Revision 2

DIRECT DIGITAL
TECHNOLOGY
Extron Electronics, USA
1230 South Lewis Street, Anaheim, CAA 92805
800.633.9876 714.491.1500
F X 714.491.1517
FAX
USA

Beeldschermweg 6C, 3821 AH Amersfoort An Application Guide to the

F X +31.33.453.4050
FAX
The Netherlands
Digital Interface Standards
Extron Electronics, Asia
PM Industrial Bldg.
for PC Displays
+65.383.4400
F +65.383.4664
Singapore 368363

Extron Electronics Information

Extron ™: www.extr
w on.com
w.extr
E A
AX
—
—worldwide!

00-10
68-502-01
Copyright © 2000 Extron Electronics. All rights reserved.
Rev. B All trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners.
 Our Commitment
to your education
E
xtron Electronics was founded in
1983 and started by manufac-
turing computer interfaces,
which allow computer video to be
displayed on CRT video projectors.
At that time, video projectors on the
market could only display standard
video signals (such as television
signals); they were unable to display
computer graphics. With the personal computer1
market just beginning to take off, Extron’s
founders foresaw what a valuable training tool
projected computer images would be when incor-
porated into a presentation. From a garage in
Southern California, this concept developed into
the RGB 100, the industry’s first computer-video
interface. Since then, Extron Electronics has
grown into the premier manufacturer in the
audio/visual industry for interfacing, switching,
distribution, and signal conversion products.
As the A/V industry continues to undergo
tremendous growth and emerging technologies
are developed, A/V professionals need to
educate themselves constantly to keep up with all
the changes. Extron respects the need for
education and carries a tradition of providing
valuable training to A/V industry members, a
tradition that continues with this brochure,
“Understanding Direct Digital Technology.”
Extron on the Web
Additional A/V educational materials
are available online at Extron’s Web site,
www.extron.com. Technology articles,
application articles, technical primers, a glossary
of A/V industry terms, Extron product
information, and numerous other training and
reference resources are accessible 24 hours a day
for your convenience. Extron regularly updates
our web site so you stay informed of all cutting-
edge technological advances and innovative
techniques.
EXTRON INFORMATION
SALES & MARKETING (USA): .............................................................................. Extron Electronics
1230 South Lewis Street
Anaheim, California 92805
Sales 714.491.1500 800.633.9876
FAX 714.491.1517
SALES & MARKETING (EUROPE): ........................................................................ Extron Electronics / Extron Europe
Beeldschermweg 6C, 3821 AH Amersfoort
The Netherlands
Sales +31.33.453.4040 800.3987.6673 (800.EXTRON.S3)
FAX +31.33.453.4050
SALES & MARKETING (ASIA): .............................................................................. Extron Electronics / Extron Asia
C1 C2 135 Joo Seng Road, #04-01, PM Industrial Building
8 Singapore 368363
Sales +65.383.4400
FAX +65.383.4664
SALES & TECHNICAL SUPPORT HOTLINE: .............................................................. USA: 800.633.9876
USA: 714.491.1500
Europe: +800.3987.6673 (800.EXTRON.S3)
Europe: +31.33.453.4040
Asia: +65.383.4400
EXTRONFAX™ 24 HOUR FAX BACK SYSTEM:...................................................... Dial 714.491.0192 and follow directions
EXTRONWEB™ 24 HOUR WEB ACCESS: ............................................................ http://www.extron.com
ORDER & SUPPORT FAX LINE: .............................................................................. USA: 714.491.1517
Europe: +31.33.453.4050
Asia: +65.383.4664
NORMAL OFFICE HOURS: .................................................................................... USA: 7:00 am – 5:30 pm (PST) Monday – Friday
Europe: 0900 – 1800 (+1 GMT) Monday – Friday
Asia: 0900 – 1800 (+9 GMT) Monday – Friday
24-HOUR SUPPORT-ON-CALL: .............................................................................. Dial 714.491.1500 then press (3)—
5:30 pm Friday thru 7:00 am Monday (PST)
Calls are returned within 30 minutes.
SPECIAL ORDERS & HANDLING: ............................................................................ Next day shipment for stock items ordered by 2:00 p.m. (PST) is standard.
A $25 (USD) special handling charge may apply for "guaranteed" next day
on special custom items and for stock items ordered after 2:00 pm (PST).
OPEN ACCOUNT INFORMATION: ............................................................................ Qualified accounts may receive NET 30 day payment terms upon approved
credit and acceptance of Extron’s international credit policy.
A hard copy PO is required by fax or mail.
SHIPPING: ............................................................................................................ Extron can ship products using any freight carrier:
UPS (Standard, Blue or Red),
FedEx, Emery, DHL, US Mail, ASG, will call, etc.
WARRANTY: ........................................................................................................ Two years parts and labor
WHAT’S INSIDE

Introducing Digital
Interfacing 2

Early Years of Computer

Video Interfacing 2

The Rise of the

VGA Standard 2

Analog vs. Digital

Displays 4

PanelLink Technology
for Digital Interfacing 6

Current Standards for

Digital Interfacing 7

Direct Digital Video

Distance Limitations 9

Final
Thoughts 10

Glossary
Of Terms 11

Extron’s Direct Digital

Products 12
DIRECT DIGITAL
UNDERSTANDING
DIRECT DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY
Introducing Digital Interfacing
Most personal computers today
start with digital video, convert it to an
analog video, and then feed the signal
to an analog monitor. Although a
computer creates video in a digital
form, the CRT monitors are analog,
making the digital to analog (D/A)
conversion necessary. More recently,
with the advent and growing
popularity of digital displays (such as
LCD and plasma displays), it made
sense to develop a direct digital
(pure digital) standard. Various
manufacturers and groups have
developed direct digital standards. Of
these, the standard that has emerged as
the most popular is the Digital Visual
Interface (DVI) standard. The DVI
standard provides several advantages
over analog video, including improved
image quality, lower cost (through the
elimination of A/D and D/A
conversion stages) and easier setup.
The Digital Visual Interface (DVI)
standard has emerged as one of the
most popular and practical options for
direct digital-to-digital connection.
Understanding this standard and what
preceded its development is key to
taking full advantage of its benefits.
The Early Years of
Computer-Video Interfacing
When computers were first
developed output was often in the
form of a printer which could print
text and limited graphics (usually
using text characters). This method
had obvious limitations and eventually
the CRT display was selected as a
display device. The CRT provided a
better interface between
computer and operator, but
most of the early CRT
displays were again used
only to display monochrome
text information and limited
graphics.
2 Extron Electronics Sales & Technical Support Hotline 800.633.9876 • www.extron.com
Computer graphics and color
became popular with the advent of
personal computers. The first IBM
personal computers used the digital
TTL signal to transmit video from the
computer to the monitor. This TTL
standard (commonly known at
CGA/EGA) worked fine for text and
limited graphics/colors. However, over
time, computer graphics became more
common, and continued to steadily
improve in quality. This in turn
required monitors to display higher
resolutions and more colors. Due to the
way that TTL worked, only a limited
number of colors could be displayed.
To allow more colors to be
displayed, it was decided to move to
an analog video standard. The result
was the VGA (Video Graphics Array)
standard. (See "Computer Standards
List" page 3).
Early computers displayed
information as monochrome text
messages. Then the development of
computer graphics created a demand
for increasingly sophisticated display
technologies, so the computer
industry worked to increase the
resolution and number of colors for
displays. Before the creation of a video
standards group, IBM was the
dominant player, developing display
resolutions such as MDA, CGA, EGA,
MCGA, and finally VGA. (See
Computer Video Standards list,
page 3.)
The Rise of the
VGA Standard
With the advent of VGA,
computers changed from outputting
TTL video signals to outputting
analog video signals, and the 9-pin D
connector was replaced by the
15-pin HD. Since the 1980s VGA (the
connector and signal combination) has
been the standard video format found
on PCs.
 HISTORY OF COMPUTER VIDEO STANDARDS
The Video Electronics Standards
1980
Association (VESA) was established in
CGA - 1981
1989 to become the standards group for
Color Graphics Adapter
video graphics. Higher standards for Text modes of 40 or 80 columns,
graphics displays continued to be by 25 lines, in 16 colors. Graphics
developed to meet the growing MDA - 1981 mode was 640 x 200 in 2 colors
Monochrome Display Adapter or 320 x 200 in 4 colors.
demand for more colors and higher Text displayed at 720 x 350.
resolutions. Additional resolutions No color or graphics.
including SVGA, XGA, SXGA, and HGC - 1982
Hercules Graphics Card
UXGA have been added, but the same Hercules Computer Technology
connector and video signal are still with a monochrome resolution of
EGA - 1984
used. The various resolutions of the 720 x 348.
Enhanced Graphics Adapter
VGA standard evolved as follows: Displayed 16 colors at the same
time, from a choice of 64, at a
resolution of 640 x 350.
VGA – 640 x 480
PGA - 1984
SVGA – 800 x 600 Professional Graphics Adapter
XGA – 1024 x 768 Used analog signals with a 9-pin D
SXGA – 1280 x 1024 MCGA - 1987 connector.
UXGA – 1600 x 1200 Multi/Color Graphics Adapter
Displayed 64 levels of grey with
16 colors at a resolution of 640 x 350.
It seemed the computer industry VGA - 1987
finally settled on VGA. Even Apple Video Graphics Adapter
Computer dropped their 15-pin D Began the series of graphics
standards used currently with
connector and switched to the 15-pin VESA - 1989 640 x 480 resolution.
HD VGA-style connector. However, Video Electronics Standards Association
VESA was established.
recently there have been significant
SVGA - 1990
challengers to the VGA standard for Super VGA
digital displays. Why change now? The Displays a resolution of 800 x 600.
main reason is the rising popularity of XGA - 1990
Extended Graphics Array
the new digital projectors and Displays a resolution of 1024 x 768.
monitors. With digital displays EVC - 1994
Enhanced Video Connector
becoming more common, and Developed by VESA to support
DDC - 1994
computers being digital to start with, it Display Data Channel
high-resolution video, multimedia,
and other signals.
makes sense to make the transition to a Developed by VESA to enable
totally digital system. communication between host
computer and display.
UXGA - 1996
Ultra Extended Graphics Array
Displays a resolution of 1600 x 1200.
EDID - 1996
Extended Display
Identification Data
Developed by VESA as a
communications protocol. P&D - 1997
Plug and Display
Developed by VESA and IBM and
uses Molex MicroCross connector.
DFP - 1999
Digital Flat Panel
Developed by VESA and DVI - 1999
based on P&D. Uses TMDS, Digital Visual Interface
DDC, and EDID standards. Developed by DDWG and based on
P&D. Uses Molex MicroCross
M1 - 1999 connector as well as TMDS, DDC,
Developed by VESA and EDID standards.
This is in proposal stages and is
targeted to the display side.
2000

Extron Electronics, Europe +31.33.453.4040 • Extron Electronics, Asia +65.383.4400 3

DIRECT DIGITAL
UNDERSTANDING
DIRECT DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY
CRT Display
An electron beam “sprays”
the screen through an
aperture grill to form the
pixels that make up an
image.
LCD Display
A digital display is laid out
like real estate. Cells are
fixed in place, each with a
unique address.
4 Extron Electronics Sales & Technical Support Hotline 800.633.9876 • www.extron.com
Analog Versus Digital—Why Go Digital?
Consider the different sounds delivered by a piano
and a violin. When a pianist strikes the keys he plays
first one tone, and then another; however, when the
violinist slides his fingers up the strings he can play not
only those same tones but all the tones in between. The
piano can be considered a digital device, delivering
exactly the tones desired, while the violin is analog, less
exact but with infinite flexibility.
In an analog display, like a CRT monitor, an electron
beam draws an image onto a screen painted with
phosphors, which emit light when struck by the beam.
The electron gun basically sprays the image onto the screen.
Within the limits of the graphics card and monitor, changing
the image resolution is simply a matter of changing the
speed and pattern with which the electron beam sprays.
A digital display is laid out like real estate. Cells
(pixels) are fixed in place, each with a unique address.
Specific picture information is delivered to each pixel
address. The advantage is that it makes a stable and precise picture
because each pixel gets only its information, and not that of its neighbor.
The disadvantage is that because the digital pixels have physical locations,
the display has a specific “native” resolution that cannot be increased. It
may, however, display a lower resolution image by using fewer pixels,
resulting in a smaller image surrounded by a black border. Images with
higher resolutions are scaled down to the native resolution of the display.
With analog video we have a variable signal that
creates an image by scanning information across a screen.
With digital video, we have fixed pixel locations, each of
which requires specific image information at a specific
time. When we convert analog video to digital video, we
must capture samples of a “moving” signal, translate the
color and intensity of each sample, and then deliver it to a
specific address on the digital display. We must also deal
with probable losses in translation. A good analogy would
be this—a story translated from English to Japanese and
then back to English would not read the same as the
original English-language story.
Currently, most desktop computers are all digital up to
the point of the video card, which provides analog output.
This means that the digital display must convert that
analog signal to digital (as illustrated in Figure 1).
If the graphics card provides direct digital output, this eliminates both
the digital-to-analog (D/A) circuits in the host computer, and the analog-
to-digital (A/D) circuits in the digital display. (See Figure 2.) If we use
direct digital computer-video interfacing, we no longer need A/D and
D/A conversion circuits, so we get a better video image at a lower cost.
However, those are only two of the benefits.
 When analog signals are sent through a
cable to the display, they are susceptible to
interference and signal degradation. Digital
signals are largely immune to such effects Digital to Analog to Digital
(subject to distance limitations, as explained on
page 9).

When a digital display, such as LCD, DLP, Digital to Analog VGA

Analog
or plasma, is used with a conventional Converter to Digital
computer that outputs analog video, various
conversions must take place. Computers have
the ability to output a number of different
Computer Graphics Card
analog video resolutions. The display device Processor, Frame Buffer
Plasma, DLP or LCD
Digital Display Controller Board
must take the computer’s image and scale it, or EDID, Clock, Decoder,Processor, ROM,
Frame Buffer, Frame Rate Conversion,
map it, to match the resolution of the display. On Screen Display, Scaler
This requires the display to first digitize the
computer video signal. Figure 1.
Digital to Analog Output
So now the computer is generating digital video and converting it to
analog, while the digital display is reversing the process, converting the
analog video back to digital video. This means a digital to analog
(D/A) converter is needed, at the computer, and an analog to digital
(A/D) converter is needed at the digital display. This adds unnecessary
cost to the system. It also means the signal has to go through two
conversions before it is displayed. Since these conversions won’t be
perfect there will be a loss in signal integrity. Finally, controls have to be
added to the digital display to help it adapt to the inexact conversion
between analog and digital. Controls such as horizontal phase, pixel
timing and pixel phase are used on digital displays to compensation for
conversion inaccuracies. These adjustments will need to be set by the
user. Once the display is properly set up, it will only be correct with the
source for it was set up for. Add a new
computer and it will likely be necessary to
readjust the digital display.
Digital to Digital
With a direct digital connection between the
display and computer, the display tells the
computer graphics card to only output a
resolution that exactly matches that of the DVI
display. This saves the display from needing Digital
Digital
to do any scaling and preserves the integrity of
the image. The direct digital standards also
specify that transmission of a pixel clock
signal, this gives the display an exact reference Computer Graphics Card Plasma, DLP or LCD
Frame Buffer, Computer Graphics Controller, Digital Display Controller Board
for the timing of the video signals and removes Display Data Channel, Transmitter Chip Receiver Chip, Computer Graphics Controller
the need for both the pixel phase and
horizontal phase controls. Figure 2.
Digital Output
The data can be sent directly from the computer to the display in
digital form. The computer can directly send the display a pure digital
signal so there is no need for D/A and A/D conversion, or for the
display to be set up by the user.

Extron Electronics, Europe +31.33.453.4040 • Extron Electronics, Asia +65.383.4400 5

DIRECT DIGITAL
UNDERSTANDING
DIRECT DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY

PanelLink Technology for can be transmitted over twisted pair

Digital Interfacing
For direct digital interfacing, Silicon
Image developed PanelLink, a
proprietary electrical driver/receiver
technology trademarked for the digital
display market. PanelLink provides the
plug-and-play advantage for purely
digital interfacing. Plug and play is
accomplished when the graphics
controller host uses a PanelLink
transmitter and the flat panel display
uses a PanelLink receiver. The computer
and digital display communicate so that
the display identifies itself to the
computer, and then the computer sends
out the proper video signal to match the
native resolution of the display. There is
nothing to adjust or set up.
Transition Minimized Differential
Signaling (TMDS) is the electrical
standard used by PanelLink for trans-
mitting digital video. Due to its
minimized transitions, which allows for
faster signals, and its differential
circuitry, the limited amplitude signals
wires as opposed to more expensive
cables. (TMDS uses differential
signaling, which involves the use of a
pair of wires for the TMDS signal. Since
electrical noise induced into the pair of
wires affects both wires, it does not
create a voltage differential between
them, so the noise will not be passed
through. Consequently, twisted pair
wires instead of more expensive, higher-
quality coaxial cables may be used.)
Sync and video information (data) is
serialized and sent over three lines, with
a fourth line for a clock signal. In other
words, the transmission takes place over
three sets of twisted pair wires for
picture data and sync, plus another set
for timing. At the same time, a Display
Data Channel (DDC) line keeps the host
computer and display in constant
communication with each other, using
Extended Display Identification Data
(EDID) protocol. This allows the
computer to control the display. It also
allows the display to identify itself to the

DVI Computer to
Projector Connection

DVI-D Connector Up to 10 Meter Cable DVI-D Connector

Red Data Image Data

R R
Computer 8 - 16 Parallel to Serial to 24 - 48 Computer
Graphics Serial Parallel Graphics
Controller Green Data Encoder Decoder Clock Controller
G G
8 - 16

Blue Data Control

B B
8 - 16

Clock
Clk. Clk.
Controls

3 Data Pairs
Display
PLL & 1 Clock Pair PLL
Data
for Minimum
Channel
Transmitter Chip Configuration Receiver Chip
(DDC)
DDC Data
DDC Clock
Computer Graphics Processing Projector Graphics Processing

6 Extron Electronics Sales & Technical Support Hotline 800.633.9876 • www.extron.com

computer. DDC is bi-directional
communication that occurs between a
computer and a display, and EDID is a
communications protocol or instruction
set that identifies display devices to
computers via DDC.
Higher-resolution digital displays
require more pixel information in the
same amount of time. This demands a
faster data rate and higher bandwidth,
which requires more expensive circuits
and higher quality cables. An
alternative to the higher bandwidth
requirement is to use twice as many
data lines, like adding lanes to a
highway to enable more traffic at the
same flow rate. DFP/DVI has two
configurations depending on the
bandwidth; a three-line method and a
six-line method. The three-line method
is called single-link, and the six-line
method is called dual-link.
The TMDS signal format allows
for high-speed data transfer up to
1.6 gigabits/second per link. The chart
(below, right) shows a cross-reference
of typical computer resolutions and
refresh rates versus the number of links
required. A single-link system should
suffice for computers and workstations
PanelLink technology.
Because PanelLink signals are
differential, each signal requires two
pins (+ and -). Also, each pair has a
shield. Two pins are used for DDC
communications, and the hot-plug
detect pin complies with the VESA
Plug & Display (P&D) standard.
The DVI and DFP standards differ
in connector type and pin-out configu-
ration. For the DFP standard, VESA
picked a 20-pin MDR (mini-D ribbon)
connector, which only carries direct
digital video signals for PanelLink
single-link (the DFP connector does not
offer enough pins for dual-link).
The DVI-I connector offers more
versatility because it allows analog
VGA signals to be run alongside digital
video signals. Like the term “VGA,”
the term DVI refers to both the signal
and the particular connector and pin
configuration used. There are two
3
single link

running resolutions up to and Single

Copper barrier
2
including 1280 x 1024, and depending channel ls)
Selective refresh
nne els)
on the refresh rate, a single-link system bandwidth cha chann
[Gbs] li n k (3
wo links (6
can even handle 1600 x 1200. 1 DS T
e TM
On

Current Connectivity 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350

Standards for Digital Pixel Bandwidth [MPix/sec]

Interfacing Refresh rates

60 Hz LCD
There have been a number of direct 5% Blanking
digital standards created: Sony’s 60 Hz CRT
GTF Blanking
Gigabit Video Interface (GVIF), the 75 Hz CRT
Digital Display Working Group’s GTF Blanking
85 Hz CRT
(DDWG) Digital Visual Interface (DVI), GTF Blanking
and VESA’s Digital Flat Panel (DFP).
Of these, the DVI and DFP standards Legend: VGA (640x480) SXGA (1280x1024) QXGA (2048x1536)
are the most popular, and both use SVGA (800x600) UXGA (1600x1200)
XGA (1024x768) HDTV (1920x1080)

Extron Electronics, Europe +31.33.453.4040 • Extron Electronics, Asia +65.383.4400 7

DIRECT DIGITAL
UNDERSTANDING
DIRECT DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY

C1 C2
1 8 1 8

9 9
types of DVI connectors: the 24-pin
17 24 17 24
C5 DVI-D connector and the 29-pin DVI-I
C3 C4
DVI-D Receptacle Connector DVI-I Receptacle Connector connector. Both DVI connectors carry the
Pin Signal Pin Signal Pin Signal
TMDS video information on the pins
1 TMDS Data 2- 11
TMDS Data 1/3
21 TMDS Data 5+
marked Data 0, 1, and 2 when a single-
Shield

2 TMDS Data2+ 12 TMDS Data 3- 22 TMDS Clock Shield

link system is employed. Pins marked
3
TMDS Data 2/4
13 TMDS Data 3+ 23 TMDS Clock+
Data 3, 4, and 5 are used in addition for
Shield

4 TMDS Data 4- 14 +5 V Power 24 TMDS Clock-

a dual-link system. The DVI-D
5 TMDS Data4+ 15
Ground (+5 V,
C1
Analog Red Video connector is a single- or dual-link, direct
Analog H/V Sync) Out

6 DDC Clock 16 Hot Plug Detect C2

Analog Green digital video only connector. The 29-pin
Video Out
Analog Blue Video
DVI-I connector carries single- or dual-
7 DDC Data 17 TMDS Data 0- C3
Out
link direct digital video signals on 23
Analog Vertical Analog Horizontal
8
Sync
18 TMDS Data 0+ C4
Sync pins and a ground on one pin, while
9 TMDS Data 1- 19
TMDS Data 0/5
Shield C5
Analog Common
Ground Return (R,
analog video signals are carried on the
10 TMDS Data 1+ 20 TMDS Data 5- G, B Video Out)
five remaining pins.
There are manufacturers, such as
ATI and Matrox, who produce graphics
10 1
cards with digital video output and
20 11
may also include analog video output
DFP Receptacle Connector
for the sake of compatibility. The DVI-I
Pin Signal Pin Signal Pin Signal connector enables combination digital
1 TX Data 1+ 8 Logic +5VDC 15 TX Data 0+ and analog video systems to be
2 TX Data 1- 9 NC 16 TX Data 0-
employed during the transition period
3 Shield 1 10 NC 17 NC
from analog to digital video. There are
4 Shield Clock 11 TX Data 2+ 18 Hot Plug Detect

5 TX Clock + 12 TX Data 2- 19 DDC2B Data

graphics cards which can output digital
6 TX Clock - 13 Shield 2 20 DDC2B Clock video to a DFP connector and analog
7 Logic Ground 14 Shield 0
video to a 15-pin HD connector. For
combination digital and analog video
systems, using both the DFP connector
1 10 C1 C2 and a 15-pin HD connector is an
alternative to using the DVI-I
C5
21 30
C3 C4
connector.
M1 Connector Since DVI and DFP both use
Pin Signal Pin Signal Pin Signal
PanelLink technology, adapters may be
1 TMDS Data 2+ 13
TMDS Data
25 DDC & USB Return
used to convert DFP connectors to DVI
1 Shield/Return

2 TMDS Data 2- 14 TMDS Clock + 26 DDC Data (SDA)

connectors, and vice versa, depending
3
TMDS Data
2 Shield/Return
15 TMDS Clock - 27 DDC Clock (SCL) on an A/V system’s needs.
4 H & V Sync Return 16 USB Data + 28 DDC +5V DC Output While DVI and DFP standards are
5 H Sync 17 USB Data - 29 TMDS Data 5+ targeted at the computer side of the
6 V Sync 18 TMDS Data 3, 4, 5
Shield/Return
30 TMDS Data 5- direct digital interfacing connection,
7
TMDS Clock
19 TMDS Data 4+ C1 Red Video In
VESA’s new proposal, M1, is targeted
Shield/Return

Hot Plug Detect

at the display side. M1, a connector
8 20 TMDS Data 4- C2 Green Video In
(+5V DC Output)
system being developed to simplify
9 TMDS Data 3+ 21 TMDS Data 0+ C3 Analog Cable Detect
monitor connections, supports analog
10 TMDS Data 3- 22 TMDS Data 0- C4 Blue Video In
and digital video interfacing. It allows
TMDS Data 0
11 TMDS Data 1+ 23
Shield/Return
C5 Video Return
any computer using a 15-pin HD, DVI,
Cable Outer Shield,
12 TMDS Data 1- 24 USB +5V DC
Input
Shell
USB Pair Shield DFP, or USB connector to connect to a
port on the monitor.

8 Extron Electronics Sales & Technical Support Hotline 800.633.9876 • www.extron.com


Direct Digital Video Distance
Limitations
As with all high speed digital signals, the direct
digital video output signals are only good for
short distances, usually less than 15 feet. What
happens when you need to send the direct digital
signal to a direct digital display mounted in the
ceiling or at the opposite end of the room? Unlike
analog signals, digital signals do not decrease
gradually as distance increases; a digital signal
experiences amplitude loss and edge degradation
causing the digital receiver to drop out of sync and
not acquire the signal properly. This is referred to
as the “cliff effect.” However, we can send digital
video signals further when we use a long distance
transmitter and receiver set. Extron offers the
DDTX/DDRX, a direct digital transmitter-receiver
set designed for long-distance transmission of DFP
or DVI signals between a source and direct digital
display. Extron’s DDTX/DDRX and DDTX/DDRX
DVI are two-device sets that enable long-distance,
Digital Video Output
D/2 DA4 DVI
DVI Cables
Digital Projector Digital Projector
Up to 330' with
Extron Super High
Resolution Cable
BNC-4 Coax Cable
Extron Electronics, Europe +31.33.453.4040 • Extron Electronics, Asia +65.383.4400
lossless transmission of direct digital video
signals between a digital video source and a
digital display. Each set consists of a direct digital
transmitter (DDTX) and direct digital receiver
(DDRX), both capable of handling bit rates up to
1.6 gigabits/sec/color. The DDTX/DDRX DVI
and DDTX/DDRX extend the distance range of
DVI and DFP up to 330 feet using Extron’s Super
High Resolution cable, or 150 feet using Extron’s
High Resolution cable.
What if we want to send the same signal to
more than one digital display, or what if we want
to display the digital image on a projector and a
local monitor? Most graphics cards cannot handle
the extra load. Extron’s D/2 DA4 and D/2 DA4
DVI are one input, four output direct digital distri-
bution amplifiers. The D/2 DA4 DVI and
D/2 DA4 accept DVI or DFP signals, respectively,
from a computer and distribute up to four
identical, independently buffered outputs for cable
runs of up to 15 feet. The D/2 DA4 DVI and
D/2 DA4 accept transition minimized differential
DDTX DVI
Comm-Link Cable
DDRX DVI
DVI cable
Ceiling
Digital Projector
9
DIRECT DIGITAL
UNDERSTANDING
DIRECT DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY
A Quick Evolution of
Computer Video
• Computers operate using
digital information (bits,
bytes, etc.). Early com-
puters displayed informa-
tion with blinking lights
or on printed paper (no
monitors).
• When displays (monitors)
were added to computer
systems, the logical
choice was to use analog
technology, based upon
existing CRT (cathode ray
tube) technology used
in television and test
equipment.
• The computer graphics
circuits had to convert
the digital information to
analog technology for
display on the CRT.
• Computer video devel-
oped greater refinements
for displaying higher and
higher quality graphics.
CRT monitors and graphics
cards became larger and
more refined to keep up
with the demand.
• Digital displays were
invented, but they
weren’t very good at
first. They became more
refined, especially with
the popularity of laptop
computers.
• Digital projectors were
invented and refined to
fill the need to take com-
puter video on the road.
• Graphics cards still convert
the computer’s digital
information to analog for
display on a monitor. The
analog signal must then
be converted back to
digital for digital displays.
• The cost of D/A and A/D
conversion is not only in
dollars, but also in the
loss of signal quality and
setup time.
Welcome
Direct Digital Interfacing
10
signaling (TMDS) DVI and DFP signals, Final Thoughts
both at a bit rate of up to 1.6
A/V products continue to evolve as
gigabits/sec/color.
advances occur in research and manu-
For more versatility, a transmitter/
facturing. With the advent of all-digital
receiver set can be used in conjunction
interfacing, we can look forward to a
with a direct digital distribution
future of consistently high-quality
amplifier. A single digital video signal
computer video images effortlessly
can be distributed to three local
displayed on digital projectors and
devices, as well as to a direct digital
monitors at low costs.
transmitter for transmission to a
distant display. Similarly, the original
signal can be transmitted over a
distance to a direct digital receiver,
which then distributes it to four
separate displays at that remote
location.
Users should be aware of two
related concerns when using DVI. First,
DVI displays accept only one
resolution. If a flat panel monitor is
rated at 1024 x 768, then that is the only
resolution it can handle. This is
important to remember when video is
distributed to multiple displays. All
displays in a distribution system must
have the same native resolution.
A second concern is DDC communi-
cations. When a DVI display is
connected to a computer, the display
identifies itself to the computer through
DDC and EDID, indicating which
resolution it can accept. Then the
computer graphics card will send out
the appropriate resolution in response.
This DDC link must be active at boot-up
for proper display operation because
the computer will not send out any
signal unless it receives a DDC signal.
Extron’s D/2 DA4 handles the DDC
signal by linking display number one to
the computer. The computer will send
out video at the resolution required by
this display, so the other displays
(numbers two through four) must have
native resolutions identical to the native
resolution of display number one.
Extron Electronics Sales & Technical Support Hotline 800.633.9876 • www.extron.com
Glossary
Display Data Channel (DDC)
Developed by VESA, DDC is a standard for
bi-directional communications between a
computer and a display. DDC is the standard
that makes Plug and Play possible for
computer displays.
Digital Display Working Group (DDWG)
The DDWG develops standards for digital
displays. Member companies include Compaq,
Fujitsu, Hewlett Packard, IBM, Intel, NEC, and
Silicon Image.
Digital Flat Panel (DFP)
DFP is a digital video connectivity standard
developed by VESA. DFP uses a 20-pin MDR
connector and TMDS technology. DFP uses
DDC and EDID VESA standards for configura-
tion management. DFP also supports Hot Plug
Detection for compatibility with the P&D
VESA standard.
Digital Flat Panel (DFP) Group
The DFP Group supports the DFP standard
and includes members such as Acer, Belkin,
Compaq, Diamond, Fujitsu, Matrox, Princeton
Graphic, Siemens, Taxan, and ViewSonic.
Dot clock
Also referred to as “pixel clock.” The dot clock
is the timing device in a graphics card that
determines the pixel resolution. The dot clock
runs at a rate that produces the highest possi-
ble pixel resolution for that device. In a digital
projector, the dot clock samples the analog
video at a rate that produces the resultant pixel
resolution.
Digital Visual Interface (DVI)
DVI is a digital video connectivity standard
developed by DDWG. This standard offers a
24-pin, digital only, DVI-D connector and a
29-pin, digital and analog, DVI-I connector.
Like DFP, DVI uses TMDS technology and
DDC and EDID VESA standards for configura-
tion management. DVI also supports Hot Plug
Detection for compatibility with the P&D
VESA standard.
Extron Electronics, Europe +31.33.453.4040 • Extron Electronics, Asia +65.383.4400
Extended Display Identification Data (EDID)
EDID is a communications protocol or
instruction set developed by VESA for the
identification of displays to computers via DDC
communications.
Gigabit Video Interface (GVIF)
GVIF is a transmission and connectivity
standard developed by Sony. GVIF is used for
digital video connectivity on Sony VAIO
desktop computer systems and Sony laptop
computers. It is not used much outside of Japan.
Mini-D ribbon (MDR)
MDR is the connector type used for the DFP
standard.
M1
The M1 display interface system is being devel-
oped by VESA to simplify monitor connections,
the M1 connector system is a display-side
standard that supports analog and digital video
interfacing. It allows any computer using a
15-pin HD, DVI, DFP, or USB connector to
connect to a port on its monitor.
Plug and Display (P&D)
P&D is a standard that simplifies cable routing
between the PC and other devices. A hub
located at the monitor distributes all signals to
separate connectors for attachment to the
appropriate devices.
PanelLink
PanelLink is the marketing name for Silicon
Image’s TMDS transmission technology.
Transition Minimized
Differential Signaling (TMDS)
Developed by Silicon Image, TMDS is a propri-
etary electrical driver/receiver technology for
digital video transmission. TMDS is marketed
as PanelLink.
11
 DIRECT DIGITAL
DIGITAL VIDEO INTERFACING
Extron is your source for long-distance transmission and distribution solutions to your
direct digital video needs. Below are Extron’s Direct Digital products.
DDTX DVI (Transmitter)
DDRX DVI (Receiver)
D/2 DA4 DVI (Distribution Amplifier)
DDTX (Transmitter)
DDRX (Receiver)
D/2 DA4 (Distribution Amplifier)
12 Extron Electronics Sales & Technical Support Hotline 800.633.9876 • www.extron.com
DDTX/DDRX DVI
Direct Digital Transmitter/Direct Digital Receiver for DVI Signals
Part number: 60-316-02
• Direct digital video transmitter-receiver set
• Compatible with direct digital sources and direct digital displays
• Perfect for long-distance transmission of DVI signals between a source and direct
digital display
• Using the DDTX/DDRX DVI, direct digital signals are able to travel up to 330 feet
(100 meters), depending on the type and quality of cable used
• Extron’s exclusive digital technology compensates for signal loss and ringing
D/2 DA4 DVI
Direct Digital Distribution Amplifier for DVI Signals
Part number: 60-315-02
• One input, four output, direct digital distribution amplifier
• Distributes PanelLink signals to up to four identical, independently buffered outputs
for cable runs up to 15 feet (4.6 meters)
• Ideal for applications using multiple direct digital monitors or projectors with
identical resolutions and refresh rates
DDTX/DDRX
Direct Digital Transmitter/Direct Digital Receiver for DFP Signals
Part number: 60-316-01
• Direct digital video transmitter-receiver set
• Compatible with direct digital sources and direct digital displays
• Perfect for long-distance transmission of DFP signals between a source and direct
digital display
• Using the DDTX/DDRX, direct digital signals are able to travel up to 330 feet
(100 meters), depending on the type and quality of cable used
• Extron’s exclusive digital technology compensates for signal loss and ringing
D/2 DA4
Direct Digital Distribution Amplifier for DFP Signals
Part number: 60-315-01
• One input, four output, direct digital distribution amplifier
• Compatible with direct digital sources and direct digital displays
• Distributes PanelLink signals to up to four identical, independently buffered outputs
for cable runs up to 15 feet (4.6 meters)
• Ideal for applications using multiple direct digital monitors or projectors with
identical resolutions and refresh rates
http://www.extron.com/ddtx
http://www.extron.com/d2da4
 Our Commitment
to your education
E
xtron Electronics was founded in
1983 and started by manufac-
turing computer interfaces,
which allow computer video to be
displayed on CRT video projectors.
At that time, video projectors on the
market could only display standard
video signals (such as television
signals); they were unable to display
computer graphics. With the personal computer1
market just beginning to take off, Extron’s
founders foresaw what a valuable training tool
projected computer images would be when incor-
porated into a presentation. From a garage in
Southern California, this concept developed into
the RGB 100, the industry’s first computer-video
interface. Since then, Extron Electronics has
grown into the premier manufacturer in the
audio/visual industry for interfacing, switching,
distribution, and signal conversion products.
As the A/V industry continues to undergo
tremendous growth and emerging technologies
are developed, A/V professionals need to
educate themselves constantly to keep up with all
the changes. Extron respects the need for
education and carries a tradition of providing
valuable training to A/V industry members, a
tradition that continues with this brochure,
“Understanding Direct Digital Technology.”
Extron on the Web
Additional A/V educational materials
are available online at Extron’s Web site,
www.extron.com. Technology articles,
application articles, technical primers, a glossary
of A/V industry terms, Extron product
information, and numerous other training and
reference resources are accessible 24 hours a day
for your convenience. Extron regularly updates
our web site so you stay informed of all cutting-
edge technological advances and innovative
techniques.
EXTRON INFORMATION
SALES & MARKETING (USA): .............................................................................. Extron Electronics
1230 South Lewis Street
Anaheim, California 92805
Sales 714.491.1500 800.633.9876
FAX 714.491.1517
SALES & MARKETING (EUROPE): ........................................................................ Extron Electronics / Extron Europe
Beeldschermweg 6C, 3821 AH Amersfoort
The Netherlands
Sales +31.33.453.4040 800.3987.6673 (800.EXTRON.S3)
FAX +31.33.453.4050
SALES & MARKETING (ASIA): .............................................................................. Extron Electronics / Extron Asia
C1 C2 135 Joo Seng Road, #04-01, PM Industrial Building
8 Singapore 368363
Sales +65.383.4400
FAX +65.383.4664
SALES & TECHNICAL SUPPORT HOTLINE: .............................................................. USA: 800.633.9876
USA: 714.491.1500
Europe: +800.3987.6673 (800.EXTRON.S3)
Europe: +31.33.453.4040
Asia: +65.383.4400
EXTRONFAX™ 24 HOUR FAX BACK SYSTEM:...................................................... Dial 714.491.0192 and follow directions
EXTRONWEB™ 24 HOUR WEB ACCESS: ............................................................ http://www.extron.com
ORDER & SUPPORT FAX LINE: .............................................................................. USA: 714.491.1517
Europe: +31.33.453.4050
Asia: +65.383.4664
NORMAL OFFICE HOURS: .................................................................................... USA: 7:00 am – 5:30 pm (PST) Monday – Friday
Europe: 0900 – 1800 (+1 GMT) Monday – Friday
Asia: 0900 – 1800 (+9 GMT) Monday – Friday
24-HOUR SUPPORT-ON-CALL: .............................................................................. Dial 714.491.1500 then press (3)—
5:30 pm Friday thru 7:00 am Monday (PST)
Calls are returned within 30 minutes.
SPECIAL ORDERS & HANDLING: ............................................................................ Next day shipment for stock items ordered by 2:00 p.m. (PST) is standard.
A $25 (USD) special handling charge may apply for "guaranteed" next day
on special custom items and for stock items ordered after 2:00 pm (PST).
OPEN ACCOUNT INFORMATION: ............................................................................ Qualified accounts may receive NET 30 day payment terms upon approved
credit and acceptance of Extron’s international credit policy.
A hard copy PO is required by fax or mail.
SHIPPING: ............................................................................................................ Extron can ship products using any freight carrier:
UPS (Standard, Blue or Red),
FedEx, Emery, DHL, US Mail, ASG, will call, etc.
WARRANTY: ........................................................................................................ Two years parts and labor
 Revision 2

DIRECT DIGITAL
TECHNOLOGY
Extron Electronics, USA
1230 South Lewis Street, Anaheim, CAA 92805
800.633.9876 714.491.1500
F X 714.491.1517
FAX
USA

Beeldschermweg 6C, 3821 AH Amersfoort An Application Guide to the

F X +31.33.453.4050
FAX
The Netherlands
Digital Interface Standards
Extron Electronics, Asia
PM Industrial Bldg.
for PC Displays
+65.383.4400
F +65.383.4664
Singapore 368363

Extron Electronics Information

Extron ™: www.extr
w on.com
w.extr
E A
AX
—
—worldwide!

00-10
68-502-01
Copyright © 2000 Extron Electronics. All rights reserved.
Rev. B All trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners.