20
Getting the Most out of Strato C
Strato C is a high-performance source device, capable of playing 4K Ultra HD
content encoded at data rates of 100 megabits per second (Mbps) or higher. It
supports 10-bit color, and high dynamic range (HDR) content. Taking full
advantage of Strato C
’s capabilities requires careful attention to HDMI
connections, cabling, and configuration.
This section discusses background information on HDMI and HDCP, and best
practices that will help you to maximize Strato C
’s performance within the larger
A/V system.
In particular, we discuss cases where using the second HDMI port will allow you
to achieve maximum video and audio quality, even when audio equipment does
not support HDMI 2.0 and/or HDCP 2.2.
We also include some information on ensuring your installation is set up
properly for HDR. We conclude with a brief tutorial covering the use of Strato
C
’s new HDMI Capabilities tool in the Browser Interface.
About 4K HDR, 4K Ultra HD, HDMI 2.0a, and HDCP 2.2
Achieving Strato C
’s highest video output quality requires a 4K HDR display
capable of receiving and displaying an 18 Gbps HDMI 2.0a signal with
HDCP 2.2.
As well, if Strato C is connected to the display via intermediate devices (such as
an audio processor, an A/V matrix switch, an active HDMI cable, or an HDMI
extender),
every
device in that chain must support the required HDMI and HDCP
versions in order to display 4K HDR and 4K Ultra HD at full fidelity.
The earliest 4K displays may not be able to display 4K Ultra HD content from
Strato C at all, and other displays may be able to display 4K Ultra HD content,
but unable to handle all of the latest features, like HDR. This section describes
the features present in different 4K displays, and how Strato C will interoperate
with those displays.
First and foremost, HDCP 2.2 copy protection is required to play 4K HDR and 4K
Ultra HD content with Strato C. Some early 4K display devices do not support
HDCP 2.2, and will not be able to display 4K Ultra HD content when used with
Strato C
. Consult with the display’s manufacturer to see if an upgrade is
available.
If a display does not support HDCP 2.2 copy protection, but does support HDCP
1.x, Strato C will down-scale the 4K Ultra HD content and output it at up to
1080p resolution. 4K HDR content cannot be down-scaled.
Strato C also requires HDMI 2.0 to properly display 4K Ultra HD content (2.0a
for HDR content). One might expect that a display that supports HDCP 2.2 is
also an HDMI 2.0 display, and vice-versa. Unfortunately, the situation is more
complicated.
