Glossary A–ZLetter E
EDID
EDID is a small data set in the screen that tells the connected source which resolutions, refresh rates and audio formats the device can handle.
The abbreviation stands for “Extended Display Identification Data”. The source reads this data over the cable when the connection is made.
A media player chooses its output based on the EDID. If the screen is connected directly, this usually works without intervention. It becomes difficult when switches, splitters, extenders or matrix switches sit in between: the player may then read the data of a different device or none at all, and choose a wrong or very low resolution. Something similar happens when the screen is still switched off when the player starts.
Typical results are a black picture, a wrong format or borders that only disappear after a restart. The remedy is devices or settings that give the source fixed EDID data, known as EDID emulators or EDID management in switches. When faults of this kind occur, operators should check the signal path first before replacing the player or the screen.