Atlona 4K/UHD HDMI Display Controller - AT-DISP-CTRL

Product Overview

The Atlona AT-DISP-CTRL is a 4K/UHD HDMI display controller designed to automate display power management in small meeting spaces, huddle rooms, and commercial AV installations. It monitors the HDMI input for active source signals and automatically sends power-on or power-off commands to a connected display via TCP/IP, RS-232, IR, or CEC — eliminating reliance on handheld remote controls. As a compact HDMI display controller with PoE, the AT-DISP-CTRL supports IEEE 802.3af Power over Ethernet, allowing installation without local AC power and making it ideal for under-table and behind-display deployments. Available from Creation Networks, it integrates with Atlona Velocity Device Manager and third-party control systems for centralized AV management.

Product Description

The Atlona AT-DISP-CTRL is a compact, low-profile display controller that automates display power state changes based on HDMI source activity. When a source device connects and an active signal is detected at the HDMI input, the DISP-CTRL automatically sends a power-on command to the display. When the source disconnects or the signal goes inactive, a configurable power-off command is transmitted. Control commands are delivered through the integrator's choice of TCP/IP, RS-232, IR, or CEC, and the unit includes a comprehensive library of display drivers from the Atlona Velocity Control System database, covering most commercial display and projector manufacturers. The DISP-CTRL supports programmable display control modes: a display can be powered down after a configurable period of signal inactivity, or immediately upon source disconnection. An adjustable projector lamp cooldown mode prevents premature power-on following a projector shutdown. The unit is HDCP 2.2 compliant, supports 4K/UHD video at 60 Hz with 4:4:4 chroma sampling and 18 Gbps HDMI bandwidth, and passes HDR10, Dolby Vision at 60 Hz, and HLG formats. EDID management and HDCP management are both included, with the ability to disable HDCP compliance reporting for non-protected content to non-compliant displays. Dual Ethernet ports with an integrated network switch allow simultaneous connection to the display for IP control and to the local LAN. The DISP-CTRL accepts PoE (IEEE 802.3af) from a network switch or injector, or can be powered via USB — a USB power supply is included. The 1.02-inch (26 mm) high enclosure installs discreetly under tables, in furniture, or behind displays. HDMI input and output ports support locking connectors compatible with Atlona LinkConnect cables for secure, vibration-resistant installations.

Key Features

• Automated Display Power Control — Detects HDMI source connection and signal presence to automatically power a display on or off via IP, RS-232, IR, or CEC, without requiring a handheld remote or manual operator intervention.
• Four Control Interfaces — Supports TCP/IP, RS-232, IR, and CEC display control simultaneously, providing flexibility to match whatever control method the display supports.
• Programmable Control Modes — Configurable inactivity timers power off displays after a set period of no signal, with a separate projector lamp cooldown mode to prevent premature power cycling.
• 4K/UHD 60 Hz with 4:4:4 and HDR — Passes 4K/UHD video at 60 Hz with 4:4:4 chroma subsampling and 18 Gbps HDMI data rate, with support for HDR10, Dolby Vision at 60 Hz, and HLG.
• PoE Powered (IEEE 802.3af) — Accepts Power over Ethernet from a network switch or PoE injector, enabling installation anywhere on a network drop without requiring a separate AC outlet.
• Velocity Display Driver Database — Embedded, comprehensive library of display drivers from the Atlona Velocity Control System provides ready-to-use RS-232, IR, and IP commands for a wide range of commercial displays and projectors.
• Dual Ethernet Ports with Integrated Switch — Two RJ45 ports allow simultaneous connection to the display for IP control and to the local area network for management, without requiring an external network switch.
• EDID and HDCP Management — EDID management ensures the source presents appropriate signal formats; HDCP management allows non-protected content to pass to non-compliant displays and streaming endpoints.
• Multi-Channel Audio Pass-Through — Passes PCM, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Atmos, DTS Digital Surround, DTS-HD Master Audio, and DTS:X without decoding.
• HDMI Locking Connector Ports — Input and output HDMI ports are compatible with Atlona LinkConnect locking cables, securing connections in high-vibration or high-traffic installations.
• Velocity Device Manager Integration — Centralized remote configuration and firmware management via Atlona Velocity Device Manager or third-party control systems using Telnet or the published API.
• Low-Profile Enclosure — 1.02-inch (26 mm) high chassis designed for concealed installation in furniture, under tables, and behind display panels.

Typical Applications

• Huddle room display automation for BYOD environments without a dedicated control system
• Conference room installations requiring automatic display power management tied to source connectivity
• Boardroom AV system upgrades adding automated display control to legacy infrastructure
• Commercial meeting space deployments where display remote controls are frequently misplaced or unavailable
• Multi-purpose room AV control integration for projectors requiring lamp cooldown management
• Training room setups automating display on/off based on instructor source connection
• Government space AV with NDAA-889 and TAA compliance requirements
• All-hands room and auditorium display control integrated with an existing third-party control system

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How does the AT-DISP-CTRL detect when to power a display on or off?

The DISP-CTRL monitors the HDMI input for an active signal. When a source device connects and an active signal is present, it sends a power-on command to the display. When the signal goes inactive or the source is disconnected, a configurable power-off command is triggered. The inactivity timeout before a power-off command is user-adjustable.

Q: Does the AT-DISP-CTRL require a separate power outlet at the installation location?

No. The AT-DISP-CTRL accepts IEEE 802.3af Power over Ethernet from any PoE-capable network switch or a standalone PoE injector, eliminating the need for a dedicated AC outlet. USB 5V power is also supported as an alternative.

Q: What display control methods does the AT-DISP-CTRL support?

The DISP-CTRL supports four display control methods: TCP/IP (HTTP and Telnet), RS-232, IR (via an external emitter cable), and CEC over HDMI. The appropriate method is selected based on the capabilities of the connected display and the integrator's preference.

Q: How do I find the correct display driver for my projector or flat panel?

The AT-DISP-CTRL embeds the Atlona Velocity Control System display driver database, accessible through the unit's web GUI. Drivers for most commercial display and projector manufacturers are included. Custom RS-232, IP, or IR commands can also be programmed manually through the web interface.

Q: Can the AT-DISP-CTRL be used with a projector that requires a lamp cooldown period?

Yes. The DISP-CTRL includes an adjustable projector lamp cooldown mode that prevents the unit from sending a power-on command for a configurable period after a projector has been powered down. This protects the projector lamp from thermal stress caused by premature power cycling.

Q: Can the AT-DISP-CTRL be integrated into an existing third-party control system?

Yes. The DISP-CTRL exposes a published API accessible via Telnet on port 9000 and TCP/IP, allowing integration with Crestron, Extron, AMX, and other third-party control processors. It can also be managed centrally via Atlona Velocity Device Manager.

Q: Is the AT-DISP-CTRL compliant with U.S. federal procurement requirements?

Yes. The AT-DISP-CTRL carries both NDAA Section 889 and TAA compliance, qualifying it for U.S. government and defense AV installations.

Q: Where can I purchase the Atlona AT-DISP-CTRL?

The AT-DISP-CTRL is available at Creation Networks, an authorized Atlona reseller focused on commercial AV integration products.