Crestron’s latest offering for the commercial sector takes the form of a new low-cost HDMI switcher and extender pair designed for small meeting rooms, huddle rooms and classrooms.

The HD-MD-400-C-E HD scaling presentation switcher and extender claims to provide systems integrators with ‘all the features’ they want at a ‘breakthrough price’.

Crestron notes that the number of huddle rooms and small meeting rooms is on the rise, creating the need for a simple, complete, low-cost multimedia presentation solution, which is precisely what integrators will find in the HD-MD-400-C-E.

It packs HDBaseT extension, a scaler for optimal image display, automatic switching for HD resolutions up to 2K, display control and Ethernet connectivity, all in a pair of compact, easy to deploy devices.

Comprised of a compact 3X1 transmitter and a HD receiver, the HD-MD-400-C-E can reportedly be installed in minutes, with no special programming required.

The transmitter can be mounted under a table or inside a podium, and due to its two HDMI inputs, one VGA input and one analogue audio input, it supports the connection of computers, mobile devices and other media sources.

Meanwhile, the receiver can be mounted behind a room display or above a projector. The receiver itself features an additional HDMI input for a local source, such as a Crestron AirMedia (AM-100) wireless presentation gateway.

A laptop or smart device can be connected to one of the three inputs at a table or podium where the signal can be routed to a room display up to 70m away.

Signal auto-detection automatically turns the display on and off, lessening the need for a control panel or remote and an additional AV source can be connected at the display device location or through an optional wall plate.

The HD-MD-400-C-E was designed with built-in scaling to support a complete range of digital and analogue signals; all an integrator need do is connect the receiver to the display and it intelligently converts and enhances the signal.

The HD-MD-400-C-E is more than just a standalone extender: it can also be integrated as part of a complete Crestron control solution.

Additionally, Ethernet connectivity makes it possible to leverage the power of Crestron Fusion enterprise management software to monitor, manage and control technology in every room across the enterprise.

Both the transmitter and receiver are compact enough to fit discreetly inside a presentation lectern, beneath a table, or mounted on a wall behind a flat-panel display, or on the ceiling above a projector. They can even be attached to a single rack rail in the back of an equipment cabinet.

Both devices are powered together using a single wall mount power pack (included), which can be connected either at the receiver or at the transmitter location. Power is carried between the transmitter and receiver over the HDBaseT connection.

The user should connect the LAN port on the receiver to their Ethernet network for easy setup and configuration via a Web browser.

Essential controls and status indicators are also provided on each unit for testing and troubleshooting without a computer during installation.

Click here for more information including specifications, photos, pricing and accessories.

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Alice Gustafson is an experienced CI/AV journalist. Gaining knowledge of the global install market at Pro Audio Asia, Pro Audio Middle East and Worship AVL Asia, Alice brings her considerable knowledge of the AV and install markets to CE Pro Europe and Commercial Integrator Europe. Feeding the sites with insightful daily updates from across Europe, as well as engaging with the industry across the titles’ growing social media presence, Alice is a key member of All Things Media’s growing editorial team.