USER MANUAL
DA4-HDMI20-C
DA8-HDMI20-C
Multimedia Signal Distribution Amplifier
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Class II apparatus construction.
The equipment should be operated only from the power source indicated on the product.
To disconnect the equipment safely from power, remove the power cord from the rear of the equipment, or from the power source. The MAINS plug is used as the disconnect device, the disconnect device shall remain readily operable.
There are no user-serviceable parts inside of the unit. Removal of the cover will expose dangerous voltages. To avoid personal injury, do not remove the cover. Do not operate the unit without the cover installed.
The appliance must be safely connected to multimedia systems. Follow instructions described in this manual.
Ventilation
For the correct ventilation and to avoid overheating, ensure enough free space around the appliance. Do not cover the appliance, leave the ventilation holes free and never block or bypass the ventilators (if there are any).
WARNING
To prevent injury, the apparatus is recommended to be securely attached to the floor/wall, or mounted in accordance with the installation instructions. The apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing, and no objects filled with liquids, such as vases, shall be placed on the apparatus. No naked flame sources, such as lit candles, should be placed on the apparatus.
Waste Electrical & Electronic Equipment (WEEE)
This marking shown on the product or its literature indicates that it should not be disposed with other household wastes at the end of its working life. To prevent possible harm to the environment or human health from uncontrolled waste disposal, please separate this from other types of wastes and recycle it responsibly to promote the sustainable reuse of material resources. Household users should contact either the retailer where they purchased this product or their local government office for details of where and how they can take this item for environmentally safe recycling. Business users should contact their supplier and check the terms and conditions of the purchase contract. This product should not be mixed with other commercial wastes for disposal.
Common Safety Symbols
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Symbol |
Description |
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Direct current |
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Alternating current |
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Protective conductor terminal |
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Equipotential Connector |
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On (Power) |
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Off (Power) |
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Double insulation |
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Caution, possibility of eletric shock |
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Caution |
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Laser radiation |
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Warning, Rotating fan |
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Caution: for indoor use only |
Document Revision History
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Rev. |
Release date |
Changes |
Editor |
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v1 |
2026-03-23 |
Initial release. |
Laszlo Zsedenyi |
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v2 |
2026-08-31 |
ToC correction. |
Laszlo Zsedenyi |
Contact Us
+36 1 255 3800
+36 1 255 3810
Lightware Visual Engineering PLC.
Gizella 51-57, Budapest H-1143, Hungary
©2026 Lightware Visual Engineering. All rights reserved.
All trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners.
Specifications are subject to change without notice.
Thank you for choosing Lightware’s DA4/DA8 devices. In the first chapter we would like to introduce the device by highlighting the most important features in the sections listed below:
Thank you for choosing Lightware’s DA-HDMI20-C series distribution amplifier.
DA4-HDMI20-C 1x4 distribution amplifier distributes and amplifies one HDMI input signal to four HDMI outputs. This device supports HDMI video resolution up to 4K@60Hz 4:4:4, including multichannel audio formats. Besides passing EDID information from the display, there are multiple built-in EDID settings that can be selected with the 4-pin DIP switch on the front panel. The device also supports firmware update through a micro-USB port.
DA8-HDMI20-C is a compact distribution amplifier with built-in EDID Management and Pixel Accurate Reclocking, supporting DVI, HDMI 1.4, and HDMI 2.0 signals with or without HDCP encryption. The output signal is reclocked and stabilized to remove jitter caused by long cables or poor quality sources. Moreover, to ensure compatibility, the 4K signal on the output is automatically down-converted to HD when HD displays are connected.
DA8-HDMI20-C features EDID Management and can emulate EDID to the video source even if no active HDMI display is attached to the outputs. HDCP enable/disable function turns off the HDCP capability on the input, which helps integrate certain laptops into a non-HDCP AV environment. There are 5 factory EDID presets and one programmable memory for storing a user EDID. This latter one can be uploaded through the USB connector. Moreover, the device can use any EDID read from the HDMI display device connected to its video output ports.
About the Serial Number
Lightware devices contain a label indicating the unique serial number of the product. The structure is the following:
From 1st of October 2024, serial number format of Lightware devices is the following: the first two digits are of the year of manufacture, while the remaining digits make up the running sequence number.
The assembling of certain accessories can be found in the Mounting Options section.
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4K Support |
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High bandwidth allows extension of resolutions up to 4K and even 3D sources and displays are supported. |
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EDID Management |
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The user can emulate any EDID on the inputs read out and store any attached monitor's EDID in the internal memory. |
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HDCP compliant |
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The amplifier fulfills the HDCP 2.3 standard. HDCP capability on the digital video input can be disabled when non-protected content is extended. |
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Pixel Accurate Reclocking |
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Each output has a clean, jitter free signal, eliminating signal instability and distortion caused by long cables or connector reflections. |
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No signal latency |
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The signal management architecture ensures that there is no delay added between the input and the output. |
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Cable Compensation |
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Built-in equalizer for signal enhancement to avoid signal attenuation in transmission. |
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Consumer Electronics Control |
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CEC passthrough is supported in case of DA4-HDMI20-C on all outputs, transmitting standard CEC commands in order to remote control the source or sink device. |
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Downscaling 4K |
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Supports video resolution downscaling from 4K to 1080p excusively. |
The following sections are about the physical structure of the device, input/output ports, connectors, status LEDs and front panel button functions.
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Power LED |
The LED lights in red when power is applied. |
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Input LED |
The LED lights in green when HDMI signal is present on the input. The LED flashes when there is no HDCP encryption on the signal. |
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Output LEDs |
The LEDs lights in green when HDMI signal is present on the respective output. |
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DIP switch |
4-pin DIP switch for EDID setting and HDCP mode selection. |
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Micro-USB port |
Firmware update can be performed through this port. |
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HDMI Input port |
Type-A female HDMI input port to connect an HDMI source. |
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HDMI Output ports |
Type-A female HDMI output ports to connect HDMI displays. |
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DC 5V barrel port |
DC barrel connector to connect an AC power adapter. |
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Power LED |
The LED lights in red when power is applied. |
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Input LED |
The LED lights in green when HDMI signal is present on the input. The LED flashes when there is no HDCP encryption on the signal. |
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Output LEDs |
The LEDs lights in green when HDMI signal is present on the respective output. |
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DIP switch |
4-pin DIP switch for EDID setting and HDCP mode selection. |
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Micro-USB port |
Firmware update can be performed through this port. |
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HDMI Input port |
Type-A female HDMI input port to connect an HDMI source. |
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HDMI Output ports |
Type-A female HDMI output ports to connect HDMI displays. |
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DC 5V barrel port |
DC barrel connector to connect an AC power adapter. |
The DIP switch represents “1” when in the upper position, and “0” when in the lower position. Switch 1-3 are used for setting the EDID. The DIP switch statuses and their corresponding settings are shown on the top of the product.
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ID |
DIP SET |
Emulated EDID |
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000- |
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Copy from Output |
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001- |
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Priority select: |
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010- |
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Custom EDID |
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011- |
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1920x1080p60 |
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100- |
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3840x2160p30 |
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101- |
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3840x2160p60 |
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110- |
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4096x2160p60 |
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111- |
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3840x2160p60, HDR, 4:2:0 |
INFO:If the DIP switch is set to 010- (Custom EDID), but there is no custom EDID present in the device, the EDID of the 101- position will be emulated automatically.
When the fourth switch is in the upper position, HDCP capability on the input is disabled. When it is in the lower position, HDCP capability is enabled.
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ID |
DIP SET |
Emulated EDID |
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ON |
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HDCP capability is enabled. |
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OFF |
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HDCP capability is disabled. |
The chapter is about the installation of the device and connecting to other appliances, presenting also the mounting options.
For the mounting of the devices Lightware supplies optional accessories for different usages. The device has two mounting holes with inner thread on the bottom side. Fasten the device by the screws enclosed to the accessory.
1U high rack shelf provides mounting holes for fastening one half rack sized unit and can be placed to a rack frame. The rack shelf can be ordered separately, please contact sales@lightware.com.
ATTENTION!Using different (e.g. longer) screws may cause damage to the device.
To upload a custom EDID to the device, please follow these steps:
Step 1.Connect the device to a host computer using the micro-USB port.
Step 2.Power on the device (or restart it if it was powered on when plugging the cable in).
Step 3.The computer will now treat the device as a USB drive.
Step 4.Make sure that the custom EDID file is in binary format, contains either 128 or 256 bytes (with CEA extension), and that its extension is .edid.
Step 5.Copy the chosen EDID file to the device. If the upload is successful, a file called “E_SUCC.txt” shall appear on the device.
Step 6.Unplug the micro-USB cable and restart the device. The custom EDID shall be available for choosing.
If the upload is successful, the custom EDID can be emulated by setting the DIP switch to the 010- position.
INFO:The custom EDID remains in the device memory even if it is turned off.
The following section contains descriptions and useful technical information on how the devices work in the background. The content is based on experiences and cases we met in the practice. These sections help understand features and technical standards like the following
The Extended Display Identification Data (EDID) is the passport of display devices (monitors, TV sets, projectors). It contains information about the capabilities of the display, such as supported resolutions, refresh rates (these are called Detailed Timings), the type and manufacturer of the display device, etc.
After connecting a source to a display (DVI, HDMI, DP), the source reads out the EDID to determine the resolution and refresh rate of the image to be transmitted.
EDID communication
Most DVI computer displays have a 128-byte-long EDID structure. However, Digital Televisions and HDMI capable displays may have another 128 bytes, which is called E-EDID and defined by CEA (Consumer Electronics Association). This extension contains information about additional Detailed Timings, audio capabilities, speaker allocation and HDMI capabilities. It is important to know that all HDMI capable devices must have CEA extension, but not all devices with CEA extension are HDMI capable.
Common Problems Related to EDID
Problem: “My system consists of the following: a computer, a Lightware device, a WUXGA (1920x1200) LCD monitor, and an SXGA (1280x1024) projector. I would like to see the same image on the monitor and the projector. What EDID should I choose on the Lightware device?”
Solution: If you want to see the image on both displays, you need to select the resolution of the smaller display (in this case SXGA), otherwise the smaller display may not show the higher resolution image.
Problem: “I have changed to a different EDID on an input port of the Lightware device to have a different resolution, but nothing happens.”
Solution: Some graphics cards and video sources read out the EDID only after power-up, and later they do not sense that the EDID has been changed. You need to restart your source to make it read out the EDID again.
4.1.2. Advanced EDID Management
Each DVI sink (e.g. monitors, projectors, plasma displays, etc...) must support the EDID data structure. Source BIOS and operating systems are likely to query the sink using DDC2B protocol to determine what pixel formats and interface are supported. DVI standard uses EDID data structure to identify the monitor type and capabilities. Most DVI sources (VGA cards, set top boxes, etc.) will output DVI signal after accepting the connected sink’s EDID information. In the case of EDID readout failure or missing EDID, the source will not output DVI video signal.
Lightware devices provide the Advanced EDID Management function that helps system integration. The built-in EDID Router can store and emulate factory pre-programmed- and User programmable EDIDs. The EDID of the attached monitors or projectors for each output are stored in a non-volatile memory. This way, the EDID of a monitor is available when the monitor is unplugged or switched off.
Any EDID can be emulated on any input. An emulated EDID can be copied from the EDID router’s memory (static EDID emulation), or from the last attached monitor’s memory (dynamic EDID emulation). For example, the Lightware device can be set up to emulate a sink device, which is connected to one of the outputs. In this case, the EDID automatically changes if the monitor is replaced with another display device (as long as it has a valid EDID).
The EDID is independently programmable for all inputs without affecting each other. All inputs have their own EDID circuit.
INFO:The user is not required to disconnect the video cable to change an EDID as opposed to other manufacturer’s products. The EDID can be changed even if a source is connected to the input and powered ON.
INFO:When the EDID has been changed, the router toggles the HOTPLUG signal for 2 seconds. Some sources do not sense this signal. In such cases, the source device must be restarted or powered OFF and ON again.
Lightware Visual Engineering is a legal HDCP adopter. Several functions have been developed, which helps to solve HDCP related problems. Complex AV systems often have both HDCP and non-HDCP components. The matrix allows transmitting HDCP encrypted and unencrypted signals. The devices will be still HDCP compliant, as they will never output an encrypted signal to a non-HDCP compliant display device. If an encrypted signal is switched to a non-compliant output, a red screen alert or muted screen will appear.
4.2.1. Protected and Unprotected Content
Many video sources send HDCP protected signal if they detect that the sink is HDCP capable – even if the content is not copyrighted. This can cause trouble if an HDCP capable device is connected between the source and the display. In this case, the content cannot be viewed on non-HDCP capable displays and interfaces like event controllers. Rental and staging technicians often complain about certain laptops, which are always sending HDCP encrypted signals if the receiver device (display, matrix router, etc.) reports HDCP compliancy. Even though HDCP encryption is not required all the time (e.g. computer desktop image), certain laptops still do that.
To avoid unnecessary HDCP encryption, Lightware introduced the HDCP enabling/disabling function: the HDCP capability can be disabled in the Lightware device. If HDCP is disabled, the connected source will detect that the sink is not HDCP capable, and turn off authentication.
4.2.2. Disable Unnecessary Encryption
HDCP Compliant Sink
All the devices are HDCP-compliant, no manual setting is required, both protected and unprotected contents are transmitted and displayed on the sink.
Not HDCP-compliant Sink 1.
Not-HDCP compliant sink is connected to the matrix. Some sources (e.g. computers) always send HDCP encrypted signals if the receiver device reports HDCP compliancy, however, HDCP encryption is not required all the time (e.g. computer desktop image). If HDCP is enabled in the matrix, the image will not be displayed on the sink.
Setting the HDCP parameter to Auto on the output port and disable HDCP on the input port, the transmitted signal will not be encrypted if the content is not protected. Thus, non-HDCP compliant sinks will display non-encrypted signal.
Not HDCP-compliant Sink 2.
The layout is the same as in the previous case: non-HDCP compliant display device is connected to the matrix but the source would send protected content with encryption. If HDCP is enabled on the input port of the matrix, the source will send encrypted signal.
The sink is not HDCP compliant, thus it will not display the video signal, but blank screen is shown. If HDCP is disabled on the input port of the matrix, the source will not send the signal. The solution is to replace the display device with an HDCP-capable one.
HDCP 2.2 is the latest evolution of copy protection. It is designed to create a secure connection between a source and a display. The 2.x version of HDCP is not a continuation of HDCPv1, and is rather a completely different link protection. One of the main differences is the number of the allowed devices within a closed AV system: HDCP 2.2 allows 32 devices (HDCP 1.4 allows 128 devices). A further limit is that up to four level is allowed, which means the protected signal can be transmitted over at most four repeater/matrix/switcher devices. HDCP content protection is activated only if an active video stream is transmitted from the source to the display. The encryption is not activated without a video signal.
HDCP 2.2 standard allows the application of a previous version of HDCP (e.g. HDCP 1.4) between the source and the display if the source device allows it. According to the standard, if the image content is protected with HDCP, the highest supported content protection level has to be applied. However, if the highest level of protection is not justified by the source content, the level may be decreased to avoid compatibility problems; this case is determined by the source.
HDCP 2.2 Source and HDCP 1.4 Sink
In this case the signal of an HDCP 2.2 compliant source is switched to an HDCP 1.4 compliant sink device. The signal is encrypted with HDCP 2.2 on the input and encrypted with HDCP 1.4 on the output of the Lightware device. A lower level of encryption may be applied only if the source device/content allows it - according to the HDCP standard. In this case, the HDCP setting on the input port has to be set to HDCP 1.4 and Depends on input on the output port.
HDCP 1.4 Source and HDCP 2.2 Sink
The example below is the reversal of the previous case. An HDCP 1.4 compliant source sends a signal with HDCP 1.4 encryption. The signal is switched to an HDCP v2.2 compliant sink device. In this case, the outgoing signal has to be encrypted with the highest supported encryption level towards the sink, as the Lightware device and the sink are both HDCP 2.2 compliant. The HDCP 2.2 standard does not allow keeping the original HDCP 1.4 encryption level on the output.
What Kind of Signal Will be on the Output of the Lightware Device?
See the table below that summarizes the possible cases:
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Incoming Signal |
HDCP 1.4 Compatible Sink |
HDCP 2.2. Compatible Sink |
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HDCP 1.4 |
HDCP 1.4 |
HDCP 2.2 |
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HDCP 2.2 (convertable)* |
HDCP 1.4 |
HDCP 2.2 |
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HDCP 2.2 (not convertable)** |
Red screen |
HDCP 2.2 |
* Stream type 0: the video stream allows the conversion of the signal to apply a lower level of encryption.
** Stream type 1: the video stream does not allow the conversion of the signal.
4.3. Pixel Accurate Reclocking
Signal reclocking is an essential procedure in digital signal transmission. After passing the reclocking circuit, the signal becomes stable, jitter-free, and can be transmitted over more equipment like processors or event controllers. Without reclocking, sparkles, noise, and jaggies appear on the image.
Lightware’s sophisticated Pixel Accurate Reclocking technology fixes more problems than general TMDS reclocking. It removes not only intra-pair skew, but inter-pair skew as well. The Pixel Accurate Reclocking circuit eliminates the following errors:
Intra-pair skew
Skew between the + and - wires within a differential wire pair (e.g. Data2- and Data2+). It’s caused by different wire lengths or slightly different wire construction (impedance mismatch) in the DVI cable. It results in jitter.
Inter-pair skew
Skew between two differential wire pairs in a cable. It is caused by different wire pair lengths or different number of twists in the DVI cable. Too much inter-pair skew results in color shift in the picture or sync loss.
Jitter
Signal instability in the time domain. The time difference between two signal transitions should be a fixed value, but noise and other effects cause variations.
Noise
Electromagnetic interference between other electronic devices such as mobile phones, motors, etc. and the DVI cable are coupled onto the signal. Too much noise results in increased jitter.
Tables, drawings and technical details as follows:
INFO:Specifications are subject to change without notice.
General
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Compliance |
CE, UKCA |
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EMC (Emission) |
EN 55032:2015+A1:2020 |
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EMC (Immunity) |
EN 55035:2017+A11:2020 |
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Safety |
EN 62368-1:2024 |
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Warranty |
3 years |
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Power supply (Input) |
100V~240V AC |
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Power supply (Output) |
5V DC 1A |
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Power consumption (max) - DA4 / DA8 |
2.5W / 6.7 W |
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Heat dissipation - DA4 / DA8 |
8.5 BTU/h / 22.7 BTU/h |
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Operating temperature |
-10°C~+55°C |
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Storage temperature |
-25°C~+70°C |
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Operating humidity |
10%-90% |
Enclosure
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Enclosure material |
1 mm steel |
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Dimensions (mm) - DA4 |
142W x 17.6H x 70.4D |
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Dimensions (inch) - DA4 |
5.6W x 0.7H x 2.8D |
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Dimensions (mm) - DA8 |
271W x 26H x 77.4D |
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Dimensions (inch) - DA8 |
10.7W x 1H x 3D |
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Weight - DA4 |
260 g / 0.6 lbs |
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Weight - DA8 |
540 g / 1.2 lbs |
Control
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Front panel control |
Yes, EDID switch |
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LED indicators |
Live, Video Input Status, Video Output Status |
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EDID emulation |
Advanced EDID management |
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EDID memory |
5 factory presets, 1 programmable |
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EDID support |
EDID v1.3 |
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Control |
Micro USB-B type connector |
HDMI Ports
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Connector |
Type-A female HDMI |
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Standard |
HDMI 1.4, HDMI 2.0 |
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Maximum resolution |
4096x2160@60Hz, 8 bit color |
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HDCP compliancy |
HDCP 2.3 compliant |
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3D support |
Yes |
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Reclocking |
Yes |
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Input cable equalization |
+12dB fixed |
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Digital audio formats |
All HDMI2.0 formats; multi-channel PCM, Dolby True-HD, DTS-HD master audio |
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CEC (DA4) |
DA4 - Supported / DA8 - Not supported |
DA4-HDMI20-C
DA8-HDMI20-C
5.3. Further Document Information
Symbol Legend
The following symbols and markings are used in the document:
WARNING!Safety-related information that is highly recommended to read and keep in every case!
ATTENTION!Useful information for performing a successful procedure; it is recommended to read.
DIFFERENCE:Feature or function that is available with a specific firmware/hardware version or product variant.
INFO:A notice, which contains additional information. Procedure can be successful without reading it.
DEFINITION:The short description of a feature or a function.
TIPS AND TRICKS:Ideas that you may have not known yet, but can be useful.
Navigation Buttons
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Buttons in the PDF version |
Buttons in the HTML version |
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Navigate to the Table of Contents. |
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Open the main Table of Contents. |
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Go back to the previous page. If you clicked on a link previously, you can go back to the source page by pressing the button. |
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Navigate to the Online User Manuals webpage. |
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Navigate to the Bookmark page. |
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Navigate to the Bookmark page in this User Manual. |
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Visit www.lightware.com. |
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Download the PDF version of the User Manual. |
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About Printing
Lightware Visual Engineering supports green technologies and eco-friendly mentality. Thus, this document is made primarily for digital usage. If you need to print out a few pages for any reason, follow the recommended printing settings:
▪Page size: A4
▪Output size: Fit to page or Match page size
▪Orientation: Landscape
TIPS AND TRICKS: Thanks to the size of the original page, a border around the content (gray on the second picture below) makes it possible to organize the pages better. After punching holes in the printed pages, they can easily be placed into a ring folder.
5.4. Limited Warranty Statement
1. Lightware Visual Engineering PLC (Lightware) warrants to all trade and end user customers that any Lightware product purchased will be free from manufacturing defects in both material and workmanship for three (3) years from purchase unless stated otherwise below. The warranty period will begin on the latest possible date where proof of purchase/delivery can be provided by the customer. In the event that no proof can be provided (empty ‘Date of purchase’ field or a copy of invoice), the warranty period will begin from the point of delivery from Lightware.
1.1. 25G and MODEX product series will be subject to a seven (7) year warranty period under the same terms as outlined in this document.
1.2. If during the first three (3) months of purchase, the customer is unhappy with any aspect of a Lightware product, Lightware will accept a return for full credit.
1.3. Any product that fails in the first six (6) months of the warranty period will automatically be eligible for replacement and advanced replacement where available. Any replacements provided will be warranted for the remainder of the original unit’s warranty period.
1.4. Product failures from six (6) months to the end of the warranty period will either be repaired or replaced at the discretion of Lightware. If Lightware chooses to replace the product, then the replacement will be warranted for the remainder of the original unit’s warranty period.
2. The above-stated warranty and procedures will not apply to any product that has been:
2.1. Modified, repaired or altered by anyone other than a certified Lightware engineer unless expressly agreed beforehand.
2.2. Used in any application other than that for which it was intended.
2.3. Subjected to any mechanical or electrical abuse or accidental damage.
2.4. Any costs incurred for repair/replacement of goods that fall into the categories above (2.1., 2.2., 2.3.) will be borne by the customer at a pre-agreed figure.
3. All products to be returned to Lightware require a return material authorization number (RMA) prior to shipment, and this number must be clearly marked on the box. If an RMA number is not obtained or is not clearly marked on the box, Lightware will refuse the shipment.
3.1. The customer will be responsible for in-bound, and Lightware will be responsible for out-bound shipping costs.
3.2. Newly repaired or replaced products will be warranted to the end of the originally purchased product's warranty period.