Atlona Three-Input Scaler for HDMI and VGA Signals - AT-HD-SC-500

Product Overview

The Atlona AT-HD-SC-500 is a three-input HD presentation switcher and scaler designed for classrooms, huddle rooms, and corporate meeting spaces that require multi-format HDMI and VGA signal management. This 3×1 scaler accepts two HDMI inputs and one VGA input, scaling all sources to a single HDMI output at resolutions up to 1080p @ 60 Hz and 1920×1200. With automatic input switching for conference room AV systems, integrated display control, and audio de-embedding, the AT-HD-SC-500 delivers a complete, low-complexity AV integration solution for HD video scaler applications in commercial environments.

Product Description

The Atlona AT-HD-SC-500 is a compact 3×1 switcher and HD video scaler built for environments where legacy VGA sources and modern HDMI devices must coexist on a single display. Accepting two HDMI inputs along with one VGA input with 3.5 mm analog audio, the HD-SC-500 scales all incoming signals to a unified HDMI output at resolutions up to 1080p/60 Hz and 1920×1200, ensuring compatibility across a wide range of connected displays.

Automatic input selection uses both 5V hot plug detect and active video detection to reliably switch to the active source without requiring presenter interaction. This eliminates the need for a dedicated control system in straightforward classroom or meeting room deployments. When no active source is detected, the unit can automatically command the connected display to power off via CEC, TCP/IP, or RS-232, reducing energy consumption and extending display life.

The HD-SC-500 includes advanced scaling controls such as an auto-set feature that matches incoming signal resolution to the display's native resolution, plus manual image adjustment for fine-tuning. Integrated EDID management allows integrators to force sources to a preferred output resolution, preventing compatibility issues at installation time. HDCP compliance can be enabled or disabled through the web GUI or a control system, providing flexibility for non-protected content workflows.

Audio de-embedding extracts PCM audio from HDMI inputs and routes it to a balanced +4 dBu analog output on a 5-pin captive screw connector, enabling direct integration with professional amplifiers and DSP systems. Front panel controls for input selection, display power, and volume are available for manual operation, and the unit supports TCP/IP and RS-232 for third-party control system integration. Velocity Device Manager compatibility allows remote configuration and management across a networked facility. Surface mounting brackets are included for under-table or furniture installation.

Key Features

• 3×1 Multi-Format Switching — Two HDMI inputs plus one VGA input with 3.5 mm analog audio provide flexible source connectivity for mixed-format presentation environments.
• HD Video Scaling to 1080p/60 Hz and 1920×1200 — Integrated scaler normalizes all input signals to a single HDMI output, ensuring display compatibility across source types.
• Automatic Input Selection — Uses HPD signal and active video detection to switch sources automatically, eliminating the need for manual presenter intervention.
• Automatic Display Control via CEC, TCP/IP, or RS-232 — Powers the display on when a source connects and off when it disconnects, without a separate control system.
• Audio De-embedding with Balanced Output — De-embeds PCM audio from HDMI and delivers it at +4 dBu on a 5-pin captive screw connector for professional sound system integration.
• EDID Management — Forces sources to a preferred resolution and audio format, preventing negotiation failures on complex signal chains.
• Switchable HDCP Compliance — HDCP can be disabled via web GUI or control system to allow non-protected content to pass to non-compliant downstream devices.
• Front Panel Controls — Input select, display on/off, and volume controls on the front panel allow direct manual operation without a control system.
• Velocity Device Manager Compatible — Supports centralized network-based configuration, monitoring, and firmware updates across an entire facility.
• Surface Mount Brackets Included — Mounting hardware supports under-table, furniture, or on-wall installation in space-constrained environments.

Typical Applications

• Classrooms requiring both legacy VGA laptop connectivity and modern HDMI source switching
• Corporate huddle rooms and small meeting spaces with BYOD presentation requirements
• Conference rooms using a single display with multiple HDMI and VGA input sources
• Training rooms where automated display control reduces AV system complexity
• Boardrooms requiring professional balanced audio output to an installed sound system
• As a dedicated scaler feeding an HDMI input on a matrix switcher or distribution amplifier lacking VGA inputs

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What input types does the AT-HD-SC-500 accept?

The AT-HD-SC-500 accepts two HDMI inputs and one VGA input with a 3.5 mm analog audio connector. It does not accept DisplayPort natively, though DisplayPort and DVI sources can be connected using appropriate adapters.

Q: What is the maximum output resolution?

The scaler outputs up to 1080p @ 60 Hz and 1920×1200 over HDMI. It does not support 4K/UHD output. For 4K applications, Atlona recommends the AT-OME-SW32.

Q: Does the AT-HD-SC-500 require a control system?

No. The unit includes automatic input selection and automatic display control via CEC, TCP/IP, or RS-232. These features operate without an external control system, reducing system complexity in smaller installations.

Q: How does automatic display control work?

When a source is connected and active, the HD-SC-500 sends a power-on command to the display via CEC, TCP/IP, or RS-232. When the source disconnects, the unit sends a power-off command. The front panel power button can also trigger manual display on/off.

Q: Can the AT-HD-SC-500 de-embed audio from HDMI sources?

Yes. The unit de-embeds two-channel PCM audio from HDMI inputs and delivers it as a balanced +4 dBu analog signal on a 5-pin captive screw connector, suitable for direct connection to professional amplifiers or DSP systems.

Q: How is the AT-HD-SC-500 managed remotely?

The unit supports TCP/IP control and is compatible with Atlona Velocity Device Manager, which provides centralized network-based configuration, monitoring, and firmware updates across multiple devices in a facility.

Q: What mounting options are available?

Surface mounting brackets are included with the AT-HD-SC-500. The compact enclosure supports under-table, furniture, or on-wall installation. An optional rack-mount kit is available separately.

Q: Is HDCP content supported?

HDCP compliance is switchable. In compliant mode, protected content passes between authenticated devices. HDCP can be disabled through the web GUI or control system to allow non-protected content to pass to non-compliant displays or streaming devices.