DSC 401

4K/60 HDMI to HDMI Scalers

Key Features

4K/60 HDMI to HDMI scaling
Advanced Extron Vector™ 4K scaling engine
HDCP 2.3 compliant
Advanced 4:4:4 signal processing
Accepts HDMI video from 480i up to 4096x2160 @ 4:4:4
Selectable output rates from 640x480 up to 4096x2160 @ 4:4:4

Model	Version Description	Part #
DSC 401	4K/60 HDMI to HDMI Scaler	60-1878-01
DSC 401 A	4K/60 HDMI to HDMI Scaler w/ Audio	60-1878-02

The Extron DSC 401 and DSC 401 A are high-performance scalers capable of converting between HDMI resolutions up to 4K/60 with full 4:4:4 color sampling. They support data rates up to 18 Gbps and incorporate the Extron-exclusive Vector™ 4K scaling technology, which is engineered for critical-quality 4K applications. Both HDCP 2.3‑compliant models support 4K/60 signals on a single connection and provide many integrator-friendly features, such as on‑screen display, internal test patterns, and status LEDs. The DSC 401 A features audio embedding and de‑embedding, logo image keying and display, input presets, audio file playback, and Ethernet control with PoE. The DSC 401 and DSC 401 A scalers are ideal for locations such as conference rooms, auditoriums, or anywhere high-quality 4K scaling of HDMI signals is required.

Advanced Vector 4K Scaling

Both scalers incorporate the Vector 4K scaling engine, developed in‑house and engineered to deliver best-in-class image upscaling and downscaling. Vector 4K embodies several Extron-patented scaling technologies, plus a new set of image processing algorithms that deliver uncompromising scaling performance. This enables sharp, accurate 4:4:4 processing and scaling of video signals up to 4K, as well as downscaling of 4K source signals for display in small windows or on lower-resolution displays without losing critical image detail.

High Performance Video Processing

The DSC 401 and DSC 401 A scalers provide high performance deinterlacing of all interlaced signals up to 1080i, and Deep Color processing to deliver optimal image quality. Automatic 3:2 and 2:2 pulldown detection maximizes image quality for source content originating from film. Additionally, the color space and chroma sampling of the HDMI output can be automatically set to ensure compatibility with a connected HDMI or DVI display.

Selectable FILL and FOLLOW modes are also available to support the proper aspect ratio of the output. FILL mode provides full screen output, while FOLLOW mode preserves the original aspect ratio of the input signal.

Professional Presentations

Signals sourced from an upstream switcher can be transitioned using cut through black, fade through black, seamless cut, or seamless fade for glitch-free, professional-looking presentations. For HDMI signals with protected content, Key Minder authenticates and maintains continuous HDCP encryption between input and output devices. The technology ensures the delivery of exceptional image quality with HDCP‑encrypted content.

Display Custom Images and Logos

The DSC 401 A scaler provides the convenience of uploading custom images, which can be displayed as a screen saver after a predefined duration of inactivity at the video input. This is also true whenever the input is disconnected between presentations. Additionally, a customized image can be displayed when HDCP‑encrypted content is transmitted to a non‑HDCP compliant display.

A custom graphic logo, such as a company logo, can be inserted into any presentation. Several key effects are available, and a logo can be positioned anywhere on‑screen.

Enhanced Audio Capabilities

The DSC 401 A includes a convenient 3.5 mm analog audio input for embedding audio onto the HDMI output, as well as a two‑channel analog audio output for sending de‑embedded audio to a sound system or other audio destination. It also delivers essential audio integration capabilities, including discrete, selectable analog and digital audio muting, analog input gain and attenuation, and output volume control.

Multiple Options for Control and Operation

Both scalers feature front panel controls for quick access to functions. Additionally, LED indicators on the front panel provide visual confirmation of video input signals, the presence of HDCP encryption, and power signal status. On‑screen menus provide easy control of scaler functions and settings, including quick access to key parameters such as input and output video formats and resolutions. Remote configuration is available via USB on both models. The DSC 401 A can be configured or controlled externally over Ethernet.

Each scaler is housed in a 1", quarter-rack width metal enclosure and can be easily integrated into a variety of environments.

Features

4K/60 HDMI to HDMI scaling — DSC 401 and DSC 401 A scalers provide high quality scaling of HDMI video resolutions and frame rates.

Input: female HDMI Type A connector

Audio Input: One 3.5 mm stereo mini jack - DSC 401 A only

Output: female HDMI Type A connector

Audio Output: balanced/unbalanced stereo audio on 5‑pole captive screw - DSC 401 A only

Advanced Extron Vector™ 4K scaling engine — The Vector 4K scaling engine is specifically designed for critical-quality 4K imagery, with best-in-class image upscaling and downscaling.

HDCP 2.3 compliant — Ensures display of content-protected media and interoperability with other HDCP‑compliant devices.

Advanced 4:4:4 signal processing — 4:4:4 signal processing maintains color accuracy and fine picture detail.

Accepts HDMI video from 480i up to 4096x2160 @ 4:4:4

Selectable output rates from 640x480 up to 4096x2160 @ 4:4:4

Supported HDMI specification features include data rates up to 18 Gbps, Deep Color, and HD lossless audio formats

30-bit signal processing — Vector 4K video processing is performed at 30 bits per pixel to maximize grayscale and color accuracy. This maintains color fidelity and detail present in native 30‑bit source content and reduces issues such as banding that can result from loss of color depth.

Motion-adaptive deinterlacing for signals up to 1080i — Advanced deinterlacing for all interlaced signals up to 1080i delivers optimized image quality.

Seamless transitions — Automatically applies a seamless fade or cut when a new source is detected.

Automatic 3:2 and 2:2 pulldown detection — Advanced film mode processing techniques that instantaneously detect and maximize image quality for NTSC, PAL, and 1080i sources that originated from film.

Logo image keying and display - DSC 401 A only — A logo graphic can be positioned and keyed over live video. Logo graphics in BMP, GIF, JPG, PNG, or TIFF format may be uploaded to the unit. Full screen images up to 4K resolution can also be displayed to eliminate loss of video between presentations.

HDMI audio embedding - DSC 401 A only — Audio from the two‑channel analog input can be embedded onto the HDMI output.

HDMI audio de‑embedding - DSC 401 A only — Embedded HDMI two‑channel PCM audio can be extracted to the analog output, or multi‑channel and bitstream formats can be passed to the HDMI output.

User-selectable HDCP authorization — Allows the unit to appear HDCP compliant or non‑HDCP compliant to the connected source, which is beneficial if the source automatically encrypts all content when connected to an HDCP‑compliant device. Protected material is not passed in non‑HDCP mode.

EDID Minder^® automatically manages EDID communication between connected devices — EDID Minder ensures that the source powers up properly and reliably outputs content for display.

Supports custom EDID and output resolutions — User-defined output resolutions up to 600 MHz pixel clock can be supported by uploading custom EDID files or capturing EDID from a display or other destination device.

Aspect ratio control — The aspect ratio of the video output can be controlled by selecting a FILL mode, which provides a full-screen output, or a FOLLOW mode, which preserves the original aspect ratio of the input signal.

Scaler Bypass Mode — Allows scaling to be bypassed to support unprocessed transmission of 3D, HDR, and other formats.

HDCP authentication and signal presence confirmation — Provides real-time verification of HDCP status for each digital video input and output. This allows for simple, quick, and easy signal and HDCP verification through RS‑232, USB, or Ethernet, providing valuable feedback to a system operator or helpdesk support staff.

HDCP Visual Confirmation — When HDCP‑encrypted content is transmitted to a non‑HDCP compliant display, a full‑screen green signal or user-supplied image is sent to the display for immediate visual confirmation that protected content cannot be viewed on that display.

HDMI to DVI Interface Format Correction — Automatically enables or disables embedded audio and InfoFrames, and sets the correct color space for proper connection to HDMI and DVI displays.

AFL™ - Accu-RATE Frame Lock - DSC 401 A only — A patented technology exclusive to Extron that locks the output frame rate to the input to eliminate stuttering caused by frame rate conversion.

Image freeze control - DSC 401 A only — A live image can be frozen using USB or Ethernet control.

Auto Input Memory - DSC 401 A only — When activated, the unit automatically stores size, position, and picture settings based on the incoming signal. When the same signal is detected again, these image settings are automatically recalled from memory.

On‑screen menus — Intuitive on‑screen menus allow for easy system setup using the front panel controls. Key parameters such as input and output video formats are conveniently grouped on the initial Quick Setup screen, while additional screens provide full control over the unit's other functions and settings.

Output Standby Mode — Can be set to automatically mute video and sync output to the display device when no active input signal is detected. This allows the projector or display to automatically enter into standby mode to save energy and enhance lamp or panel life.

Power Save Mode — Can be placed in a low-power standby state to conserve energy when not in use.

Picture controls for horizontal and vertical sizing and positioning - DSC 401 A only

Internal video test patterns for calibration and setup — The scalers offer five video test patterns to facilitate proper system setup and calibration of display devices. These include crop, alternating pixels, crosshatch, color bars, and grayscale. The DSC 401 A also includes pink noise for audio testing.

Automatic input cable equalization — Actively conditions incoming HDMI signals to compensate for signal loss when using long cables, low quality cables, or source devices with poor signal output.

Output volume control - DSC 401 A only — Provides master volume control for the analog and HDMI embedded audio outputs.

Audio input gain and attenuation - DSC 401 A only — Gain and attenuation can be adjusted for the analog audio input.

Integrated audio delay — The audio output is automatically delayed to compensate for latency introduced by video processing.

Selectable audio muting — Embedded HDMI audio can be muted, and the analog audio output on the DSC 401 A can also be muted.

Audio file playback - DSC 401 A only — Up to 16 pre‑recorded messages may be stored and played back over HDMI-embedded and analog outputs. Supported audio file types include WAV, MP3, AAC, and more.

Front panel security lockout — Locks out front panel functions; all functions remain available through Ethernet or USB.

CEC – Consumer Electronics Control capability - DSC 401 A only — Standard, built‑in CEC commands can be triggered to control displays or other AV devices connected over HDMI. The ability to control specific functions, such as power on/off, input selection, or volume level, is dependent on implementation by the device manufacturer.

Ethernet monitoring and control - DSC 401 A only — Enables control and proactive monitoring over a LAN or WAN. An intuitive Web interface is included for system monitoring and firmware updates.

Built‑in Web pages — Enables the use of a standard browser for monitoring, troubleshooting, and firmware updates over an intuitive Web interface.

Front panel USB configuration port — Provides convenient access for setup, configuration, and firmware updates.

Real-time status LED indicators for troubleshooting and monitoring — LED indicators on the front panel provide visual confirmation of input signal presence, HDCP authentication, and power status.

Easy setup and commissioning with Extron's PCS - Product Configuration Software — Conveniently configure multiple products using a single software application.

1" (2.5 cm) high, quarter rack width metal enclosure

Includes LockIt^® cable lacing brackets — Securely fastens HDMI or USB‑C^® cables to a device, eliminating risk of disconnection.

Power over Ethernet - DSC 401 A only — PoE allows the DSC 401 A to receive power and communication over a single Ethernet cable, eliminating the need for a local power supply.

External Extron Everlast™ power supply included, replacement part #70‑1174‑01 — Provides worldwide power compatibility with high‑demonstrated reliability and low power consumption.

Extron Everlast Power Supply is covered by a 7‑year parts and labor warranty

OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES
	MBU 125	Low-Profile Mount Kit for 1/4 and 1/2 Rack Width, Two-Piece Enclosures
	RSB 126	Basic Rack Shelf for 6" Deep Products
	Half Rack Shelf System	Half-Rack Width Rack Shelf and Accessories
	RFF Series	Basic Rack False Faceplate Kits

OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES

MBU 125

Low-Profile Mount Kit for 1/4 and 1/2 Rack Width, Two-Piece Enclosures

RSB 126

Basic Rack Shelf for 6" Deep Products

Half Rack Shelf System

Half-Rack Width Rack Shelf and Accessories

RFF Series

Basic Rack False Faceplate Kits

SIMILAR PRODUCTS
	DSC 301 HD	Three Input Compact HDCP-Compliant Video Scaler
	DSC 3G-HD A	3G-SDI to HDMI Scaler with Audio Embedding
	DSC HD-3G A	HDMI to 3G-SDI Scaler with Audio Embedding
	DSC HD-HD 4K PLUS A	HDMI to HDMI 4K/60 Scalers with Audio Embedding and De‑Embedding
	DVS 605	Five Input HDCP-Compliant Scaler with Seamless Switching
	IN1604	Four Input HDCP-Compliant Scaler
	IN1606	Six Input HDCP-Compliant Scaling Presentation Switcher
	IN1608 xi	Eight Input HDCP-Compliant Scaling Presentation Switcher with DTP Extension
	IN1804 Series	Four Input 4K/60 Seamless Scaling Switchers
	IN1806	Six Input 4K/60 Seamless Presentation Switcher
	IN1808 Series	Eight Input 4K/60 Seamless Presentation Switchers
	RGB-HDMI 300 A	RGB and Stereo Audio to HDMI Scaler

SIMILAR PRODUCTS

DSC 301 HD

Three Input Compact HDCP-Compliant Video Scaler

DSC 3G-HD A

3G-SDI to HDMI Scaler with Audio Embedding

DSC HD-3G A

HDMI to 3G-SDI Scaler with Audio Embedding

DSC HD-HD 4K PLUS A

HDMI to HDMI 4K/60 Scalers with Audio Embedding and De‑Embedding

DVS 605

Five Input HDCP-Compliant Scaler with Seamless Switching

IN1604

Four Input HDCP-Compliant Scaler

IN1606

Six Input HDCP-Compliant Scaling Presentation Switcher

IN1608 xi

Eight Input HDCP-Compliant Scaling Presentation Switcher with DTP Extension

IN1804 Series

Four Input 4K/60 Seamless Scaling Switchers

IN1806

Six Input 4K/60 Seamless Presentation Switcher

IN1808 Series

Eight Input 4K/60 Seamless Presentation Switchers

RGB-HDMI 300 A

RGB and Stereo Audio to HDMI Scaler

Specifications

DSC 401 and 401 A

specifications

Frame rate¹

24, 25, 30, 50, or 60 fps

Chroma sampling¹

4:4:4, 4:2:2, or 4:2:0 (4:2:0 supported on input only)

Color bit depth¹

8 or 10 bits per color

Signal Type

DVI 1.0, HDMI 1.4 and 2.0, HDCP 1.4 and 2.3

Max. video data rate

18 Gbps (6 Gbps per color)

NOTE	¹Subject to the maximum data rate limit. Use our calculator at www.extron.com/8Kdatarate* to determine video parameters supported by this data rate.*

Video input

Number/signal type

1 HDMI/DVI

Connector

1 female HDMI A

Horizontal frequency

15 kHz to 270 kHz

Vertical frequency

24 Hz to 240 Hz

Resolution range

640x480 to 4096x2160, 480i, 576i, 480p, 576p, 720p, 1080i, 1080p, 2K, and 3840x2160 to 4096x2160, up to 60 Hz

Input cable equalization

Automatic

Input cable length

At 4096x2160@60 Hz, 4:4:4, 8-bit color
HDMI Ultra — Up to 12 feet (3.6 meters)
HDMI Pro — 25 feet (7.6 meters)

NOTE	Lower resolutions may support longer transmission distances. Transmission distance varies depending on signal resolution, type of cable, and source device used.

Standards

DVI 1.0, HDMI 1.4 and 2.0, HDCP 1.4 and 2.3

Video processing

Digital sampling

8 or 10 bits per color, 600 MHz maximum pixel clock

Colors

1.07 billion (10 bit, 4:4:4 processing)

Video output

Number/signal type

1 HDMI/DVI (with CEC – DSC 401 A only)

Connector

1 female HDMI A

Power for active cables

1.1 W max. for the HDMI port

Peripheral device power

250 mA on the HDMI output

Vertical frequency

23.98 Hz, 24 Hz, 25 Hz, 29.97 Hz, 30 Hz, 50 Hz, 59.94 Hz, 60 Hz

Scaled resolutions

640x480⁸, 800x600⁸, 1024x768⁸, 1280x768⁸, 1280x800⁸, 1280x1024⁸, 1360x768⁸, 1366x768⁸, 1440x900⁸, 1400x1050⁸, 1600x900⁸, 1680x1050⁸, 1600x1200⁸, 1920x1200⁸, 2560x1080⁸, 2560x1440⁸, 2048x1200⁸, 2048x1536⁸, 2560x1600⁸, 3840x2160^{1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8}, 4096x2160^{1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8}, and custom 1-5.

480p^7,8, 576p⁶, 720p^{1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8}, 1080i^6,7,8, 1080p^{1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8}, and 2K (2048x1080)^{1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8}

¹= at 23.98 Hz, ²= at 24 Hz, ³= at 25 Hz, ⁴= at 29.97 Hz, ⁵= 30 Hz, ⁶= at 50 Hz, ⁷= at 59.94 Hz, ⁸= at 60 Hz

Output cable length

At 4096x2160 @ 60 Hz, 4:4:4, 8-bit color
HDMI Ultra — Up to 12 feet (3.6 meters)
HDMI Pro — 25 feet (7.6 meters)

NOTE	Lower resolutions may support longer transmission distances. Transmission distance varies depending on signal resolution, type of cable, and equalization capabilities of the display in the system.

Standards

CEC, DVI 1.0, HDMI 1.4 and 2.0, HDCP 1.4 and 2.3

Audio

Gain

Analog In to Analog Out

Unbalanced output: 0 dB
Balanced output: +6 dB

LPCM-2Ch in to analog out

Unbalanced output: -6 dB
Balanced output: 0 db

Frequency response

20 Hz to 20 kHz, ± 0.5 dB

THD + Noise

<0.1%, 20 Hz to 20 kHz bandwidth at nominal level

S/N (unweighted)

>90 dB at max balanced output

Stereo channel separation

>80 dB at 1 kHz

Supported formats

Analog de-embedding

LPCM up to 2.0/24-bit/96 kHz (DSC 401 A only)

HDMI pass-through

LPCM up to 7.1/24-bit/192 kHz, Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby legacy formats, DTS-X, DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS 96/24, and DTS legacy formats

Audio input

Number/signal type

1 digital stereo, de-embedded from HDMI (LPCM-2CH only)
1 stereo line level unbalanced (DSC 401 A only)

Connectors

DSC 401

1 female HDMI A

DSC 401 A

1 female HDMI A
(1) 3.5 mm TRS (Tip – L, Ring – R, Sleeve – Ground)

Impedance

>10k ohms unbalanced (DSC 401 A only)

Nominal level

Line input: -10 dBV (316 mVrms), adjustable (DSC 401 A only)

Maximum level

+15 dBu, unbalanced (DSC 401 A only)

CMRR

65 dB @ 1 kHz (DSC 401 A only)

Input gain adjustment

-18 dB to +24 dB, analog input only (DSC 401 A only)

Audio output

Number/signal type

DSC 401

1 HDMI embedded

DSC 401 A

1 HDMI embedded
1 stereo/mono, balanced or unbalanced

Connectors

DSC 401

1 female HDMI A

DSC 401 A

1 female HDMI A
(1) 3.5 mm, 5 pole captive screw

Impedance

50 ohms unbalanced, 100 ohms balanced (DSC 401 A only)

Gain error

±0.5 dB channel to channel

Maximum level (Hi-Z)

>+21 dBu balanced, >+15 dBu, unbalanced (DSC 401 A only)

Volume range

-100 dB to 0 dB in 1.0 dB increments

Communication

USB control port

1 female USB-C on front panel

Standard

Ethernet over USB (RNDIS)

Ethernet setting

IP address: 203.0.113.22

Ethernet port — DSC 401A only

Connector

1 female RJ-45

Ethernet data rate

10/100/1000 base-T, half/full duplex with auto detect

Ethernet protocol

ARP, DHCP, DNS, HTTP (redirect), HTTPS, IEEE 802.1X, ICMP, NTP, SFTP, SMTP, SNMP, SSH, TCP/IP, Telnet, UDP/IP

Ethernet default settings

Link speed and duplex: Auto-detected
IP address: 192.168.254.254
Subnet mask: 255.255.0.0
Gateway: 0.0.0.0
DHCP: Off

Program control

On-screen display (OSD) via front panel control
Extron Simple Instruction Set (SIS™) commands
Extron Product Configuration Software (PCS) for Windows^®
Extron Toolbelt Software

Storage

512 MB user memory

General

Power supply

External
Input: 100-240 VAC, 50-60 Hz

Power input connectors

(1) 2 pole captive screw, 12 VDC
1 RJ-45, PoE 48 VDC (DSC 401 A only)

Power consumption

Full power

DSC 401

7.4 watts

DSC 401 and power supply

8.1 watts

DSC 401 A

8.5 watts

DSC 401 A and power supply

9.3 watts

Power save mode

DSC 401

4.6 watts

DSC 401 and power supply

5.4 watts

DSC 401 A

5.6 watts

DSC 401 A and power supply

6.6 watts

Ambient temperature/humidity

Storage: -40 to +158 °F (-40 to +70 °C) / 10% to 90%, noncondensing
Operating: +32 to +122 °F (0 to +50 °C) / 10% to 50%, noncondensing

Cooling

Convection, vents sides and top

Thermal dissipation

Full power

DSC 401

24.2 BTU/hr

DSC 401 and power supply

26.7 BTU/hr

DSC 401 A

27.8 BTU/hr

DSC 401 A and power supply

30.8 BTU/hr

Power save mode

DSC 401

15.5 BTU/hr

DSC 401 and power supply

18.3 BTU/hr

DSC 401 A

19.1 BTU/hr

DSC 401 A and power supply

22.3 BTU/hr

Mounting

Rack mount

Yes, with optional rack shelf

Enclosure type

Metal

Enclosure dimensions

1.0" H x 4.25" W x 6.0" D (1" high, quarter-rack wide)
(25 mm H x 108 mm W x 152 mm D)
(Depth excludes connectors.)

Product weight

DSC 401

1.5 lbs (0.7 kg)

DSC 401 A

1.8 lbs (0.8 kg)

Regulatory compliance

UL, c-UL, CE, C-tick, FCC Class A, ICES, VCCI

Product warranty

3 years parts and labor

Everlast power supply warranty

7 years parts and labor

NOTE	All nominal levels are at ±10%.

NOTE	Specifications are subject to change without notice.

(5948-D6)

Shipping Dimensions and Weights
Part #	Height	Width	Depth	Weight
60-1878-01	2.94" (7.5 cm)	10.5" (26.7 cm)	7.5" (19.1 cm)	2.32 lbs (1.05 kg)
60-1878-02	2.94" (7.5 cm)	10.5" (26.7 cm)	7.5" (19.1 cm)	1.95 lbs (0.88 kg)

DSC 401

Advanced Vector 4K Scaling

High Performance Video Processing

Professional Presentations

Display Custom Images and Logos

Enhanced Audio Capabilities

Multiple Options for Control and Operation

Features

Specifications

Diagram

Panel Drawing