AVPro Edge AC-DA14-AUHD-GEN2 Full 18Gbps Distribution Amplifier with advanced EDID management

Product Overview

The AVPro Edge AC-DA14-AUHD-GEN2 is a 1-input, 4-output HDMI distribution amplifier operating at the full 18Gbps bandwidth required for 4K60 4:4:4 signals, including HDR10 and HDCP 2.3 content. The GEN2 designation reflects a revised design that improves signal stability, adds advanced onboard EDID management with 16 selectable profiles, and features a locking power connector to prevent accidental disconnections. Its ultra-low-profile chassis allows installation in tight spaces where full-size rack equipment would not fit. Units can be cascaded to increase output counts beyond four without signal quality loss.

Product Description

Distribution amplifiers at the 18Gbps tier are a meaningful upgrade over earlier 10.2Gbps models because they handle the full color subsampling, frame rate, and HDR bandwidth that modern 4K sources produce. The AC-DA14-AUHD-GEN2 takes one HDMI input and distributes it to four independent HDMI outputs simultaneously, with each output running at full 18Gbps. EDID management is handled onboard with 16 preset profiles including Auto, Cascade Mode, and passthrough from a connected display — this eliminates the most common source of handshake failures in multi-display installations.

Cascading is a built-in design feature: connecting one output of this unit to the input of a second AC-DA14-AUHD-GEN2 doubles the output count to eight, and the process continues as needed. A dedicated Cascade Mode in the EDID settings ensures plug-and-play compatibility when units are chained. The unit ships with a 5V locking power supply (100–240V input), two mounting brackets, and four mounting screws.

Key Features

• Full 18Gbps Bandwidth — Supports 4K60 4:4:4 at maximum HDMI 2.0a bandwidth, with full headroom for all current 4K formats and forward compatibility with 8K sources.
• 1-in, 4-out Distribution — One HDMI source feeds four independent HDMI outputs simultaneously at full signal integrity.
• Advanced EDID Management — 16 selectable EDID profiles including Auto, Cascade Mode, and passthrough from display, resolving handshake failures across diverse display combinations.
• Full HDR Support — HDR10 metadata passes intact through all four outputs, preserving the full dynamic range of HDR-capable sources and displays.
• Cascadable Design — Multiple units can be chained output-to-input for extended distribution runs; built-in Cascade Mode EDID setting ensures compatibility between daisy-chained units.
• HDCP 2.3 Compliant — Handles the latest content protection standard, ensuring compatibility with current and future protected 4K content.
• Locking Power Connector — Captive power connector prevents accidental disconnection in rack or hidden-installation environments.
• Ultra Low-Profile Form Factor — Compact chassis fits in equipment spaces where standard rack units would not, including behind displays, under furniture, or in small AV closets.
• Included Mounting Hardware — Ships with rack/wall mounting brackets and screws for permanent installation.

Typical Applications

• Distributing a single 4K source — media player, cable box, or PC — to four displays in a bar, restaurant, or retail environment.
• Digital signage systems requiring one media player to feed multiple screens at 4K60 4:4:4 without chroma downsampling.
• Corporate or educational spaces where one presentation source feeds multiple displays in a room or across adjacent spaces.
• Cascaded configurations for large-scale distribution: two units cover eight displays, three cover twelve, and so on.
• Residential multi-room AV systems where a single source zone must be duplicated to several viewing areas.

Technical Specifications

Competitor Comparison

All three units share the 18Gbps bandwidth and 4-output topology. The AC-DA14-AUHD-GEN2 provides a larger EDID library (16 profiles) with a dedicated Cascade Mode, which simplifies multi-unit chaining compared to the Kramer VM-4H's more basic EDID options. The Extron DA4 HD 4K Plus adds RS232 control port access for integration with control systems, a feature not present on the AVPro Edge unit. The AC-DA14-AUHD-GEN2's locking power connector and ultra-low-profile chassis are practical differentiators for installations where physical security and space constraints are factors.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many displays can I drive with two cascaded units?

Two units in cascade produce eight independent HDMI outputs. Three units produce twelve, and so on. Enable Cascade Mode on the EDID selector of any downstream units for best results.

What is the EDID Cascade Mode setting for?

Cascade Mode instructs the downstream unit to use a fixed internal EDID rather than attempting to read the display EDID, which prevents handshake loops and ensures stability when multiple units are chained.

Does the unit support audio as well as video?

Yes. HDMI carries both video and multi-channel audio; the AC-DA14-AUHD-GEN2 passes the full HDMI audio stream to all four outputs along with the video signal.

Is the power supply included?

Yes. A 5V locking power supply with 100–240V AC input is included in the box, along with mounting brackets and screws.