Audio Authority HMX-244 Installation And Operation Manual

INSTALLATION AND OPERATION

Model HMX-244 4x4 Video/Audio Matrix

4-SOURCE / 4-ZONE HDMI MATRIX SWITCHING SYSTEM

SELECT SOURCE

1 2 3 4

ZONE

3

IR

SELECT SOURCE

1 2 3 4

ZONE

1

SELECT SOURCE

1 2 3 4

ZONE

2

MODEL HMX-244

SELECT SOURCE

1 2 3 4

ZONE

4

POWER

Audio Authority and the Double-A Symbol are registered trademarks

of Audio Authority Corp.

HDMI, the HDMI logo and High-Denition Multimedia Interface are

trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing LLC.

Audio Authority® Corporation Lexington, Kentucky

www.audioauthority.com • 800-322-8346 • 859-233-4599

Warnings

To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this unit to rain or moisture.

The exclamation point symbol alerts users to important operating and

!

maintenance instructions in this booklet.

• Read this manual before installing or using this product.

• This product must be installed by qualified personnel.

• Do not open the cover—there are no user-serviceable parts inside.

• Do not expose this unit to excessive heat.

• Install only in dry, indoor locations.

• Do not obstruct the ventilation slots.

• Clean the unit only with a dry or slightly dampened soft cloth.

2 Audio Authority® Model HMX-244 User Manual

MODEL HMX-244

4-SOURCE / 4-ZONE HDMI MATRIX SWITCHING SYSTEM

1.0 INTRODUCTION

Thank you for purchasing this Model HMX-244 HDMI

Matrix Router from Audio Authority. It is designed to route
digital audio and video signals from four different HDMI

sources to four HDMI displays without signal degradation
or loss of encryption. All displays have access to any of the
four sources connected to the HMX-244 at any time.

The HMX-244 also features a longer distance, alternative
Cat 5 output for each zone, terminated by a Cat 5 zone
receiver (Model 1380R, sold separately).

The HMX-244 is HDCP v1.1 compliant, and HDMI
compliant, supporting HDMI 1.3 features including deep
color video, Dolby TrueHD, and DTS-HD Master Audio.

Audio Authority offers an extensive line of audio and video

switchers, converters, extenders and distribution amps
available for purchase online at www.audioauthority.com.

1.1 FEATURES

• Delivers four HDMI source signals to any or all of four
compatible video displays

• Optional Cat 5 zone receiver (Model 1380R) terminates
dual Cat 5e/6 cables for runs over 50 ft. (15m) up to a
maximum distance of 130 ft. (40m)

• 1380R provides a built-in IR receiver that transmits IR
commands from the zone to the HMX-244 to switch
inputs and to pass IR commands to the sources

• Input switching can be performed through RS-232 or IR

• HDMI and HDCP compliant

• Supports deep color: 12 bits per TMDS channel (36 bit,
sum of all channels)

• Supports 480i/p, 576i/p, 720p, 1080i/p and multiple PC

resolutions

• Supports Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby® Digital TrueHD,
DTS-HD: Master Audio, and LPCM

• IR remote control, RS-232 control, or front panel control

2.0 CHECKING PACKAGE CONTENTS

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

HMX-244 MATRIX UNIT

Each HMX-244 includes the following:

• HDMI matrix router

• IR remote control

• 5.5V (4A) DC power adapter

• Rack mount hardware

• User manual

1380R ZONE RECEIVER (OPTIONAL)

Each 1380R includes the following:

• 1380R Cat 5 zone receiver

• IR remote control

• 5V (2A) power adapter

Note: Please retain the original packing material and
invoice in case you need to return the equipment. If
you nd any items are missing, contact Audio Authority
immediately. Have the model number and invoice available
for reference when you call.

Audio Authority® Model HMX-244 User Manual 3

ZONE

REMOTE CONTROL

HMX-244 VIDEO MATRIX

1

4

2 3

SELECT

SOURCE

POWER

POWER

5V DC

ZONE 1

OUTPUT

ZONE 2

OUTPUT

ZONE 3

OUTPUT

ZONE 4

OUTPUT

HDMI SOURCE INPUTS

SOURCE 4

INPUT

SOURCE 3

INPUT

SOURCE 2

INPUT

SOURCE 1

INPUTIR IR IR IR

RS-232

TMDS

DDCHDMI

A

B

TMDS

DDCHDMI

A

B

TMDS

DDCHDMI

A

B

TMDS

DDCHDMI

A

B

IR

D

RS-232

SOURCE 1

K

J

IR

INPUTIR IR IR IR

SELECT SOURCE

SELECT SOURCE

SELECT SOURCE

B

SELECT SOURCE

4

ZONE

1 2 3 4

3

ZONE

1 2 3 4

2

ZONE

1 2 3 4

1

ZONE

1 2 3 4

C

IR

A

INPUT

SOURCE 2

INPUT

HDMI SOURCE INPUTS

SOURCE 3

INPUT

SOURCE 4

A

B

TMDS

TMDS

TMDS

TMDS

ZONE 1

OUTPUT

A

ZONE 2

OUTPUT

A

ZONE 3

OUTPUT

A

ZONE 4

OUTPUT

DDCHDMI

B

DDCHDMI

B

DDCHDMI

B

G

DDCHDMI

F

HMX-244 IR REMOTE

output with video signal present

L Power on/off button - turns matrix on or off

M Auto mode - switches to lowest numbered

from zone

Note:

Use only 5V demodulated IR

receivers such as Model 804-052

(sold separately)

IR Receiver pinout

N Source buttons for zone 1

O Zone off button- deselects all sources

Tip = +5 Volts

Ring = Data

Sleeve = Ground

IR Emitter pinout

Tip = Signal

Sleeve = Ground

O

AUTOPOWER

HMX-244

VIDEO MATRIX

I

OFF

ZONE 1

L M

OFF

1 2 3 4

ZONE 2

OFF

1 2 3 4

ZONE 3

OFF

1 2 3 4

ZONE 4

1 2 3 4

N

H

Model HMX-244 4x4 Video/Audio Matrix

4 Audio Authority® Model HMX-244 User Manual

5V DC

POWER

E

source inputs

HMX-244 FRONT AND BACK PANELS

A Infrared Receiver - accepts commands from IR remote controls

B Source Selection Button - push button cycles through available

the specied zone

C Selected Source Indicator Light - indicates the selected source in

D Power Switch - turns matrix off or on

system in nearby zone

long cable runs to more distant zone. Either TIA/EIA 568A or

568B standards may be used provided it is straight through and

not crossover.

1380R - connect IR emitter to source

E Power Jack - connect included 5.5V, 4A power supply

F HDMI Zone Output - connect directly to display and/or audio

G Cat 5 Zone Output - connect to Model 1380R zone receiver for

H Source IR Output Jack - repeats IR commands received by

separately) for remote IR input

devices

I HDMI input for source

J IR Input Jack - connect Model 804-052 IR receiver (sold

K Serial Port - accepts RS232 commands from home automation

DDC

B

TMDS

A

HDMI OUTPUT5V DC

POWER

RS-232

IR IN

SOURCE

1 2 3 4

POWERIR

A B C D

RS-232

B

DDC

A

TMDS

HDMI OUTPUT5V DC

IR IN

JIH

Note:

Use only 5V demodulated IR

receivers such as Model 804-052

(sold separately)

IR Receiver pinout

Tip = +5 Volts

Ring = Data

Sleeve = Ground

IR Emitter pinout

Tip = Signal

Sleeve = Ground

G

Model 1380R HDMI UTP Receiver

POWER

F

E

1

ZONE

K

REMOTE CONTROL

SELECT

SOURCE

2 3

4

HMX-244 VIDEO MATRIX

1380R FRONT AND BACK PANELS

A Infrared Receiver - accepts commands from IR remote controls

B Power indicator light - shows power on or off status for zone receiver

C Selected Source Indicator Light - indicates the selected source in the zone

D Source button - push to select source in this zone

E Power Switch - turns zone receiver off or on

send IR signals over Cat 5 to HMX-244 matrix

F Power Jack - connect included 5V, 2A power supply

G IR Input Jack - connect Model 804-052 IR receiver (sold separately) to

H HDMI Zone Output - connect directly to display or audio system

or 568B standards may be used provided it is straight through and not

crossover.

I Cat 5e/6 cables connected to HMX-244 zone output. Either TIA/EIA 568A

J Serial port connection *Not Used*

1380R IR REMOTE

K IR remote control source selection buttons

Audio Authority® Model HMX-244 User Manual 5

3.0 PLANNING A MATRIX SYSTEM

• Before installation, test the equipment for compatibility.
Temporarily connect all of the sources, audio receivers,
and displays to the matrix using short HDMI cables
to verify basic compatibility and function. If any
incompatibilities occur, connect the source and display
or audio receiver without the matrix in the signal path for

further HDMI troubleshooting.

• Since all of the displays connected to a particular source
will be receiving the same video signal resolution and
format (e.g. 1080p@60Hz) produced by 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 display can accept a maximum input
resolution of 720p, all of the sources are limited to
720p output, and all displays will receive a maximum
resolution of 720p. This consideration is particularly
important if the TVs have a wide range of resolution
capabilities because the highest resolution sets may not

be allowed to perform to their best advantage.

• HDMI cable lengths should be kept as short as
possible. Use the Cat 5 output for cable runs over 50
feet. High resolution settings, refresh rate, and/or deep
color require increased bandwidth, and may effect the
maximum cable run length that can be achieved.

4.0 CONNECTING THE HARDWARE

• Turn off equipment that will be connected to the matrix.
Mount the matrix in an equipment rack if desired, using
the included rack ears. Otherwise, place the matrix on a
at surface with adequate ventilation and access to the

front and rear panels.

• Connect a high quality HDMI cable from each HDMI
source to an input of the matrix. Cable lengths should be

kept as short as possible.

• Connect the outputs of the matrix to their destination
devices using HDMI cables OR dual Cat 5 cables at
each output – both types of output ports may not be
used at once. Use 1380R Cat 5 zone receivers where
cable lengths of 50 feet* or more are required. Either
TIA/EIA 568A or 568B standards may be used provided
it is straight through and not crossover. HDMI cables
perform differently depending on quality of cable and the
source equipment used.

• Connect the power adapter to an AC outlet and then to

the matrix.

• If you are using the RS-232 control function, connect a
standard serial cable from the controller to the HMX-244
RS-232 port.

• Turn on the HDMI sources and displays. Turn on the

matrix and after a pause for HDCP handshaking,

observe the source signals on the displays. The
HMX-244 front panel LEDs light, indicating the active
sources in each zone.

* Proper function of HDMI matrix routers and distribution
systems 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.

GETTING THE BEST RESULTS USING HDMI

Many factors inuence the performance of an HDMI switching system. Consider the following precautions to
ensure the best system performance.

• Resolutiontracking. Refer to 3.0 “Planning a Matrix System” Set up the sources to output the best resolution
that all TVs can accept.

• Sourceresolutionandvideo/soundquality.Sources, such as satellite receivers or cable boxes may output
at lower resolutions or deliver extremely compressed video material, yielding poor results. Consider the
sources 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.

• 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 good strain relief methods to prevent cables from becoming loose over time.

• Distancebetweenthesourcesandthedisplays. Using premium quality cables the sources may be located
up to 20m from the matrix, and the matrix may be up to 15m from each display device. Longer distances are
possible using advanced HDMI extenders with DDC correction.

• Interference.Nearby electrical devices can negatively affect signal quality. For example, older computer
monitors often emit strong electromagnetic elds that can interfere with the performance of adjacent video
equipment.

6 Audio Authority® Model HMX-244 User Manual

VIDEO CONNECTIONS

POWER

HDMI CABLE (UP TO 50 FT.)

ZONE 4 ZONE 3

HDMI MATRIX

HMX-244

SOURCE 1

SOURCE 2

SOURCE 3

HDMI

HDTVHDTV

CAT 5E/6 CABLES (UP TO 130 FT.)CAT 5E/6 CABLES

SOURCE 4

ZONE 2

1380R CAT 5

RECEIVER

HDMI CABLE

POWER

IR CONNECTIONS

Use only 5V demodulated IR
receivers such as Model 804-052
(sold separately)

IR Receiver pinout
Tip = +5 Volts

Ring = Data
Sleeve = Ground

IR Emitter pinout
Tip = Signal
Sleeve = Ground

ZONE 2

1380R CAT 5

RECEIVER

ZONE 1

1380R CAT 5

RECEIVER

HDTV HDTV

POWER

HDMI CABLE

CAT 5E/6 CABLES

IR SIGNALS

ZONE 3

IR RECEIVER

IR

IR

IR EMITTERS TO

SOURCES

AUDIO RECEIVER

HDMI MATRIX

HMX-244

SOURCE 1

SOURCE 2

SOURCE 3

SOURCE 4

Audio Authority® Model HMX-244 User Manual 7

6.0 OPERATING THE MATRIX SWITCHER

ZONE

REMOTE CONTROL

1

4

2 3

SELECT

SOURCE

The HMX-244 is a matrix switcher capable of routing
audio/video signals from any of four sources to any of four

displays. The matrix may be operated by the front panel

controls, an IR remote control, or by RS-232 through a
computer or other third party controller.

6.3 RS-232 SERIAL CONTROL

Connect a computer or other serial controller to the RS-232
port on the rear panel using an RS-232 cable. The HMX­244 serial commands are based on Windows™ OS super
terminal. Commands include on, off, and source selection
on any zone output.

The HMX-244 begins to operate as soon as power is

turned on, handshaking with sources and displays. Unused

ports do not operate

6.1 FRONT PANEL CONTROLS

Repeatedly press the SOURCE button in the appropriate
zone until the desired source (1, 2, 3, or 4) is selected.

• Lights (1-4) indicate the source that is currently selected
to the zone output.

• If a source is not powered on, the HMX-244 skips to the
next available source.

• The Power light indicates that the unit is receiving

power.

6.2 IR REMOTE CONTROLS

The HMX-244 includes a main remote control that can be
used at the head end matrix location. It controls sources for
all four zones. Each row of buttons represents a zone. To
disconnect all sources from a zone, press OFF.

Auto Mode may be used to avoid any TV showing a blank
screen. It automatically searches for a source input with
active video signal beginning with input 1. If no signal is
present, it searches input 2, 3, and 4. Override Auto Mode
in any zone by pressing one of the other source buttons.

Each 1380R Cat 5 zone receiver includes a zone IR
remote control. It controls only the zone output where the
1380R is located. The IR ports are only active when an
HDMI signal is present on both the source and respective
zone. If an external IR receiver is required, purchase a
5V demodulated IR receiver such as Model 804-052 from

Audio Authority.

Chose the right COM when setting “super terminal” and
then set the parameters as follows:

Baud Rate: 4800 bps
Data bit: 8 Bits
Parity: None
Stop Bit: 1 bit
Data stream: None

• Each command should be two or three characters,
followed by a carriage return. After each command, the
HMX-244 responds with “successful operation”.

• The next command must be sent within three seconds or
the error message: ”Overtime instruction” appears.

• If an incorrect command is received, the error: “wrong
instruction” appears.

• If the input or output is not connected or not in powered
on, “ineffective instruction” appears.

SERIAL COMMANDS

These commands are for the HMX-244 only. The serial
port on the Model 1380R receiver is not used.

The character for the zone output (A, B, C, or D) comes
rst, then the number for the source input:

• zone 3 to source 2 = C3(carriage return)

• zone 1 to source 4 = A4(carriage return), etc.

To turn the HMX-244 on or off enter the following:

• ON(carriage return)

• OFF(carriage return)

To query the status of the HMX-244 enter the following:

• QS(carriage return)

Note:

Use only 5V demodulated IR
receivers such as Model 804-052
(sold separately)

IR Receiver pinout
Tip = +5 Volts

Ring = Data
Sleeve = Ground

IR Emitter pinout
Tip = Signal
Sleeve = Ground

8 Audio Authority® Model HMX-244 User Manual

ZONE 1

1 2 3 4

ZONE 2

1 2 3 4

ZONE 3

HMX-244

VIDEO MATRIX

Important: all serial commands must be terminated with a
carriage return and line feed.

AUTOPOWER

OFF

OFF

OFF

7.0 TROUBLESHOOTING

• Make certain that the matrix is receiving power by

looking at the power LED. It should be illuminated and

not ickering. Intermittent operation generally means a

problem with the DC power adapter or low AC voltage.

Check the AC outlet for proper voltage, then consider
replacing the DC power adapter.

• If some lower resolution TVs do not display a picture,
make sure the source is producing a resolution that all
TVs can accept. Try 1080i, 720p and 480p. If possible,
manually set the sources 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.

• If displays seem to “lose signal” momentarily, it could be
normal HDMI switching behavior. All displays connected
to a source must handshake again when that source
is selected to a new display. This pause is normal and
required when switching HDCP encrypted signals.

• If some inputs function correctly and others do not,
interchange cables between sources and see if the
problem moves with the cables. If it moves, a bad cable
or cable connector is the probable reason for the trouble.

If the problem remains with one particular input, connect
that source to a different input using the same cable and

see if the problem moves to the new input. If it does, the

problem is with the source. Connect the source directly
to the lowest resolution display and adjust its output
settings and resolution until satisfactory function is
achieved.

• If 1080p resolution, deep color, and/or lossless audio is
desired, very high bandwidth is required. HDMI cable
design and quality are extremely important in long
cable runs where capacitance can severely effect the
bandwidth available. If a zone is not receiving HDMI
signals, rst make certain that the input cable is as short
as possible and none of the output cables are more than
15 meters long. Try reducing the resolution, color depth
and/or audio settings.

• Remember that HDMI devices communicate with
one another so the source device and all destination
devices must be fully HDMI compliant. 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 Support department via
email: [e-mail], or call 800-322-8346 or 859-233-4599.

8.0 SPECIFICATIONS

SignalInputs/Output: HDMI Connector type A 19 pin female

Input DDC Signal 5 volts p-p (TTL)

Control Port RS-232 female, mini-stereo

OperatingFrequency: Vertical Frequency Range 50/60Hz

Video Amplier Bandwidth 2.25Gbps/225MHz

Resolutions: Interlaced (50&60Hz) 480i,576i,1080i

Progressive (50&60Hz) 480p,576p,720p,1080p

Mechanical: HMX-244 Cabinet Size (H-W-D) 1.75”x 17.2”x 6.9” (44x438x175mm)

Weight (HMX-244 Matrix) 4.9lb (2.2kg)

Warranty: Limited Warranty 1 year parts and labor

Environmental: Operating Temperature 0° to +70°C

Operating Humidity 10° to 85°C RH (no condensation)

Storage Temperature -10° to +80°C

Storage Humidity 5% to 90% RH (no condensation)

PowerRequirement: Power Supply for HMX-244 Matrix 5.5V DC@4A; 20W

Power Supply for 1380R Zone Receiver 5V DC@2A; 5W

RegulatoryApprovals: HMX-244 Matrix and 1380R Receiver FCC, CE, UL

Power Supply FCC, CE, UL

AccessoriesIncluded: AC Power Adapter Input: AC 100-240V 50/60Hz, 1.5A

IR Extension Cable 3.5mm

Mounting Hardware Rack ears for HMX-244

User Manual 12 pages, printed

Audio Authority® Model HMX-244 User Manual 9

9.0 LIMITED WARRANTY

If any consumer product from Audio Authority 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.

9.1 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 Support 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.

10.0 REGULATORY COMPLIANCE

The HMX-244 and 1380R have been tested for compliance with CE and FCC rules and regulations. Power supplies
included have been tested for compliance with UL, CUL, CE, PSE, and GS regulations and guidelines. This product and
its power supply are RoHS compliant.

11.0 CONTACT INFORMATION

If 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 Support
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

10 Audio Authority® Model HMX-244 User Manual

Audio Authority® Model HMX-244 User Manual 11

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-099

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