RTcom HS-66M and HS-88M Plus HDMI Matrix Routers

RTcom USA, Inc., a provider of digital connectivity solutions for professional and consumer A/V systems, today announced that it has enhanced its Digital Extender line of high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) matrix routers by adding an extended display identification data (EDID) mode select function. The increased functionality of the HS-66M Plus and HS-88M Plus solves the most common problem in installed HDMI video systems today: a source being able to output only one format at a time. In installations with a mix of component formats, they will all receive the format of the lowest-resolution display. The EDID mode select function corrects this issue by allowing users to choose the most appropriate EDID to ensure compatibility with all devices connected to the switchers’ outputs.

With the HS-66M Plus and HS-88M Plus matrix routers, HDMI signals from popular A/V devices — such as A/V receivers, satellite set top boxes, and Blu-Ray disc players — can be sent simultaneously to six or eight different displays without any degradation in signal quality. With the new EDID mode select function, the enhanced routers will ensure compatibility with DVI displays, displays requiring two-channel audio as well as multichannel displays. A status LED light on the output port indicates that the router is performing at maximum output levels.

“Any system relaying HDMI signals to a mix of DVI, two-channel, and multichannel displays, poses great potential for a loss of audio and video, as each display device has its own requirements, while sources can output only one format at a time,” said Andy Fliss, general manager of RTcom USA. “Selecting a specific EDID mode, allows integrators to set a format that is assured to work reliably with all connected devices. And the LED status indicator gives them assurance that everything is running smoothly.”

HS-66M Plus and HS-88M Plus HDMI Matrix Routers Feature:

• Multiple switching modes allowing any of six or eight sources to be sent to any of six or eight display devices
• Control options including RS-232C, LAN (TCP/IP), infrared or front panel keys
• Resolution supporting HDTV signals up to 1080p @60Hz, 1080p @60Hz with 36 bit color depth
• HDCP compliance at all output channels
• Compliance to HDMI version 1.3
• Increased single-link bandwidth to 225 MHz
• Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio streams
• Built-in extended display identification data (EDID) read function, with electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), to save display EDID data while supporting any HDTV display with maximum resolutions
• Support of non-Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) resolutions, including projectors with unique output levels
• Built-in noise protection circuits in each input and output port
• Better system control providing compatibility with A/V receivers

Debuting at CEDIA EXPO 2009, the enhanced HDMI matrix switchers begin shipping in November 2009.

About RTcom USA, Inc.
RTcom USA, Inc. headquartered in Sparta, N.J., is a leading manufacturer of digital connectivity devices sold under the exclusive Digital Extender brand. With an extensive line of fiber optic DVI/HDMI extension systems, HDTV switchers, distribution amplifiers, matrix routers, signal converters, digital cables, and adapters, RTcom strives to exceed the needs of the digital connectivity market with products that address the specific requirements of system integrators, home theater consumers, and A/V equipment manufacturers. With the introduction of its acclaimed DVI Link product line in 2002, RTcom successfully entered the DVI/HDMI market bringing new possibilities for extending, switching, and distributing pristine digital video signals at great lengths. RTcom USA, Inc. was founded in 2001 and has manufacturing and R&D facilities both in the United States and Korea.