Contemporary Research
11
QMOD-HDMI1.5
HDMI Connectivity
Because HD Modulators cannot use video from HDCP sources, the ability to broadcast HDMI video depends on
the nature of the video source, PC operating system, and interfaces used to make the connection.
Windows 7/8 Digital Signage Players
You can feed you Win 7/8 PC or player’s HDMI directly to our HDMI inputs. Windows (unlike Apple) does not
turn on HDCP when showing non-proprietary content. By the way, 1080p looks scary good on new-gen QMODs,
partly because of the direct-digital connection and our advances encoder. The QMOD does supply EDID so you
can select the right resolution. Generally, the advanced scaling option isn’t needed if you supply content at 720p
or 1080p, and you have about 10% safe area on the edges. If you need edge-to-edge presentation or the
content is more 16:10 VGA, you’ll need scaling to nail down the image.
Apple Digital Signage Players
The Apple OS keeps HDCP on, regardless of the type of content. We recommend using the
Kramer PT-1C
for
use with Apple HDMI. Generally, the first three switches on the interface would be off, the fourth (Disable
HDCP) needs to be on.
Linux Signage Players
Linux-based players such as
Brightsign
do not employ HDCP. We’re researching if that’s also true with Key
West, SpinetiX, AMX, and others.
Satellite/Cable Boxes
Historically, DirecTV does not turn on HDCP for commercial and residential applications; there may be
exceptions for video on demand content.
Cable receivers definitely turn on HDCP, and likely Dish Network as well (that fact has not been confirmed).
Plan on using the Component outputs to feed other QMODs with those input options. We have not confirmed if
the Kramer PT-1C will pass HDMI for those sources. Also, interfaces such as the
Kanex ATV Pro
can convert
HDMI to RGBHV. As the content provider’s public viewing contract with the site allows re-broadcast of specific
channels, this is not a usage issue.
Blu-Ray Players
While HDMI applications are OK for digital signage and public viewing of cable/satellite channels, use of Blue-
Ray content is murky. The HDMI’s HDCP is always locked, even for content you’ve created. The Kramer PT-1C
will no pass through Blu-Ray content if the HDCP switch is on[ while interfaces similar to the Kanex that convert
HDMI to RGBHV will work. We leave those issues up to the end user.
Other Open HDMI Sources
Other sources that do not have HDCP on the HDMI output are:
Contemporary Research 232-ATSC+1 HDTV tuners
SDI – to – HDMI adapters
