Gefen EXT-HDMI-CAT5-844 Edid Management Feature, EDID. What is it and what is it used for?

EDID MANAGEMENT FEATURE

EDID. What is it and what is it used for?

Under normal circumstances, a source device (digital and analog) will require information about a connected device/display to assess what resolutions and features are available. The source can then cater its output to send only resolutions and features that are compatible with the attached device/ display. This information is called EDID (Extended Display Information Data) and a source device can only accept and read one EDID from a connected device/display. Likewise, the source an only output one resolution for use by a connected device/display.

Why is EDID so important with the 8x4 CAT-5 Matrix for HDMI?

The 8x4 Matrix is complex piece of technology that replicates and switches between multiple inputs and outputs. Each connected source device will require one EDID to read. EDID management is carefully handled by 8x4 CAT-5 Matrix for HDMI to provide a single EDID for each source to read.

What options do I have to manage the EDID in the 8x4 CAT-5 Matrix for HDMI?

First, it is important to note that each source device can only output one video/ audio signal type. This includes resolutions and timings. When multiple devices/ displays are used, such as with the 8x4 CAT-5 Matrix for HDMI, it is important to use devices/displays that have similar or compatible resolutions/features. This will ensure that the single video/audio signal produced by the source device is accepted by all of the connected output devices/displays.

The user has the option, through a combination of DIP switch settings within the 8x4 CAT-5 Matrix for HDMI, to choose how the unit will manage the EDID from multiple HDMI devices/displays. Therefore the user has some control over the resolutions/features that the source devices will output. The 8x4 CAT-5 Matrix for HDMI has a multiple EDID management modes that will control how the EDID information from multiple devices/displays are combined, ignored, and routed.

How do I change EDID modes in the 8x4 CAT-5 Matrix for HDMI?

There is an bank of 8 DIP switches located on the main-baord inside of the

8x4 CAT-5 Matrix for HDMI. DIP switches 1, 2, 5, and 7 are used in different combinations to manage the EDID modes.

TIP: EDID modes can also be managed via the RS-232 serial communications port. For this to work, all DIP switches must be in the OFF position. This is the factory default setting. If you wish to use this feature, please do not open the unit. See page 14 for more information on the RS-232 serial communication features.

To access these DIP switches it will be required to open the unit. To do this, remove all screws on the underside and side of the unit. Remove all HEX screws on the rear panel. This includes the screws above each HDMI port and on each side of the RS-232 serial communications port. Carefully slide the unit apart.

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