Crestron DigitalMedia now supports the Dante audio networking protocol after the company released input and output blades for 64x64 and 128x128 DM matrix switchers.
The 4K HDMI and Dante input blade for DM Switchers (DMB-4K-I-HD-DNT) provides eight HDMI inputs, while the 4K HDMI & Dante Output Blade for DM Switchers (DMB-4K-O-HD-DNT) provides eight HDMI outputs with built-in 4K scaling. CEC embedded device control is possible with the addition of a control system.
Dante is the preferred industry networking protocol for transmitting HD audio over Ethernet, adopted by more pro audio AV manufacturers than any other networking technology. Now, with these two new blades, seamless, fully digital integration and interoperability with DM, the industry standard for managing and distributing AV and control signals, is possible.
One of the applications Crestron is targeting with the release is videoconferencing where it could be used with its forthcoming Avia DSPs.
Analogue audio inputs and outputs are enabled by connecting the optional analogue audio Breakout Box (AUD-BOB-1602) to the Dante blades in the DM switcher. When the analogue audio breakout box is connected to the DMB-4K-I-HD-DNT Dante input blade, the balanced analogue audio input is then embedded with the digital video signal. Similarly, when the breakout box is connected to the DMB-4K-O-HD-DNT Dante output blade, the balanced analogue audio output is extracted and fed into a sound system.