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2x1 HDMI 2.1 48Gbps Switcher with Audio De-Embedding and HDMI Regeneration
VLSW-2x18KA
2-input HDMI 2.1 switcher with full 48Gbps bandwidth, supports 8K@60Hz, 4K@120Hz, VRR, ALLM, and Dolby Vision pass-through
Simultaneous digital and analog audio de-embedding, optical S/PDIF up to Dolby/DTS 5.1 and analog L/R stereo with adjustable gain
Professional-grade DIP switch EDID management with built-in signal generator for rapid source diagnostics
Multi-mode control via front panel buttons, IR remote, and RS-232 API to integrate with any control system
Product Description
The VLSW-2x18KA is a professional 2x1 HDMI 2.1 switcher with full 48Gbps signal handling and integrated audio extraction in a single compact unit. Supporting resolutions up to 8K@60Hz (YCbCr 4:2:0 12-bit), 8K@30Hz (RGB/4:4:4 12-bit), and 4K@120Hz, it passes the complete HDMI 2.1 feature set — VRR, ALLM, HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and HLG — without signal degradation. Simultaneous audio de-embedding delivers optical S/PDIF up to Dolby/DTS 5.1 and balanced analog L/R stereo with adjustable gain via a 5-pin Phoenix connector, routing audio directly to an amplifier or DSP without an additional extractor in the signal chain.
A 4-position DIP switch locks EDID values to both inputs, preventing source renegotiation when displays power-cycle in commercial environments. The built-in HDMI signal generator outputs a test pattern without a connected source for rapid display and cable diagnostics. Input selection supports auto or manual switching via front panel buttons, IR remote, or RS-232 API commands through a 3-pin Phoenix connector — fully compatible with Crestron, AMX, Extron, and Q-SYS.
Built-in equalization, retiming, and drive circuitry maintain signal integrity up to 2m at 8K, 8m at 4K@60Hz, and 15m at 1080p using Premium High Speed HDMI cable. The unit is HDCP 2.3 compliant and ESD-protected to IEC 61000-4-2 standards.
Key Features
Full HDMI 2.1 compliance with 48Gbps video bandwidth — supports 8K@60Hz 4:2:0 12-bit, 8K@30Hz RGB/4:4:4 12-bit, 4K@120Hz RGB/4:4:4 12-bit
Built-in HDMI signal generator for rapid display and cable diagnostics
HDCP 2.3 compliant — passes all 4K and 8K protected content sources
HDR, HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG, ALLM, and VRR pass-through
HDMI audio pass-through: LPCM, Dolby Digital/Plus/EX, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Atmos, DTS, DTS-EX, DTS-96/24, DTS High Res, DTS-HD Master Audio, DSD
Simultaneous audio de-embedding: optical S/PDIF (up to LPCM/Dolby/DTS 5.1CH) and analog L/R stereo via 5-pin Phoenix connector with gain control
4-pin DIP switch for advanced EDID management — prevents source-display renegotiation in commercial installs
Auto and manual input switching modes
Built-in signal equalizer, retiming, and driver for clean HDMI signal regeneration
Control: front panel buttons, IR remote (wideband 20K–60KHz), RS-232 API via 3-pin Phoenix connector
Firmware update via USB Type-C service port
Metal enclosure — compact form factor for shelf, furniture, or rack deployment
Included 12V/1A multinational locking power supply (CE/FCC/UL certified)
Downloads
Ideal Applications
Corporate Boardrooms & Executive Conference Rooms
Boardrooms with a wall-mounted PC and a laptop input share a single 8K or 4K display through the VLSW-2x18KA, which simultaneously de-embeds audio to a ceiling speaker amplifier or DSP without breaking the video path. RS-232 integration with room control systems (Crestron, AMX, Q-SYS) automates source switching based on calendar scheduling or occupancy triggers, while the DIP switch EDID lock prevents the display from dropping to a lower resolution when laptops reconnect. The adjustable analog gain on the L/R output trims audio levels to match the room amplifier's input sensitivity without an additional attenuator in the rack.
Higher Education Lecture Halls & Classrooms
Fixed-install classrooms with a dedicated instructor PC and a podium-mounted laptop input connect through the VLSW-2x18KA to route either source to a projection system or large-format display. The built-in signal generator enables AV technicians to verify display and cable connectivity during morning setup before students arrive, without needing a live source connected. Optical S/PDIF output feeds the room sound system directly from the switcher, delivering up to Dolby 5.1 surround from lecture video content without an additional audio extraction device.
Digital Signage & Information Display Systems
Digital signage installations with a primary media player and a backup source connect through the VLSW-2x18KA; RS-232 commands from a central control server automate source failover when the primary player goes offline. The DIP switch EDID management ensures the media player always receives the correct display EDID even after display power cycles or overnight shutdowns — eliminating the resolution mismatch failures common in unmanaged signage deployments. The compact 21.5mm-tall form factor installs discreetly behind display mounts or inside display enclosures.
Broadcast & Live Production Control Rooms
Broadcast environments using two camera outputs, playback systems, or graphics sources feed the VLSW-2x18KA to switch between sources on a program monitor while de-embedding audio simultaneously to the audio console via optical or analog output. The no-latency video and audio path (zero frame delay) is essential for frame-accurate monitoring in live production workflows. RS-232 control integrates with broadcast automation systems for scripted source switching during live-to-tape productions, while HDCP 2.3 compliance maintains the signal chain integrity for protected content.
Hospitality & Hotel AV Systems
Hotel meeting rooms and conference suites connect a house video source and a guest HDMI input through the VLSW-2x18KA, routing video to the room display and simultaneously extracting audio for the room sound system. Front panel manual switching provides guests and on-site staff with simple input selection without requiring access to back-of-rack equipment. The compact metal enclosure mounts cleanly inside AV furniture or on a rack shelf alongside other room equipment, and the locking power supply connector prevents accidental disconnection in high-traffic environments.
Specifications
| Technical | |
|---|---|
| HDMI Compliance | HDMI 2.1 |
| HDCP Compliance | HDCP 2.3 |
| Video Bandwidth | 48Gbps |
| Video Latency | No Latency |
| Audio Latency | No Latency |
| Video Resolution | Up to 8K@60Hz YCbCr 4:2:0 12-bit; 8K@30Hz RGB/YCbCr 4:4:4 12-bit; 4K@120Hz RGB/YCbCr 4:4:4 12-bit |
| Color Depth | 8/10/12-bit |
| Color Space | RGB, YCbCr 4:4:4, YCbCr 4:2:2, YCbCr 4:2:0 |
| HDR | HDR, HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG |
| ALLM / VRR | Supported (pass-through) |
| IR Level | 12Vp-p |
| IR Frequency | Wideband 20K–60KHz |
| Audio Formats — HDMI Input/Output | LPCM, Dolby Digital/Plus/EX, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Atmos, DTS, DTS-EX, DTS-96/24, DTS High Res, DTS-HD Master Audio, DSD |
| Audio Formats — De-Embedded Output | Optical S/PDIF: Up to LPCM/Dolby/DTS 5.1CH; Analog L/R: LPCM 2CH (with gain control) |
| ESD Protection | IEC 61000-4-2: ±8kV (Air-gap discharge), ±4kV (Contact discharge) |
| Connections | |
| Inputs | 2× HDMI IN [Type A, 19-pin female] |
| Outputs | 1× HDMI OUT [Type A, 19-pin female]; 1× OPTICAL AUDIO OUT [S/PDIF, female]; 1× L/R AUDIO OUT [5-pin 3.5mm Phoenix connector, male] |
| Control | 1× RS-232 [3-pin 3.5mm Phoenix connector]; 1× IR CTL [3.5mm stereo mini-jack]; 1× SERVICE [USB Type-C, firmware update port] |
| Mechanical | |
| Housing | Metal Enclosure |
| Color | Black |
| Dimensions | 220mm (W) × 110mm (D) × 21.5mm (H) |
| Weight | 595g |
| Power Supply | Input: AC100–240V 50/60Hz; Output: DC 12V/1A (US/EU standards, CE/FCC/UL certified) |
| Power Consumption | 5.04W (Max) |
| Operating Temperature | -10°C ~ 45°C / 14°F ~ 113°F |
| Storage Temperature | -20°C ~ 60°C / -4°F ~ 140°F |
| Relative Humidity | 20–90% RH (non-condensing) |
| Recommended HDMI Cable Length (HDMI IN / OUT) | |
| 8K | 2m / 6.6ft (Ultra HDMI 2.1 cable required) |
| 4K@60Hz | 8m / 26ft |
| 4K@24Hz | 12m / 39ft |
| 1080p | 15m / 49ft |
| Premium High Speed HDMI cable is highly recommended. | |
What’s in the Box
1× VLSW-2x18KA 2x1 HDMI 2.1 48Gbps Switcher
1× IR Remote
1× 5-pin 3.5mm Phoenix Connector (male) — L/R audio
1× 3-pin 3.5mm Phoenix Connector (male) — RS-232
1× IR Wideband Receiver Cable (1.5m)
2× Mounting Ears
4× Machine Screws (KM3×4)
1× 12V/1A Multinational Locking Power Supply
1× User Manual
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the VLSW-2x18KA and the VLSW-21H21A?
Both are 2x1 HDMI 2.1 48Gbps switchers with audio de-embedding, but they serve different installation profiles. The VLSW-21H21A is a compact consumer/prosumer unit (145mm wide, 268g) with a 3.5mm analog stereo mini-jack output and USB-C update port as its only control interface — suitable for discreet desk or shelf mounting. The VLSW-2x18KA is a professional-grade unit (220mm wide, 595g) with a 5-pin Phoenix connector for balanced analog audio, a 3-pin Phoenix RS-232 port for control system integration (Crestron, AMX, Q-SYS), a 4-position DIP switch for advanced EDID management, a built-in HDMI signal generator for field diagnostics, and an IR wideband receiver cable. Choose the VLSW-2x18KA when RS-232 control system integration, professional balanced audio connectivity, EDID management, or signal generator diagnostics are required.
What audio formats does the optical output support on the VLSW-2x18KA?
The optical S/PDIF output on the VLSW-2x18KA supports up to LPCM stereo, Dolby Digital 5.1, and DTS 5.1. The analog L/R output (5-pin Phoenix connector) carries LPCM 2CH stereo only. The HDMI output passes the full range of audio formats embedded in the source signal — including LPCM, Dolby Digital/Plus/EX, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Atmos, DTS, DTS-HD Master Audio, and DSD — without any extraction or modification.
How does the DIP switch EDID management work on the VLSW-2x18KA?
The VLSW-2x18KA includes a 4-position DIP switch that selects from preconfigured EDID modes, locking a fixed EDID profile to the two HDMI inputs. When a fixed EDID is applied, the sources always read the same display capability data regardless of whether the downstream display is powered on, changed, or power-cycling. This prevents resolution drops and audio format renegotiation that occur in commercial installations where displays are managed independently of source devices. The DIP switch configuration is hardware-based, requiring no software or PC connection to adjust.
What RS-232 commands does the VLSW-2x18KA support?
The VLSW-2x18KA accepts RS-232 API commands via the 3-pin Phoenix connector for input selection (switch to Input 1, switch to Input 2), switching mode configuration (auto or manual), and status queries. The RS-232 port operates at standard baud rate settings as documented in the user manual. This makes the switcher fully compatible with third-party control systems including Crestron, AMX, Extron, Control4, and Q-SYS using standard serial control drivers. Download the VLSW-2x18KA user manual for the complete RS-232 command set.
What is the built-in HDMI signal generator and how is it used?
The built-in signal generator outputs a test pattern directly from the VLSW-2x18KA's HDMI output without requiring a connected source device. AV technicians use this during installation commissioning to verify that the downstream display, HDMI cable, and distribution equipment are functioning correctly before source devices are connected. It is also useful for troubleshooting — if the test pattern displays correctly but a connected source does not, the issue is upstream of the switcher rather than with the display or output cable. Activate the signal generator via the front panel controls as documented in the user manual.
Does the VLSW-2x18KA support auto-switching between inputs?
Yes. The VLSW-2x18KA supports both auto and manual switching modes. In auto mode, the unit monitors the active signal on each HDMI input and automatically switches to the active source when the current source signal is lost — for example, if a laptop is disconnected or powered off, the switcher automatically transitions to the remaining input. In manual mode, input selection is locked to the operator's last selection via front panel button, IR remote, or RS-232 command. Mode selection is configurable through the front panel controls.
Can the VLSW-2x18KA be rack-mounted?
The VLSW-2x18KA includes two mounting ears for attachment to an AV rack shelf or custom mounting bracket. At 21.5mm high, it does not occupy a full 1U rack unit, but integrates cleanly into rack furniture drawers, under-table mounts, or onto rack shelves using the supplied hardware. For full 1U rack-mounted HDMI switching with audio de-embedding in 4x1 configurations, see the VLSW-4x18KA.
Is the VLSW-2x18KA backward compatible with HDMI 2.0 and earlier sources?
Yes. The VLSW-2x18KA is backward compatible with HDMI 2.0 (18Gbps, 4K@60Hz), HDMI 1.4, and earlier HDMI sources and displays. The unit negotiates the appropriate signal format between the source and display automatically — no manual configuration is required. Connecting an HDMI 2.0 source operates the HDMI link at 18Gbps and 4K@60Hz maximum; the full 48Gbps path is only active when both source and display are HDMI 2.1 capable.
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