For optimum performance and safety, please
read these instructions carefully before
connecting, operating or adjusting this
product. Please keep this manual for future
reference.
Surge protection device
recommended
This product contains sensitive electrical
components that may be damaged by
electrical spikes, surges, electric shock,
lightning strikes, etc. Use of surge protection
systems is highly recommended in order
to protect and extend the life of your
equipment.
Contents
Introduction 03
Features 03
Panel Descriptions 04
Matrix Main Communication Board 05
Matrix HDBaseT Receiver Options 06
Matrix HDBaseT Transmitter Options 07
Matrix Front Panel Control 08
EDID Control 09
Audio Breakout 09
Safety And
Performance Notice
The transmission distances of HDMI
over UTP cables are measured using
TE CONNECTIVIT Y 1427071-6
EIA/TIA-568-B termination (T568B )
of cables is recommended for optimal
performance.
To minimize interference of the unshielded
twisted pairs in the CAT5e/6/6a cable do
not run the HDBaseT / CAT5e/6/6a cabling
with or in close parallel proximity to mains
power cables.
Do not substitute or use any other power
supply other than the enclosed unit, or a
Blustream approved replacement.
Do not disassemble either the Transmitter or
Receiver units for any reason. Doing so will
void the manufacturer’s warranty.
Terminating HDBaseT Cat Cable 10
Understanding the Matrix/Receiver Status Lights 10
Infrared Distribution 11
Infrared Remote Control 12
Application Diagram 13
Specifications 14
Package Contents 14
Maintenance 14
Infrared Commands 15-16
02
RS-232 and Telnet Commands 17-19
Certifications 20
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PLATINUM SERIES V2 USER MANUAL
Introduction
Our Platinum series of HDBaseT Matrix products oer the very best performance
and flexibility for the custom installer. The Platinum Matrix V2 is a 4K HDCP 2.2
compliant Matrix, transmitting HDMI, Bi-directional IR, RS-232 and PoH (PoE) up
to lengths of 100m over a single CAT cable. The Matrix also provides advanced
features including independent audio routing, Audio Return Channel (ARC),
simultaneous HDBaseT/HDMI outputs, HDBaseT inputs and LAN Serving. The
Matrix can be controlled and configured using the Blustream soware or Web GUI, allowing the user to define audio channels, designate EDID presets and insert
audio delays on outputs to correct any lip sync issues within the system.
PLA88L-V2 Features:
• 8x HDMI inputs which can be independently routed to 8x HDBaseT/HDMI video outputs (quantity dependent on
model)
• Simultaneous HDBaseT™ and HDMI outputs to allow connection to dual displays per zone
• Supports 4K UHD video (3840 x 2160 @30Hz 4:4:4, 4096 x 2160 @24Hz 4:4:4, and 4K @60Hz 4:2:0)
• Supports distances of up to 70m @ 1080p & 40m @ 4K on a single CAT cable
• 2x HDBaseT inputs allowing sources to be located remotely using Blustream HDBaseT transmitters (quantity
dependent on model)
• Supports POH (Power Over HDBaseT) to power Blustream transmitters and receivers - no local power supplies
required
• Integrated 24 Input x 16 output Audio Matrix (16 Input x 12 output on PLA66 models)
• Analog audio L/R embedding onto HDMI outputs with audio delay adjustment
• HDMI audio de-embedding to analog audio L/R + digital coaxial outputs. Please note: Input must be PCM 2CH audio
as the Matrix does not down-mix 5.1CH audio signals
• Bi-directional RS-232 and IR from all input and output locations (with compatible Blustream 5V emitters and
receivers)
• Web interface module for control & configuration of the matrix
• Advanced EDID management
• HDCP 2.2 Compliant
PLA88ARC-V2 Additional Features:
• Supports distances of up to 100m @ 1080p & 70m @ 4K on a single CAT cable
• LAN serving (Ethernet Switch) with compatible HEX100ARC-RX Blustream HDBaseT receivers
• Audio Return Channel (ARC) via HDMI or Optical with compatible HEX100ARC-RX Blustream HDBaseT receivers
There are four HDBaseT receiver options that are compatible with the HDBaseT outputs of the Blustream Matrix:-
HEX70B-RX
Basic HDBaset Receiver with 2-way IR pass-through. Supports
distances up to 70m. Compatible with all Platinum Blustream
Matrix products.
Receiver
HEX70B-Rx
HDBaseT input
HDMI output
IR Output 3.5mm mono jack
IR Input 3.5mm stereo jack
HEX100ARC-RX
Premium HDBaseT receiver which features 2-way IR & RS-232,
HDMI ARC (when used with associated PLAxxARC Matrix) and
display distances up to 100m. Only compatible with PLA88ARC and
PLA66ARC Blustream Matrix products.
Receiver
HEX70ED-RX
Mid-Level HDBaseT receiver which has the same features as
the HEX70B-RX receiver but with added 2-way RS-232 control.
Compatible with all Platinum Blustream Matrix products.
Receiver
HEX70ED-Rx
HDBaseT input
HDMI output
2-way RS-232 (9-pin serial)
IR Output 3.5mm mono jack
IR Input 3.5mm stereo jack
RX70AMP
The RX70AMP is a combination of HDBaseT receiver and Class D
digital audio amplifier (30W per channel). The unit has local HDMI
and Analogue audio inputs as well as supporting HDMI ARC (audio
Return Channel) with compatible products. Should you wish to
use alternate power amplification the unit has variable analogue
outputs. Control of the unit is possible via front panel or by bidirectional RS-232 or IR control. Supports distances up to 70m.
Compatible with all Platinum Blustream Matrix products.
When it is a requirement that source equipment is to be located away from the central Blustream Matrix there are
four Blustream HDBaseT Transmitters that that can be partnered with the HDBaseT Inputs and allow hardware to be
located at distances up to 100m:-
HEX70B-TX
Basic HDBaset Transmitter with 2-way IR pass-through. Supports
distances up to 70m.
Transmitter
HEX70B-Tx
HDMI input
HDBaseT output
IR output 3.5mm mono jack
IR input 3.5mm stereo jack
HDCP 1.4 compliant
HEX100ARC-TX V2
Premium HDBaseT HDCP 2.2 Transmitter which features HDMI
loop-out, 2-way IR & RS-232 and distances up to 100m.
HEX70ED-TX V2
HDBaseT HDCP 2.2 Transmitter which features HDMI loop-out,
2-way IR & RS-232 and distances up to 70m.
EDID
Transmitter
L/R Coaxial
RS232HDMI InHDMI Out
LinkPower
Out
HDBT Out
LinkLink
DC 12V
HEX70ED-TX-V2
Rx Tx
IR
HDMI input
HDBaseT output
HDMI output (loop-out)
2-way RS-232 (9-pin serial)
IR output 3.5mm mono jack
IR input 3.5mm stereo jack
HDCP 2.2 compliant
HEX100HDVGA-TX
Premium HDBaseT Transmitter which features selectable HDMI or
VGA+ audio inputs and 2-way IR & RS-232. Supports distances up
to 100m.
The following display shows current source input selection per zone output.
1. To change input selection first press ‘OUTPUT’ button (1-4)
2. Press desired ‘INPUT’ button (1-4)
3. An ‘X’ indicates that the zone output has been turned o .
Zones can be turned on/o using RS-232/TCP/IP commands.
Zone outputs can be forced back on by powering OFF/ON the Matrix. All outputs will be turned on when powered up.
Zone outputs can be forced back on by pressing and holding ‘OUTPUT 1’ button on the front panel for 10 seconds. The Matrix will reset and all outputs will be turned back on.
1
3
OUT 1 2 x 4
IN 1 2 3 4
2
EDID Management - Global or individual input settings
The following characters show adjusting the EDID for ‘All’ inputs (Global). Current EDID value is set to 1080P & 2CH audio.
EDID: IN ALL
HDMI: 1080P 2CH
To change the input signal type using the Matrix front panel buttons press the following:-
Using Matrix Front Panel Buttons
a. Press MENU button
b. Panel will display ‘EDID settings’. Press SELECT button
c. Select the input you wish to fix the EDID on (1-8) or select ‘All’. Use UP/DOWN buttons to toggle selection and SELECT button to
confirm
d. Select video resolution required (4K, 1080p, 3D etc). Use UP/DOWN buttons to toggle selection and SELECT button to confirm
e. Select audio resolution required (2CH, 5.1 or 7.1). Use UP/DOWN buttons to toggle selection and SELECT button to confirm
f. Press the ESC button to exit
08
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Page 9
PLATINUM SERIES V2 USER MANUAL
HDMI In
8
HDBT Out
HDMI Out
t
HDBT Out
HDMI Out
IR In
L/R Out
Coax. Out
IR In
IR Out
Global
TCP/IP
Ethernet
Tx
Rx
On/Off
In
EDID Control
EDID (Extended Display Identification Data) is a data structure that is used between a display and a source. This data is used by the source
to find out what audio and video resolutions are supported by the display then from this information the source will discover what the best
audio and video resolutions need to be outputted.
While the objective of EDID is to make connecting a digital display to a source a simple plug and play procedure issues do arise when
multiple displays or video matrix switching is introduced because of the increased number of variables.
By pre-determining the video resolution and audio format of the source and display device you can reduce the time need for EDID hand
shaking thus making switching quicker and more reliable.
Configuration of Matrix EDID settings can be acheived in one of three ways:-
1 Using Matrix web browser interface (See ‘Blustream Web Browser Interface Guide’ for further details available at www.
blustream.co.uk )
2 Using Matrix Front Panel Buttons (For further details see page 8)
3Using Supplied Blustream Matrix IR Remote Control (For further details see page 12)
Note: EDID settings were revised June 2017 to include independant 4K 4:2:0 and 4K 4:4:4 settings to help with signal management/bandwidth
limitations when using HDMI over HDBaseT distribution. For alternate EDID settings and Firmware please visit the Blustream website.
Audio Breakout
The PLAXX V2 Matrix includes both both coaxial digital and 2CH analogue audio outputs. Audio can be selected from:-
• Breakout from selected HDMI/HDBaseT output. Extracted audio will be concurrent with the corresponding HDMI/HDBaseT
video output.
• Breakout from selected HDMI/HDBaseT inputs. Extracted audio will be fixed to the selected HDMI/HDBaseT source input.
• Analogue 2CH audio inputs. Audio will be fixed to the selected analogue audio input.
• ARC audio return when used with compatible HDBaseT Receivers (feature only available on PLA88/66ARC models). Extracted
audio will be fixed to the selected HDMI/HDBaseT zone output.
The PLAxx V2 analogue outputs include pre-amp line level control allowing you to connect the Blustream Matrix directly into a
power amplifier for all your multi-room audio needs.
HDBT Out
HDBT Out
HDBT Out
IR In
L/R Out
Coax. Out
HDMI Out
HDBT Out
IR In
L/R Out
Coax. Out
HDMI Out
IR In
L/R Out
Coax. Ou
1. Analogue pre-amp line level output 3.5mm stereo jack - Output 3
2. Coaxial digital output - Output 2
HDBT Out
HDBT Out
HDMI Out
HDMI Out
HDMI Out
HDMI Out
IR In
IR In
IR In
IR In
L/R Out
L/R Out
L/R Out
1
Coax. Out
Tx
Rx
2
OUT
IN
Coax. Out
1234567
Coax. Out
L/R Out
Coax. Out
Both coaxial and analogue audio outputs can be adjusted for audio delay.
Control of the pre-amp line level outputs is via the matrix front panel, RS-232, TCP/IP or using the in-built web browser interface.
Please see ‘RS-232 & Telnet Commands’ on page 17 for further details.
Note: Volume control is only available on the analogue audio outputs. Source input must be PCM 2CH audio for analogue audio
outputs to work. The PLAxx V2 Matrix do not down-mix 5.1CH audio signals.
Volume control of audio outputs is not possible via Infrared control.
It is important that the interconnecting CAT cable between the Blustream HDBaseT products is terminated using the
correct RJ45 pin configuration. The link CAT cable MUST be a ‘straight’ (pin-to-pin) CAT cable and it is advised that this
is wired to the T568B wiring standard as this format is less prone to EMI (Electro-Magnetic Interference).
When installing CAT cables it is advised that you use the best possible CAT cable quality possible. HDMI distribution
products will only work if used with CAT5e standard cable or above. Blustream recommends using a CAT6 cable for
your installations, especially when running over longer distances, in areas of high EMI, or for 4K signal distribution. It
is advised that using any method of patch panel, wall plate or join in the CAT cable is avoided as these will result in
HDBaseT signal degradation. Blustream also recommend using the best quality RJ45 connectors possible.
RJ45 Wiring T568B
Understanding the Matrix / Receiver HDBaseT status lights
The Blustream Matrix and HDBaseT extender solutions include status LED indicators on both the Matrix and Receiver
products to show all connections are active and to help diagnose possible problems.
Understanding the status lights:-
Blustream Matrix:
• The Yellow HDBaseT status link light will be o when the zone output has been turned o or there is a problem with
the specific Matrix output.
• The Yellow HDBaseT status link light will blink when the zone output is on and working
• The Green HDBaseT link light will blink if there is an unstable connection between the Blustream Matrix and
HDBaseT Receiver
• The Green HDBaseT link light will be lit when a there is an active HDBaseT Receiver connected to the Matrix
• The Green HDBaseT link light will be o when a there is no connection with a HDBaseT receiver
Blustream HDBaseT Receiver:
• The HDMI link light will be o when there is no connection with a display
• The HDMI link light will be on when there is an active connection with a display (NOTE - Not all HDBaseT RX feature a
HDMI status LED)
• The HDBaseT link light will be o when there is no CAT cable/active HDBaseT connection on the RJ45 HDBaseT
input
• The HDBaseT link light will blink if there is an unstable connection between the Blustream Matrx and HDBaseT
receiver
• The HDBaseT link light will be lit when a CAT cable is connected to the HDBaseT RJ45 output on the Matrix and an
active connection is achieved with the Blustream HDBaseT Receiver.
10
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Page 11
PLATINUM SERIES V2 USER MANUAL
Infrared (IR) Distribution
The Blustream range of matrix products include multiple options for control and routing of IR.
IMPORTANT: Blustream Infrared products are all 5v and NOT compatible with alternative manufacturers Infrared
solutions. When using third party 12v IR control solutions please use supplied Blustream IRCAB cable for IR conversion.
Each Blustream Matrix and HDBaseT receiver is supplied with all necessary IR hardware required and includes:
IR Emitter - IR1 & IR2 (IR2 sold separately)
Blustream 5V IR Emitter designed for discrete IR control of
hardware
IR Receiver - IRR
Blustream 5V IR receiver to receive IR signal and distribute
through Blustream products
Infrared 3.5mm Pin-Out
IR Emitter - Mono 3.5mm
Signal
Ground
IR Receiver - Stereo 3.5mm
Signal
5V
Ground
IR Control Cable - IRCAB
Blustream IR Control cable 3.5mm Mono to 3.5mm Stereo for
linking third party control solutions to Blustream products.
The Blustream Platinum Series matrix units are supplied with IR Remote Control for source selection and general
setup.
As well as controlling matrix solutions using the original Blustream remote the Blustream products can be controlled
using the original Infrared NEC codes shown at the rear of this manual.
Remote Control Description
OUTPUT AND INPUT SELECTION
POWER
OUTPUT
1
234
5678
ALLPTP
INPUT
1
234
A
5678
ALL
1080i1080p3D4K
2.0CH5.1CH7.1CHCOPY
USER1 USER2FN1
EDID
B
FN2
C
A Select the zone OUTPUT you wish to change the source on
(Numbers 1-8 correspond to the zone outputs 1-8).
B Select the source INPUT you wish to change on the selected
zone to
(Numbers 1-8 corresponds to the source inputs 1-8)
C Press PTP button If you wish to instantly mirror all inputs
and outputs
(Example - Input 1 to output 1, input 2 to output 2 etc).
EDID SET UP
The PLAxx V2 provides a comprehensive range of EDID settings.
Below are three examples of how to deploy the desired EDID setting
when using the supplied remote.
A. Fix EDID to an Input or ALL inputs:Press the desired video
resolution button (1080I / 1080P / 3D / 4K), then select the
desired audio format (2.0CH / 5.1CH / 7.1CH), then select the
source input you want this EDID information allocated to by
pressing the INPUT 1 – 4 or the ALL button
B. Copy EDID of Output-X to an Input or ALL:Press the COPY
but-ton then select the OUTPUT you wish to copy the EDID
information from, then select the source input you want to copy
this EDID to by selecting the INPUT 1-4 or the ALL button.
12
C.User defined EDID to an Input or ALL inputs:Press USER1 /
USER2 button then select the source you wish to assign this EDID
to by select-ing INPUT 1-4 or the ALL button
The Blustream Platinum Matrix products can be controlled via serial and TCP/IP. The following pages list all available serial commands for the Platinum Matrix. Details of RS-232 pin assignment can be found on page 5.
Commonly used Serial commands:
There are several commands that are commonly used for control and testing:-
STATUS Status will give feedback on Matrix such as zones on, type of connection etc
PON Power on
POFF Power o
OUTxxON (xx is the zone number you wish to turn on)
Example:- OUT01ON (This would turn output one back on)
OUTxxFRyy (xx is the zone out, yy is the input) Example:- OUT01FR04 (This would switch output 1 to source input 4)
Common Mistakes
• Carriage return – Some programs do not require the carriage return where as other will not work unless sent directly aer the
string. In the case of some Terminal soware the token <CR> is used to execute a carriage return. Depending on the program you
are using this token maybe dierent. Some other examples that other control systems deploy include \r or 0D (in hex)
• Spaces – Blustream commands do not require space between commands unless specified. There may be some programs that
require spacing in order to work.
- How the string should look is as follows OUT01ON
- How the string may look if spaces are required: OUT{Space}01{Space}ON
• Baud rate or other serial protocol settings not correct - please see Page 5 for Matrix settings
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These
limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and
can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful
interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct
the interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
CAUTION - changes or modifi cations not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate
the equipment.
CANADA, INDUSTRY CANADA (IC) NOTICES
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference,
including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.
CANADA, AVIS D’INDUSTRY CANADA (IC)
Cet appareil numérique de classe B est conforme aux normes canadiennes ICES-003.
Son fonctionnement est soumis aux deux conditions suivantes : (1) cet appareil ne doit pas causer d’interférence et (2) cet appareil doit accepter
toute interférence, notamment les interférences qui peuvent affecter son fonctionnement.
CORRECT DISPOSAL OF THIS PRODUCT
This marking indicates that this product should not be disposed with other household wastes. To prevent possible harm to
the environment or human health from uncontrolled waste disposal, recycle it responsibly to promote the sustainable reuse of
material resources. To return your used device, please use the return and collection systems or contact the retailer where the
product was purchased. They can take this product for environmentally safe recycling.