HDMAX 421 Switch (top) and 121 Extender (right).
Above: rear panels showing connections. Not to the same scale.
The High-Density Multimedia Interface, or HDMI, is ideal for connecting High Definition digital video sources to digital displays such as projectors and flat panels. HDMI also allows high-quality digital audio to be carried along the same cable.
In addition, HDMI carries digital video with definitions up to 1080p, the highest definition currently available on display equipment and significantly in advance of the capabilities of existing HD broadcasters (which are generally 720p or 1080i).
The latest release of the specification allows up to six channels of high-resolution 24-bit digital audio to be carried at sampling rates up to 96 kHz, in addition to bitstream data. This corresponds to the multichannel specification for high-resolution audio disc formats such as DVD-Audio and DualDisc, and emerging high-density audio/video disc formats.
The HDMAX121 Extender uses active termination, automatic cable equalisation, buffering and de-jittering to achieve extended HDMI/DVI cable runs, while the HDMAX421 Switcher offers four-into-one HDMI switching with both local and multiple remote control capability.
Broadcast-quality, High- Definition HDMI/DVI extender & four-way switch
Allows cable runs of up to 50 metres (150+ ft)
Improved image quality: lower noise, greater stability
Automatic signal correction
4-into-1 HDMI switch box allows simple input selection under remote control
Carries HDMI 6-channel 24/96 & bitstream audio, and video at up to 1080p
DVI compatible (adaptor cables required)
Placed towards the display end of the HDMI path, the 121 Extender allows HDMI cable runs of up to about 50 metres (150+ feet)*. This is particularly useful when a digital video display device such as a projector is a considerable dis- tance from the video source driving it. The unit is typically placed near the projector or other display device. Proprietary active termination, automatic cable equalisation, buffering and de-jittering technology visibly improve image quality, reduce noise and stabilise the video
–even on short cable runs. The automatic signal correction allows signals between –20dB and +6dB to be restored to perfect level, edges and eye pattern, making the Extender an ideal HDMI or DVI problem-solver.
The 121 Extender is a small box designed to bolt into position unobtrusively near the display unit; it may also be positioned part-way down the signal path. The unit has one input and one out- put: the output is connected via a short HDMI cable to the display while the input is connected via a long cable to the video source component. DVI/HDMI cables can be used with DVI sources and destinations. The 121 Extender is powered by an external universal voltage supply or may be operated by any DC supply from 6 to 15V at under 2W consumption, making it suitable for powering from a projector trigger source for example. It can also be powered from the HDMI cable itself in some circumstances. An indica- tor LED illuminates when lock is established; a power indicator LED is also included.
The 421 Switch is a four input, one output HDMI switching unit with extremely wide band- width and employing proprietary technology to switch high-resolution digital HDMI video and audio. Each input also includes Meridian’s HDMI Extender technology to improve image quality and stability and reduce noise and jitter on both short and long cable runs.
