Audio Authority HDMI 1398B User Manual

User Manual

Model 1398B

Distribution Amplifier

®

HDMI OUT HDMI OUT SYNC-RED HDMI IN HDMI OUT

POWER

DC 5V

CLUX-8M3D

HDMI SPLITTER

3D-ORG

OUTPUT 7

1:8 Distribution Amp

OUTPUT 8 INPUT OUTPUT 1

DC 5V POWER

SYNC=RED

3D=ORANGE

2

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. All rights reserved.
No parts of this manual may be reproduced or transmitted by any form or means electronic
or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage or retrieval
system without the written consent of the publisher.

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 April, 2006, 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.

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.

3

Table Of Contents

1.0 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

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

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

4.0 Planning a Distribution System . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

5.0 Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

6.0 Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

7.0 Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

8.0 Limited Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

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

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

Model 1398B

Distribution Amplifier

®

4

1.0 INTRODUCTION

Thanks for purchasing this Model 1398B signal distribution amplier from
Audio Authority®. These distribution ampliers are designed to split an HDMI®
signal from one source to multiple HDMI displays without signal degradation or
loss of encryption. The 1398B is HDCP 1.1 compliant, and HDMI v1.3 compliant,
supporting 3d content, deep color video and Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master
Audio. Ultra high bandwidth, equalized inputs, and amplied outputs insure a
awless installation even with long cable runs. Audio Authority also offers an
extensive line of audio and video switchers, converters and distribution amps
available for purchase online at www.audioauthority.com.

1.1 FEATURES

• Distributes one HDMI source signal to multiple destinations

• CEC Auto-Reset feature can be used to keep all displays set to input 1

• Outputs may be cascaded to create an extensive distribution network up to
seven layers deep

• HDCP keysets allow each output to work independently when connected to an
HDMI display; supports automatic discovery of display EDID

• Supports 3D content; LED indicates 2D HDMI (red) or 3D (orange).

• Supports up to 36 bit color depth /12 bits per color (TMDS channel)

• Supports resolutions up to 1080p@24/60Hz including 480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i,
1080p and multiple PC resolutions

• Supports Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby® Digital TrueHD and

DTS-HD: Master Audio

• HDMI version 1.3 compliant, HDCP 1.1 compliant, DVI 1.0 compliant

• Maximum HDMI cable length, source to input: 15m with 1080p/8bits
resolution, or 10m with 1080p/12bits resolution (using 24AWG cables)

• Maximum HDMI cable length, output to display: 15m with 1080p/8bits or
1080p/12bits resolution (using 24AWG cables)

• Equipment used for 3D cable length tests: PlayStation 3, 40” Samsung LED
UA40B700 12 bits LCD TV.

• Figures provided in this manual are for reference only, actual gures may
depend on the source and display used along with the cables specications.

2.0 CHECKING PACKAGE CONTENTS

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

• HDMI distribution amplier

• 5 VDC, 6A power adapter

• User manual

Note: please keep the original packing material in case the
unit ever needs to be returned. If you nd any items are
missing, contact Audio Authority immediately. Have the model
number and invoice available for reference when you call.

5

3.0 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.

• Resolution tracking. Set up the source to output the best resolution that all
TVs are capable of displaying. Follow the instructions in 4.0 to insure 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 output signal depends largely
upon the type and quality of the HDMI display devices used.

• Distance between the DA sources and the display. Long distances are
possible, but premium quality cables and advanced HDMI extenders with DDC
correction 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 cables; low quality cables are susceptible to interference. Always use
locking cables or good strain relief methods to prevent cables from becoming
loose over time.

• Interference from nearby electrical devices 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.

4.0 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 (e.g. 1080p@60Hz) from the source, make sure the source is set
up to output the highest resolution that all of the displays can accept. For
instance, if one of the displays connected to the distribution system can only
accept a maximum input resolution of 720p, all of the displays will receive

Higher

Lower

Shorter Distance Longer Distance

Resolution

Refresh Rate

Bit Depth

6

only 720p video signals. 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.

• HDMI cable lengths of up to 100 ft. between ampliers may be possible, when
premium cables are utilized. Use of high resolutions, refresh rate, or deep
color may limit maximum cable run length.

• Since HDMI connectors can sometimes become loose, use locking HDMI
cables or 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.

4.1 Large HDMI Distribution Systems

If you plan to install a very large HDMI signal distribution network, you should be
aware of system limitations related to content protection. Audio Authority can help
you design a distribution system that suits your needs and is easy to install and
operate.

• Each system is limited to 128 Rx “nodes” including the rst Rx node.

• Every device with an Rx chip counts as one node, including TVs, distribution
amps, and switchers.

• The number of “layers” is limited to seven. That means the number of
switchers and/or distribution amps between a source and any TV must be six
or fewer. For this reason, a “hub and spoke” system architecture may be more
appropriate than a “daisy chained” architecture.

• A distribution system feeding the highest number of displays allowable using
two, four, and eight output distribution amps has a capacity of 108 TVs. The
distribution ampliers add up to 17 Rx nodes, and the source is one node, so
the total number of downstream nodes in this system is 127.

4.2 About 3D Content Distribution

• When the input signal contains 3D data all connected displays must support
3D content in order to display an image.

• Distributing 3D content also implies that all viewers have the 3D glasses
available for the appropriate TV. If this is not the case, 3D content may not be
a good choice for general signal distribution.

5.0 INSTALLATION

Study the front and rear panel drawings and become familiar with the controls,
signal input, outputs and power input.

5.1 Wiring the System

• Connect an HDMI approved cable from the HDMI source to the input of the
1398B. Cable lengths should be kept as short as possible.

• Connect the outputs of the 1398B to their displays or other devices.

• Connect the power adapter to the AC source and then to the 1398B.

7

• Make certain that the HDMI cables are securely plugged into the source and
display devices as well as the 1398B. Always use high quality cables, and the
shortest length possible, for best results.

• Turn on the HDMI source and HDMI destination devices and observe the
source signal on the inputs of all of the destination devices. The 1398B front
panel LED lights up, indicating 2D or 3D sync.

• The unit begins to function as soon as the AC adapter is connected to the unit
and AC power. There is no power switch.• 2D/3D LIGHT: This LED turns red
when the input signal is not 3D. If the input signal is 3D the LED changes to
orange.

Note: Proper operation of HDMI distribution ampliers depends on the use
of high quality HDMI cables with low loss, high bandwidth signal handling
capabilities. The distance specication cannot be guaranteed unless cables used
throughout the system meet these high standards.

HDMI OUT HDMI OUT SYNC-RED HDMI IN HDMI OUT

POWER

DC 5V

CLUX-8M3D

HDMI SPLITTER

3D-ORG

OUTPUT 7

1:8 Distribution Amp

OUTPUT 8 INPUT OUTPUT 1

DC 5V POWER

SYNC=RED

3D=ORANGE

HDMI OUT HDMI OUT SYNC-RED HDMI IN HDMI OUT

POWER

DC 5V

CLUX-8M3D

HDMI SPLITTER

EDID

STD TV

3D-ORG

OUTPUT 7

1:8 Distribution Amp

OUTPUT 2 OUTPUT 3 OUTPUT 4 OUTPUT 5 OUTPUT 6

OUTPUT 8 INPUT OUTPUT 1

DC 5V POWER

SYNC=RED

3D=ORANGE

CEC

AUTO-RESET

ON OFF

Model 1398B Audio Authority® Corporation 800-322-8346 • 859-233-4599 • www.audioauthority.com

POWER CEC

AUTO-RESET

FRONT

BACK

2D OR 3D

LED

INDICATOR

INPUT

EDID SWITCH

5.2 Operation

1. CEC AUTO-RESET: Triggers a periodic reset via the Consumer Electronics

Control circuit. Use this feature when one display may send a signal to other
displays changing their settings. When CEC AUTO-RESET is on, the 1398B
switches each display to its HDMI input #1 every 8-10 minutes. It does not
work on displays that do not support CEC, or if CEC is turned off.

2. EDID* SWITCH: Leave on TV setting, which supports 3D content, unless
some TVs do not sync with the source. In TV mode the 1398B reads the EDID
on output 1 and records it, then allows the source to send matching HDMI
signals to the other seven HDMI outputs. In STD mode the 1398B uses its
built-in EDID, which is set at 1080p@60/12bits for video and LPCM 2Ch for
audio. Use this setting when there is a problem getting the source to send a
signal to all of the connected displays.

* Extended Display Identication Data

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6.0 TROUBLESHOOTING

• For 1080p resolution, rst make certain that the input cable is as short
as possible and none of the output cables are more than 30 meters long.
HDMI cable design and quality are extremely important in long cable runs
where capacitance can severely effect performance. Our 1391A Extender/
DDC Corrector may be a necessary accessory to use in extreme length
applications.

• 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, make sure the source
is producing a resolution low enough that all TVs can accept it. Try 720p, or
1080i and, if possible, manually set your source to the desired resolution. In
some cases, hot-plugging a high resolution display may actually reset the
source to a resolution that cannot be accepted by some other TVs. You may
need to separate your distribution system into separate 1080p, and 1080i
systems with a source for each system.

• If some displays are not receiving video signal, or lose signal, check to
see if they are on the wrong input. One display may be sending out a CEC
command, changing the inputs on other displays. Turn on the 1398B CEC
AUTO-RESET (see page 7), or turn the displays’ CEC feature off.

• 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 destination device.

• Remember that HDMI devices communicate with one another so the source
device and all destination devices must be fully HDMI capable. In addition,
HDCP encryption requires processing dependent on the equipment you have
connected to both the source and destination devices.

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.

9

7.0 SPECIFICATIONS

Compliance HDMI 1.3 compliant

HDCP 1.1 compliant

Video Inputs HDMI (all models) 1x via HDMI connector (Type A)

Video Output 1394 HDMI 4x via HDMI connector (Type A)

1398 HDMI 8x via HDMI connector (Type A)

Audio Output HDMI HD-Audio, including Dolby® TrueHD & DTS-

HD: Master Audio, Dolby Digital Plus

Audio bandwidth 20Hz to 20 KHz

General Data rate 2.25Gbps (single link)

TMDS clock speed 225MHz

Color depth 10/12 bit color depth display

Supported PC/DVI resolutions Up to 1920x1200 reduced blanking

Supported video resolutions 480i, 480p, 576i, 576p, 720p, 1080i

and 1080p

Compliance HDMI V1.3, HDCP V1.1, DVI V1.0

Signal equalization Internal

Maximum Cable
Distances

Source to DA 15m (45’) for 1080p/8-bit

15m (45’) for 1080p/12-bit

DA to display 15m (45’) for 1080p/8-bit

10m (30’) for 1080p/12-bit

Warranty Limited warranty 1 year parts and labor

Mechanical Dimensions(mm) 240 (W) x 103 (D) x 25(H)

Weight(g) 225

Environmental Operating Temperature 0°C~40°C / 32°F~104°F

Storage Temperature -20°C~60°C / -4°F~140°F

Relative Humidity 20 ~ 90% RH (non-condensing)

ESD Protection (Human body
model)

±8kV (air-gap discharge)
±6kV (contact discharge)

Power Requirement External power adapter 5VDC@6A

Regulatory Approvals HDMI DAs FCC, CE, RoHS

Power adapter US/EU standards, CE/FCC/UL certied

Accessories Included AC power adapter 5V / 6A DC locking, USA

Instruction manual Printed

10

8.0 LIMITED WARRANTY

Should any consumer product from Audio Authority fail due to defects in materials
or workmanship within one year from the date of the original sale to the end­user, 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.

8.1 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 debited 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.

11

9.0 REGULATORY COMPLIANCE

Model 1398B 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.

10.0 CONTACT INFORMATION

Should you have questions or require assistance with this product in areas not
covered by this manual, please contact Audio Authority using the information
below.

Audio Authority Technical Service
800-322-8346 M-F 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, EST
International: 859-233-4599 Fax: [phone]
Send email to: [e-mail]

Audio Authority Corporation
2048 Mercer Road
Lexington, Kentucky 40511-1071
USA

2048 Mercer Road, Lexington, Kentucky 40511-1071

Phone: [phone] • Fax: [phone]

Customer Toll-Free USA & Canada: 800-322-8346

Website: http://www.audioauthority.com

E-103

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