HDMI switching and such

Herewith a forward from Denon with some FAQ,s around the issues they are discovering with HDMI connectors.

"As HDMI becomes more popular we should all be aware that some bugs still exist with the HDMI format. Denon USA think it is such a concern that they have a special FAQ section on their website answering some of the problems.



Please read this and discuss with me if needs be but in simple terms not all devices with HDMI can be switched by a receiver (Denon or any other brand). What makes this difficult with the end users is the fact that these devices seem to work when plugged direct to the display device.



In nearly all cases this is an incompatibility of HDCP “handshakes”.



As all Denon receivers with HDMI switching also all include Component to HDMI conversion, if you have a device that will not allow HDMI through the receiver simply use the component outputs of the device into the Denon and allow the Denon to up convert the component signal to HDMI. This process bypasses the HDCP and will almost certainly resolve the problem.



I have copied the text from the webpage on the document attached and below for your information. If you ever have customer issues regarding HDMI please refer to this and see if this resolves the problem. Hopefully in time all HDMI versions will be playing with the same deck of cards and these issues will disappear.



HDMI FAQ
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS:

1) What Should I know about HDMI connections and cables?

The operation of a product by means of an HDMI connection is guaranteed only when a cable certified by the HDMI standard is used. Product performance can not be guaranteed when a cable not certified by the HDMI standard is used, as signal degradation of the high frequency digital signal can occur. This is often confused as a problem with the device rather than the cable itself. Typical performance failures from uncertified cables can include no picture, blinking (on/off) display, pixilation, sandstorm type of interference and poor quality picture. The HDMI logo is not a certification that the cable has passed the HDMI standard guaranteeing product performance.

CABLES THAT HAVE BEEN CERTIFIED BY THE HDMI STANDARD

At present, the following cables that have confirmed HDMI certification are as follows:

Manufacturer Model Name Types of Cable (length)

JAE DC1 Series 4 types: 1.5, 2, 3, and 5 meters

Radio Shack NA 3 types: 1.8, 3.6 and 4.9 meters

Sony DLC-HM Series 3 types: 1.5, 3, and 5 meters

Audio Technica ATMX Series 3 types: 1.5, 3 and 5 meters

Disclaimer:

This list is not meant to be an all inclusive list of available cables nor is it meant to promote one brand of cable over another. Denon does not endorse any one brand of cable and this is for informational purposes only. This list is subject to change without notice.

Nov/05


2) What is the connection Order for HDMI?

The connection order can be a key issue as to whether or not the HDMI signals will pass through the system. For best results the receiver should be turned on first, then the source device(s) and then the display. The reason for this has to do with getting the equipment to handshake properly for the HDCP protocol. This is a consideration when programming remote control system call keys or hot keys where everything turns on at once. You may need to consider the order of equipment turn on when programming these convenience keys.
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3) Why won't the set top box pass video signal through my receiver with an HDMI connection?

A set top receiver connected to an A/V receiver via HDMI may have trouble passing video signals through the A/V receiver even though a direct connection to the display seems to work fine. This has to do with the HDMI HDCP protocol being sent and received and the authentication process. This is not a fault of the receiver. Recently set top box manufacturers have become aware of this issue. It has been found that the U-code information appears to be the problem which is part of Annex A of the repeater conformity specifications of the HDMI protocol. Some set top receiver manufacturers have already implemented firmware changes to their units while others are in the process of updating their units. If a set top receiver being used is having problems passing HDMI video signal through an A/V receiver, contact the manufacturer of the set top receiver to see if an update is available.
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4) What can I do if the HDMI video will not pass through my receiver?

If HDMI video will not pass through your receiver, you may have an alternate connection method depending on the A/V receiver you have purchased. Check to see if your A/V receiver has analog to digital video conversion. If so, a component connection can be made to the A/V receiver instead for the source in question. Then by turning the analog to digital video conversion feature on in the A/V receiver, video from this source should then be available on the HDMI monitor output connector."





http://usa.denon.com/2082.asp