Overview

Crestron DigitalMedia™
When it comes to digital AV networks there's no contest. After years of pioneering digital media technology, Crestron continues to advance the only complete end-to-end digital network solution. As other companies are just entering this space, Crestron has been the premiere choice for digital media since 2009 with over 13,000 installations. Tested and proven, thousands of the most prestigious companies, universities, and military installations have trusted and relied on Crestron DigitalMedia™ for years

The only completely engineered solution
Crestron is the only company that offers a complete product line to deliver a fully engineered, field-proven end-to-end digital solution. Crestron DigitalMedia offers an extensive selection of transmitters, wall plates, HD-SDI, 3G-SDI and DSP input/output cards, receivers with a built-in power amplifier and scaler, fiber solutions and other integrated products. No other solution offers more products that are designed to work together so perfectly for any application. Crestron DigitalMedia also features built-in Ethernet and USB-HID control and communication with all connected displays, sources and input devices for a true managed network solution.

Unparalleled technical support
Our team of more than 10,000 digital media certified engineers, designers, installers and technicians are in the field every day to support you before, during and after installation. We will even fly to your job site at a moment's notice absolutely free. Our commitment and dedication has never wavered, and never will.

You can depend on us anytime, anywhere. No questions. No exceptions.

Featured Installations

Crestron DigitalMedia is the only complete, integrated digital AV system proven to work. Don't take our word for it. Ask some of our satisfied customers. Click on the links below to read the project's Case Study to learn more.

Articles

Space Needle
(PDF - 500K)
Seattle, Washington It's hard to believe, but Seattle's Space Needle, an icon of America's technological leadership, will turn 50 in 2012. Amazingly, the privately-held attraction, which pulls in more than 130,000 visitors per month, does not seem dated. That's no doubt due to its owners' willingness to invest in upgrades. Among those was the remodeling of its meeting and banquet facilities recently, including the addition of an all-digital audio/video system based on Crestron DigitalMedia.

Bureau of Land Management
(PDF - 800K)
Washington, D.C. Crestron DigitalMedia and Crestron control help the Bureau of Land Management improve video and teleconference meetings in their Washington, D.C. Headquarters and across the country.

Minnesota State University
(PDF - 560K)
Mankato, Minnesota The Centennial Student Union at Minnesota State University in Mankato renovated its ballroom last year, adding 360-degree digital video, lighting and sound that turns the university ballroom into an immersive meeting and concert environment. Crestron DigitalMedia and control make this possible.

Hilton Anatole Media Grill + Bar
(PDF - 710K)
Dallas, Texas Crestron DigitalMedia Turns Hilton Anatole Media Grill + Bar into Sports & Entertainment Hub.

Grand Canyon National Park
(PDF - 710K)
Grand Canyon, Arizona Visited by 750,000 to one million people each year, the Grand Canyon's new high-tech theater introduces visitors to Grand Canyon history and preservation. The new theater includes Crestron automated control of all systems running the theater 365 days a year.

CEC The Next Big Thing?
(PDF - 1.7MB)
Residential Systems, February 2012 (pg 28) There's more than a little confusion about CEC, the "Consumer Electronics Control" standard, built into most residential HDMI devices. Residential Systems examines CEC, and outlines solutions that can manage CEC, including Crestron DigitalMedia.

Analog Rides into the Sunset
(PDF - 190 K)
InfoComm International, January 13, 2012 InfoComm describes the analog sunset and shares insight into what the AV industry needs to know and the action it needs to take to embrace the shift from analog to digital.

AV on the Top Floor
(PDF - 1.75 M)
Residential Systems, November 2011 What kind of home does a retired engineer and CEO with a love of sports and entertaining build for himself? For the owner of this bright, sleek two-story residence on the top floors of a downtown Dallas high-rise, there were two main ingredients: great media and green systems. According to Tony Militello of SoundImage, an all-digital infrastructure and Crestron audio/video control were crucial to making these dream systems a reality.

Digital Crashes Analog's Party
(PDF - 1.6 M)
ON BOARD, Autumn 2011 If you've heard the phrase "analog sunset," you may already realize that your boat's analog entertainment infrastructure is at risk. While only Blu-ray devices and PCs playing protected content are now limited by the AACS, soon others such as satellite receivers, displays, cameras, etc. will join the fold. These changes will challenge virtually all wired installations that currently do, or will, distribute entertainment throughout a boat.

Building The Ultimate Digital Classroom
(PDF - 550 K)
Sound & Communications, May 2011 The Integrated Teaching and Learning Center at the University of Massachusetts Medical School provides students and instructors with the ability to share data, share documents and present to one another from anyone's computer or any video source. This is made possible with the installation of Crestron DigitalMedia.

Comcast Selects Crestron DigitalMedia for Call Center
(PDF - 33 K)
AV Technology, May 27, 2011 Crestron is helping Comcast create a solution in its busy Denver call center to allow staff to view heavy volumes of data collectively. Comcast hopes to achieve better customer service with quicker call resolutions and an increase in customer satisfaction. To support an array of AV requirements today and for the future, Comcast implemented Crestron DigitalMedia.

High-bandwidth control infrastructure
(PDF - 72 K)
Sound & Video Contractor, May 17, 2011 The new auditorium and executive boardroom at Davenport University are the two keystones of the project. The integrator anchored their AV systems with a Crestron DigitalMedia infrastructure, including Crestron cabling and matrix switchers.

Mobile 911 Operations Center Packed With A/V Goodies
(PDF - 43 K)
Commercial Integrator, May 2, 2011 Part mobile demonstration vehicle and part emergency command center for the 911 services provider, Intrado's 18-wheeler includes 13 operations stations and many gadgets that must fit in tight space and stay secure during travels. The vehicle contains a Crestron Pro2 processor that provides the signal control while a Crestron Digital Media system manages HDMI video and controls using DM-RMC-100 receivers at each display. A TPMC-8L and a TPS-6x provide the user interfaces.

Stock In Trade
(PDF - 522 K)
Systems Contractor News, April 2011 Global Forex Trading is a currency trading or "foreign exchange" (forex) provider. With the pressure and stress of operating in a business like this, GFT staff need to know that their AV systems will work the first time and every time. The Systems Integrator designed an all-digital signal path, using HDMI cables in the smaller conference rooms and offices and Crestron DigitalMedia for the larger and more complex systems. DigitalMedia keeps the audio and video signals in the HDMI format, but transports them over super high-bandwidth ethernet cable, allowing for longer transmission distances and faster, more reliable installation and setup.

How Automation and AV Switching with DigitalMediaâ„¢ Help Comcast Call Center Better Prepare for Daily Issues
(PDF - 53 K)
CE Pro, March 23, 2011 Comcast installed Crestron DigitalMedia and DVPHD Digital Video Processor in the Denver call center to help reduce customer service call time. Crestron helped Comcast understand the technology needed to successfully build the command center so that the focus can be placed on the content displayed versus the displays themselves.

Integrator Works Overtime to Upgrade Hospital A/V
(PDF - 49 K)
Commercial Integrator, February 25, 2011 Using Crestron's fiber optic DM transmission solution and a BI AMP Audia DSP audio processor, Assurity created a digital A/V system. Connections to all video format types (HDMI, VGA, display port, composite video, and component video) are all available from the custom designed and built lectern as well as the control booth. A Digital Projections D-Vision projector and Stewart film screen are powered by a Crestron DVP-HD Digital Video Processor. Programs now can be streamed live or recorded for later viewing with the Sonic Foundry Media sight.

Product of the Year Award Winners
(PDF - 223 K)
Electronic House, January 7, 2011 Structured Cabling Systems, Multimedia Cabling, Fiber Optics Winner: DM-CBL-8G-P DigitalMedia 8G Cable, Plenum Specifically engineered for high-speed DigitalMedia 8G systems - the world's only 8 gigabit AV network - DigitalMedia 8G STP Cable is the lifeblood of a true single-wire high-performance cabling solution.

Fair Trade - Global Forex Trading Uses Crestron for Boardroom Control and Conferencing
(PDF - 671 K)
Systems Contractor News, November 2010 Crestron DigitalMedia and Touch Screens Streamline Boardroom Control, AV Control and HD Video Conferencing at Fast-Paced Global Forex Trading Headquarters.

Technology in the Court
(PDF - 42 K)
Sound & Video Contractor, November 17, 2010 Law students at the University of Memphis Law School learn the ways of defense and justice in the school's mock courtroom. Here, a combination of audio conferencing, flatscreen, and control technology, including Crestron DVPHD keep these systems within reach during trial sessions but subtly hidden within the historical architectural details.

How Crestron Digital Media Solves the Mystery of HDCP Management
(PDF - 155 K)
AV Technology, November 2010 How Crestron Digital Media Solves the Mystery of HDCP Management... "Pre-digital, many AV system designs would have included Extron interfaces, and Extron/AMX (AutoPatch) matrix switchers, now Crestron DigitalMedia has provided an end-to-end solution. I'm sure the folks at Extron and AMX are not happy about this at all and why they are also selling HDCP compliant switchers."

Mission Control - Understanding the Intricacies of a Digital Media Genie
(PDF - 243 K)
AV Technology, November 2010 Global Forex Trading banks on Crestron DigitalMedia and touch screens for HD video conferencing, boardroom control, HDMI and digital AV distribution, and more.

Distance Learning Solutions - Integrated Systems Help Michigan State Tackle Physician Shortage
(PDF - 406 K)
AV Technology, June 2010 The College of Osteopathic Medicine at MSU recently opened two new campuses with the goal of increasing enrollment by 50%. The expansion was made possible largely through the installation of an impressive array of classroom technology. featuring Crestron touch panel control to streamline AV distribution, video conferencing, and lighting control.

Crestron DigitalMediaâ„¢ Receives Accolades From Royal Canadian Mounted Police for Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics Security
(PDF - 191 K)
Vancouver 2010 Integrated Security Unit, April, 2010 Crestron was proud to play a leading role in meeting the demanding audio/video requirements for the security provisions of the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. Working closely with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police AV personnel, Crestron DigitalMedia technology delivered the rigorous levels of control and functionality required. As a testament to Crestron's commitment to maintaining the highest standards of integrated AV solutions, service levels, and professionalism, we are honored to receive this personal letter of thanks from the RCMP's AV Planner and Coordinator, Mr. Paul Weisbeck.

Crestron DigitalMediaâ„¢
(PDF - 424K)
Integration, Spring, 2009 Read about the first DM deployment on the West Coast. Scott Laird, Owner of Enjoyable Home Systems, describes his experience with DM and how incredibly easy it was to install. Laird knew from the outset that Crestron DigitalMediaâ„¢ (DM) was perfect for this project. It is the only solution that can support long distance multi-room distribution of full HD video with simultaneous 2-channel and surround sound audio over twisted pair or fiber.

Crestron Takes Control of HDMI
(PDF - 80K)
HiddenWires, February 1, 2009 Wide support from content providers and the consumer electronics marketplace makes HDMI unequivocally the future of HD video transmission. Processing and managing HDCP content protection requires sophisticated technology, especially for distribution and whole house entertainment. By intelligently managing complex bi-directional data in an installer-friendly package that expands easily to serve even the most demanding multiroom application, the revolutionary DigitalMedia solution allows custom installers turn these challenges into opportunities.

HDMI - Like It or Not, It's Here To Stay
(PDF - 120K)
Sound & Communications, December 2008 Gary Kayye tells commercial AV installers that HDMI is HD and it's here to stay – "deal with it." He reminds readers that S-video and RCA connectors didn't lock, but they were the standard for video. Stop whining about it and find a realiable solution that works.

Vendors Solve HDMI Issues
(PDF - 232K)
CE Pro, November 2008 Brief discussion about how Crestron DigitalMedia addresses lag times and other issues associated with HDMI switching and distribution.

Crestron DigitalMedia Offers Ultimate Distribution and Control
(PDF - 144K)
CE Pro Online, September 2, 2008 Julie Jacobson provides a detailed overview of the innovative new Crestron DigitalMediaâ„¢ solution for HDMI content distribution. DigitalMedia virtually eliminates lag times often associated with HDMI switching such as switching delays, distance limitations, cabling and installation. Crestron QuickSwitch HDâ„¢ maintains a constant HMDI/HDCP connection to virtually eliminate switching delays. Crestron DM also provides EDID display optimization and distributes all analog audio and video, computer and even USB control signals.

HDMI: It's Not Just Cable Length
(PDF - 1.2M)
Sound & Communications, September 2008 HDCP expert and Crestron engineer Rob Carter unravels some of the bandwidth and complexity issues surrounding HDMI and the need to continue the switch from analog distribution. Carter's discussion on the choice of HDMI in the British and American markets is underscored by the fact that the most recent features are supported only by HDMI - and will never be offered in analog. Despite individual-issue complaints from the field regarding HDMI, in the long run, as Carter points out, HDMI issues can be overcome by pre-planning, including smarter system switches and installation by qualified HDMI professionals.

Dealing with HDMI - Preparing for the Future
(PDF - 38K)
Integration, July 2008 Clients using HDMI have been plagued with blank screens, lag times, disabled outputs and complete failure. Many of the problems can be ascribed to manufacturers that didn't initially appreciate the complexity of managing HDCP when selecting components and establishing development schedules. Fortunately for our industry and our clients, more sophisticated HDMI solutions are in development and scheduled for release later this year.

The Complexities of HDCP
(PDF - 164K)
Integration, July 2008 HDCP is the standard form of content protection, developed by Intel and supported by HDMI, that prevents signal distribution. The technology is good for movie studios and content producers, but has made custom installation a nightmare. Learn how HDCP works and how to manage it.

Managing HDMI – The Future of AV Distribution
(PDF - 80K)
Integration At Home, September 2007 HDMI is the only way to get true 1080p HD content delivered to displays, but the cables and technology were not designed for whole house distribution. The complexities and realities of HDMI have left both homeowners and custom installers search for answers. Learn why HDMI distribution isn't working and how to solve the challenge.

DigitalMedia Presentation Systems

DigitalMedia Switchers

DigitalMedia Switcher Input Cards

DigitalMedia Switcher Output Cards

DigitalMedia Transmitters

DigitalMedia Receivers & Room Controllers

DigitalMedia Repeater

HDMI Essentials

DigitalMedia Cable and Connectors

DigitalMedia Card Interface

*Not all DM products support 3D. Please consult specifc product specs for more information.

Resources

Welcome to the DigitalMedia Resources page, where you'll find all the latest tools to help give you a competitive edge. Everything here was designed with one purpose in mind: to educate you and promote your success with DM, the leader in AV distribution solutions. We encourage you to explore all of the helpful topics and check back regularly - we'll be adding new resources often.

Introduction

Crestron DigitalMedia was developed to meet the challenges of the digital era and is rapidly becoming an industry standard. There are already more than 8,000 successful installations in luxury homes and prestigious organizations such as Microsoft and the Vancouver Winter Olympics Complex.

Now, Crestron is providing the definitive design, installation and commissioning specification to guarantee the reliable performance of DigitalMedia systems. The new spec establishes an industry standard, and the DM Certification program ensures that AV professionals are fully educated and adhere to the standard. This sets a high benchmark for digital AV systems and gives clients the confidence that our industry remains a trusted and valued technology resource.

The HD-DTDS Specification

The HD Digital Transport and Distribution System (HD-DTDS) specification is a comprehensive roadmap that clearly defines the critical aspects of system design and installation that must be followed to assure reliable system performance. Crestron guarantees and fully supports any DM system installation that conforms to the HD-DTDS standards.

DM Certified Designer

The DMC-D class is a free one-day course that concludes with an exam that must be passed to earn certification. A DM Certified Designer understands the fundamental differences between analog and digital systems and the unique design considerations needed to ensure reliable operation. Consultants are widely adopting the HD-DTDS specification and earning DMC-D certification.

Classes are conducted in Crestron regional offices throughout North America. Check the schedule for the next available class near you. Courses are filling up fast, so be sure to register today.

DM Certified Technician

The DMC-T class is designed for professionals who perform the actual installation or need a better understanding of the installation requirements of a project. In this class, each student will learn and perform all of the copper and fiber termination options available for DM systems. In addition, each student will learn how to perform cable plant certification. After completing this course, attendees will be able to install and test the performance capabilities of a Crestron DigitalMedia system. The DigitalMedia Certified Technician (DMC-T) certification is achieved after passing the DMC-T practical exam given at the conclusion of the day.

There is an additional non-waivable course fee for the DMC-T certification course.

DM Certified Engineer

The DMC-E certification is a rigorous three-day program that includes the DMC-D certification and DMC-T Certification as part of the curriculum. This program details every aspect of system installation and commissioning. DM certified Engineers demonstrate proficiency in system setup, diagnostics, testing and reporting. Only a DMC-E is equipped to fully execute and support a DM project. Written into the specification, only dealers with a DMC-E on staff will be qualified to bid on projects designed using the HD-DTDS.

There is a course fee for DMC-E courses. Courses are filling up fast, so registration is limited to only two people per company per class. Reserve your seat today.

Specification

HD Digital Transport and Distribution System Specification (PDF - 3.2M)
Specifiers who use this DM HD-DTDS specification guarantee their customers that the design will be finalized by a DMC-E, ensuring proper system installation, configuration of HDCP, video, resolution management, cabling and cabling distance.