Audio Authority 1398D User Manual

User Manual

4K Ultra HD

Video Distribution Amplier

Model 1398D

®

Liability Statement

Every effort has been made to ensure that this product is free of defects.
Audio Authority® cannot be held liable for the use of this hardware or any direct
or indirect consequential damages arising from its use. It is the responsibility of
the user of the hardware to check that it is suitable for his/her requirements and
that it is installed correctly.

Audio Authority reserves the right to revise any of its hardware and software
following its policy to modify and/or improve its products where necessary or
desirable. This statement does not affect the legal rights of the user in any way.

Audio Authority and the Double-A Symbol are registered trademarks of
Audio Authority Corp. Copyright July, 2016, all rights reserved. All third party
trademarks and copyrights are recognized.

HDMI®, the HDMI logo and High-Denition Multimedia Interface are trademarks
or registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing LLC.

HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection) is licensed by Digital Content
Protection, LLC.

Dolby® is a registered trademark of Dolby Laboratories, Incorporated.

Warnings

Please read all instructions before attempting to unpack or install or operate this
equipment, and before connecting the power supply. Please keep the following
in mind as you unpack and install this equipment:

● Always follow basic safety precautions to reduce the risk of re, electrical

shock and injury to persons

● To prevent re or shock hazard, do not expose the unit to rain, moisture or

install this product near water

● Never spill liquid of any kind on or into this product

● Never push an object of any kind into this product through module openings or

empty slots, as you may damage parts

● Do not attach the power supply cabling to building surfaces

● Do not allow anything to rest on the power cabling or allow it to be abused by

persons walking on it

● To protect the equipment from overheating, do not block the slots and

openings in the module housing that provide ventilation

Table Of Contents

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Checking Package Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Getting the Best Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Planning a Distribution System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Specications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Limited Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Regulatory Compliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Contact Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Model 1398D

Ultra HD 4K/2K

Video Distribution Amplier

®

4

Introduction

Thanks for purchasing the Model 1398D 4K Ultra HD distribution amplier from
Audio Authority®. The 1398D is designed to split a 4K HDMI® signal from
one source to a wide spectrum of HDMI display brands, as in a retail demo
environment. It is the ideal solution for merchandising 4K displays using
the latest content at the highest resolutions, and refresh rates including
2160p@60Hz. Display-source compatibility is enhanced by the 1398D’s multiple
EDID options. Link multiple 1398Ds or create a hub-and-spoke layout for large
distribution systems.

Features

● Supports resolutions up to 4096x2160@24/25/30/50/60Hz and
3840x2160@24/25/30/50/60Hz

● HDCP 2.2 and 1.4 compliant

● Video bandwidth: 18Gbps

● Wide frequency range: 25MHz~600MHz

● Supports default EDID and learns EDID from displays

● Mini-USB rmware update for expanding compatibility

● Supports all bitstream audio formats including Dolby and DTS

● Compact footprint with outputs on two sides to reduce sharp cable bends

Checking Package Contents

Before attempting to use this device, please check the packaging and make
certain the following items are contained in the shipping carton:

● 1398D distribution amplier

● 5VDC power adapter

● User manual

5

Getting the Best Results

Many factors inuence the quality and reliability of HDMI signal distribution

installations. The following are the main factors to consider, and basic precautions
that will ensure the best possible performance.

● Source Switching - If the source device will be switched often during operation,
as in the case of an HDMI switch connected at the head end of the distribution
system, use the SYS-RST switch. This setting prevents the 1398D from
interrupting video and audio transmission to re-learn EDID settings each time the

source is switched, or a TV is hot-plugged to the distribution system.

● Resolution tracking - Set the source to output the best resolution that all
TVs are capable of displaying. Utilize the following instructions to ensure that
all TVs connected to the DA receive video signal. If the TVs have a wide range

of resolution capabilities, the highest resolution sets may not be shown to their
best advantage.

● Source resolution and video/sound quality - Sources, such as satellite
receivers or cable boxes can output at low resolutions or deliver extremely

compressed video material that may yield poor results. Consider the source
when planning and troubleshooting your system.

● Output display devices - The quality of the video image depends upon the
type and quality of the HDMI display devices used. The device with the lowest
resolution will be the reference standard for the rest of the HDMI displays
connected to the DA.

● Distance between the DA source and the displays - Long distances are
possible, but quality cables and advanced HDMI extenders may be necessary

for the longest runs.

● Connection cables - HDMI cable design and quality are extremely important

in long cable runs where capacitance can severely degrade performance. Use
Premium High Speed Certied HDMI cables designed to handle 4K resolutions
and 3D; low quality cables are susceptible to interference. Always use good
strain relief methods to prevent cables from becoming loose over time.

● Interference from nearby electrical devices - This can have an adverse
effect on signal quality. For example, older computer monitors often emit very
high electromagnetic elds that can interfere with the performance of nearby

video equipment.

Higher

Lower

Shorter Distance Longer Distance

Resolution

Refresh Rate

Bit Depth

6

Planning a Distribution System

● Each display should be tested with the source(s) being used to ensure basic

compatibility before connecting them to a distribution amp and/or switcher.

Not all HDMI components and displays are compatible.

● Since all of the displays will be receiving the same video signal resolution and

format from the source, make sure all the displays connected to the 1398D

can accept 2160p resolutions. If a display is limited to 1080p, for example,

either it will not display any image, or the source will reduce its output to
all displays to 1080p, depending on the 1398D settings. You may consider
creating two or three separate distribution systems with different sources
and different output resolutions so that you can adequately demonstrate the

highest resolution HDTV sets.

● Since HDMI connectors can sometimes become loose, mount the switcher
or distribution amplier to a at surface and add strain relief tie-downs a few

inches away from every HDMI cable connector.

1398D

UHD PLAYER

DISTRIBUTION

AMPLIFIER

Eight UHD TVs on display

HDMI CABLE

7

Installation

Study the drawing below and become familiar with the controls, signal input,
outputs and power input.

OUTPUT 4

OUTPUT 3

OUTPUT 2

OUTPUT 1

OUTPUT 8

OUTPUT 7

OUTPUT 6

OUTPUT 5

EDID MODE

INPUT

SYS-RST

SYNC

FIRMWARE
UPDATE
PORT

POWER

SER VI C E O U TP UT O U TP UT SYN C IN P U T O U TP UT POW E R

D C 5V

6

7

1 8

O U TP UT O U TP UT O U TP UT O U TP UT O U TP UT

EDID SYS-R S T

STD T V

O N OF F

1

2

3

4

5

FRONT PANEL REAR PANEL

8

Wiring the System

● Switch off all devices, including monitors.

● Connect a Premium High Speed Certied HDMI cable from the HDMI source

to the input of the 1398D. Cable lengths should be kept as short as possible.

● Connect the outputs of the 1398D to displays or other devices.

● Make certain that the HDMI cables are securely plugged into the source and

display devices as well as the 1398D. Always use high speed cables, and the
shortest length possible, for best results.

● Connect the power adapter to the AC source and then to the 1398D.

● The unit begins to function as soon as the AC adapter is connected to the unit

and AC power. There is no power switch.

● Turn on the HDMI source and HDMI destination devices and observe the

source signal on the inputs of all of the destination devices.

Note: Proper operation of HDMI distribution ampliers depends on the use
of Premium High Speed Certied HDMI cables with low loss, high bandwidth signal

handling capabilities.

Operation

Supported Resolutions:

DVI and HDMI Resolutions Input Output

640x480@60/72/75/85

800x600@56/60/72/75/85

1024x768@60/70/75/85

1280x1024@60

1366x768@60

1600x1200@60

1920x1080@60

1920x1200@60

1440x576i@50

1440x480i@59.94/60

720x480p@59.94/60

720x576p@50

1280x720p@50/59.94/60

1920x1080i@50/59.94/60

1920x1080p@23.97/24/25/29.97/30/50/59.94/60

3840x2160@24/25/30/50/60

4096x2160@24/25/30/50/60

9

Switch Settings

● EDID: Choose TV mode, or Standard 1080p (STD) mode. In TV mode,

the 1398D automatically detects and stores EDID data from the device on
output 1. In STD mode 1080p/60 becomes the reference EDID for HDMI

sources on the 1398D input.

● SYS-RST: The 1398D checks the EDID of connected displays every eight
to ten minutes. Turn ON the SYS-RST switch to prevent the 1398D from

interrupting video and audio transmission to re-learn EDID settings each time

the source is switched, or a TV is hot-plugged to the distribution system.

Firmware Updates

Contact Audio Authority Technical Support at 800-322-8346 for information

regarding rmware updates.

Troubleshooting

● For 4K resolution, rst make certain that the input cable is as short as

possible, and that the cable is high-speed. HDMI cable design and quality

are extremely important in long cable runs where capacitance can severely

impact performance. Use a quality, high speed HDMI cable or high speed

HDMI extender that supports 4K.

● Make certain that the distribution amplier is receiving power by looking at the
power LED. It should be illuminated and not ickering on and off. Intermittent

operation generally means a problem with the DC power adapter or low AC
voltage being applied to the DC adapter’s input.

● If some lower resolution TVs do not display a picture, you may need to divide

your distribution system into separate 1080p, and 2160p systems with a
source for each system.

● If some displays are not receiving video signal, or lose signal, check to see

that the correct input is selected.

● If you still experience problems using the distribution amplier, troubleshoot
by rst attaching the source device directly to each of the destination devices
in turn using the same cables you are using with the expanded system. This

is a way of determining if the problem is due to bad cables or a problem with

the other devices. If you are unable to obtain a signal using this simplied

path, suspect the cables, the source device or the display.

If a problem still persists after trying the above suggestions, contact the
Audio Authority Technical Service department via email:
[e-mail], or call 800-322-8346 or 859-233-4599.

10

Specications

Model 1398D 1x8 Distribution Amplier (Splitter)

HDMI Features HDMI, 3D & 4K/2K

DVI Compliance DVI 1.0

HDCP Compliance HDCP 2.2

Video Bandwidth Single-link 600MHz (18Gbps)

Video Resolution

and Formats

4096x2160@24/25/30/50/60Hz

3840x2160@24/25/30/50/60Hz

480i~1080p@24/50/60

Audio Support DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby TrueHD,

Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital, DTS, DVD-

Audio, LPCM, SACD, MPCM

ESD Protection Human body model — ±8kV (air-gap dis-

charge) & ±4kV (contact discharge)

Firmware Update via Mini-USB port, contact Audio Authority

Input/Output 1x HDMI/8x HDMI

HDMI Connector Type A (19-pin female)

Control Switch EDID mode selection

Dimensions (L x W x H) 240 x 103 x 25mm

Weight 690g

Power Supply 5V DC 3A

Power Consumption 9.5 watts (max)

Regulatory Approvals US/EU standards, CE, FCC/UL certied

Operation Temperature 0~40°C (32~104°F)

Storage Temperature -20~60°C (-4~140°F)

Relative Humidity 20~90% RH (no condensation)

11

Limited Warranty

If this Audio Authority® product fails due to defects in materials or workmanship
within one year from the date of the original sale to the end-user, Audio Authority
guarantees that we will replace the defective product at no cost. Freight charges for
the replacement unit will be paid by Audio Authority (Ground service only). A copy
of the invoice showing the item number and date of purchase (proof-of-purchase)
must be submitted with the defective unit to constitute a valid in-warranty claim.

Units that fail after the warranty period has expired may be returned to the factory

for repair at a nominal charge, if not damaged beyond the point of repair. All freight
charges for out-of-warranty returns for repair are the responsibility of the customer.

Units returned for repair must have a Return Authorization Number assigned by the

factory.

This is a limited warranty and is not applicable for products which, in our opinion,
have been damaged, altered, abused, misused, or improperly installed. Audio

Authority makes no other warranties either expressed or implied, including limitation
warranties as to merchantability or tness for a particular purpose. Additionally,

there are no allowances or credits available for service work or installation

performed in the eld by the end user.

Warranty Service Procedures

If you suspect a product defect, contact Audio Authority’s Technical Service
Department at 800-322-8346 or 859-233-4599 for assistance in verifying the
problem. If a defect or potential defect is suspected, a replacement unit will be

shipped immediately on a defect-exchange basis and a Return Authorization
Number will be issued for the return of the defective product. Replacement units

are sent out at the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price which is charged to the
Customer’s Credit Card at the time of shipment. Once we receive the defective
unit back at the factory, it will be evaluated under the conditions of this warranty
and if found to be in-warranty, a full credit will be issued to the Customer’s Credit
Card. Return freight charges for the defective unit are the customer’s responsibility.
Please contact our Technical Service Department for complete details concerning
all in and out of warranty service matters.

We appreciate your condence in our products and services and will always strive
to meet or exceed your needs.

Regulatory Compliance

Model 1398D distribution ampliers have been tested for compliance with

appropriate FCC and CE rules and regulations and are also RoHS compliant.

The power adaptor has been tested for compliance with UL, CE and CSA rules and
regulations and is also RoHS compliant.

E-137

Rev. 20160726

2048 Mercer Road, Lexington, KY 40511-1071 USA

800-322-8346 • 859-233-4599 • Fax: [phone]

[e-mail] • www.audioauthority.com