This article indicates additional HDMI information for the ICG Connect System as well as the older ICG MyRide Media Server.
When a customer would like to connect two or more displays (TV) to the ICG Myride Media Server, there are a couple of items which need to be understood to make sure this setup will work properly to display the content from the Media Server. Note: This information is only given for directional guidance. The exact setup has to be managed and validated by a local Audio Video (A/V) expert and is not the responsibility of Life Fitness.
Single TV setup with the ICG Myride Media Server
In a normal single TV (or Projector) setup, the ICG Myride Media Server will provide a HDMI EDID "handshake" with the TV, to make sure the ideal resolution and frequency is chosen between the 2 devices. Ex. Resolution: 1080p / Frequency: 60 fps (frames per second)
This "handshake" can only be done when the TV is already ON, while the Media Server is starting up.
If the TV is turned on AFTER the Media Server is being turned on, this handshake is not executed, which could mean that the TV shows the content in an incorrect resolution or not at all.
Note: Some older and non-premium brand TV's may not support EDID at all, which could also cause display issues in combination with the Media Server.
HDMI EDID
HDMI EDID (Extended Display Identification Data) is an HDMI protocol which makes sure that the Video source (ICG Myride Media Server, BluRay player, Laptop, Game console, etc.) can forward the video signal so that the Video Display (TV, Monitor, Projector, etc.) will display it correctly.
This is done through a "Handshake" between the 2 devices, whereby the capabilities of both devices are checked and the best setup between them is chosen to display the content.
The following are some of the variables which are checked within HDMI EDID:
- EDID Version
- Manufacturer ID
- Model Number
- Serial Number
- Video Resolutions (& frequencies)
- Video Timing Bitmaps and Descriptors
- Chromaticity Coordinates
- Video Field Rates
- White Point Descriptors
- Display Power Management Info
Check the HDMI EDID Wiki for more background information.
Multiple TV's setup with the ICG Myride Media Server
For the ability to show the same video content on multiple TV's simultaneously, an HDMI Splitter or HDMI Switch is needed.
When multiple TV's need to be connected to the ICG Myride Media Server for content displayed on multiple TV's simultaneously, the Media Server will get into trouble as it now receives the HDMI EDID information from 2 or more devices simultaneously. The ICG Myride Media Server will pick the EDID information of just one of the TV's and use that to display the video content on all connected TV's, which can lead to displaying issues (false resolution, distorted, or no picture).
- Even if the TV's are identical in Brand and Model, it doesn't mean that their EDID signature is the same.
- In cases where the Media Server has to be rebooted, it now can also pick the EDID information from another TV, maybe creating other displaying issues.
For the ICG Myride Media Server to broadcast video content correctly to all connected TV's, the Media Server needs to be connected to a "EDID Emulator" or "EDID Ghost":
An EDID Emulator is a piece of hardware, or software which emulates the EDID information of one Video display which is then transmitted to the Video source, in this case the Media Server. It does not matter what video display(s) are connected to the other side of the EDID Emulator since it will only forward that single EDID setup it was programmed with. EDID Emulators can be separate devices, but can also be integrated into HDMI splitters, switches, etc.
See the following EDID Emulator and the Media Server setup example shown below:
EDID Emulator Requirements
The minimum requirements for an EDID Emulator to work correctly in combination with the ICG Myride Media Server are:
- Support at least 1 of the resolution & frequency standards of the Media Server
- Storing of the EDID setup, so that the EDID setup is unchanged after possible power cycles (reboot) of any of the hardware within the HDMI circuit.