Edid management feature – Gefen EXT-HDMI-CAT5-844 User Manual
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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.
