ATEN VC1280 User manual

2-Port 4K HDMI / VGA to HDMI Converter Switch

VC1280 User Manual

www.aten.com

VC1280 User Manual

EMC Information

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION INTERFERENCE STATEMENT: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.

FCC Caution: Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate this equipment.

CE Warning: Operation of this equipment in a residential environment could cause radio interference.

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

(1)this device may not cause harmful interference, and

(2)this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Achtung: Der Gebrauch dieses Geräts in Wohnumgebung kann Funkstörungen verursachen.

KCC Statement

RoHS

This product is RoHS compliant.

© Copyright 2020 ATEN® International Co., Ltd.

Manual Date: 2020-12-16

ATEN andtheATEN logo areregisteredtrademarksofATENInternationalCo.,Ltd.Allrightsreserved. All other brand names and trademarks are the registered property of their respective owners. The terms HDMI, HDMI High-Definition Multimedia Interface, and the HDMI Logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing Administrator, Inc.

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VC1280 User Manual

User Information

Online Registration

Be sure to register your product at our online support center:

International http://eservice.aten.com

Telephone Support

For telephone support, call this number:

International	886-2-8692-6959
China	86-400-810-0-810
Japan	81-3-5615-5811
Korea	82-2-467-6789
North America	1-888-999-ATEN ext 4988
	1-949-428-1111

User Notice

All information, documentation, and specifications contained in this manual are subject to change without prior notification by the manufacturer. The manufacturer makes no representations or warranties, either expressed or implied, with respect to the contents hereof and specifically disclaims any warranties as to merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose. Any of the manufacturer's software described in this manual is sold or licensed as is. Should the programs prove defective following their purchase, the buyer (and not the manufacturer, its distributor, or its dealer), assumes the entire cost of all necessary servicing, repair and any incidental or consequential damages resulting from any defect in the software.

The manufacturer of this system is not responsible for any radio and/or TV interference caused by unauthorized modifications to this device. It is the responsibility of the user to correct such interference.

The manufacturer is not responsible for any damage incurred in the operation of this system if the correct operational voltage setting was not selected prior to operation. PLEASE VERIFY THAT THE VOLTAGE SETTING IS CORRECT BEFORE USE.

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VC1280 User Manual

Package Contents

1 VC1280 2-Port 4K HDMI / VGA to HDMI Converter Switch

1RS-232 Terminal Block

1Power Adapter

1User Instructions

Note:Make sure that all of the components are present and in good order. If anything is missing or was damaged in shipping, contact your dealer.

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VC1280 User Manual

Table of Contents

EMC Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ii RoHS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ii User Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .iii Online Registration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .iii Telephone Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .iii User Notice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .iii Package Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .iv About this Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vii Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .viii Product Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .viii

1. Introduction

Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Planning the Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Compatible Products. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Front View. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Rear View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Top View. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

2. Hardware Setup

Mounting the VC1280 Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Wall Mounting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Rack Mounting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Connecting the VC1280 Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

3. Operation

Selecting the Input Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Source Input Operation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Source Switch Pushbutton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

RS-232 Commands. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

4. The Firmware Upgrade Utility

Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Downloading the Firmware Upgrade Package . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Preparation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Starting the Upgrade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Upgrade Succeeded . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Upgrade Failed. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Firmware Upgrade Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

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VC1280 User Manual

Appendix

Safety Instructions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Rack Mounting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Technical Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

International . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

North America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

Limited Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

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VC1280 User Manual

About this Manual

This user manual is provided to help you get the most from the VC1280 unit. It covers all aspects of installation, configuration, and operation. An overview of the information found in the manual is provided below.

Chapter 1, Introduction introduces you to the 2-Port 4K HDMI / VGA to HDMI Converter Switch. Its purpose, features, installation considerations, and panel components are presented and described.

Chapter 2, Hardware Setup describes the steps that are necessary to quickly and safely set up your installation.

Chapter 3, Operation explains the source input operation using the source switch pushbutton and RS-232 commands and its limitations.

Chapter 4, The Firmware Upgrade Utility explains the source input operation using the source switch pushbutton and RS-232 commands and its limitations.

An Appendix, provides a list of safety instructions and precautions, contact information for ATEN technical support, product specifications, and other technical information.

Note:

Read this manual thoroughly and follow the installation and operation procedures carefully to prevent any damage to the unit or any connected devices.

ATEN regularly updates its product documentation for new features and fixes. For an up-to-date VC1280 documentation, visit http://www.aten.com/global/en/

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VC1280 User Manual

Conventions

This manual uses the following conventions:

Monospaced	Indicates text that you should key in.
[ ]	Indicates keys you should press. For example, [Enter] means to
	press the Enter key. If keys need to be chorded, they appear
	together in the same bracket with a plus sign between them:
	[Ctrl+Alt].

1.Numbered lists represent procedures with sequential steps.

♦Bullet lists provide information, but do not involve sequential steps.

→Indicates selecting the option (on a menu or dialog box, for example), that comes next. For example, Start → Run means to open the Start menu, and then select Run.

Indicates critical information.

Product Information

For information about all ATEN products and how they can help you connect without limits, visit ATEN on the Web or contact an ATEN Authorized Reseller. Visit ATEN on the Web for a list of locations and telephone numbers:

International	http://www.aten.com
North America	http://www.aten-usa.com

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Chapter 1

Introduction

Overview

The ATEN VC1280 is a user-friendly device that simply connects HDMI and VGA sources to one HDMI display or projector. Apart from being compliant with HDCP 1.4, the VC1280 also supports HDMI including 3D, Deep Color and 4K (3840 X 2160@30 Hz). In addition, the VC1280 features built-in VGA conversion, which allows you to transmit VGA signals to HDMI output without using extra adapters or scalers.

The VC1280 offers three source switching modes – HDMI, VGA, and AUTO, it allows you to switch rapidly and intuitively via a pushbutton for real-time use. When the VC1280 operates on the AUTO input mode, it transmits the first detected input to the HDMI display, and automatically switches to a newly plugged-in source when it detects the signals.

Without any software or driver installation required, the VC1280 is a handy and easy-to-use multi-input A/V switch. It is deal for user that needs automatic andquickswitchingto adopt. Withthe VC1280, you caneffortlessly accelerate instant collaboration and work efficiency with co-workers.

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Chapter 1. Introduction

Features

Connects two sources (HDMI/VGA) to one HDMI display

Converts VGA signals to HDMI output

Easily switches sources among 3 modes (HDMI/VGA/AUTO) via a pushbutton

HDMI (3D, Deep Color, 4K); HDCP 1.4 compatible

Superior video quality – up to 4K (3840 x 2160 @ 30Hz)

RS-232 Channel Transmission – allows you to connect to serial terminals or serial devices for firmware upgrade

Supports Auto Switch – the VC1280 automatically switches to a newly plugged-in source

Supports Consumer Electronic Control (CEC)

Plug-and-play; no software or driver installation required

Quality and durable metal enclosure

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