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What is DVI
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DVI ( Digital Video Interface) is an all digital video standard for transmitting superior uncompressed digital video. DVI uses 3 differential pairs to send digital R,G,B signals. A 4th differential pair is used for clocking the bits at maximum of 165 MHz. 24 bits of pixel color information ( 8 bits each for R,G,B)is transmitted per clock. Further, 2 bits are "stuffed" with the 8 bits to minimize the data transitions. This technique is called transmission minimized differential signaling or T.M.D.S. The aggregate data rate is therefore 10x165MHz = 1.65 Gbps! DVI transmits in native digital ( no A/D conversions) R,G, B format that is ideal for HDTV systems.
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| What is HDMI |
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HDMI ( High Definition Multimedia Interface) is the state of art digital A/V connection that supports uncompressed, all-digital video and audio in a single connection. It is truly the first digital "multi-media" interconnect supporting both digital video and audio.. Fundamentally, HDMI is the same as DVI in video quality. The major difference is that HDMI also supports multi-channel digital audio in the same cable! HDMI transmits in native digital ( no A/D conversions) R,G, B format that is ideal for HDTV systems.
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Why use HDMI or DVI
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HDMI and DVI is ALL digital!. Both audio and video are transported in the native digital format. Using an ALL digital format minimizes the D/A and A/D conversion needed. Each conversion adds some degree of "distortions" to the picture due to the resolution of the A/D. Going ALL digital ensures that you get the purest signal to your monitor. This is the advantage of HDMI or DVI compared to regular analog component video. Vast majority of the HD monitors are inherently digital in nature, so it only makes sense to use a digital link such as DVI or HDMI.
In addition, HDMI is a smaller physically ( about size of USB connector) and carries both digital Video and Audio in a single connection.
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What are the different versions of HDMI
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The most recent available version of HDMI is HDMI 1.3. HDMI 1.3 specification has provisions to eventually double the bandwidth of equipment from 4.95Gbps to 10.2Gbps. HDMI 1.3 is completely backwards compatible with previous versions of HDMI. For example, if your display is HDMI 1.2 and your sources is HDMI 1.3 capable, then the system will arbitrate so the correct version/features are implemented.
Vast majority of HD players prior to 2007 support 8 bit color depth. Some of the newer HD sources such as the Playstation 3 and second generation of HD DVD/Blu-Ray now supports 12-bit color and can output up to 6.68 Gbps bandwidth.
HDMI 1.0 - Initial HDMI version release
HDMI 1.1 - HDMI 1.0 with support for DVD audio
HDMI 1.2- Supports SACD audio
HDMI 1.3 - Increase bandwidth, offers support for 16 bit color, offers features for auto lip synch correction, adds support for True HD and DTS-HD Audio.
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What is the main difference between HDMI and DVI
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Fundamentally, the video portion is same as DVI. The main difference is that HDMI also carries multichannel digital audio. DVI only supports video. HDMI is backward compatible with DVI
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What is HDCP
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High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP) is a form of digital content protection developed by Intel. HDCP allows the Content providers ( movie, tv studios) to encrypt the digital content over the DVI or HDMI interface so that unauthorized device, non-HDCP device can not view the content. In order for one to view a HDCP protected video source, both the source ( dvd player, settop box) and the display must be HDCP licensed. HDCP protocol is carried over 2 lines, SDA and SCL of the DVI or HDMI connector and uses I2C physical layer protocol. HDCP is a robust encryption algorithm that help content providers combat piracy and unauthorized distribution of the HD content.
HDMI inherently implements HDCP, therefore your display must also be HDCP compatible or the video sources will not be viewable.
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What is the difference between HDMI DVI and regular component video
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All 3 formats transmits video in component format, R,G,B. The fundamental difference between HDMI DVI and the 3 wire component video is that HDMI DVI carry the RGB signals in native digital format. The 3 wire component video carry the RGB in analog format. Since all new DVD, Settop box MPEG decoders fundamentally outputs in digital format, it is ideal to transmit digitally from the source to the monitor. In theory, this gives you the best performance since the Analog to Digital conversions needed to support the analog component video is eliminated. Put simply, if you are buying a HDTV it is fundamentally a digital device like a computer monitor, so it makes sense to keep all signals in native digital format.
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Is HDMI backward compatible with DVI
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Yes. HDMI is backward compatible with DVI. You must remember that DVI only supports digital video only. HDMI supports both digital video and audio.
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Can I use a HDMI switch to share a HD monitor with 2 HDMI sources
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Absolutely. The 2 port switch allows you to switch between 2 HDMI or 2DVI sources to a HD monitor. We allow you to select the type of cables in case you have a DVI / HDMI mixed system.
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Can the HDMI switch pass digital audio
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Absolutely. The 2 port switch is designed to pass digital audio through the HDMI connector. You will be able to view video and listen to the audio if you have a HDMI system. You must keep in mind that DVI can only support video.
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I have a DVI monitor, but video source is HDMI. Will my system still work
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| Yes. Lots of the newer DVD players have HDMI connectors, but you may still have a DVI monitor. You can still view digital video all you need is to use a HDMI to DVI cable or HDMI to DVI adapter if you already have a cable around the house. However, no digital audio can be passed to the DVI monitor through the DVI connector. Either a RCA stereo or a Toslink connector for digital audio can be used instead. |
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What is DVI-I vs. DVI-D
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The 2 most common DVI connectors are DVI-I and DVI-D. The -I stands for "integrated" the -D stands for "digital". The difference between the 2 is that the DVI-I has 4 extra pins to carry analog RGB signals. DVI-I female type is the most common type that will be found on back of DVD players and monitors. Either a DVI-I or DVI-D cable can physically mate with this. However most users will want to use a DVI-D cable because digital signal is superior and cost can be reduced ( don't need the analog lines). It simply does not make sense to have analog if you have digital.
All of our cables are DVI-D single link as these are the most common type.
The connector shown below is what most of the connectors on the back of DVD players and monitors will look like. Since it is DVI-I type, it includes the "holes" to accept the 5 analog pins ( C1-C5). Therefore this is a "universal" DVI connector that can accept either DVI-I or DVI-D cable
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What are all the pins in DVI
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DVI Pin Outs
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Pin
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Name
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Pin
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Name
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Pin
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Name
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Pin
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Name
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Pin
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Name
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Pin
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Name
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1
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data 2-
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6
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clock DDC
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11
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shield
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16
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hot plug
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21
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data 5+
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C1
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Analog Red
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2
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data 2+
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7
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data DDC
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12
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data 3-
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17
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data 0-
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22
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serial clk
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C2
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Analog Green
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3
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shield
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8
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Analog vert. sync.
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13
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data3+
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18
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data 0+
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23
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clk +
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C3
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Analog Blue
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4
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data 4-
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9
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14
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19
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shield
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24
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clk -
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C4
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Analog Horiz. Sync
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5
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data 4+
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10
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data 1+
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15
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Gnd
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20
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data5-
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C5
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Analog Gnd
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What are all the pins in HDMI
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HDMI Pin Outs
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Pin
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Name
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Pin
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Name
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1
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TMDS 2+
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11
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TMDS CLK shield
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2
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TMDS 2 shield
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12
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TMDS clk -
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3
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TMDS 2-
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13
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CEC
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4
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TMDS 1+
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14
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reserved
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5
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TMDS 1 shield
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15
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SCL
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6
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TMDS 1-
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16
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SDA
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7
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TMDS 0+
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17
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DDC/CEC
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8
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TMDS 0 shield
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18
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+5V
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9
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TMDS 0-
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19
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hot plug
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10
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TMDS clk+
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20
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What is the HDMI Extender
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The HDMI Extender allows you to extend the length of HDMI cable used in your theatre system. It is especially useful in DLP projector systems where the source and projector are far apart. The unique circuitry automatically provides compensation for DVI, HDMI cables by equalization, buffering and de-jittering the TMDS signals which degrade over long cable runs. The HDMI Extender "cleans" up all signals to ensure error free transmission.
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Where should I place the HDMI Extender
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The HDMI Extender should be placed as close to the Projector or Monitor as possible to realize its full capability. In other words, HDMI Extender should be placed so that the LONGER cable is at the HDMI Input.
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What is Smart Scan
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Have you ever been frustrated that you need to operate multiple remotes before you can view your favorite program? Smart Scan is designed to intelligently selects the HDMI inputs to make your viewing experience more enjoyable. For example, you have a Set Top Box connected to HDMI 1 Input and your Upscaling DVD player connected to HDMI Input 2 of the HDMI switch. Lets say on Friday, you want to watch a DVD movie with your family. When you turn on the DVD player, Smart Scan will sense that the DVD player has been activated and switch to the DVD Input. When you are finished with the DVD and power it down, the HDMI switch will automatically sense that and return you to the Set Top box for effortless viewing.
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I have 2 HD Displays, how can I switch between the 2 displays
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You can easily switch between the 2 HD Displays by using the 4x2 HDMI Cross switch. The 4x2 HDMI cross switch has 4 Inputs and 2 Outputs. The 4x2 HDMI Cross switch has the ability to let you watch 2 different programs simultaneously. For example, you can watch a HD Sports event on your projector and a DVD or Computer can be displayed on a secondary HD display all at the same time! The Cross switch does not split or show the same program on both outputs. The advantage is that you can watch 2 different programs on 2 displays or simply switch between both displays. A huge benefit is for viewers with a projector and a LCD/Plasma who then can use the cross switch to view the projector on "special" events in order to save wear and tear on the bulb life.
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What devices currently use HDMI
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The list HDMI HD video sources is growing. It all started with Upscaling DVD players which simply converted standard 480i formatted video and upscaled it to 720 i/p and 1080 i/p to match today's HDTV's.
All "true" High Definition DVD players such as HD DVD, Blu-Ray use HDMI.
Cable and Satellite Digital Settop boxes/PVR, Apple TV, next generation PC video cards and even portable Digital Video Cameras are all now converting to recording your home videos in HD and use HDMI.
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Can I split HDMI and watch the program on 2 HDTV
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HDMI can be split and distributed to multiple HDTV using a 1x2 HDMI splitter Distribution Amp. There are some HDMI "Y" cables that can physically connect 1 HDMI source to 2 HDTV, but that will not work. You must use a 1x2 HDMI splitter Distribution Amp. A passive "Y" cable will not be able to process the HDCP content protection protocol and will cause the HDTV to shut down. The 1x2 HDMI splitter Distribution Amp has internal HDCP keys that can independently handle multiple HDCP sessions and allow 1 single HDMI program to be displayed on multiple HDTV.
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How do I distribute HDMI to more than 2 HDTV
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As the quality of HDTV and HD content continue to improve, electronic retailers need to clearly demonstrate the incredible picture quality that is achievable. Traditional cabling methods such as composite or component video simply do not fully exploit the capability of the HD video. Using HDMI assures that the best picture quality achievable is displayed.
The Pro HD series 3x8 HDMI Distribution Amplifier distributes Full 1080P video streams to 8 HDTV’s simultaneously. The 3x8 HDMI distribution amps is fully scaleable and can distribute HDMI to more than 8 HD displays by cascading multiple units.
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How to distribute HDMI over standard Ethernet Cables
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It is possible to distribute HDMI over a pair of standard Ethernet cables by using HDMI to Ethernet converters. The HDMI Ethernet converter enables transmission of 1080P HD HDMI digital video and audio over a pair of standard Ethernet CAT5/6 cables.
Using HDMI over Ethernet Transceiver allows installers to use standard CAT 5/ 6 cables for ease of installation.
Ethernet cables and connectors are easily field terminated thus allowing installers to easily install the proper length cable needed for ultimate flexibility and eliminate logistics problems of having custom length HDMI cables. No need top pre-measure and customer order cables.
Allows transmission of 300ft (1080i) and 150ft (1080p) over Ethernet cables.
CAT 6 cable is recommended for 1080P and best performance
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How do I get surround sound to my Audio Receiver from HDMI
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There are several ways to connect sound from your HD source player to your Surround Sound System.
If your Audio Receiver has HDMI audio processing capability- Simply connect the HDMI source to your Surround System via the HDMI connection.
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I have a PS3, how can I get 7.1 Analog Audio to my audio system
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The PS3 can decode 7.1 LPCM. However it does not have any 7.1 Analog Audio Outputs for integration with Audio systems requiring 7.1 Analog Inputs.
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My HDTV only has DVI. How do I route HDMI/DVI video and Stereo sound to it.
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Switching Multiple digital video and Stereo Audio to a DVI input HDTV may be difficult because only 1 set of L/R stereo Audio Input is mapped to the DVI input.
If you have multiple HD sources that need to be shared with a DVI input only HDTV, you can use the HDDA31 which integrates HDMI/DVI video switching with 3 sets of L/R Stereo Inputs. This allows easy switching of 3 HDMI/DVI sources and L/R stero with your DVI input HDTV.
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