Crestron HD-MD4X2-4K-E - User Manual

HD-MD6X2-4K-E/HD-MD4X2-4K-E/
HD-MD4X1-4K-E
4K HDMI
®
Switchers
Supplemental Guide
Crestron Electronics, Inc.

Summary

Using the Web Interface for Switcher Configuration

Accessing the Web Interface

Steps to access the switcher's web interface using its IP address.

Logging In to the Switcher

Details on how to log in to the switcher's web interface with credentials.

Configuring Routes via Web Interface

Configuring Input Settings via Web Interface

Configuring Output Settings via Web Interface

Configuring Network Settings via Web Interface

Configuring Device Settings via Web Interface

Changing the Username and Password via Web Interface

Upgrading Firmware via Web Interface

Configuring Output Settings via OLED Display

Output Configuration Submenu Guidelines

Guidelines for output status, name, and HDCP configuration via the OLED display.

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Usage Features
3. Web Interface
4. Front Panel OLED Display
5. Routing Push Buttons
6. Maintenance Features
7. Firmware Upgrades
8. Restoring Default Settings
9. Password Management
10. Status Monitoring

The Crestron HD-MD6X2-4K-E, HD-MD4X2-4K-E, and HD-MD4X1-4K-E are advanced 4K HDMI switchers designed to manage and distribute high-resolution video signals. These devices support signals up to 4K/60, ensuring crisp and clear video quality for various applications. Beyond simple switching, they integrate sophisticated features like DigitalMedia EDID management, native Crestron control via Ethernet, a built-in web server, and a front panel OLED display, offering comprehensive control and monitoring capabilities.

Function Description

At their core, these devices function as HDMI switchers, allowing multiple HDMI input sources to be routed to one or more HDMI outputs. The specific models offer different input/output configurations:

• HD-MD6X2-4K-E: Features six HDMI inputs and two independent HDMI outputs. This model is suitable for larger setups requiring more input sources and dual display capabilities.
• HD-MD4X2-4K-E: Provides four HDMI inputs and two independent HDMI outputs. This offers flexibility for scenarios needing fewer inputs but still benefiting from dual displays.
• HD-MD4X1-4K-E: Includes four HDMI inputs and a single HDMI output. This is ideal for simpler installations where a single display is used.

A key feature is their support for 4K/60 HDMI signals, ensuring compatibility with modern high-resolution displays and sources. The integrated DigitalMedia EDID management system is crucial for ensuring reliable communication between sources and displays. EDID (Extended Display Identification Data) issues can often lead to display problems, and the switchers' advanced management capabilities help to resolve these by allowing users to select and send desired EDID files to inputs, either globally or individually. This includes a selection of built-in EDID files (e.g., various laptop resolutions, consumer 4K HBR 3D, 1080P HBR) and the ability to load custom EDID files.

HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection) support is also a critical component, enabling the secure transmission of copyrighted content. Users can enable or disable HDCP support for each input individually, or set outputs to "Auto" (encrypt if input requires) or "Always Enabled" (always encrypt regardless of input).

Usage Features

The switchers offer multiple interfaces for configuration and control, providing flexibility for different user preferences and installation environments.

Web Interface:

The built-in web server provides a comprehensive graphical user interface for managing all aspects of the switcher. Accessing it involves noting the device's IP address from the front panel OLED display, opening a web browser, and navigating to that IP address. A login page secures access, with default credentials (username: admin, password: admin) that are recommended to be changed for security.

Once logged in, the web interface presents a navigation bar with several key sections:

• Status: Displays general information about the switcher (model, serial number, firmware version) and current network settings (hostname, IP address, subnet mask, default gateway, MAC address).
• Routing: Allows users to set routes, connecting any input to any output. Inputs and outputs can be renamed for easier identification. The HD-MD6X2-4K-E and HD-MD4X2-4K-E allow a single input to be routed to both outputs simultaneously. The HD-MD4X1-4K-E also offers an automatic routing option.
• Inputs: This section is dedicated to configuring input-specific settings, primarily EDID management and HDCP support. Users can apply a global EDID to all inputs or configure each input individually. Custom EDID files can be uploaded and managed here.
• Outputs: Here, users can select which input routes to which output, rename outputs, and configure HDCP output settings (Auto or Always Enabled). It also displays information about connected displays (manufacturer, model, serial number).
• Network: This page allows configuration of network settings, including hostname and IP address assignment (DHCP or static IP).
• Device: This section provides control over various device functions, including enabling/disabling the front panel, changing the username and password, and upgrading firmware.

The web interface is designed for ease of use, with clear options and dynamic updates (e.g., output resolution and frame rate are displayed and updated in real-time). An inactivity timeout feature automatically logs users out after 10 minutes, returning to the login page for security.

Front Panel OLED Display:

For on-site configuration and quick adjustments, the switchers feature a front panel OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) display and a navigation pad. The OLED display provides a menu tree that mirrors many of the web interface's functionalities, allowing users to:

• Access Main Menu: Pressing the MENU button brings up the main menu.
• Navigate Menus: Use the up (▲) and down (▼) buttons on the navigation pad to move through menu items.
• Enter Data/Select Items: The Enter button is used to select items or save settings.
• Move Cursor: Left (◄) and right (►) buttons are used to move the cursor when entering data (e.g., renaming inputs/outputs).
• Go Back/Exit: The BACK button returns to the previous menu level, while the EXIT button exits the OLED display menu entirely.

Through the OLED display, users can configure input settings (Global EDID, individual input EDID, HDCP), output settings (routing, HDCP), network settings (view status, DHCP, IP setup), and device settings (view details, front panel control, firmware update, restore defaults). The display provides clear prompts and messages during configuration processes.

Routing Push Buttons:

Physical push buttons on the front panel offer a tactile and immediate way to control routing.

• HD-MD6X2-4K-E and HD-MD4X2-4K-E: These models have INPUT push buttons (1-6 or 1-4) and OUTPUT push buttons (1 and 2). To route an input to an output, users press the desired INPUT button, then one or both of the OUTPUT buttons. LEDs associated with each input and output indicate their status: solid green for routed, flashing green for pending route, amber for source detected but not routed, and off for no source/signal.
• HD-MD4X1-4K-E: This model features an AUTO push button and four INPUT push buttons (1-4). Pressing an INPUT button routes it to the single output. The AUTO button toggles automatic routing on/off, where the switcher automatically routes an active input. Input LEDs indicate routing status similarly to the other models.

The front panel can be enabled or disabled via both the web interface and the OLED display. When disabled, the navigation pad, routing push buttons, OLED display, and all LEDs turn off, making the device appear unpowered while still functioning internally. This can be useful for maintaining a discreet appearance in certain installations.

Maintenance Features

The switchers are designed with maintenance in mind, offering features to ensure long-term reliability and ease of updates.

Firmware Upgrades:

Firmware updates are crucial for enhancing performance, adding new features, and addressing potential issues. The switchers support firmware upgrades through the web interface or via a USB service port.

• Web Interface Upgrade: Users can upload a firmware file (typically a *.bin file) directly through the Device > Firmware section of the web interface. This involves browsing for the file, uploading it, and confirming the upgrade.
• USB Service Port Upgrade: Alternatively, a USB mass storage device containing the firmware file can be inserted into the SERVICE port of the switcher. The upgrade can then be initiated from the Device > Firmware section of the web interface. This method is useful if direct network access for file upload is not preferred or available.

Restoring Default Settings:

In cases where configuration issues arise or a fresh start is desired, the switchers allow users to restore default settings. This can be done through the Device > Restore section of the OLED display menu. A confirmation prompt ensures that this action is intentional, and upon confirmation, the device restores its factory settings.

Password Management:

For security, the web interface allows users to change the default username and password (admin/admin). This is done in the Device > Username and Password section, where users can enter a new username and password, confirm it, and save the changes. The system notes that usernames and passwords are case-sensitive.

Status Monitoring:

Both the web interface and the OLED display provide real-time status information. The web interface's Status page offers a comprehensive overview of general device and network information. The OLED display's "Status" menu item within the "Network" submenu provides network-related details like DHCP status, IP address, subnet mask, gateway, and MAC address. Input LEDs and output LEDs on the front panel also provide immediate visual feedback on signal detection and routing status, aiding in troubleshooting and monitoring.

These features collectively ensure that the Crestron 4K HDMI switchers are not only powerful in their core function but also user-friendly, secure, and maintainable throughout their operational lifespan.

Crestron HD-MD4X2-4K-E Specifications