Extron DSC 401 A 4K/60 HDMI to HDMI Scaler w/ Audio

The Extron DSC 401 A are high-performance scalers capable of converting between HDMI resolutions up to 4K/60 with full 4:4:4 color sampling. They support data rates up to 18 Gbps and incorporate the Extron-exclusive Vector™ 4K scaling technology, which is engineered for critical-quality 4K applications. Both HDCP 2.3‑compliant models support 4K/60 signals on a single connection and provide many integrator-friendly features, such as on‑screen display, internal test patterns, and status LEDs. The DSC 401 A features audio embedding and de‑embedding, logo image keying and display, input presets, audio file playback, and Ethernet control with PoE. The DSC 401 and DSC 401 A scalers are ideal for locations such as conference rooms, auditoriums, or anywhere high-quality 4K scaling of HDMI signals is required.

Advanced Vector 4K Scaling

Both scalers incorporate the 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 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.

High Performance Video Processing

The DSC 401 A scalers provide high performance deinterlacing of all interlaced signals up to 1080i, and Deep Color processing to deliver optimal image quality. Automatic 3:2 and 2:2 pulldown detection maximizes image quality for source content originating from film. Additionally, the color space and chroma sampling of the HDMI output can be automatically set to ensure compatibility with a connected HDMI or DVI display.

Selectable FILL and FOLLOW modes are also available to support the proper aspect ratio of the output. FILL mode provides full screen output, while FOLLOW mode preserves the original aspect ratio of the input signal.

Professional Presentations

Signals sourced from an upstream switcher can be transitioned using cut through black, fade through black, seamless cut, or seamless fade for glitch-free, professional-looking presentations. For HDMI signals with protected content, Key Minder authenticates and maintains continuous HDCP encryption between input and output devices. The technology ensures the delivery of exceptional image quality with HDCP‑encrypted content.

Display Custom Images and Logos

The DSC 401 A scaler provides the convenience of uploading custom images, which can be displayed as a screen saver after a predefined duration of inactivity at the video input. This is also true whenever the input is disconnected between presentations. Additionally, a customized image can be displayed when HDCP‑encrypted content is transmitted to a non‑HDCP compliant display.

A custom graphic logo, such as a company logo, can be inserted into any presentation. Several key effects are available, and a logo can be positioned anywhere on‑screen.

Enhanced Audio Capabilities

The DSC 401 A includes a convenient 3.5 mm analog audio input for embedding audio onto the HDMI output, as well as a two‑channel analog audio output for sending de‑embedded audio to a sound system or other audio destination. It also delivers essential audio integration capabilities, including discrete, selectable analog and digital audio muting, analog input gain and attenuation, and output volume control.

Multiple Options for Control and Operation

Both scalers feature front panel controls for quick access to functions. Additionally, LED indicators on the front panel provide visual confirmation of video input signals, the presence of HDCP encryption, and power signal status. On‑screen menus provide easy control of scaler functions and settings, including quick access to key parameters such as input and output video formats and resolutions. Remote configuration is available via USB on both models. The DSC 401 A can be configured or controlled externally over Ethernet.

Each scaler is housed in a 1", quarter-rack width metal enclosure and can be easily integrated into a variety of environments.

Features

• 4K/60 HDMI to HDMI scaling — DSC 401 and DSC 401 A scalers provide high quality scaling of HDMI video resolutions and frame rates.
• Input: female HDMI Type A connector
• Audio Input: One 3.5 mm stereo mini jack - DSC 401 A only
• Output: female HDMI Type A connector
• Audio Output: balanced/unbalanced stereo audio on 5‑pole captive screw - DSC 401 A only
• Advanced Extron Vector™ 4K scaling engine — The Vector 4K scaling engine is specifically designed for critical-quality 4K imagery, with best-in-class image upscaling and downscaling.
• HDCP 2.3 compliant — Ensures display of content-protected media and interoperability with other HDCP‑compliant devices.
• Advanced 4:4:4 signal processing — 4:4:4 signal processing maintains color accuracy and fine picture detail.
• Accepts HDMI video from 480i up to 4096x2160 @ 4:4:4
• Selectable output rates from 640x480 up to 4096x2160 @ 4:4:4
• Supported HDMI specification features include data rates up to 18 Gbps, Deep Color, and HD lossless audio formats
• 30-bit signal processing — Vector 4K video processing is performed at 30 bits per pixel to maximize grayscale and color accuracy. This maintains color fidelity and detail present in native 30‑bit source content and reduces issues such as banding that can result from loss of color depth.
• Motion-adaptive deinterlacing for signals up to 1080i — Advanced deinterlacing for all interlaced signals up to 1080i delivers optimized image quality.
• Seamless transitions — Automatically applies a seamless fade or cut when a new source is detected.
• Automatic 3:2 and 2:2 pulldown detection — Advanced film mode processing techniques that instantaneously detect and maximize image quality for NTSC, PAL, and 1080i sources that originated from film.
• Logo image keying and display - DSC 401 A only — A logo graphic can be positioned and keyed over live video. Logo graphics in BMP, GIF, JPG, PNG, or TIFF format may be uploaded to the unit. Full screen images up to 4K resolution can also be displayed to eliminate loss of video between presentations.
• HDMI audio embedding - DSC 401 A only — Audio from the two‑channel analog input can be embedded onto the HDMI output.
• HDMI audio de‑embedding - DSC 401 A only — Embedded HDMI two‑channel PCM audio can be extracted to the analog output, or multi‑channel and bitstream formats can be passed to the HDMI output.
• User-selectable HDCP authorization — Allows the unit to appear HDCP compliant or non‑HDCP compliant to the connected source, which is beneficial if the source automatically encrypts all content when connected to an HDCP‑compliant device. Protected material is not passed in non‑HDCP mode.
• EDID Minder^® automatically manages EDID communication between connected devices — EDID Minder ensures that the source powers up properly and reliably outputs content for display.
• Supports custom EDID and output resolutions — User-defined output resolutions up to 600 MHz pixel clock can be supported by uploading custom EDID files or capturing EDID from a display or other destination device.
• Aspect ratio control — The aspect ratio of the video output can be controlled by selecting a FILL mode, which provides a full-screen output, or a FOLLOW mode, which preserves the original aspect ratio of the input signal.
• Scaler Bypass Mode — Allows scaling to be bypassed to support unprocessed transmission of 3D, HDR, and other formats.
• HDCP authentication and signal presence confirmation — Provides real-time verification of HDCP status for each digital video input and output. This allows for simple, quick, and easy signal and HDCP verification through RS‑232, USB, or Ethernet, providing valuable feedback to a system operator or helpdesk support staff.
• HDCP Visual Confirmation — When HDCP‑encrypted content is transmitted to a non‑HDCP compliant display, a full‑screen green signal or user-supplied image is sent to the display for immediate visual confirmation that protected content cannot be viewed on that display.
• HDMI to DVI Interface Format Correction — Automatically enables or disables embedded audio and InfoFrames, and sets the correct color space for proper connection to HDMI and DVI displays.
• AFL™ - Accu-RATE Frame Lock - DSC 401 A only — A patented technology exclusive to Extron that locks the output frame rate to the input to eliminate stuttering caused by frame rate conversion.
• Image freeze control - DSC 401 A only — A live image can be frozen using USB or Ethernet control.
• Auto Input Memory - DSC 401 A only — When activated, the unit automatically stores size, position, and picture settings based on the incoming signal. When the same signal is detected again, these image settings are automatically recalled from memory.
• On‑screen menus — Intuitive on‑screen menus allow for easy system setup using the front panel controls. Key parameters such as input and output video formats are conveniently grouped on the initial Quick Setup screen, while additional screens provide full control over the unit's other functions and settings.
• Output Standby Mode — Can be set to automatically mute video and sync output to the display device when no active input signal is detected. This allows the projector or display to automatically enter into standby mode to save energy and enhance lamp or panel life.
• Power Save Mode — Can be placed in a low-power standby state to conserve energy when not in use.
• Picture controls for horizontal and vertical sizing and positioning - DSC 401 A only
• Internal video test patterns for calibration and setup — The scalers offer five video test patterns to facilitate proper system setup and calibration of display devices. These include crop, alternating pixels, crosshatch, color bars, and grayscale. The DSC 401 A also includes pink noise for audio testing.
• Automatic input cable equalization — Actively conditions incoming HDMI signals to compensate for signal loss when using long cables, low quality cables, or source devices with poor signal output.
• Output volume control - DSC 401 A only — Provides master volume control for the analog and HDMI embedded audio outputs.
• Audio input gain and attenuation - DSC 401 A only — Gain and attenuation can be adjusted for the analog audio input.
• Integrated audio delay — The audio output is automatically delayed to compensate for latency introduced by video processing.
• Selectable audio muting — Embedded HDMI audio can be muted, and the analog audio output on the DSC 401 A can also be muted.
• Audio file playback - DSC 401 A only — Up to 16 pre‑recorded messages may be stored and played back over HDMI-embedded and analog outputs. Supported audio file types include WAV, MP3, AAC, and more.
• Front panel security lockout — Locks out front panel functions; all functions remain available through Ethernet or USB.
• CEC – Consumer Electronics Control capability - DSC 401 A only — Standard, built‑in CEC commands can be triggered to control displays or other AV devices connected over HDMI. The ability to control specific functions, such as power on/off, input selection, or volume level, is dependent on implementation by the device manufacturer.
• Ethernet monitoring and control - DSC 401 A only — Enables control and proactive monitoring over a LAN or WAN. An intuitive Web interface is included for system monitoring and firmware updates.
• Built‑in Web pages — Enables the use of a standard browser for monitoring, troubleshooting, and firmware updates over an intuitive Web interface.
• Front panel USB configuration port — Provides convenient access for setup, configuration, and firmware updates.
• Real-time status LED indicators for troubleshooting and monitoring — LED indicators on the front panel provide visual confirmation of input signal presence, HDCP authentication, and power status.
• Easy setup and commissioning with Extron's PCS - Product Configuration Software — Conveniently configure multiple products using a single software application.
• 1" (2.5 cm) high, quarter rack width metal enclosure
• Includes LockIt^® cable lacing brackets — Securely fastens HDMI or USB‑C^® cables to a device, eliminating risk of disconnection.
• Power over Ethernet - DSC 401 A only — PoE allows the DSC 401 A to receive power and communication over a single Ethernet cable, eliminating the need for a local power supply.
• External Extron Everlast™ power supply included, replacement part #70‑1174‑01 — Provides worldwide power compatibility with high‑demonstrated reliability and low power consumption.
• Extron Everlast Power Supply is covered by a 7‑year parts and labor warranty

Specs

Also see our  Specs in PDF format 

DSC 401 and 401 A
specifications
Frame rate1	24, 25, 30, 50, or 60 fps
Chroma sampling1	4:4:4, 4:2:2, or 4:2:0 (4:2:0 supported on input only)
Color bit depth1	8 or 10 bits per color
Signal Type	DVI 1.0, HDMI 1.4 and 2.0, HDCP 1.4 and 2.3
Max. video data rate	18 Gbps (6 Gbps per color)
NOTE     1Subject to the maximum data rate limit. Use our calculator at www.extron.com/8Kdatarate to determine video parameters supported by this data rate.
Video input
Number/signal type	1 HDMI/DVI
Connector	1 female HDMI A
Horizontal frequency	15 kHz to 270 kHz
Vertical frequency	24 Hz to 240 Hz
Resolution range	640x480 to 4096x2160, 480i, 576i, 480p, 576p, 720p, 1080i, 1080p, 2K, and 3840x2160 to 4096x2160, up to 60 Hz
Input cable equalization	Automatic
Input cable length	At 4096x2160@60 Hz, 4:4:4, 8-bit color HDMI Ultra — Up to 12 feet (3.6 meters) HDMI Pro — 25 feet (7.6 meters)
NOTE     Lower resolutions may support longer transmission distances. Transmission distance varies depending on signal resolution, type of cable, and source device used.
Standards	DVI 1.0, HDMI 1.4 and 2.0, HDCP 1.4 and 2.3
Video processing
Digital sampling	8 or 10 bits per color, 600 MHz maximum pixel clock
Colors	1.07 billion (10 bit, 4:4:4 processing)
Video output
Number/signal type	1 HDMI/DVI (with CEC – DSC 401 A only)
Connector	1 female HDMI A
Power for active cables	1.1 W max. for the HDMI port
Peripheral device power	250 mA on the HDMI output
Vertical frequency	23.98 Hz, 24 Hz, 25 Hz, 29.97 Hz, 30 Hz, 50 Hz, 59.94 Hz, 60 Hz
Scaled resolutions	640x4808, 800x6008, 1024x7688, 1280x7688, 1280x8008, 1280x10248, 1360x7688, 1366x7688, 1440x9008, 1400x10508, 1600x9008, 1680x10508, 1600x12008, 1920x12008, 2560x10808, 2560x14408, 2048x12008, 2048x15368, 2560x16008, 3840x21601,2,3,4,5,6,7,8, 4096x21601,2,3,4,5,6,7,8, and custom 1-5. 480p7,8, 576p6, 720p1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8, 1080i6,7,8, 1080p1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8, and 2K (2048x1080)1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8 1= at 23.98 Hz, 2= at 24 Hz, 3= at 25 Hz, 4= at 29.97 Hz, 5= 30 Hz, 6= at 50 Hz, 7= at 59.94 Hz, 8= at 60 Hz
Output cable length	At 4096x2160 @ 60 Hz, 4:4:4, 8-bit color HDMI Ultra — Up to 12 feet (3.6 meters) HDMI Pro — 25 feet (7.6 meters)
NOTE     Lower resolutions may support longer transmission distances. Transmission distance varies depending on signal resolution, type of cable, and equalization capabilities of the display in the system.
Standards	CEC, DVI 1.0, HDMI 1.4 and 2.0, HDCP 1.4 and 2.3
Audio
Gain
Analog In to Analog Out	Unbalanced output: 0 dB Balanced output: +6 dB
LPCM-2Ch in to analog out	Unbalanced output: -6 dB Balanced output: 0 db
Frequency response	20 Hz to 20 kHz, ± 0.5 dB
THD + Noise	<0.1%, 20 Hz to 20 kHz bandwidth at nominal level
S/N (unweighted)	>90 dB at max balanced output
Stereo channel separation	>80 dB at 1 kHz
Supported formats
Analog de-embedding	LPCM up to 2.0/24-bit/96 kHz (DSC 401 A only)
HDMI pass-through	LPCM up to 7.1/24-bit/192 kHz, Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby legacy formats, DTS-X, DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS 96/24, and DTS legacy formats
Audio input
Number/signal type	1 digital stereo, de-embedded from HDMI (LPCM-2CH only) 1 stereo line level unbalanced (DSC 401 A only)
Connectors
DSC 401	1 female HDMI A
DSC 401 A	1 female HDMI A (1) 3.5 mm TRS (Tip – L, Ring – R, Sleeve – Ground)
Impedance	>10k ohms unbalanced (DSC 401 A only)
Nominal level	Line input: -10 dBV (316 mVrms), adjustable (DSC 401 A only)
Maximum level	+15 dBu, unbalanced (DSC 401 A only)
CMRR	65 dB @ 1 kHz (DSC 401 A only)
Input gain adjustment	-18 dB to +24 dB, analog input only (DSC 401 A only)
Audio output
Number/signal type
DSC 401	1 HDMI embedded
DSC 401 A	1 HDMI embedded  1 stereo/mono, balanced or unbalanced
Connectors
DSC 401	1 female HDMI A
DSC 401 A	1 female HDMI A (1) 3.5 mm, 5 pole captive screw
Impedance	50 ohms unbalanced, 100 ohms balanced (DSC 401 A only)
Gain error	±0.5 dB channel to channel
Maximum level (Hi-Z)	>+21 dBu balanced, >+15 dBu, unbalanced (DSC 401 A only)
Volume range	-100 dB to 0 dB in 1.0 dB increments
Communication
USB control port	1 female USB-C on front panel
Standard	Ethernet over USB (RNDIS)
Ethernet setting	IP address: 203.0.113.22
Ethernet port — DSC 401A only
Connector	1 female RJ-45
Ethernet data rate	10/100/1000 base-T, half/full duplex with auto detect
Ethernet protocol	ARP, DHCP, DNS, HTTP (redirect), HTTPS, IEEE 802.1X, ICMP, NTP, SFTP, SMTP, SNMP, SSH, TCP/IP, Telnet, UDP/IP
Ethernet default settings	Link speed and duplex: Auto-detected IP address: 192.168.254.254 Subnet mask: 255.255.0.0 Gateway: 0.0.0.0 DHCP: Off
Program control	On-screen display (OSD) via front panel control Extron Simple Instruction Set (SIS™) commands Extron Product Configuration Software (PCS) for Windows® Extron Toolbelt Software
Storage	512 MB user memory
General
Power supply	External Input: 100-240 VAC, 50-60 Hz
Power input connectors	(1) 2 pole captive screw, 12 VDC 1 RJ-45, PoE 48 VDC (DSC 401 A only)
Power consumption
Full power
DSC 401	7.4 watts
DSC 401 and power supply	8.1 watts
DSC 401 A	8.5 watts
DSC 401 A and power supply	9.3 watts
Power save mode
DSC 401	4.6 watts
DSC 401 and power supply	5.4 watts
DSC 401 A	5.6 watts
DSC 401 A and power supply	6.6 watts
Ambient temperature/humidity	Storage: -40 to +158 °F (-40 to +70 °C) / 10% to 90%, noncondensing Operating: +32 to +122 °F (0 to +50 °C) / 10% to 50%, noncondensing
Cooling	Convection, vents sides and top
Thermal dissipation
Full power
DSC 401	24.2 BTU/hr
DSC 401 and power supply	26.7 BTU/hr
DSC 401 A	27.8 BTU/hr
DSC 401 A and power supply	30.8 BTU/hr
Power save mode
DSC 401	15.5 BTU/hr
DSC 401 and power supply	18.3 BTU/hr
DSC 401 A	19.1 BTU/hr
DSC 401 A and power supply	22.3 BTU/hr
Mounting
Rack mount	Yes, with optional rack shelf
Enclosure type	Metal
Enclosure dimensions	1.0" H x 4.25" W x 6.0" D (1" high, quarter-rack wide) (25 mm H x 108 mm W x 152 mm D) (Depth excludes connectors.)
Product weight
DSC 401	1.5 lbs (0.7 kg)
DSC 401 A	1.8 lbs (0.8 kg)
Regulatory compliance	UL, c-UL, CE, C-tick, FCC Class A, ICES, VCCI
Product warranty	3 years parts and labor
Everlast power supply warranty	7 years parts and labor
NOTE     All nominal levels are at ±10%.
NOTE     Specifications are subject to change without notice.
(5948-D6)