Black Box ACU315A-R2 User Manual

ACU315A-R2

RGB/EGA/CGA/MDA to DVI(/VGA)

Converter

Manual

http://www.blackbox.com

RGB/EGA/CGA/MDA TO DVI(/VGA) CONVERTER

2

Welcome to the RGB/EGA/CGA/MDA to

DVI(/VGA) Converter Family!

Thank you for purchasing an RGB to DVI(/VGA) Converter! We appreciate your business,
and we think you’ll appreciate the many ways that your enhanced RGB Graphic system will
save you money, time, and effort.

That’s because our RGB to DVI(/VGA) Converter is all about breaking away from the
traditional model of attaching a new display to an old graphic source. You can encounter
many potential problems in connecting a flat screen to an RGB graphic source – unless you
use our RGB to DVI(/VGA) Converter products! Attach a flat screen to any graphic source
and match the output to your requirements. The RGB to DVI(/VGA) Converter – the one-stop
answer for all your RGB adapting needs! And with a special adaptor cable (not supplied as
standard), you can also attach a screen to a CGA or EGA source.

And that’s not all: With our RGB to DVI(/VGA) Converter you can also connect your
monitor to the CGA, MDA or EGA graphic source.

This manual will tell you all about your new RGB to DVI(/VGA) Converter, including how
to install, operate, and troubleshoot it. For an introduction to the Converter, see Chapter 2.
The Converter product codes covered in this manual are:

ACU315A-R2: RGB/EGA to DVI (or VGA) Converter

DVI-D CAT X KVM-EXTENDER

3

Copyrights and Trademarks

©2007. All rights reserved. This information may not be reproduced in any manner without
the prior written consent of the manufacturer.

Information in this document is subject to change without notice and the manufacturer shall
not be liable for any direct, indirect, special, incidental or consequential damages in
connection with the use of this material.

All trademark and trade names mentioned in this document are acknowledged to be the
property of their respective owners.

Disclaimer

While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this manual, the manufacturer
assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions. Neither does the manufacturer assume any
liability for damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein. The
manufacturer reserves the right to change the specifications, functions, or circuitry of the
product without notice.

The manufacturer cannot accept liability for damage due to misuse of the product or due to
any other circumstances outside the manufacturer’s control (whether environmental or
installation related). The manufacturer shall not be responsible for any loss, damage, or injury
arising directly, indirectly, or consequently from the use of this product.

Cautions and Notes

The following symbols are used in this guide:

CAUTION. This indicates an important operating instruction
that should be followed to avoid any potential damage to

hardware or property, loss of data, or personal injury.

NOTE. This indicates important information to help you make the best use of
this product.

RGB/EGA/CGA/MDA TO DVI(/VGA) CONVERTER

4

.

DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

5

EUROPEAN UNION DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

This is to certify that, when installed and used according to the instructions in this
manual, together with the specified cables and the maximum cable length <3m, the
Units:

ACU315A-R2

are shielded against the generation of radio interferences in accordance with the
application of Council Directive 89/336/EEC as well as these standards:

EN 55022: 1999 Class A
EN 55024: 1999

IEC 61000-4-2: 2001
IEC 61000-4-3: 2001
IEC 61000-4-4: 2001

EN 61000-3-2 2001
EN 61000-3-3 2002

The device was tested in a typical configuration with PC.

This equipment has been 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.

RGB/EGA/CGA/MDA TO DVI(/VGA) CONVERTER

6

Safety Precautions and Installation Guidelines

To ensure reliable and safe long-term operation, please note the following installation
guidelines:

• Only use in dry, indoor environments.

• The Converter and any power supplies can get warm. Do not locate them in an enclosed

space without any airflow.

• Do not place a power supply directly on top of a unit.

• Do not obstruct a unit’s ventilation holes.

To safeguard against personal injury and avoid possible
damage to equipment or property, please observe the
following:

• Only use power supplies originally supplied with the

product or manufacturer-approved replacements. Do not
attempt to dismantle or repair any power supply. Do not
use a power supply if it appears to be defective or has a
damaged case.

• Connect all power supplies to grounded outlets. In each

case, ensure that the ground connection is maintained
from the outlet socket through to the power supply’s AC
power input.

• Do not attempt to modify or repair this product

CONTENTS

7

Contents

1. Quick Setup 9

1.1

Video Input/Output 10

1.2

Command Summary 11

2. Overview 12

2.1

Introduction 12

2.2

Glossary 13

2.3

Features 15

2.4

Product Range 16

2.5

Compatibility 17

2.6

How to Use This Guide 18

3. Installation 19

3.1

Package Contents 19

3.2

Connection Cable Requirements 20

3.3

System Setup 21

3.4 Diagnostic LEDs 24

4. Device Control 25

4.1

Opening the OSD 26

4.2

Using the OSD 27

5. Monitor Setup 36

6. RGB to DVI(/VGA) Converter Setup 37

6.1

Overview 37

6.2

Setup Instructions for RGB Input 38

6.3

Setup of a new Video Mode 40

7. Troubleshooting 42

7.1

Video 42

Appendix A: Example Applications 44

Appendix B: Rack Mount Options 45

RGB/EGA/CGA/MDA TO DVI(/VGA) CONVERTER

8

Appendix C: System Upgrade 47

Appendix D: Supported Video Modes 47

Appendix E: Calling Technical Support 51

Appendix F: Specifications 52

Appendix G: Connectors and Cables 53

FEHLER! FORMATVORLAGE NICHT DEFINIERT.

9

1. Quick Setup

This section briefly describes how to install your RGB to DVI(/VGA) Converter and optimize
the video signals. Unless you are an experienced user, we recommend that you follow the full
procedures described in the rest of this manual. Refer to the command summary on page 11
when following this procedure.

Install system

1. Connect the RGB to DVI(/VGA) Converter to the RGB (video) source.

2. Connect a display to the RGB to DVI(/VGA) Converter.

3. Connect the DVI(/VGA) Converter to the Power supply

4. Power up the system.

Carry out the

Monitor Setup

procedure (please refer to the
monitor’s manual and see
page 35 in this manual).

Carry out

Setup of a new Video Mode

procedure

(please follow the instructions on page 37).

Done

Yes

No

Do you have a

DVI monitor?

Is the Video

mode in the list of

supported modes?

(see page 45)

Do you

have a flat screen

(TFT)?

No

No

Yes

Yes

RGB/EGA/CGA/MDA TO DVI(/VGA) CONVERTER

10

1.1 Video Input/Output

If possible, always use a DVI output to a monitor from the RGB to DVI(/VGA) Converter,
especially with flat screens. This provides the optimum video signal. If you use a VGA output
from the RGB to DVI(/VGA) Converter, it must convert the digitized data to analogue
values. Similarly, if your TFT screen uses a VGA input, it must digitize the signal from the
RGB to DVI(/VGA) Converter. In these cases, the built-in video processors (in the TFT)
must determine the resolution and pixel phase for an optimized digitization. Your RGB to
DVI(/VGA) Converter allows you to optimize the video signal manually or automatically
using its on-screen utility (see Chapter 4). If you are using a VGA input to a TFT monitor,
please follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

You may have several possible options for video source output/monitor input. If this is the
case, for the optimum video quality, please select the highest ranked available combination
from the following table:

Video Quality

RGB to DVI(/VGA)

Converter input

RGB to DVI(/VGA)

Converter output

1

RGB progressive scan

RGBS progressive scan

DVI

1 TTL (EGA/CGA/MDA) DVI

2

RGB video (e.g. from

SCART) interlaced

DVI

3

RGB progressive scan

RGBS progressive scan

VGA

3 TTL (EGA/CGA/MDA) VGA

4

RGB video (e.g. from

SCART) interlaced

VGA

QUICK SETUP

11

1.2 Command Summary

The following table summarizes the remote control buttons sequences used in system
configuration and video tuning on the RGB to DVI(/VGA) Converter.

Infrared Remote Control (IR-RC)

Exit OSD

Enter OSD

Accept and store modified

parameter

Select Submenu

Select parameter modification

Select next position

I

increase parameter

Select previous position

Decrease parameter

Direct Brightness Control

Direct Contrast Control

Reset to factory defaults

(press twice!)

Back to the Menu selection

RGB/EGA/CGA/MDA TO DVI(/VGA) CONVERTER

12

2. Overview

2.1 Introduction

VGA is the most familiar of the various graphics data standards or protocols for connecting a
display (monitor or flat screen) to a graphic source. For many years, computers have
generally connected to a display through a VGA interface. However, with the increased
popularity of TFT flat screens, a new standard has been developed: DVI. In DVI, graphic data
is transmitted digitally; VGA is an analogue standard.

Over the years, other analogue standards have also found popularity: CGA, EGA, MDA
(=TTL) and also RGB. An RGB Video transmission consists of R (red), G (green) and B
(blue) signals at a level of 0.7Vpp. The Green signal also carries the (composite)
synchronisation signals.

A screen designed for VGA cannot normally display RGB/TTL signals for two reasons:

- A VGA screen requires H/V-Synchronization as TTL signals

- Many RGB/TTL sources generate HSYNC frequencies below of 30kHz –
to slow for modern VGA displays.

With TFT screens, there is an additional problem: the incoming video signal has to be
digitised. Horizontal and vertical resolutions are normally selected from an internal table with
several, common, video modes. Unusual resolutions, often generated by older RGB graphic
sources cannot be detected.

To display RGB/TTL data on a modern VGA or DVI display, the RGB to DVI(/VGA)
Converter digitises the incoming signals, stores them in an internal video memory and
displays them from there in a common resolution. The picture can be displayed in original
size or format filling. The RGB to DVI(/VGA) Converter is equipped with various automatic
and manual video correction tools in an on screen utility (see page 25).

OVERVIEW

13

2.2 Glossary

The following terms are used in this guide:

RGB

Video signal consisting of R (red) G (green) and B (blue) signals. The
signals have a level of 0.7Vpp. The Green signal also carries the
(composite) synchronisation signals.

RGBS

Video signal consisting of R (red) G (green) and B (blue) signals and
the additional (composite) SYNC signal. All signals have 0.7Vpp.

CGA, EGA,
MDA

Legacy graphic standard - all signals are TTL level.

VGA (also
called RGBHV)

Video signal consisting of R (red) G (green) and B (blue) signals and
the additional horizontal/vertical synchronisation signals. The color
signals have a level of 0.7Vpp; the synchronisation TTL (5Volts).

DVI

Digital Video standard established by the Digital Display Working
Group (www.ddwg.org). R, G, B, CLOCK signals in an up to 1.4
Gbit/sec data stream. The signals have a TMDS level.

PSU

The desktop power supply for the RGB to DVI(/VGA) Converter.

RGB/EGA/CGA/MDA TO DVI(/VGA) CONVERTER

14

Figure 1 RGB to DVI(/VGA) Converter system

RGB/EGA to

DVI(/VGA) Converter

Video

-

Equipment

(DVD, VCR, Set-top)

PLC

–

programmable

logic controller

Legacy CPU’s

OVERVIEW

15

2.3 Features

RGB to DVI(/VGA) Converter offers the following features:

• Support for RGB (RGsB), RGBS and RGBHVin progressive scan or interlaced mode.

• Support for EGA/CGA/MDA

• Selectable output for attached display: 640x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1280x1024.

• Refresh rate selectable for best match to CRT or TFT – 50Hz, 60Hz or 75Hz.

• Picture scaling available:

• No scaling – original picture is centered into a black box.

• Format filling – the picture is stretched to fit the screen.

• Proportional stretching – the picture is stretched linearly in both dimensions with the

same factor, until one dimension fits the screen size.

• Fixed scaling – scaled to 1:2 and displayed with (eventually) black borders.

• All control and video tuning carried out using an on screen display (OSD) with settings

stored in EEPROM memory.

• A large table of known RGB resolutions (more than 80) preinstalled.

• Private video mode available through OSD.

• RGB to DVI(/VGA) Converter firmware and settings flash-upgradeable.

• Status indicator LEDs on each device.

• Small footprint chassis.

• Rack mount options available.

• Video cables and adaptors included.

Optional accessories:

• Rack mount Kit 19”/1U: Type ACS1009A-RMK

RGB/EGA/CGA/MDA TO DVI(/VGA) CONVERTER

16

2.4 Product Range

This table lists the product codes for the converter and its various upgrade kits:

RGB to DVI(/VGA) Converter

ACU315A-R2 RGB to DVI (or VGA) Converter

Upgrade Kits

ACS1009A-RMK Rack mount Kit 19”/1U to mount up to 4 devices

OVERVIEW

17

2.5 Compatibility

Interface Compatibility

• RGB (RGsB): Video signal consisting of R (red) G (green) and B (blue) signals. The

signals have a level of 0.7Vpp. The Green-Signal also carries the (composite)
synchronisation signals.

• RGBS: Video signal consisting of R (red) G (green) and B (blue) signals and the

additional (composite) SYNC signal. All signals have 0.7Vpp.

• VGA (also called RGBHV): Video signal consisting of R (red) G (green) and B (blue)

signals and additional horizontal/vertical synchronisation signals. The color signals have
a level of 0.7Vpp; the synchronisation TTL (5Volts).

• Digital Video (DVI): DVI single link for resolution up to 1280x1024 at 60/75Hz.

Digital Video standard established by the Digital Display Working Group
(www.ddwg.org) R, G, B, CLOCK in an up to 1.4 Gbit/sec data stream. The signals
have a TMDS level.

• CGA (Colour Graphic Adaptor): Legacy graphic standard, established by IBM,

supporting text with 40 or 80 characters in 25 lines with 16 colours or graphics in
640x200 with 2 colours or 320x200 with 4 colours.

• EGA: Legacy graphic standard (Enhanced Graphic Adaptor), established by IBM,

supporting text with 80 characters in up to 43 lines graphics in 640x350 in 16 colours
from a palette of 64.

Supported SYNC forms

• RGsB: RGB with SYNC on Green. The colour signals have a level of 0.7Vpp. The

Green-Signal also carries the (composite) synchronisation signals (app. –0.3V)

• RGBs: RGB with composite SYNC signal. All signals have 0.7Vpp.

• RGBS: RGB with composite SYNC signal. The colour signals have 0.7Vpp, the SYNC

Signal is TTL-Level (5V)

• RGBHV: RGB with separate SYNC signals. The colour signals have 0.7Vpp, the SYNC

Signals have TTL-Level (5V)

• MDA: black and white with separate SYNC signals (e.g. HERCULES). All Signals have

TTL-Level (5V)

• CGA: colour with separate SYNC signals. All Signals have TTL-Level (5V)

• EGA: colour (2 pins per colour) with separate SYNC signals. All Signals have TTL-

Level (5V)

RGB/EGA/CGA/MDA TO DVI(/VGA) CONVERTER

18

2.6 How to Use This Guide

This guide describes the installation and configuration of the RGB to DVI(/VGA) Converter.
Although the connection and operation of the system is relatively straightforward, you should
consider the following before getting started:

Connection & Compatibility

If you have purchased an RGB to DVI(/VGA) Converter Kit, this will contain PSU and all
the cables/adapters required to connect the RGB to DVI(/VGA) Converter to your graphic
source. See also Package Contents (page 19)

For information about connection and installation, see Installation, page 19.

Adjusting the RGB to DVI(/VGA) Converter to RGB Video

Although there are several preconfigured resolutions stored in the internal resolution table of
the RGB to DVI(/VGA) Converter, under some circumstances it is required to manually
adapt the RGB to DVI(/VGA) Converter to your specific resolution: see RGB to DVI(/VGA)
Converter Setup (page 37).

Adjusting the monitor to the RGB to DVI(/VGA) Converter

If you use a flat screen with VGA input, you will need to adjust the monitor to the picture
width and the pixel phase. You can do this using the Auto Adjust or Manual Adjust
procedures (see page 37).

• For experienced users there is a Quick Setup section at the start of this guide

(see page 9).

• For the full procedure, see Monitor Setup (page 36) and/or RGB to DVI(/VGA)

Converter Setup (page 37).