The Extron ISS 608 is an eight-input seamless switcher for the dynamic presentation of HDMI and DisplayPort content at resolutions up to 4K/60. It combines true seamless switching with advanced Vector™ 4K scaling technology. To enhance source switching and facilitate use in live environments, it provides multiple seamless transition effects, an independent preview output, and intuitive front panel operation. RS‑232 and Ethernet are additional control options. Logo insertion, video keying, and PIP capabilities complement primary content, and audio de‑embedding simplifies integration. Matrix Mode adds automatic, seamless transitions to matrix switchers with HDMI outputs. These features and capabilities enable the ISS 608 to deliver a true seamless digital signal switching solution perfect for high-end, live presentation environments.

Digital Connectivity with Preview and Program Outputs

Six HDMI 2.0 and two DisplayPort 1.2 inputs support signals up to 4096x2160 at 60 Hz with 4:4:4 color sampling. HDCP 2.3 compliance ensures compatibility with high value, encrypted 4K content. Separate Preview and Program outputs enable the operator to review sources on a local monitor before switching them to the viewing audience, making the ISS 608 ideal for live presentation environments. Selectable “Stay” and “Swap” modes allow the operator to choose whether the selected Preview source is retained after a switch, or replaced by the outgoing Program source.

Seamless Transitions and Presentation Effects

The ISS 608 enhances the delivery of any presentation by providing a wide variety of switching and visual effects. Multiple transition effects, including wipes with selectable direction and duration, a dissolve with selectable duration, and a seamless cut eliminate distracting jumps, glitches, and delays for clean, seamless source switching. A company logo or other custom graphic can be stored and recalled for insertion into any presentation. Multiple keying options enable the operator to overlay live content, scrolling text, or a stored graphic onto another source to enhance on-screen messaging. Picture-in-picture — PIP mode facilitates insertion of a PIP window that can be sized and positioned dynamically anywhere on the main display, including side-by-side, and transitioned into and out of the main display using the dissolve effect. The 128 user-definable layout presets and 16 PIP presets provide fast access to commonly used configurations and minimize risk of error during a live event.

Vector 4K Scaling

The ISS 608 switcher incorporates the Extron-exclusive Vector 4K scaling engine, developed in-house and engineered to deliver best-in-class image upscaling and downscaling. Vector 4K embodies several Extron-patented scaling technologies plus a new set of image processing algorithms that deliver uncompromising scaling performance. This enables sharp, accurate 4:4:4 processing and scaling of video and computer video signals up to 4K, as well as downscaling of 4K source signals for display in small windows or on lower-resolution displays without losing critical image detail.

Matrix Mode

Matrix Mode provides production-style switching effects for any HDMI matrix switcher. Connect two switcher outputs to inputs 1 and 2 on the ISS 608 to automatically apply a transition effect between the video sources when a switch is detected.

High Performance Video Processing

Selectable FILL and FOLLOW modes maintain proper aspect ratio of the output. FILL mode provides full screen output, while FOLLOW mode preserves the original aspect ratio of the input signal. Deep Color processing and high-performance deinterlacing of interlaced signals up to 1080i deliver optimal image quality for all content. Automatic 3:2 and 2:2 pulldown detection maximizes image quality for content sources originating from film. Additionally, the color space and chroma sampling of the HDMI output can be set to ensure compatibility with a connected DVI or HDMI display.

Audio Management

Embedded multi-channel HDMI and DisplayPort audio is switched, along with video, to the Preview and Program HDMI outputs. During a dissolve or wipe, the switcher performs an audio fade down/fade up transition for the duration of the video effect. The ISS 608 includes convenient balanced/unbalanced analog audio outputs on captive screw connectors for sending de‑embedded two‑channel audio to a sound system or other audio destination. Audio output muting can be independently managed for both analog and embedded digital outputs.

Built for Easy Source Integration, Reliable Operation, and Quick Switching

To simplify integration and to ensure optimal system performance and dependability, the ISS 608 features three Extron technologies: EDID Minder^®, Key Minder^®, and SpeedSwitch^®. EDID Minder manages EDID communication between the display devices and input sources to ensure that content is displayed at the optimum resolution. Key Minder authenticates and maintains continuous HDCP encryption between input and output devices to facilitate quick and reliable switching. SpeedSwitch delivers exceptional, virtually instantaneous switching between sources with HDCP-encrypted content.

Multiple Options for Control and Operation

The ISS 608 features an easy-to-use interface with discrete source selectors for preview and program outputs, effect and preset selection buttons, and a front panel LCD menu system with navigation controls for quick access to configuration settings. RS‑232 and Ethernet are additional control options. The ISS 608 can be configured via USB and Ethernet using Extron's PCS - Product Configuration Software, which provides a user-friendly GUI that is very easy to navigate. This software application allows for expedited setup and commissioning, real-time monitoring, plus the ability to configure several ISS 608 units in the same session.