaltura® media system.

Built‑In CONTENT LAN Port
Any streaming input or output may be configured to stream via the CONTENT LAN or LAN port of the DM switcher or via a dedicated CONTENT LAN port of a DMC Series input or output card. Control and content can be combined on a single network or can be isolated onto separate networks.

Modular Architecture
The DM‑MD8X8‑CPU3 features a modular architecture with 8 input card slots and 4 dual output card slots. A wide selection of input cards is offered to support a complete range of digital and analog AV signal types as specified in the following specifications table.

Output Expansion
An HDMI pass‑through output is provided on every input card to allow the inputs of up to five DM switchers to be daisy‑chained, enabling the configuration of very large distribution systems with many outputs. Using five DM‑MD8X8‑CPU3 switchers, for example, it is possible to support up to 40 separate outputs.

QuickSwitch HD™ Technology
Digital media signals are typically encrypted to protect against unauthorized viewing. After authenticating displays or signal processors, a source device must issue a key before delivering an output signal. Crestron QuickSwitch HD technology manages these keys to ensure fast, reliable switching and immunity to blackouts.

NOTE: QuickSwitch HD technology requires the use of a scaling HDMI output, which is available on DigitalMedia™ devices such as the DM‑RMC‑4KZ‑SCALER‑C and DMC‑4KZ‑HDO.

Auto‑Locking® Technology
Crestron Auto‑Locking technology enables super fast signal switching by instantaneously configuring every device in the signal path as soon as the signal hits the first device. Auto‑Locking technology virtually eliminates any noticeable gap while switching.

EDID Format Management
DigitalMedia technology manages the EDID (Extended Display Identification Data) that devices use to communicate to eliminate conflicts that may arise when one source is routed to multiple displays or audio components. Via Crestron Toolbox software, the format and resolution capabilities of each device can be assessed, allowing the installer to properly configure EDID.

A Scaler for Every Display
Installing select output cards into the DM-MD8X8-CPU3 or connecting a DM receiver with built‑in HD and 4k scalers to the DM-MD8X8-CPU3 allows for high‑performance scaling. Independent scalers placed at every display device allow for the routing of multiple sources to many different display devices.13 The Distributed Scaler Approach ensures an optimal image on every screen and allows a high‑res computer source to be viewed on any display in the building.

Versatile Audio Routing
HDMI is the key to handling 7.1 surround sound formats such as Dolby® TrueHD, Dolby Atmos®, and DTS HD Master Audio™. To share these audio sources with multiple audio zones, the DM-MD8X8-CPU3 allows for the simultaneous distribution of multichannel surround sound and two‑channel stereo signals from the same HDMI source.

The digital stereo signal is converted to analog to enable sharing via a Sonnex® Multiroom Audio System or any other audio distribution system. The DM‑MD8X8‑CPU3 also allows surround sound processors and amplifiers to be located centrally instead of at the display location via optional local HDMI outputs.

Built‑in Ethernet Switch
The DM-MD8X8-CPU3 includes an integrated Ethernet switch with a gigabit LAN port. In addition to transporting digital video and audio, a DigitalMedia system can also extend 100 Ethernet out to each display and source device via select DM receivers and 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 the DM devices in the system and provide display control in each room.

Private Network Mode
To streamline its implementation on a corporate or university LAN, the DM‑MD8X8‑CPU3 employs Private Network Mode to provide a single‑point connection for the complete system. Using Private Network Mode, the DM‑MD8X8‑CPU3 requires just one IP address for the complete DM network.

USB Signal Routing
The DM‑MD8X8‑CPU3 supports USB HID (Human Interface Device) signal routing so that a USB HID compliant keyboard and/or mouse can provide local control for devices in other locations.16 USB HID connectivity is provided through select DM receivers, transmitters, and input cards. Connect a USB over Ethernet Extender host module (USB‑EXT‑DM‑LOCAL12) to a host that you would like to communicate with and install a device module (USB‑EXT‑DM‑REMOTE12) at every display location to connect keyboards, gaming controllers, mice, or other devices.

CEC Embedded Device Control
Through its connection to the control system, the DM‑MD8X8‑CPU3 provides a gateway for controlling many devices right through their HDMI or HDBaseT connections, potentially eliminating the need for any dedicated control wires or IR emitters.13

Web Browser Control
The DM‑MD8X8‑CPU3 also includes a built-in web server that allows functions such as Ethernet configuration, routing, and firmware upgrades to be performed.