HDMI Case Studies
The Longest HDTV Display Wall in Malaysia
PCOM Pacific Sdn Bhd is the leading company specializing in Digital AV solutions in Malaysia.
Job
GIRAFFE™ Digital AV Solution proposed to Desa Home Theatre, to display HD content on 102 HDTVs, delivering true excitement, satisfaction and impact to the consumer while maximizing HDTV sales.
Challenges
Desa Home Theatre's Managing Director, Jack Tan, worked with Hermes Hue Zi Xiang, Sales Consultant at GIRAFFE™ Digital AV Solution, to discuss how to connect 102 HDTVs in different locations to a common HDMI source. The key challenges that were exposed were:
1) Interoperability: with 102 HDTVs, 18 HDMI distribution amps, and four HDMI source devices, all from a variety of manufacturers, there was a risk that incorrect EDID coding and HDCP authentication failures could compromise the system.
2) Video and audio quality: delivering the highest possible video and audio quality across all these devices, and across 80-meter display walls.
3) Cost minimization: to reduce the number of HDMI cables and HDMI distribution amps used, placement of the distribution amps was an important factor in minimizing cost, in order to minimize the total cable length required.
Solution
To handle a system of this size, we decided to cascade 16 units of 1x8 HDMI DA and 2 units of 1x4 HDMI DA. Before we began to install, we tested the entire system with all the equipment and cables at the corresponding lengths that would be required. 
After everything was hooked up, the system was calibrated step by step.
First, we needed to ensure that the video and audio signals were at optimum levels. We started with 1080p, but some of the HDTVs (HD-Ready) could not handle the signal, since HD-Ready TVs can only display 1080i. Since the split signals must be in the same format, all the TVs are now displaying at 1080i. For the audio signal, PCM Stereo audio format was selected, since all the HDMI cables are connected to the HDTVs but not to any AV receiver. Second, we tested for the EDID implementation issue. One HDTV was showing the incorrect color and two were displaying the wrong resolution which was out of scale. This problem was resolved with a firmware update on the HDMI DA and switcher. As a result, the video signal with correct color space and resolution were successfully transmitted to all the HDTVs. Third, we tested the HDCP function called “authenticate forever.” 
We kept swapping the four HDMI sources to ensure that the devices could consistently send the inquiring signal, even while another input was in use. The switching time is around 4 seconds, and the signal takes around 15 seconds to reach all the HDTVs. Fourth, we had to minimize cost by choosing the best locations to place the HDMI DAs and thus determine HDMI cable lengths. The right location can reduce the usage of longer HDMI cables. However, the HDMI cable lengths used must not compromise system flexibility, since the models of displayed HDTVs will change from time to time, and the HDMI input ports might be located at difference points on the HDTVs (left side, bottom right, etc). Finally, after confirming that the entire system was running well, we installed all the HDMI cables, HDMI distribution amps and switcher.
Layout Drawing > (PDF)
Products
Sony, Samsung, Philips, Panasonic, Toshiba, Pioneer, LG and Haier (102 different models, from 32-inch to 60-inch); 1 unit GIRAFFE™ 4x2 HDMI Switcher; 2 unit GIRAFFE™ 1x4 HDMI DA; 16 units GIRAFFE™ 1x8 HDMI DA; 50 units GIRAFFE™ High Speed HDMI Cable, 2m; 52 units GIRAFFE™ High Speed HDMI Cable, 3m; 18 units GIRAFFE™ High Speed HDMI Cable, 5m; 1 units GIRAFFE™ High Speed HDMI Cable, 10m; 2 unit GIRAFFE™ High Speed HDMI Cable, 15m; 1 units GIRAFFE™ High Speed HDMI Cable, 20m; 1 each Samsung Blu-ray player, TVIX media player, Satellite TV setup box, and Sony PS3
Industry
This job turned out to be the longest HDTV display wall in Malaysia! According to Jack Tan, the digital display across 102 units of HDTVs has greatly impressed and impacted consumers and the public. As result, Desa's HDTV sales increased 10%-12% in the first three months, and HDMI cable sales also experienced an increase of 20%.
Lessons Learned
HDMI digital transmission is an investment rather than an expense. Even though the cost may seems high compared to conventional analog signal transmission, in the long run, HDMI is the most effective and cost-efficient solution in today's AV market, able to deliver Return on Investment in term of business revenue, image and positioning.
Company Description
PCOM Pacific Sdn Bhd is the leading company specializing in Digital AV solutions in Malaysia.
Service Area
Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippine
The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the author and do
not necessarily represent the views and opinions of HDMI Licensing, LLC,
the HDMI Founders or any of their respective parent organizations or
affiliates.