The HD-DA-2-QUAD is a single rack-space unit containing four independent 1-to-2 HDMI® distribution amplifiers. It is designed for splitting up to four HDMI, DVI, or DisplayPort Multimode signals to feed separate displays or processors, and is ideal for adding "loop-thru" capability to the inputs of a Crestron DVPHD Digital Video Processor. The HD-DA-2-QUAD supports HDMI with HDCP, Deep Color and 3D, handling 1080p60 HD video, WUXGA computer graphics, and multi-channel HD lossless audio.

Computer Compatibility

Besides handling every available HDTV format supported by HDMI, the HD-DA-2-QUAD also supports computer resolutions up to 1920 x 1200 WUXGA, and is compatible with DisplayPort Multimode and DVI computer signals using a simple adapter or dongle^[1].

EDID Format Management

Embedded in the HDMI signal there is data called EDID (Extended Display Identification Data), which is generated by a display or audio processor to inform the upstream source about its format and resolution capabilities. In response to this data, the source ordinarily configures itself to send the best video resolution and audio format that both devices can support. But when you split that source's output to feed two disparate devices, as with the HD-DA-2-QUAD, which device does the source respond to? And what if the devices don't all support the same formats?

The HD-DA-2-QUAD overcomes formatting conflicts by intelligently determining the optimal video resolution, frame rate, color depth, and audio format that all of the devices can handle. So there's no need to mess with individual device settings or complicated programming — the HD-DA-2-QUAD manages it all automatically through EDID.

HDCP Key Management

By supporting HDCP, the HD-DA-2-QUAD ensures compatibility with all current and future high-definition signals. HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection) is the digital rights management method that television and movie studios use to protect their content from unauthorized duplication. To support HDCP protected content, all devices in the chain must be HDCP compliant.

To manage the HDCP handshaking between devices, the source device (e.g., a Blu-ray Disc® player or HDTV receiver) issues "keys" to the devices downstream. 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. But 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, using Crestron Toolbox™ software, the HD-DA-2-QUAD can test the HDCP limits of each HDMI source, allowing the installer to configure the system around any limitations, or substitute a different component.

Sync Detect LEDs

To simplify operation and troubleshooting, the HD-DA-2-QUAD provides individual sync detection LEDs on its front panel, providing a clear indication when a valid digital signal is connected to any input.