All DVI Switchers Are Not Created Equal: Consider HDCP

February 25, 2009

HDCP (High Definition Content Protection) is the data encryption scheme that prevents unauthorized distribution or copying of protected content. Commercially available HDCP content, such as Blu-ray Discs are encoded with this scheme. If you are planning to use HDCP compliant signals with a DVI switcher, there are three things to look for. First, the switcher must be specifically designed to handle HDCP. Not all DVI switchers are HDCP compliant. If the HDCP source encounters a downstream device that is not compliant, it will either downgrade the quality of the signal to a lower resolution, or simply shut down. Second, some DVI matrix switchers claim HDCP compliance, but they can route a source to only one output. If you wish to route a signal to a number of outputs simultaneously, it requires a switch that is specifically designed to handle the complex HDCP keying and encryption schemes for multiple signals simultaneously. Third, there needs to be support for HDCP-compliant downstream repeaters such as distribution amps, extenders or another matrix switch. The HDCP specification mandates that a single source can be distributed to a maximum of 128 compliant devices and a maximum of seven "layers." Layers include repeaters, switchers or distribution amps as well as the final display devices. A signal from a Blu-ray player through a distribution amp into a matrix switcher and distributed to three displays and one projector would total three layers and six devices. Not all DVI switchers are created equal. If you are looking for full HDCP compliance with multiple streams and multiple downstream devices accommodated, you will find RGB Spectrum's LinxTM 3200 the appropriate choice. RGB Spectrum® is a leading designer and manufacturer of videographic and multimedia hardware subsystems. Products include the View™ family of video windowing systems, the RGB/Videolink® line of scan converters, the Linx™ DVI Matrix Switchers, the DGy™ digital recording system, Quadra® DVI universal scaler and synchronizer, SynchroMaster® keyers and overlayers and ComputerWall® and MediaWall® multi-screen display controllers. RGB Spectrum is based in Alameda, California, and can be reached at 510 814 7000 and on the internet at http://www.rgb.com.

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