KanexPro SW-HDMX44DS - User Manual

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Overview

Function Description
Important Technical Specifications
Video Resolution Down-scaling Table (Examples)
Usage Features
Maintenance Features

The KanexPro SW-HDMX44DS is an HDMI 2.0 compliant 4x4 matrix switcher designed to manage and distribute HDMI video signals from up to four sources to four displays simultaneously. A key feature of this device is its built-in 4K to 1080p downscaling capability, which allows for seamless integration of both 4K and 1080p displays within the same system. This ensures compatibility with legacy 1080p displays while maintaining optimal picture quality for all connected screens.

Function Description:

The primary function of the SW-HDMX44DS is to act as a central hub for HDMI video distribution. It accepts four HDMI inputs from various source devices such as Blu-ray players, game consoles, projectors, 4K TVs, and laptops. These inputs can then be routed to any of the four HDMI outputs, which connect to display devices. The matrixing capability means that any input can be switched to any output, or even to multiple outputs simultaneously, providing flexible signal routing.

The integrated 4K to 1080p downscaler is a significant advantage, as it automatically converts 4K HDMI video signals to 1080p for displays that do not support 4K resolution. This eliminates the need for external downscalers and simplifies system setup, ensuring that all connected displays receive a compatible video signal. The downscaling feature is independent for each output, allowing for a mix of 4K and 1080p displays in the same setup.

The device supports a wide range of video resolutions up to 4K@60Hz 4:4:4, including HDR10 and Dolby Vision, ensuring high-quality video pass-through for compatible displays. It is fully compliant with HDMI 2.0 and HDCP 2.2 specifications, which are essential for handling modern high-definition and ultra-high-definition content, including protected content.

Audio support includes PCM, Dolby Digital, and DTS, ensuring compatibility with various audio formats commonly found in HDMI signals.

Important Technical Specifications:

Video Input: (4) HDMI, female type A HDMI connectors.
Video Output: (4) HDMI, female type A HDMI connectors.
HDMI Version: 2.0.
HDCP Version: 2.2.
Maximum Video Resolution: Up to 4K@60Hz 4:4:4, HDR10, Dolby Vision, including 1080p 3D.
Maximum Bandwidth: 18Gbps.
HDMI Audio: Supports PCM, Dolby Digital, and DTS.
Control Ports: (1) RS232 (3-pin terminal block), (1) IR EYE (3.5mm jack).
Input Power: 12V DC 2A.
AC Adapter Input Power: 100 to 240 V AC, 50/60 Hz.
Maximum Power Consumption: 12 watts.
Operation Temperature: -5 to +55°C (+23° to +131°F).
Storage Temperature: -25 to +70°C (-13° to +158°F).
Relative Humidity: 10% to 90%, Non-condensing.
Dimensions (WHD): 244mm x 25.5mm x 100mm (269mm x 25.5mm x 100mm with Mounting Ears).
Net Weight: 640g.

Video Resolution Down-scaling Table (Examples):

The matrix supports automatic downscaling for various 4K input formats to 1080p output. Here are a few examples:

#	Resolution	Refresh	Color Space	Downscale	1080p Specs
1	4K	60Hz	4:4:4	Support	1080p@60Hz 4:4:4
3	4K	30Hz	4:4:4	Support	1080p@30Hz 4:4:4
7	4K	60Hz	4:2:0	Support	1080p@60Hz 4:4:4
13	4K	60Hz	RGB	Support	1080p@60Hz RGB
18	4K	23Hz	RGB	Support	1080p@23Hz RGB

Usage Features:

The SW-HDMX44DS offers multiple control methods for ease of use and integration into various environments:

Front Panel Buttons: The front panel features a power LED, four output zones with input indicators, and four output buttons. Users can press an output button repeatedly to cycle through the available input sources (1 to 4) for that specific output. The green LED indicates the currently selected source.
IR Remote Control: An included IR remote provides convenient wireless control. Users can switch inputs to outputs, set EDID, and manage system standby mode using the remote's dedicated buttons for inputs, outputs, ALL, EDID, CLEAR, and ENTER.
RS232 Control: For more advanced integration and automation, the matrix can be controlled via RS232 commands. This allows connection to a control device (e.g., a PC) to send specific commands for signal switching, preset management, audio settings, EDID management, and HDCP compliance. The RS232 interface requires setting parameters like baud rate (9600), data bit (8), stop bit (1), and parity bit (none).
- System Commands: Include reporting system model (/*Type;), locking/unlocking front panel buttons (/%Lock;, /%Unlock;), reporting software version (/^Version;), undoing operations (Undo.), power on/off (PWON., STANDBY.), reporting system locking/power status (%9961., %9962.), and resetting to factory default (%0911.).
- Signal Switching Commands: Allow for comprehensive control over input-to-output routing, such as switching a specific input to all outputs ([x]All.), switching all inputs to corresponding outputs (All#.), turning off all outputs (All$.), switching a specific input to a specific output ([x]#.), turning off a specific output ([x]$.), turning on a specific output ([x]@.), turning on all outputs (All@.), and complex input-to-multiple-output routing ([x][y1],[y2],[y3],[y4].). Status reporting for switching is also available (Status[x].).
- Preset Setting Commands: Enable saving and recalling current switching statuses (Save[y]., Recall[y].) and clearing presets (Clear[y].).
- Audio Setting Commands: Provide control over HDMI digital audio for each output, allowing users to turn audio on (DigitAudioON[x].) or off (DigitAudioOFF[x].) for specific outputs or all outputs. Status reporting for HDMI digital audio is also available (%9977.).

Maintenance Features:

Smart EDID Management: The device incorporates smart EDID management, which helps ensure optimal compatibility between sources and displays by handling Extended Display Identification Data. Users can report EDID data from outputs (EDIDG[x].), reset factory default EDID to all input ports (EDIDMInit.), and set EDID data for inputs based on various predefined settings (e.g., learning from an output, specific resolutions, or user-defined EDID) (EDIDM[x]B[y].).
HDCP Compliance Management: The matrix supports HDCP 2.2 and provides commands for managing HDCP. Users can set HDCP modes for outputs (Bypass or HDCP 1.4) (/%0/[x]:[z].), report HDCP on/off status of inputs (%9973.) and outputs (%9974.), and report the HDCP mode of HDMI inputs (%9978.).
Firmware Upgrade: The device supports upgrading user-defined EDID data (EDIDUpgrade[x].) and potentially firmware updates, although specific firmware upgrade procedures are not detailed in the provided excerpt beyond EDID.
Factory Reset: A command (%0911.) is available to reset the device to its factory default settings, which can be useful for troubleshooting or reconfiguring the system.

The KanexPro SW-HDMX44DS is a versatile and robust solution for complex HDMI video distribution, particularly in environments where a mix of 4K and 1080p displays needs to be managed efficiently with advanced control options.