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User Guide
Multi-display Controller
Engineering the world’s best visual solutions
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Fx4-HDR User Guide
CONTENTS
DISCLAIMER/COPYRIGHT STATEMENT 5
QUICK START GUIDE 5
Contents 5
Step 1 - Connecting the Input 5
Step 2 - Connecting the Outputs 5
Step 3 - Connect a Mains Cable 6
Step 4 - Connecting to a PC 6
Step 5 - Congure Via a Network 6
Step 6 - Wall Designer 7
Step 7 - Multiple Devices 10
Step 8 - Rack Mounting (Optional) 10
Step 9 - IP Control Panel 11
Step 10 - Troubleshooting 11
CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION 12
1.1 Introduction 12
1.2 How the User Guide is Organised 12
1.3 Fonts and Symbols 12
CHAPTER 2 UNPACKING AND INITIAL INSPECTION 13
2.1 Unpacking 13
2.2 Initial Inspection 13
2.3 Content 13
CHAPTER 3 GENERAL 14
3.1 Overview 14
3.2 Features 14
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Fx4-HDR User Guide
CHAPTER 4 HARDWARE 15
4.1 Front Panel 15
4.2 Rear Panel 16
4.3 Rack Mounting the Fx4-HDR 16
CHAPTER 5 SOFTWARE 17
5.1 Wall Designer 17
5.2 Wall Designer Features 17
5.5 Running the Wall Designer Application 18
CHAPTER 6 CABLING 21
6.1 Attaching an HDMI Cable Lock 21
6.2 Connecting Your Input Source 21
CHAPTER 7 OPERATION 23
7.1 Setting up the Fx4-HDR 23
7.2 Switching On the Fx4-HDR 23
7.3 Conguring the Fx4-HDR via USB 24
7.4 Conguring the Fx4-HDR via a Network 26
CHAPTER 8 TROUBLESHOOTING 27
8.1 Troubleshooting 27
CHAPTER 9 MAINTENANCE 28
9.1 Maintenance of the Fx4-HDR 28
CHAPTER 10 ENVIRONMENTAL 28
10.1 Certication and Compliances 28
CHAPTER 11 SPECIFICATIONS 30
CHAPTER 12 WARRANTY/RMA 31
12.1 Warranty Statement 31
12.2 RMA Returns Policy 31
CHAPTER 13 INDEX 33
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Fx4-HDR User Guide
DISCLAIMER/COPYRIGHT STATEMENT
© Datapath Ltd, England 2019
Datapath Limited claims copyright on this documentation. No part of this
documentation may be reproduced, released, disclosed, stored in any electronic format,
or used in whole or in part for any purpose other than stated herein without the express
permission of Datapath Limited.
Whilst every eort is made to ensure that the information contained in this document
is correct, Datapath Limited make no representations or warranties with respect to the
contents thereof, and do not accept liability for any errors or omissions.
Datapath reserves the right to change specication without prior notice and cannot
assume responsibility for the use made of the information supplied. All registered
trademarks used within this documentation are acknowledged by Datapath Limited.
Fx4-HDR
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Fx4-HDR User Guide
QUICK START GUIDE
A version of the Quick Start Guide is included for your convenience.
CONTENTS
The Fx4-HDR multi-display controller
1 x mains power cable
USB 2.0 cable Type A to Type B
8 x HDMI Cable Locks
2 x rack mount attachments
6 x rack mount screws
If any of the items are missing, please contact Datapath for further instructions.
The Fx4-HDR is not supplied with input and output cables therefore please ensure
you have the relevant cables to hand to complete your project. HDMI 2.0 Premium
Certied 4K cables should be used for the input to ensure 4K compatibility.
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HDCP 1.4 HDCP 1.4 HDCP 2.2 HDCP 2.2
INPUTS HDR
SYNC
OUT 1 2
MONITOR OUTPUTS
LAN USB
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31 2 3 4
LOOP
LAN USB
100-240V 1AMAX 50\60Hz 1A FUSE
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LAN USB
100-240V 1AMAX 50\60Hz 1A FUSE
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HDCP 2.2
OUT 1 2
MONITOR OUTPUTS
LAN USB
100-240V 1AMAX 50\60Hz 1A FUSE
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3
4
LOOP
HDCP 2.2
OUT 1 2
MONITOR OUTPUTS
LAN USB
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3
4
LOOP
LAN USB
100-240V 1AMAX 50\60Hz 1A FUSE
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Fx4-HDR User Guide
STEP 1 CONNECTING THE INPUT
Connect your input source to the input connector on the rear of the Fx4-HDR.
Ensure cables are inserted correctly, it is recommended that the supplied
HDMI Cable Lock connectors are used.
1 2 3
HDCP 1.4 HDCP 1.4 HDCP 2.2
INPUTS HDR
HDMI
STEP 2 CONNECTING THE OUTPUTS
Connect the HDMI monitor cables to the monitor output connectors on the
rear of the Fx4-HDR. You can connect up to four displays to a single Fx4-HDR
unit. Ensure the cables are inserted correctly, it is recommended that the
supplied HDMI Cable Lock connectors are used.
1 2
3
4
MONITOR OUTPUTS
HDMI Output Connectors
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LAN USB
100-240V 1AMAX 50\60Hz 1A FUSE
MODEL 218
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LAN USB
100-240V 1AMAX 50\60Hz 1A FUSE
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LAN
1AMAX 50\60Hz 1A FUSE
Fx4-HDR User Guide
STEP 3 CONNECT A MAINS CABLE
When the power is switched on, the Fx4-HDR will boot and the LEDs on the
front panel will ash for up to 15 seconds. Should the LED’s continue to ash,
see the troubleshooting section.
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Connect Mains cable
USB
100-240V 1AMAX 50\60Hz 1A FUSE
Power Switch
STEP 4 CONNECTING TO A PC
To successfully congure the Fx4-HDR, install the Wall Designer application on your PC by
downloading the latest version from the Datapath website: www.datapath.co.uk.
When the Fx4-HDR has booted, connect to your PC using the USB cable provided. The Fx4-HDR
unit is a plug and play device. Wall Designer will detect it when layouts are congured.
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LAN USB
USB Port
The Fx4-HDR can also be congured via a Network. See Step 5.
100-240V
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S
LAN USB
100-240V 1AMAX 50\60Hz 1A FUSE
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4
100-240V 1AMAX 50\60Hz 1A FUSE
Fx4-HDR User Guide
STEP 5 CONFIGURE VIA A NETWORK
The Fx4-HDR has dual Ethernet ports to allow users to add the device to their
network.
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Ethernet Port
Connect the Fx4-HDR to a network using the LAN connector then open Wall
Designer and create your display layout. At the point where you associate the
virtual device with a physical device the list will display all Fx4-HDR’s currently
connected to the network.
MADE IN ENGLAND
LAN USB
Click on the virtual device to display its properties, the Device Properties
can be changed in the same way as if connecting via USB. Once any changes
have been made click on Apply Settings to save.
See the section 7.4 for information regarding network settings.
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STEP 6 WALL DESIGNER
Start | All Programs | Wall Designer |
When Wall Designer is opened, the following dialogue is displayed:
1
Operation Modes: Select outputs, inputs, congure devices and check the status of your
1
multi-display controller.
2 Quick Tour Dialogue.
3 Virtual Canvas.
4 Toolbar.
It is highly recommended that when using Wall Designer for the rst time, all users take the Quick Start Tour.
2
3 4
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Fx4-HDR User Guide
Selecting Monitors
Click on the Monitors panel.
5
6
8
7
5 Select your monitor manufacturer from the drop down list on the left. Then select the model.
6 Choose the number of monitors by clicking and dragging in the Add Monitors grid.
7 Select a background image to enhance the Virtual Canvas.
8 Click Add Monitors and the selected monitors will populate the Virtual Canvas.
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Fx4-HDR User Guide
Dening Inputs
Click on the Inputs panel.
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9
11
9 Click on the Create button.
10 Use the dropdown list to set up the input sources that are to be displayed on your monitors.
Use the dropdown list to select a sample source. This will oer a preview of what the display wall will
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look like on the Virtual Canvas.
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Fx4-HDR User Guide
Conguring Hardware Devices
Click on the Devices panel.
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14
13
Click on your model of multi-display controller to Auto-congure the device.
12
This will indicate how the displays are connected to the controller.
Right click of the virtual device and associate it with the physical device connected to your PC or on
13
the network. This will populate the Device Properties. The Device Properties can be edited.
14 Click on Apply Settings to complete the conguration.
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Fx4-HDR User Guide
View Device Status
The Status panel is gives a summary of each associated device.
15
11
16
List of x-Series multi-display devices connected to your computer or LAN. Click on a device to
15
display its status information.
The status information panel displays a summary of the selected device. This includes details of the
16
Flash and Firmware versions, IP Address, serial number and the average running temperature of the
controller. Scroll down to view the status of each output.
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Fx4-HDR User Guide
STEP 7 MULTIPLE DEVICES
Where more than four outputs are required, (the example below shows eight)
the Auto-Congure function will determine the most logical way to connect
all devices.
HDMI Out Loop
HDMI In
STEP 8 RACK MOUNTING OPTIONAL
Remove the stud screws on
the side of your controller.
Secure the rack mounts
using the screws provided.
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Fx4-HDR User Guide
STEP 9 IP CONTROL PANEL
The Fx4-HDR has a control panel that can be accessed via an IP connection. Simply type in
the IP address of the Fx4-HDR into an Internet browser and a control panel for that particular
Fx4-HDR is displayed. The control panel allows you to change properties and settings,
manually dene cropping regions or open the Wall Designer application.
STEP 10 TROUBLESHOOTING
Display Screens Turns Red
If all the display screens turn Red, this indicates that there is an issue with HDCP compliance.
Check both the input source and the monitors are HDCP compliant.
Front Panel LED Lights
On start-up all three lights will ash. After a few seconds the ashing should stop, and the
power light stays on permanently. If the light continues to ash this indicates that the
Fx4-HDR requires upgrading. See section 8.1 for details on how to upgrade your Fx4-HDR.
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Fx4-HDR User Guide
CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of the Datapath Fx4-HDR multi-display controller. The Fx4-HDR has been
manufactured and tested to the highest standards oering unparalleled quality and reliability. The aim of this
user guide is to assist you through the installation of the Fx4-HDR safely and eectively and act as a reference
guide for future use. Do not switch the controller on until all the relevant cables have been connected.
1.2 How the User Guide is Organised
The user guide is broken down into chapters and each chapter into sections. Chapters, sections and pages are
numbered individually. Pages are numbered in Arabic numerals with the exception of the cover page
(no numbering).
1.3 Fonts and Symbols
1.3.1 Fonts
The following font styles have individual meanings:
Bold Used to describe menu titles, buttons in software or elements that you must type.
Blue Underlined Indicates a hyper-link. Some hyper-links may be linked to live websites.
1.3.2 Symbols
Symbols are used throughout this user guide to assist the user in quickly identifying important safety
information and notes.
Yellow triangle indicates that failure to observe the instructions
could result in injury and/or damage to the system.
White arrow in a blue box indicates a useful tip.
White exclamation mark in a blue box indicates important information.
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Fx4-HDR User Guide
CHAPTER 2 UNPACKING AND
INITIAL INSPECTION
2.1 Unpacking
All packaging materials should be retained for future transit.
2.2 Initial Inspection
All Datapath products are carefully prepared for shipment and every eort is made to
ensure you receive the product in pristine condition. On receipt, you should carefully
inspect the outer packaging for any transit damage i.e. any signs that the item may
have been dropped or damaged.
Establish that all the items are present. Should any items be missing, contact Datapath
Ltd for further instructions.
Check the Fx4-HDR for damage that could have an adverse eect on the operation of
the system or could cause injury to the operator. Should there be any physical damage
to the power sockets or exposed wiring do not connect to a power source.
Contact Datapath Ltd for further instructions.
2.3 Content
Your packing box should contain the following items:
The Fx4-HDR multi-display controller
1 x mains power cable
USB 2.0 cable Type A to Type B
8 x HDMI Cable Locks
2 x rack mount attachments
6 x rack mount screws
If any of the items are missing, please contact Datapath for further instructions.
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Fx4-HDR User Guide
CHAPTER 3 GENERAL
3.1 Overview
Advancements in digital signage requirements mean that customers demand greater freedom in creating and
deploying small, medium and large scale signage projects. The Datapath Fx4-HDR is a stand-alone, multi-display
wall controller with the capacity to run a single 4K HDR source across four HD outputs in high denition. When
used with the powerful Wall Designer application software, the Fx4-HDR can represent any arrangement or
conguration of the source image desired.
A popular choice for advertising boards, corporate signage and live event visuals, this cost eective control
system is both easy to use and simple to set up. When paired with a HDMI distribution amplier, large cost
eective display walls can be achieved.
Fx4-HDR has dual Ethernet connections, which can be used for status monitoring and complete control of the
hardware. A exible REST API is also supported to allow third party software integration.
3.2 Features
Each output display can take its input from any region of the input image as all of the required cropping, scaling,
rotation and frame-rate conversion is handled by the Datapath Fx4-HDR hardware. These regions can overlap to
allow any output to replicate another or can be congured to support any creative splice of the source material.
This allows the support of many non-rectangular screen arrangements with correction for uneven gaps, and any
mix of monitor orientations.
Features include:
Innite creative congurations
Multiple inputs for exible connectivity:
1 x HDMI 2.0 with HDCP2.2 support
2 x HDMI 1.4 with HDCP1.4 support
Full 10-bit data pipeline with HDR10 (ST2084) and HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma) support
Four independent outputs up to 1920 x 1200 at 60Hz
High bandwidth loop-through for daisy-chaining multiple units
Audio passthrough, congurable to any single or multiple outputs
Rotate, scale, crop, mirror and bezel correction processing
Content region selection for each output with upscaling and downscaling support
True stand-alone operation: Fx4-HDR can adapt to changes in inputs by adjusting all scale factors
Network or USB interfaces allow platform independent control (MAC OSX 10.6 & later)
Pre-load an image for use when signal is not detected
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Fx4-HDR User Guide
CHAPTER 4 HARDWARE
4.1 Front Panel
HDR
4.1.1 Operation Indicators
The front panel has three LEDs to indicate the operational status of the Fx4-HDR:
Power
Input
Status
Power
When illuminated, the Power LED indicates the Fx4-HDR is connected to a mains supply.
The LED’s can ash for up to 15 seconds
when the Fx4-HDR is switched on.
Input
When illuminated, the Input LED indicates a valid source is connected.
POWER
INPUT
STATUS
Status
Continuous illumination – Indicates the Fx4-HDR is operating normally.
Flashing – Unit is operating over the normal operating temperature. Ensure the input fan
vent is not blocked.
O - If the Status LED goes o and remains o this indicates that the settings congured in
Wall Designer no longer match the input. This is normally the result of a change of input.
The Fx4-HDR will compensate for the settings and recongure itself to display as near to the
settings as possible. The output will still be displayed but not necessarily as expected.
When the Fx4-HDR device is connected to a PC by a USB cable and Wall Designer application
is active, then all three lights ash in turn to help to identify which unit is being controlled.
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4.1.1 Firmware Upgrade
After upgrading the Fx4-HDR with a new Flash version, the next boot may
take approximately 1 min 30 secs longer than usual if the rmware of the
receivers and transmitters requires upgrading.
The Fx4-HDR will boot as normal, with all LEDs ashing for up to 15 seconds,
followed by just the Status LED being illuminated for approximately 5 second
while the unit initialises.
If a rmware upgrade is required, the Power and Input LEDs will then ash for
approximately 1 min 30 secs while the upgrade is carried out.
Should the rmware upgrade fail, the Status LED will ash following the
upgrade, and it is recommended the Fx4-HDR is rebooted to attempt the
upgrade again.
4.2 Rear Panel
HDCP 1.4 HDCP 1.4 HDCP 2.2 HDCP 2.2
OUT 1 2
31 2 3 4
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SYNC
INPUTS HDR
LOOP
MONITOR OUTPUTS
Input
The Fx4-HDR has three HDMI connectors:
2 x HDCP 1.4
1 HDCP 2.2 HDR
Monitor Outputs
Four HDMI output connectors. The Monitor Output connectors are used to
connect the Fx4-HDR to the display monitors.
LAN
The LAN connector is used to connect the Fx4-HDR to a network for
conguration and control. The LAN connector can also be used to connect
the Fx4-HDR directly to a PC for conguration.
USB
The USB socket is used to connect the Fx4-HDR to a PC via a USB connection
using the supplied USB Type A to Type B cable.
LAN USB
100-240V 1AMAX 50\60Hz 1A FUSE
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Fx4-HDR User Guide
4.3 Rack Mounting the Fx4-HDR
The Fx4-HDR is supplied with attachments to enable you to mount
the Fx4-HDR in a rack. Remove the three mounting screws on each side of the
Fx4-HDR using a cross head screwdriver and attach the rack mounts as
shown in the illustration below.
Remove the stud screws on
the side of your controller.
Secure the rack mounts
using the screws provided.
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Fx4-HDR User Guide
CHAPTER 5 SOFTWARE
This chapter will cover:
Introduction to Wall Designer
Installing the Wall Designer application
Running the Wall Designer application
A summary of Wall Designer features
5.1 Wall Designer
Multi-monitor display wall installations can be challenging to design, build, congure and
implement. Highly creative display projects often require multiple monitors arranged in
unconventional formations with a myriad of bezel sizes, gaps and monitor positions. Project
designers, installers and integrators require simple yet eect video wall creation tools in
order to manage the project from start to nish.
The software includes a community driven database of monitors from popular
manufacturers which continues to grow as users add their own monitor specications and
submit them back to Datapath for inclusion in the next database update.
5.2 Wall Designer Features
Wall Designer is the perfect solution to creating and managing your display wall project
from start to nish, giving you total creative control reliably and eciently.
Datapath’s monitor database is regularly updated with new manufacturers and models.
Users can add and submit their own monitor information and once validated, will be
added to the master database.
Monitors can be arranged landscape and portrait with gaps.
Add content into your project and place it across the virtual canvas lling the monitors
with content.
Automatically congure the Fx4-HDR assigning each output to a monitor.
Print out design schematics to aid physical monitor installation.
Wall Designer software is available in English, simplied Chinese (from Version 1.2.0)
French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish.
Comprehensive help les to guide you through the application.
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5.3 Installing Wall Designer
5.3.1 Downloading The Application
The Wall Designer application should be downloaded from the Support section of the Datapath website under
the Software Downloads section. Wall Designer can be found under the Display Controller Downloads.
5.3.2 View Readme
Click on View Readme to open an HTML document containing the latest information and bug xes for the
application. The Wall Designer application can be installed from the Readme.
5.3.3 Install the Wall Designer Software
Double click on the downloaded Wall Designer.exe le to initiate the installation wizard. Wall Designer is a
multi-lingual application and you are oered a selection of languages when the install process begins.
Select the required language and the install wizard will continue installing the software.
5.4 Installing the Wall Designer - Mac OS
5.4.1 Web Download
The Wall Designer application
for Mac is available to download
from the Datapath website (see
5.3.1). Once the application has
been downloaded, locate and
click on the walldesigner.dmg in
your downloads folder and the
following dialogue is displayed:
1
Drag the Wall Designer
application (1) into the
Application folder (2) and
the Wall Designer application
becomes available to open from
Launchpad.
The Readme (3) and the Software
License Agreement (4) can be
opened by clicking on them. You
are strongly advised to read both
prior to using the Wall Designer
application.
2
3
4
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5.5 Running the Wall Designer Application
Once the software has been installed you can open the application:
Start | All Programs | Wall Designer (Windows) or Launchpad | Wall Designer (Mac)
5.5.1 Wall Designer Interface
When Wall Designer is opened, the following dialogue is displayed:
1
Operation Modes: Select outputs, inputs, congure devices and check the status of your
1
multi-display controller.
2 Quick Tour Dialogue.
3 Virtual Canvas.
4 Toolbar.
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Fx4-HDR User Guide
5.5.2 Operation Modes
The application has four operation modes: Monitor, Inputs, Devices and Status:
Monitors
Wall Designer includes a database containing a selection of the more commonly used monitor manufacturers
and models. Use the manufacturer and models dropdown list to select a specic monitor. When selected the
monitor properties are automatically populated with the specication of the monitor.
To add monitors simply click or click and drag the cells inside the 8x8 grid. Once the monitors have been
arranged on the virtual canvas and you are happy with the wall design, click on Add Monitors to Wall.
Add a background image to enhance the Virtual Canvas.
Inputs
The inputs section of the application toolbar enables you to select a given input and allocate regions of the
input to each monitor on the display wall.
A collection of sample sources are available via a dropdown menu, this contains a list of images and videos
contained within the application’s and user’s media folder.
Devices
The devices section of the application toolbar brings together the input, hardware devices and the monitors
thereby completing the design of your display wall. This is done by allocating the input to available devices and
the outputs from the devices to specic monitors on the display wall.
For ease of use Wall Designer has an automatic conguration feature (Auto-cong) which when clicked,
automatically adds the required number of devices and congures all the links from the input to the monitors
via your Fx4-HDR’s in the most logical conguration.
The virtual device can be associated with an actual device by right clicking on it and selecting Associate
Device. Click in the device to display the device properties, these properties can be changed if required, for
example the Friendly Name (recommended).
Status
Click on a device and the Status Panel is populated with a detailed summary of the device including details of
Flash and Firmware versions, IP Address (if connected via a network), serial number and average temperature of
the device etc.
The Status Panel also displays the input and output properties, a detailed view of each property can be viewed
by clicking on each drop-down menu.
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5.5.3 Quick Tour
When opening the application for the rst time a quick tour dialogue is
presented. It is highly recommended that you take a few minutes to complete
the tour. The quick tour dialogue can be turned o so it will not be displayed
in the future.
5.5.4 Virtual Canvas
The Virtual Canvas displays a representation of the monitors selected and their
orientation, thereby oering a view of the completed wall design. In Device
mode, the Virtual Canvas illustrates how the input source, Fx4-HDR(s) and
monitors are congured.
5.5.5 Toolbar
The toolbar oers a group of tools which assist in creating, opening and
saving layouts, you can also display actual video wall measurements in metric
or imperial.
5.5.6 Help Files
The Wall Designer application has a an inbuilt help le system which can be
accessed by clicking on the ? at the top of the toolbar.
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CHAPTER 6 CABLING
This chapter will cover:
Attaching HDMI Cable Lock
Connecting input sources
Connecting a loop-through output cable
6.1 Attaching a HDMI Cable Lock
The Fx4-HDR is supplied with HDMI Cable Locks which should be used on non-lockable HDMI cables to ensure
they remain rmly attached to the Fx4-HDR.
Connecting the outputs to monitors
Cable lengths
Thread the cable tie through the
holes in the side of the cable lock.
Sit the cable lock on the top
of the HDMI cable connector
ensuring the cable lock is ush
with the front of the shroud on
the HDMI connector.
6.2 Connecting Your Input Source
The Datapath Fx4-HDR has one dedicated HDMI
input connector. It is strongly recommended that
locking cables are used to prevent the input source
cable from becoming detached from the Fx4-HDR.
HDMI Cable Locks are provided and should be
attached to your cables as shown above:
Pull the cable tie tightly and
ensure it ts rmly on the HDMI
connector shroud.
Connecting an HDMI Input Cable.
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HDCP 1.4 HDCP 1.4 HDCP 2.2 HDCP 2.2
INPUTS HDR
SYNC
OUT 1 2
MONITOR OUTPUTS
LAN USB
MADE IN ENGLAND
31 2 3 4
LOOP
HDCP 2.2
OUT 1 2
MONITOR OUTPUTS
LAN USB
100-240V 1AMAX 50\60Hz 1A FUSE
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4
LOOP
Fx4-HDR User Guide
6.3 Connecting Outputs to Monitors
Each Fx4-HDR display controller can support up to
4 monitors on a display wall. The output connectors
are HDMI. Once again it is highly recommended that
locking cables are used.
Each output can display any region of the input
image, all the required cropping, scaling and
rotations are calculated within the Fx4-HDR hardware.
6.3.1 Cable Lengths
Workable cable lengths depend on the quality of the cables used to set up your
Fx4-HDR, Datapath recommends using certied cables when installing your Fx4-HDR.
Cable Type Maximum Length (m)
HDMI (output) 10
Ethernet Cable (Network/Setup) 100
USB (Setup) 3
Connecting HDMI Output Cable
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HDCP 1.4 HDCP 1.4 HDCP 2.2 HDCP 2.2
INPUTS HDR
SYNC
OUT 1 2
MONITOR OUTPUTS
LAN USB
MADE IN ENGLAND
31 2 3 4
LOOP
HDCP 2.2
OUT 1 2
MONITOR OUTPUTS
LAN USB
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3
4
LOOP
HDCP 2.2
OUT 1 2
MONITOR OUTPUTS
LAN USB
100-240V 1AMAX 50\60Hz 1A FUSE
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3
4
LOOP
LAN USB
100-240V 1AMAX 50\60Hz 1A FUSE
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Fx4-HDR User Guide
CHAPTER 7 OPERATION
This chapter will cover:
Setting up the Fx4-HDR
Conguring the Fx4-HDR using a USB connection
Switching on the Fx4-HDR
Conguring the Fx4-HDR over a Network
7.1 Setting up the Fx4-HDR
7.1.1 Connecting an Input
Firstly, ensure you have all the relevant input and output cables you need for your project:
Begin by connecting your input source to the input connector on the rear of the Fx4-HDR. Ensure the input
cable is inserted correctly. It is recommended that cable locking connectors are used.
1 2 3
HDCP 1.4 HDCP 1.4 HDCP 2.2
INPUTS HDR
HDMI
7.1.2 Connecting Outputs
The Fx4-HDR has four output connectors.
Connect the monitor cables to the monitor output connectors on the rear of the Fx4-HDR. You can connect
up to four monitors to a single Fx4-HDR unit. Ensure the cables are inserted correctly. It is recommended that
cable locking connectors are used.
1 2
HDMI Output Connectors
3
MONITOR OUTPUTS
4
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100-240V 1AMAX 50\60Hz 1A FUSE
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7.2 Switching On the Fx4-HDR
The Fx4-HDR has a built in power unit which is controlled using the power
switch on the rear panel. Connect in the power cable supplied with your
Fx4-HDR and plug in to a mains supply. Switch on the power on the rear of
the Fx4-HDR as shown in the following illustration:
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MADE IN ENGLAND
Mains Cable Port
USB
100-240V 1AMAX 50\60Hz 1A FUSE
Power Switch
When the power is switched on the Fx4-HDR will boot and the LEDs on the
front panel will ash as described in Chapter 4.
Please note, it could take up to 15 seconds for the Fx4-HDR to fully boot.
7.3 Conguring the Fx4-HDR via USB
When the Fx4-HDR has booted, connect it to the computer which has the
Wall Designer application installed using the USB cable provided.
The Fx4-HDR is a plug and play device and relies on the device drivers in the
Windows operating system. To enable the operating system to “attach” to
the Fx4-HDR you must ensure the Device Installation Settings are set to
automatic:
Control Panel \ Devices and Printers then right click on your computer
icon and select Device Installation Settings from the menu. In the Device
Installation Settings, select Yes, do this automatically (recommended)
and click on Save Changes.
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LAN USB
100-240V
USB Port
Open the Wall Designer application and begin to design your video wall layout using the Monitors tab as
described in Chapter 5.
With the monitors selected and the layout completed select the Input tab. Allocate the input to the Fx4-HDR
by clicking on Create then selecting the required input from the drop down menu.
Once the input has been selected, navigate to the Devices tab, this is where the Fx4-HDR is congured.
The Devices window is where the input, devices and monitors are linked to complete the design of the video
wall; this is done by allocating inputs to devices and the outputs from the devices to specic monitors on the
video wall.
For ease of use the Auto-cong Fx4-HDR function will, when clicked, automatically add devices and congure
all the links from the inputs to the monitors via the Fx4-HDR in the most logical conguration.
Click on the Auto-cong Fx4-HDR button and a visual representation of the congured Fx4-HDR will appear
in the main window, for example:
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4
Fx4-HDR User Guide
The previous illustration shows the input source connected to the Fx4-HDR and each monitor connected to
the respective output connector.
Where more than four outputs are required, (the example below shows eight) the Auto Cong Fx4-HDR
function will determine the most logical way to connect all devices. To add a second Fx4-HDR, use a HDMI 2.0
cable (not supplied) to connect the Out Loop on the rst Fx4-HDR to the HDMI Input on the second Fx4-HDR
as shown below.
HDMI Out Loop
HDMI In
To associate the virtual Fx4-HDR in the main window with an actual physical device, highlight the device by
right clicking then select Associate Device from the displayed menu. A list of available Fx4-HDR’s is displayed.
Click on the virtual device to display its properties. The Device Properties can be changed if required, for
example you may wish to allocate a dierent Friendly Name which can be useful when connecting to multiple
devices. Once changes have been made click on Apply Settings to save.
If no signal is detected on the input connectors the Fx4-HDR will display a pre-congured Datapath logo.
Full instructions on how to congure your Fx4-HDR are available in the Wall Designer application help le.
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100-240V 1AMAX 50\60Hz 1A FUSE
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Fx4-HDR User Guide
7.4 Conguring the Fx4-HDR via a Network
The Fx4-HDR has a single Ethernet port to allow users to add the device to their network.
MODEL 218
4
Ethernet Port
Connect the Fx4-HDR to a network using the LAN connector then open Wall Designer and create your display
layout as described in Paragraph 7.3.
At the point where you associate the virtual device with a physical device the list will display all Fx4-HDR’s
currently connected to the network either directly or daisy chained.
Click on the virtual device to display its properties, the Device Properties can be changed in the same way as if
connecting via USB. Once any changes have been made click on Apply Settings to save.
MADE IN ENGLAND
LAN USB
7.4.1 Network Settings
The Network Settings become active once you have successfully connected to an Fx4-HDR either by USB or
Ethernet.
The Fx4-HDR allows you to switch between Dynamic (DHCP) and Static IP’s. Out of the box, the Fx4-HDR is
congured to accept DHCP.
When DHCP is selected the network will assign the Fx4-HDR with an IP address, this IP address can change
depending on how the network allocates IP addresses.
If the Fx4-HDR is assigned a Static IP address it will keep that address until it is changed by the user.
The IP Address, Subnet Mask and Gateway elds are not available to edit if DHCP is selected and the display
settings are assigned via a DHCP server.
In Static mode the IP Address, Subnet Mask and Gateway can be manually congured.
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CHAPTER 8 TROUBLESHOOTING
8.1 Troubleshooting
8.1.1 Display Screens Turn Red
If all the display screens turn Red, this indicates that there is an issue with HDCP compliance.
Check both the input source and the monitors are HDCP compliant. If neither are HDCP
compliant it is possible to stop the Fx4-HDR from automatically negotiating an HDCP link by
disabling HDCP in the Wall Designer application.
In the Devices tab, select the input to display the Advanced Timing Properties and uncheck
the HDCP Enabled box.
8.1.2 Network Timing Out
The network connection fails and the Fx4-HDR can’t be seen in devices. Indicates that an IP
address needs to be set.
8.1.3 Front Panel LED Lights
On start-up all three lights will ash. After a few seconds the ashing should stop and the
power light stays on permanently. If the light continues to ash this indicates that the Fx4-
HDR requires a rmware upgrade.
To upgrade, connect the Fx4-HDR via the USB or Network interface to a PC and open the
Wall Designer application. Create a monitor layout, allocate an input and auto-congure the
Fx4-HDR. When the visual representation of the Fx4-HDR appears in the Device window a
blue information icon will be displayed.
Click on the information icon for details of available upgrades.
8.1.4 Intermittent or Loss of Input Signal
If you lose your input signal or if the signal is intermittent it could mean there is a problem
with the link rate between the source and the Fx4-HDR.
Check that all cables are tted correctly.
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8.2 Technical Support
Registered users can access our technical support using email and the Support Enquiry
Form on our website, usually with a response within 24 hours (excluding weekends).
8.2.1 Email
Send an email to support@datapath.co.uk with as much information about your
system as possible. To enable a swift response our support team will need to know the
following details:
Serial number of your Fx4-HDR. This can be found in the Device Properties in the
Wall Designer application.
Version of Wall Designer. Displayed in the bottom right of the Wall Designer application.
Firmware version. This can be found in the Device Properties in the Wall
Designer application.
Details of the input source including any distribution ampliers.
The exact nature of the problem - please be as specic as possible.
CHAPTER 9 MAINTENANCE
9.1 Maintenance of the Fx4-HDR
Your Fx4-HDR requires little maintenance however care should be taken to keep all
ventilation holes clear to allow an unrestricted ow of air through the unit.
Note: Failure to keep ventilation holes clear could result in damage to your Fx4-HDR
and invalidate the warranty.
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CHAPTER 10 ENVIRONMENTAL
10.1 Certication and Compliances
10.1.1 CE
EU- Class A Declaration of Conformity
Datapath Ltd declares that this Fx4-HDR Display Controller complies with the essential requirements and other
relevant provisions of Directives 2014/30/EU, 2014/35/EU and 2011/65/EU.
A copy of our Declaration of conformity is available on request.
Datapath Limited
Bemrose House
Bemrose Park
Wayzgoose Drive
Derby, DE21 6XQ
UK
10.1.2 FCC
These devices comply with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1)
These devices may not cause harmful interference, and (2) these devices must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired operation.
This equipment has been tested and 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 their
own expense.
Caution. Changes or modications to the equipment not expressly approved by the party
responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
10.1.3 Disposal
At the end of life all Datapath products should be disposed of as per local laws and regulations dictate. In the UK
contact Datapath to arrange disposal. Our WEE registration number is WEEE/AA0005ZR.
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CHAPTER 11 SPECIFICATIONS
Specications
Dimensions W 316mm x D 172mm x H 42mm (1.86kg)
Operating Temperature 0 - 35 °C / 32 - 96 °F
Power Requirements C switched and fused mains connector 100-240V, 50/60Hx / 30W
Video Input Connections 3 x HDMI 1.4 (2160p/30 or equivalent up to 297 MP/s)
Video Output Connections 4 x HDMI 1.3 (1080p/60 or equivalent up to 165 MP/s)
Input Surface 4K x 4K maximum
Genlock HDMI Input
Control Interfaces
2 x 100BaseT Ethernet port
USB 2.0 Type B connector (full speed operation)
Firmware Support Updates supported via USB and Ethernet connection
Storage Temperature -20 to 70 °C / -4 to 158 °F
Relative Humidity 5% - 90% non-condensing
Warranty 3 years
H = 42mm
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D = 172mm
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CHAPTER 12 WARRANTY/RMA
12.1 Warranty Statement
Datapath provides a return to manufacturer warranty on all its products for a standard 36 month period.
It is important that RMA procedures are followed prior to products being returned as often issues can be
resolved quickly without the need for products being returned.
12.2 RMA Returns Policy
If your Datapath product is not working as you expect, we recommend that you contact Datapath Ltd
in the rst instance for support, since many issues that may rst appear as hardware faults, are actually
installation or set-up problems and can normally be resolved without having to ship any hardware back
to us. This route is therefore often the quickest, easiest and cheapest way of solving the problems that you
are experiencing. Please email support@datapath.co.uk including as much detail regarding the failure as
possible (for example: system description, signal types, input or output resolutions and any other relevant
background information).
It is essential for you to know the serial number of the product(s) when contacting us.
If it appears that the fault is most likely to be hardware related, please email rma@datapath.co.uk stating the
serial number and as much additional information regarding the nature of the failure as possible. Detailed
explanation of the fault will help us to better identify the problem and will direct additional focused testing
if necessary. We will then issue an “RMA Number” to you.
At the time that the “RMA Number” is issued we will inform you of the warranty status of the product and
the cost of the repair, if appropriate - see paragraph (b) below. The product should then be returned, at
your cost, to Datapath Ltd following the steps below.
There are 4 possible scenarios when a product is returned to us:
(a) The product is in warranty and is either found to be genuinely faulty or no fault is found. In these cases,
the product will be repaired as necessary, or replaced by a new or previously repaired product, and
returned to you at our cost.
(b) The product is out of warranty and is found to be faulty. The product if possible will be repaired or
replaced at xed cost, as stated in the RMA authorisation email. To cover this payment, you will be
required to either provide a Purchase Order or Credit Card details, when the product is returned to us.
(However, we will not issue an invoice or charge the credit card until the repair has been completed and
is about to be returned to you)
(c) The product is in warranty but is found to be damaged by misuse. This will be treated as (b) above.
(d) The product is out of warranty and is obsolete. In the unlikely situation that the product can be neither
repaired nor replaced, because some of it’s components are obsolete and we have no swap-out stock
left, then the product will either be returned to you, or disposed of at your request, with no charge.
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Please Note: Datapath will not accept responsibility for the safety, integrity or security of any programmes, data
or other content held on hard drives or any other type of rewritable media which is sent to us either separately or
as part of any equipment returned to us for repair or for any other purpose. Customers are advised to take back-
ups of anything that they deem to be valuable or important before returning the equipment to us and anything
which is condential should be erased from the media before it’s returned.
Once the RMA Number has been issued, you need to raise your Purchase Order, or supply your credit card
details, and return the product to: Datapath Ltd, Bemrose House, Bemrose Park, Derby DE21 6XQ, United
Kingdom - securely packed and with the RMA Number clearly displayed on the outside of the box. To prevent
unnecessary carriage and handling please only send back products or accessory items you believe to be faulty.
In the case of paragraph (c) , the xed charge will be levied after we have seen the product and identied
the misuse. In this case we will request you to issue a purchase order or provide credit card details before any
repairs are completed.
Our policy is to return the repair (or swap-out) to you within 10 days of receipt.
12.3 Disclaimer/Copyright Statement
© Datapath Ltd., England, 2019
Datapath Limited claims copyright on this User Guide. No part of this User Guide may be reproduced, released,
disclosed, stored in any electronic format, or used in whole or in part for any purpose other than stated herein
without the express permission of Datapath Limited.
Whilst every eort is made to ensure that the information contained in this User Guide is correct, Datapath
Limited make no representations or warranties with respect to the contents thereof, and do not accept liability
for any errors or omissions.
Datapath reserves the right to change specication without prior notice and cannot assume responsibility
for the use made of the information supplied. Datapath Limited acknowledges all registered trademarks used
within this User Guide.
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INDEX
A
Add Monitors 8
Allocating Inputs 25
B
Background Image 20
C
Cable Lengths 23
Cables 13
Cable Type 23
Certication 30
Class A Declaration
of Conformity 30
Compliances 30
Congure Via a Network 6
Conguring the Hx4 via USB 25
Connecting an HDMI
Input Cable 22
Connecting Outputs 24
Connecting to a PC 6
Contents 5
Control Interfaces 31
Control Panel 11
D
Devices 21
DHCP 27
Dimensions 31
Display Screens turn Red 28
Disposal 30
E
Ethernet Port 6
F
FCC Rules 30
Features 15
Firmware Support 31
Firmware Upgrade 15
Fonts and Symbols 12
G
Gateway 27
Genlock Input 31
H
HDMI Cable Lock 22
Help Files 21
I
Initial Inspection 13, 14
Inputs 16, 21
Input Surface 31
Install the Wall
Designer Software 18
Introduction 12
IP Address 27
IP Control Panel 11
L
LAN Connector 6
LEDs 16
M
MAC OS X 15
Maintenance 13, 29
Manufacturer Warranty 32
Monitors 20
Mounting Screws 17
N
Network Settings 27
Network Timing Out 28
O
Operating Temperature 31
Operation Indicators 16
Operation Modes 20
Overview 15
P
Power Requirements 31
Power Supply 13
Product End of Life 30
Q
Quick Start Guide 5
Quick Tour 20, 21
R
Rack Mounting the Fx4-HDR 17
Readme 18
Rear Panel 16
Relative Humidity 31
Returns Policy 32
RMA Number 32
RMA Returns 32
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S
Safety 13
Static IP’s 27
Status 21
Storage Temperature 31
Subnet Mask 27
Switching On 24
Symbols 12
Sync 16
T
Toolbar 20, 21
U
Unpacking 13, 14, 33
V
Ventilation 13
Ventilation Holes 29
Video Input Connections 31
Video Output Connections 31
Virtual Canvas 20, 21
W
Wall Designer 18
Wall Designer Features 18
Wall Designer Interface 20
Warranty 31
Windows 15
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NOTES
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NOTES
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Datapath UK and
Corporate Headquarters
Bemrose House, Bemrose Park,
Wayzgoose Drive, Derby,
DE21 6XQ, United Kingdom
+44 (0) 1332 294 441
sales-uk@datapath.co.uk
Datapath North America
2
490 General Armistead
Avenue, Suite 102,
Norristown, PA 19403,
USA
+1 484 679 1553
sales-us@datapath.co.uk
Datapath France
+33 (1)3013 8934
sales-fr@datapath.co.uk
Datapath Germany
+49 1529 009 0026
sales-de@datapath.co.uk
Datapath China
+86 187 2111 9063
sales-cn@datapath.co.uk
Datapath Japan
+81 (0)80 3475 7420
sales-jp@datapath.co.uk
www.datapath.co.uk
19-fx4-hdr-userguide-en-1.0
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