LIBERTY AV SOLUTIONS DIGITALINX DL-HDM44A-H2

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Rev 190419

Phone: 719-260-0061

Toll-Free: 800-530-8998

Fax: 719-260-0075

DL-HDM44A-H2 Owners Manual

11675 Ridgeline Drive

Colorado Springs, CO

80921

Main Page

Summary

Front and Rear Panels

Front Panel

Describes the controls and indicators on the front panel of the matrix switcher.

Rear Panel

Details the various input, output, and control ports located on the rear of the matrix switcher.

Installation Instructions

Mount the Matrix

Instructions for physically installing the matrix switcher, including ventilation and rack mounting.

Rack Mounting Instructions

Specific steps for mounting the matrix switcher into a standard equipment rack.

Connect Sources

Guidance on connecting video source devices to the matrix switcher's input ports.

Connect Displays

Instructions for connecting display devices to the matrix switcher's output ports.

Applying Power

Steps for connecting the power supply and turning on the matrix switcher.

Switching Capabilities

Overview of how to switch between sources and displays using various control methods.

Connect External IR Control

Instructions for connecting an external IR receiver for remote control.

Connect RS232 Control

Details on connecting the matrix switcher for control via RS232 serial communication.

Connect Ethernet (Web Browser) Control

How to connect and control the matrix switcher using a web browser over an Ethernet network.

Router Connection

Steps for connecting the matrix switcher to a network router for control.

Crossover Cable Connection

Instructions for direct connection to a computer using a crossover Ethernet cable.

Web Browser Control

General information on accessing and using the web-based control interface.

Web Browser Control; System Settings

Matrix Control

Navigating the main interface for video and audio routing.

Connecting to Web Control Interface

How to access the matrix switcher's web interface via a browser.

Audio; Video Switching

Configuring audio and video signal routing through the matrix.

Saving and Loading Presets

How to save and recall specific routing configurations as presets.

Changing System Status

Controls for putting the device into standby or waking it up.

API Log

Accessing the log of system commands and responses.

Admin Settings

Accessing administrative configurations and password management.

Adjusting EDID Settings

Configuring Extended Display Identification Data for inputs.

Adjusting HDCP Support

Enabling or disabling High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection for inputs.

Viewing HDCP Input and Output Status

Checking the HDCP version status for inputs and outputs.

Changing the Audio and Video Alias Names

Customizing input and output names for easier identification.

Changing Network Address Settings

Configuring IP address, subnet mask, and gateway for network control.

Changing Password for Matrix Control and Admin Setting

Modifying login passwords for web interface access.

Updating Web Interface

Instructions for updating the matrix switcher's web user interface firmware.

Uploading a Custom Web Logo

Adding a custom logo to the web interface.

Factory Default and Reboot

Resetting the device to factory defaults or rebooting it.

API Log Show; Hide

Toggling the visibility of the API log in the web GUI.

RS232 and TCP;IP Control

HDCP Management Commands

Command set for managing HDCP support on inputs and outputs.

Matrix Routing Commands

Commands for setting and querying matrix input-to-output routes.

Audio Routing Commands

Commands for controlling audio switching modes and routing.

System Commands

Commands for saving/loading states, factory reset, and power management.

The DigitaLinx DL-HDM44A-H2 is a four-input, four-output HDMI 2.0 matrix switcher designed for managing and routing digital video and audio signals. It supports resolutions up to 4K@60Hz 4:4:4 with 8-bit color, and offers static and dynamic HDR output support for each channel. The device is equipped with advanced independent EDID management control for each HDMI input, along with an Easy EDID analyzer. It also features analog and digital audio outputs that can be configured to follow the HDMI video route or be routed independently, providing flexible audio management. Built-in re-clocking circuitry ensures backward compatibility with sources using older HDMI chipsets.

Function Description

The primary function of the DL-HDM44A-H2 is to switch and distribute HDMI signals from multiple sources to multiple displays. It acts as a central hub for managing video and audio content in a system. The matrix allows users to select any of the four HDMI inputs and route it to any of the four HDMI outputs. This flexibility enables various configurations, such as displaying a single source on all screens, or different sources on different screens simultaneously.

The independent EDID management for each HDMI input is a key feature, allowing the device to communicate effectively with diverse sources and displays. EDID (Extended Display Identification Data) is crucial for ensuring optimal resolution and audio settings. The Easy EDID analyzer simplifies this process, helping to resolve compatibility issues that might arise between different devices.

Audio management is also a significant aspect of the DL-HDM44A-H2. The analog and digital audio outputs can be de-embedded from the HDMI stream. Users have the option to route this audio either in sync with the video signal or independently, offering greater control over the audio experience. This is particularly useful in setups where audio needs to be sent to a separate sound system or processed differently from the video.

Usage Features

The DL-HDM44A-H2 offers multiple control methods, making it adaptable to various environments and user preferences:

Front Panel Buttons: The device features a front panel with buttons for direct control. Users can select desired inputs and outputs, then press a "Take" button to implement the switch. There are also "Clear," "Store," and "Recall" buttons for managing selections and presets. An "Output Channel Indicator" provides visual feedback on the current routing.
IR Remote Control: A simple IR remote control is included, allowing for convenient wireless switching. The remote provides buttons for selecting specific inputs for each output, as well as "previous" and "next" buttons to scroll through available inputs. An IR receiver on the front panel picks up signals from the remote.
External IR Control: For installations where the matrix is not directly accessible, an external IR receiver can be connected to the IR EXT port. This allows the device to be controlled from a distance or when hidden from view.
RS232 Control: The matrix includes a DB9 port for RS232 serial control. This enables integration with third-party control systems, allowing for programmatic control of switching functions. The RS232 connection operates at 9600 baud, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, with no parity.
Ethernet (Web Browser) Control: A web-based user interface provides comprehensive control over the matrix via an Ethernet connection. Users can access the web portal by typing the device's IP address (default: 192.168.0.178) into a web browser. The web interface offers detailed control over video and audio switching, EDID settings, HDCP support, alias naming, network settings, and system status.
- Matrix Control: This section allows for video and audio routing. Video switching is done by checking desired output buttons for a given input. Audio can follow video routes or be routed independently.
- Admin Settings: This section provides access to advanced configurations, including EDID settings, HDCP support, alias names for inputs and outputs, preset names, network address settings, password changes, web interface updates, custom web logo uploads, factory default reset, and reboot options.
- Presets: Users can save and recall up to three routing schemes (audio and video) as presets, simplifying complex configurations.
- System Status: The web interface allows users to put the device into a standby or wake state.
- API Log: A log displays system commands and responses, useful for troubleshooting and monitoring.

Maintenance Features

The DL-HDM44A-H2 is designed with several features to facilitate maintenance and ensure long-term reliability:

Firmware Updates: The device includes a USB port for firmware updates, allowing the matrix to stay current with the latest features and bug fixes.
Web Interface Updates: The web GUI itself can be updated through the "Update WEB UI" menu in the admin settings, ensuring the control interface remains functional and up-to-date.
Factory Default and Reboot: The web interface provides options to reset the unit to factory default settings or to reboot it, which can be useful for troubleshooting or reconfiguring the device.
EDID Management: The ability to adjust EDID settings for each HDMI input, read EDID tables from connected displays, and write custom EDID files allows for fine-tuning compatibility and resolving display issues. The "Easy EDID" feature simplifies this by automatically selecting the lowest common denominator EDID settings across all outputs.
HDCP Support Management: Users can enable or disable HDCP support for individual inputs, which is important for handling encrypted video content and ensuring compatibility with various sources and displays. The HDCP input and output status can also be viewed to monitor encryption versions.
Network Configuration: The network address settings can be configured for either static IP or DHCP, providing flexibility for integration into different network environments.
Password Protection: The web interface allows for changing passwords for both matrix control and admin settings, enhancing security.
Rack Mounting: The device is designed for rack mounting, requiring one rack unit (1 RU) of space. Rack ears are supplied for installation. It is recommended to leave empty rack space above and below for adequate cooling.
Ventilation: Proper ventilation is crucial for the device's longevity. At least 2 inches of free air space is required on both sides, and it should not be mounted near significant heat sources like power amplifiers.
Cable Management: Recommendations for HDMI cable lengths (1.5 meters or less for 4K60 signals) and the use of Digitalinx extenders for longer distances help ensure signal integrity.
Safety Instructions: The manual emphasizes important safety instructions, including warnings about electrical shock, proper power cord usage, and avoiding exposure to moisture. It also advises referring to qualified service personnel for repairs.