Emerson Avocent HMX Installer/user Manual

The Avocent® HMX High Performance KVM Extender System

Next Generation

Installer/User Guide

For important safety information, visit:
www.emersonnetworkpower.com/ComplianceRegulatoryInfo

Emerson, Emerson Network Power and the Emerson Network Power logo are trademarks or service marks of Emerson Electric
Co. Avocent, the Avocent logo and Trellis are trademarks or service marks of Avocent Corporation. Liebert is a trademark and

service mark of Liebert Corporation. All other marks are the property of their respective owners. This document may contain

confidential and/or proprietary information of Avocent Corporation, and its receipt or possession does not convey any right to

reproduce, disclose its contents, or to manufacture or sell anything that it may describe. Reproduction, disclosure, or use without

specific authorization from Avocent Corporation is strictly prohibited. ©2014 Avocent Corporation. Allrights reserved.

NOTE: This document supports versions up to and including release 4.1.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

i

Product Overview

Features and Benefits

Additional video features

USB support

Transport Layer Security (TLS)

The Avocent® HMX Advanced Manager software

Extender System Devices

Extender interfaces

Firmware upgrades

Device ports

Device status indicators

Installation and Configuration

Configuration Options

System Recommendations

Factory reset

Basic Configuration

Firmware upgrade

System Configuration Utility

General Operations

Locating an extender within a rack or data center

Enabling system messages

Enabling HMX Advanced Manager server control

Recording bandwidth statistics

Rebooting and factory resetting the extender

Advanced Transmitter Configuration

Configuring transmitter video

Viewing video snapshots and reports

Configuring transmitter USB and security settings

Configuring the HMX 6210T transmitter

Advanced Receiver Configuration

Configuring receiver video

Configuring receiver USB and security settings

Appendices

Appendix A:Technical Specifications

Appendix B:Pinout Information

Connecting device consoles or modems to serial ports

Appendix C:On-Screen Display

Setting OSD alerts

Using a remote OSD

Hotkeys

Favorites and shortcuts

1

1
1
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
6

7

7
8
9
9

12

15

15
15
15
16
16
17
17
17
19
19
20
21
22
22

25

25
31
31
32
34
34
35
35

ii.....The Avocent® HMX High Performance KVM Extender System Installer/User Guide

Appendix D:Troubleshooting

Video image of the HMX receiver has horizontal lines across the screen

Mouse pointer of the receiver is slow

Monitor displays pink screen

Audio output of the receiver sounds scratched

HMX Advanced Manager cannot locate HMX extenders

37
37
38
38
39
39

Product Overview

The Avocent®HMX Advanced High Performance KVM extender system is the next generation of

Avocent keyboard, video and mouse (KVM) products. The system offers flexible ways to link

receivers, transmitters and systems via standard networks.

Features and Benefits

The HMX 5000 and 6000 series extenders provide a high performance, reliable desktop extension

experience by converting high quality DVI video, audio and USB data into Internet Protocol (IP)

messages. Via a web-based System Configuration utility, you can customize and enable audio

options for the transmitters and receivers throughout your system. All models support copper-

based Gigabit Ethernet cabling and Fiber Channel over Ethernet (FCoE). Dual models allow these

to be used in parallel to provide additional Gigabit connection speeds as well as link redundancy

that maintains operation in the event of a failed connection.

The HMX high performance extenders support single-head video at single-link resolutions, but the

dual models of both series also support dual-head video at two single or one dual-link resolution.

Within the HMX 6000 extender series, the HMX 6210T extender also has a built-in Virtual Network

Computing (VNC) server allowing it to stream low-bandwidth versions of high-resolution output (via

a dedicated Ethernet port). This allows remote access via a VNC viewer, through any standard

network.

Model Descriptions

Options

Primary video Single-link Single-link Dual-link Dual-link

Secondary video No Single-link Single-link Single-link

VNC support No No No Yes

Copper cable
support

Fiber cable support Yes Yes Yes Yes

HMX 5100
Extenders

Yes Yes Yes Yes

HMX 5200
Extenders

HMX 6200
Extenders

HMX 6210T
Transmitter

Additional video features

The HMX extender system allows you to choose how to compress video transmission across your

network. The system is automatically loaded with a lossless codec compression Run-Length

Encoding (RLE) scheme which encodes or decodes a digital data stream or signal to improve the

appearance of natural images, gradients or shadows. If you do not need "pixel perfect" results for

2.....The Avocent® HMX High Performance KVM Extender System Installer/User Guide

your images, an AVCT compression scheme can be added and configured to provide increased

system speed.

Anti-dither capability

While the dithering process smooths the appearance of gradually shaded areas in video images, it

can slow down system performance. If using Apple®Mac®or other computers with dithered video

output in your network, the HMX extender system provides an anti-dither capability to increase

performance and reduce network traffic.

NOTE: Enabling the anit-dither feature may produce slight color inaccuracies on the monitor.

Extended Display Identification Data (EDID) management

The EDID is used to provide details to the monitor graphics card so it uses the optimal video

resolution. With the HMX extender system, you can use the EDID of the monitor connected to the

receiver or use a fixed EDID that is stored on the transmitter.

USB support

The HMX extender system transmitters use USB Emulation technology, which enables faster

keyboard and mouse switching for up to 13 different USB devices or an infinite amount of the same

devices. This technology emulates certain USB peripheral signals to the computer, causing those

peripherals to appear permanently connected to the computer, even when the receivers are

switched elsewhere. Other supported USB devices include Human Interface Devices (HID),

storage devices such as flash drives and various printers, scanners and serial adaptors.

NOTE: The HMX extender system does not support isochronous USB devices such as microphones,

speakers, webcams and television receivers.

Transport Layer Security (TLS)

The HMXextender system supports the industry standard TLS protocol which offers protection

against third party monitoring and tampering when data is transferred across networks.

The Avocent®HMX Advanced Manager software

The HMX Advanced Manager software is a secure, web browser-based, centralized enterprise

management solution that provides remote management and monitoring of the extender system.

The software handles all administration, access control, monitoring and firmware upgrades across

the extender system. For more information on the HMX Advanced Manager software, see The

Avocent®HMX Advanced Manager Software Installer/User Guide.

Product Overview.....3

NOTE: When using the HMX Advanced Manager software server to configure your HMX extender system,

ensure that all transmitters and receivers are set to their factory defaults. Otherwise, they will not be located

by the HMX Advanced Manager server.

Extender System Devices

Within the HMX extender system, transmitters and receivers allow you to seamlessly access and

share one or more remote computers that are physically separated from your local work

environment.

Extender interfaces

Administrators and users can manage and configure transmitters and receivers in the extender

system through a web-based System Configuration utility. Receivers within the system also have

an On-Screen Display (OSD) that allows users to establish target connections from a local

keyboard and mouse.

Firmware upgrades

Transmitters and receivers are flash upgradable at any time to ensure that your system is running

the most current version available. If your system is running the most current firmware version and

is managed by the HMX Advanced Manager software, then that same version must be used across

all units in your system. Firmware versions can be mixed in configurations not using the HMX

Advanced Manager software, but it is always recommended to use the most current version.

Device ports

Transmitters and receivers in the HMX extender system share similar port layouts and functionality.

After the general descriptions provided in this section, the following graphics illustrate where these

ports and other features are located on the transmitters and receivers. For more information on

configuring and working with these ports, see the System Configuration Utility on page 15.

System and Teaming ports

The System port on transmitters and receivers is the default location to connect devices in either a

direct connect configuration or a matrix configuration. On HMX extender dual-head models, the

Teaming port can be used in conjunction with the System port to provide immediately increased

connection speeds of up to 2 Gigabits per second. Using these ports together also improves video,

audio and peripheral feed quality, increases bandwidth in your system and creates link redundancy

that can maintain operation in the event of a failed connection. The web-based System

4.....The Avocent® HMX High Performance KVM Extender System Installer/User Guide

Configuration utility can be accessed from either port, although the System port is the default

location.

Serial port

The AUX serial port on transmitters and receivers allows RS-232 signals to be extended up to a

baud rate of 115200.

Management and VNC ports

HMX extender dual-head transmitters and receivers have a port on the left side of the front panel.

For the HMX 6210T transmitter, this port is a VNC port that transmits low-bandwidth video output to

authorized remote viewers. On the remaining dual-head models, this port is a Management port

that allows you to access the System Configuration utility if the System port is already in use due to

the extenders operating in a direct connect configuration.

Avocent®HMX Receiver Overview (Dual Head HMX 6200 Receiver Shown)

Avocent® HMX Receiver Descriptions

Number Description

1 HMX 5200/6200 receivers: Management port. This port appears on dual-head models only.

2 Device status indicators.

3 Teaming port.

4 System port.

5 Power input.

6 Option switches.

Product Overview.....5

Number Description

7 USB peripheral device connection, such as keyboard or mouse.

8 Video output on single-head receivers; secondary port on dual-head receivers.

9 Primary video output on dual-head receivers.

10 Audio in.

11 Audio out.

12 Serial (AUX) port.

Avocent®HMX Transmitter Overview (Dual Head HMX 6200 Transmitter Shown)

Avocent® HMX Transmitter Descriptions

Number Description

1

2

3 Teaming port.

4 System port.

5 Power input.

6 Option switches.

7 USBport connection.

8

9 On dual-head receivers, this is the secondary video output.

10 Audio in.

This port appears on dual-head models only. HMX 5200/6200 transmitters: Management port.
HMX 6210T transmitters: VNC port.

Device status indicators. On the HMX 6210T transmitter, the NET indicator is replaced with a VNC
indicator.

Single head models only have one video output option. On dual-head transmitters, this is the
primary video output. NOTE: The order of the primary (left) and secondary (right) video output on
transmitters is the opposite of the order of the primary (right) and secondary (left) video output on
receivers.

6.....The Avocent® HMX High Performance KVM Extender System Installer/User Guide

Number Description

11 Audio out.

12 Serial AUX port.

Device status indicators

Transmitters and receivers in the HMX extender system have six device status LED indicators on

their front panels. Indicator color and behavior (static or flashing) varies, depending on the activities

you are performing with the HMX extender. As a general rule, if the LED stays lit, the function is

active.

Device Indicators

Display Indicator Descriptions

Number Description

NET LED: network link status; a flashing LED indicates a network error. For HMX 6210T

1

2 SER LED: serial AUX port status.

3 AUD LED: audio status.

4 USB LED: USB port connection status.

5 DVI LED: video channel status.

6 PWR LED: power status.

transmitters, the NET LED is replaced with a VNC LED. A static lit VNC LED indicates a valid
network link on the System or Teaming port; a flashing LED indicates a valid VNC network
connection.

Installation and Configuration

At this point you should have already completed the installation instructions outlined in the

Avocent® HMX High Performance KVM Extender System Quick Installation Guide. For important

safety information on your system, visit:

http://www.emersonnetworkpower.com/ComplianceRegulatoryInfo.

Additional information on your physical configuration options is highlighted in the following sections,

as well as basic steps that need to be completed prior to any advanced configuration on your

transmitters and receivers. Configuration for the HMX extender system is performed within a web

browser-based user interface known as the System Configuration utility. See System

Configuration Utility on page 15 for more information on this utility as well as advanced system

configuration details.

Configuration Options

The HMX extender system can be configured in a direct connect or matrix configuration. In a direct

connect configuration, one transmitter connects directly to one receiver via the System port on

each unit. In an unmanaged matrix configuration, a transmitter and multiple receivers can connect

directly to a Gigabit Ethernet switch. If you wish to add transmitters to your system, the HMX

Advanced Manager server must be added to the system to manage your matrix configuration. See

the Avocent® HMX Advanced Manager Software Installer/User Guide for more information.

Example Direct Connect Configuration

Example Direct Connect Configuration Description

Number Description

1 Remote computer

2 HMX transmitter

3 Link via the System port

4 HMX receiver

5 Local computer

8.....The Avocent® HMX High Performance KVM Extender System Installer/User Guide

Example Managed Matrix Configuration

Managed Matrix Configuration Components

Number Description

1 HMX Manage server (hosts the HMX Advanced Manager software)

2 10/100 link

3 Gigabit Ethernet connection to a switch

4 Administrator computer

5 HMX receivers

6 Local user computers

7 HMX transmitters

8 Remote computers

System Recommendations

For optimal performance, it is recommended that your HMX extender system has the following:

• Ethernet ports that support Gigabit (1000 Mbps) or faster speeds

• IGMP v2 or v3 support

• Jumbo frame that supports up to 9216 bytes

• Fiber channel or other high bandwidth connections between switches

• Layer 3 switches with full duplex, 1 Gbps up and downstream speeds and multiple dedicated

processors (ASICS)

Installation and Configuration.....9

Factory reset

If the standard settings within your HMX extender system are changed in an installation and you

need to change the current configuration, a reset must be performed to restore the transmitters

and receivers to the factory default settings before proceeding. This factory reset must also be

performed if using an HMX Advanced Manager server to configure your system. Otherwise, the

transmitters and receivers in the managed system will not be located.

To perform a factory reset:

NOTE: A factory reset can also be performed from the System Configuration utility. For more information,

see System Configuration Utility on page 15.

1. Ensure the extender you are resetting is turned off.

2. On the extender front panel, locate the small hole that houses the recessed reset button.

3. Insert a narrow tool such as a straightened paper clip into the hole, then press and hold it while

also pressing the power button on the extender.

4. Five of the front panel device status indicators quickly flash to indicate a successful reset.

5. Remove the tool from the hole and press the extender power button again to restart the unit.

Basic Configuration

After your system is installed and turned on, you may need to re-configure the IP address for your

network. In a direct connect configuration, the factory default address may be acceptable for

immediate use in your network. However, if you wish to change the default address, this should be

the only basic configuration needed to begin using your transmitter and receiver. In an unmanaged

matrix configuration, the IP address of the transmitter and each receiver must be specified so the

units can locate each other within the HMX extender system. Re-configuring the IP addresses of

extenders in a managed matrix configuration is completed in the HMX Advanced Manager

software. See the HMX Advanced Manager Software Installer/User Guide for basic configuration

procedures. The default port IPaddresses are listed in the following table.

Default Port IP Addresses

Port Name Transmitter Default IP Address Receiver Default IPAddress

Management or VNC port 192.168.1.42 192.168.1.42

System port 169.254.1.33 169.254.1.32

Teaming port 169.254.1.43 169.254.1.42

To configure the transmitter:

1. From a web browser on your local computer, enter the transmitter IP address. The default IP

address is: http://169.254.1.33.

10.....The Avocent® HMX High Performance KVM Extender System Installer/User Guide

NOTE: If the IP address of the transmitter is not known, perform a manual factory reset to restore the

default IP address.

2. Log in to the System Configuration utility. The default username is admin and the default

password is password.

3. The first time that you log in to the utility using the administrator account, you are required to

reset the password. Select Security on the left side of the page.

4. Enter your old password, enter your new password twice to verify and click Save.

5. Select System Configuration on the left side of the page. On the displayed page, enter the

name and a description of the transmitter in the applicable fields.

6. Ensure that the Enable System Port checkbox is selected. Then, change the IP address to an

address in the private IP range 192.168.xxx.xxx.

NOTE: In an un-managed matrix configuration, the IP address for the System port must be changed before

the Teaming port can be used for network connections.

7. In the System Netmask field, change the netmask to 255.255.255.0.

8. In the System Gateway field, change the System Gateway to an appropriate address.

9. If using an HMX 5200 or 6200 transmitter, ensure the Enable Management Port checkbox is

selected. Then, enter 192.168.1.42 as the IP address.

NOTE: It is recommended that the IP address of this port remains the same. If you wish to change it, use

the new address for all dual-head extenders in the system.

-or-

If using an HMX 6210T transmitter, ensure the Enable VNC Port checkbox is selected and enter

192.168.1.42 as the IP address.

10. Depending on the transmitter model, enter the netmask and gateway information of either the

Management or VNC port.

11. If using the Teaming port, ensure the Enable Teaming Port checkbox is selected. Then,

change the Teaming Port IP Address to an address in the private IP range 192.168.xxx.xxx.

12. In the Teaming Port Netmask field, change the netmask to 255.255.255.0.

13. In the Teaming Port Gateway field, change the Teaming Gateway to an appropriate address.

14. Verify the data streams Enable Video, Enable Audio, Enable USB and Enable Serial are

enabled as appropriate.

NOTE: It is important that the settings in the transmitter and receiver are the same. If one option is enabled

on the transmitter, but disabled on the receiver, the data stream remains disabled.

Installation and Configuration.....11

15. If you selected the Enable Serial checkbox, enter the baud rate, data bits, stop bits and parity

information.

16. Click Update Now.

To configure the receiver:

1. From a web browser on your local computer, enter the receiver IP address. The default IP

address is: http://169.254.1.32.

NOTE: If the IPaddress of the receiver is not known, perform a manual factory reset to restore the default

IP address.

2. Log in to the System Configuration utility. The default username is admin and the default

password is password.

3. The first time that you log in to the utility using the administrator account, you are required to

reset the password. Select Security on the left side of the page.

4. In the appropriate fields, enter the old password. Then, enter your new password twice to

verify and click Save.

5. Select System Configuration on the left side of the page. On the page that appears, enter the

name and a description of the transmitter in the appropriate fields.

6. Ensure that the Enable System Port checkbox is selected. Then, change the IP address to an

address in the private IP range 192.168.xxx.xxx.

7. Change the netmask to 255.255.255.0.

8. Change the System Gateway to an appropriate address.

9. If using a dual-head receiver, ensure the Enable Management Port checkbox is selected.

Then, enter 192.168.1.42 as the IP address.

NOTE: It is recommended that the IP address of this port remains the same. If you wish to change it, use

the new address for all dual-head extenders in the system.

10. If using the Teaming port, ensure the Enable Teaming Port checkbox is selected. Then,

change the Teaming Port IP Address to an appropriate address in the private IP range

192.168.xxx.xxx.

11. In the Teaming Port Netmask field, change the netmask to 255.255.255.0.

12. In the Teaming Port Gateway field, change the Teaming Gateway to an appropriate address.

13. Verify the data streams Enable Video, Enable Audio, Enable USB and Enable Serial are

enabled as appropriate. Select your applicable keyboard country code.

12.....The Avocent® HMX High Performance KVM Extender System Installer/User Guide

14. Select the mic (standard) or mic boost (+20 dB) radio button, depending on the type of

microphone used in your system.

15. Configure the transmitter IP address details in the Target Transmitter Unit Settings section.

a. In the IP Address field, enter the IP address of the System port on the transmitter

providing the video, audio and data streams.

b. If the transmitter is configured to use the Teaming port, enter the IP address of the

transmitter Teaming port in the IP Address 2 field.

c. Click the down arrow to expand the transmitter settings.

d. Enter the IP address for each of the data streams.

16. Click Update Now.

17. In an un-managed matrix (multicast) configuration, follow these steps to configure the

multicast settings:

a. Log in to the transmitter System Configuration utility and select System Configuration on

the left side of the page.

b. In the Target Multicast Configuration section, enter the appropriate IP address for each

video and audio stream. The Multicast IP entries are for the System port and Multicast

IP2 entries are for the Teaming port.

c. Click the up arrow in this section to repeat steps a and b for each receiver.

d. Click Update Now.

18. Repeat this procedure for each receiver in your HMX extender system.

For additional information on the System Configuration utility, see System Configuration Utility on

page 15.

Firmware upgrade

It is recommended that the HMX extender system use the most current firmware version available,

and transmitters and receivers are Flash upgradable at any time. Regardless of your configuration,

the same firmware version must be used across all units in your system.

In a managed matrix configuration, it is recommended that you use the HMX Advanced Manager

software to quickly upgrade the firmware across multiple transmitters and receivers. The HMX

5100 and 5200 extenders are not downgradable, so the HMX Advanced Manager server must be

upgraded to the same version as the extenders to be compatible. See the Avocent® HMX

Advanced Manager Installer/User Guide for more information on upgrading the HMX Advanced

Manager server. If the extender does not operate properly after the HMX Advanced Manager

server is upgraded, a factory reset may need to be performed on the extender.

Installation and Configuration.....13

To locate the transmitter and receiver firmware version:

1. From a web browser on your local computer, enter the IP address of the extender.

2. Log in to the System Configuration utility using the admin default username. Depending on

whether you are using the receiver or the transmitter, enter the corresponding password.

3. Select About on the left side of the screen. The build number listed under the Main System

heading is the current firmware version.

To upgrade your firmware:

WARNING: Ensure that power is not interrupted during the upgrade process. Otherwise, the extender may

become inoperable and require you to switch to the backup firmware image to regain operation. To switch to

the backup firmware image, move Option Switch 1 on the extender back panel to the On/Down position.

1. Visit the Emerson Network Power Technical Support page at

http://www.emersonnetworkpower.com/en-US/Support/Technical-

Support/Pages/default.aspx.

2. Select Software Downloads on the left-hand side of the page, then search for the Avocent

®

HMX High Performance KVM Extender System transmitter and receiver firmware upgrade

files.

NOTE: The remaining steps need to be completed for each transmitter and receiver that you wish to

upgrade.

3. Log in to the System Configuration utility.

4. Select Firmware Upgrade on the left side of the screen.

5. Click Browse and select the firmware upgrade file you wish to upgrade.

NOTE: The file contains main and backup firmware images you can choose to upgrade.

6. Select Upgrade Now. The indicators on the extender front panel flash while the upgrade is in

process.

7. After the firmware upgrade is complete, the extender automatically reboots.

14.....The Avocent® HMX High Performance KVM Extender System Installer/User Guide

System Configuration Utility

After installing your HMX extender, log in to the System Configuration utility to perform basic

configuration of your extenders. Additional general operations and advanced configuration tasks

can also be performed through this streamlined user interface. Although the System Configuration

utility is the primary interface used to make changes to your extenders, there is an additional On-

Screen Display (OSD) interface located on HMX receivers.

NOTE: For the steps to log in to the utility, see Basic Configuration on page 9. For more information on the

OSD interface, see the On-Screen Display on page 32.

General Operations

After initial configuration, other general tasks can be performed through the System Configuration

utility to customize and streamline common system operations.

NOTE: The following procedures are performed the same way regardless of whether you are using a

transmitter or receiver. Choose the extender you wish to update, then log in to the System Configuration

utility. All steps begin on the main System Configuration page.

Locating an extender within a rack or data center

If you have a complex HMX extender system configuration, it may be difficult to quickly identify a

specific transmitter or receiver in a rack or a data center. The System Configuration page within the

System Configuration utility provides options to activate the front panel LEDs to assist with

identifying the extender you are trying to locate.

To activate the front panel LEDs:

1. Select System Configuration on the left side of the page.

2. Select Identify Unit (short) to prompt the front panel LEDs to flash for five seconds.

-or-

Select Identify Unit (long) to prompt the front panel LEDs to flash for one hour. This setting

can be overridden at any time by selecting the short option.

Enabling system messages

Through the System Configuration utility, you can choose to receive general status information

about your HMX extender system, including any error messages that may occur.

16.....The Avocent® HMX High Performance KVM Extender System Installer/User Guide

To enable system messages:

1. Select System Messages on the left side of the page, then select the Enable system

messages checkbox.

2. If you enable the Send system messages to remote Log Server checkbox, also provide the IP

address of a suitable remote server.

NOTE: The User Datagram Protocol (UDP) is used for all Syslog traffic.

3. Enable the Store system messages in unit checkbox to keep system messages within the

memory of the extender. If you wish to view the messages or delete them, click the

appropriate button.

4. Click Update Now to apply your settings.

Enabling HMX Advanced Manager server control

If you wish to have more than one transmitter within your HMX extender system, the HMX

Advanced Manager server must be added to the system to manage your matrix configuration. You

must also ensure that each extender is set to allow the HMX Advanced Manager server to take

control of it.

To enable HMX Advanced Manager server control:

1. Select the link to the HMX Advanced Manager on the left side of the page.

2. On the displayed page, enable HMX Advanced Manager server control.

Recording bandwidth statistics

The HMX extender system provides bandwidth statistics that can be recorded, transferred and

used for system optimization and troubleshooting, if needed. With the System Configuration utility,

you can choose the type of bandwidth statistics you wish to gather from an extender System port

and then transfer it to a graph. In configurations where both the System and Teaming ports are

used, only the System port is measured and shown on the graph, but the illustrated bandwidth is

the same for both ports. For example, if the statistics graph shows 500 MB of bandwidth on the

System port, then it is assumed that there is also 500 MB of bandwidth on the Teaming port. In this

scenario, the total bandwidth across ports is 1 GB.

To generate a statistics graph:

1. Select Statistics on the left side of the page, then select the Enable collection of bandwidth

statistics checkbox.

2. A pop-up box appears and allows you to select what data bandwidth aspects you wish to show

on the graph.

System Configuration Utility.....17

3. Click Submit to generate a pop-up graph of the information.

Rebooting and factory resetting the extender

If the power to your HMX extender needs to be turned off, then turned back on again, a reboot can

be performed via the extender System Configuration utility. Also, if a factory reset is needed and

does not have to be manually performed from the extender front panel, the reset may be done in

the utility as well.

To perform a standard reboot on your extender:

Select Reboot on the left side of the page, then click Reboot on the displayed page.

To factory reset and reboot your extender:

1. Select Reboot on the left side of the page, then select the Perform Factory Reset checkbox.

2. Click the Reboot button at the bottom of the page.

Advanced Transmitter Configuration

Although basic configuration of your transmitter should already be complete, advanced procedures

are available via the System Configuration Utility that allow you to further customize your

transmitter video, USB and security settings. If you are using an HMX 6210T transmitter within your

extender system, additional unique procedures must also be performed to utilize the VNC port on

the front panel.

NOTE: Log in to the transmitter System Configuration utility before completing the following procedures.

All steps begin on the main System Configuration page.

Configuring transmitter video

Options are available that allow you to control and configure the video transmitting across the HMX

extender system.

NOTE: When using an HMX extender system with dual-head extenders linked via two Gigabit links with

sufficient bandwidth available, there may be no need to alter the default settings on the Video Configuration

page of the System Configuration utility.

Details about the specific settings are provided in the next procedure, but the following best

practices are recommended:

• If moving video images are shown frequently on an HMX 6210T transmitter, lower the Frame

skipping percentage and reduce the color depth.

18.....The Avocent® HMX High Performance KVM Extender System Installer/User Guide

• If video screens in your system are relatively static, increase the Background Refresh interval

and the Frame skipping percentage.

• As you apply each setting, you may wish to view video images with typical adjustments.

To configure transmitter video settings:

1. Select Video Configuration on the left side of the page, then adjust the following settings to

meet the needs of your system.

• Peak bandwidth limiter percentage: Select the percentage of bandwidth (0-95%) allowed

for the transmitter to prevent the transmitter from utilizing too much network capacity

when sending video and data over the IP network.

• Background Refresh: Select the frame rate to control bandwidth used by the transmitter

when sending the complete video image in the background. Any rate higher than 32

frames reduces bandwidth. The transmitter also sends the affected changes in the

image.

• Color Depth (HMX 6210T transmitter only): Select the color depth that best applies to

your system.

• Enable Anti Dither: Enable this checkbox to reduce the effects of dithering. While

dithering improves images by diffusing and altering pixel colors between video frames, it

slows down system performance. The Anti Dither feature ignores color dithering, which

increases the frame rate and eliminates unnecessary network traffic.

• Default DDC options: Disable the Use Default DDC checkbox to use the EDID reported

by the monitor that is connected to the receiver. Enabling the checkbox, however,

activates the Choose Default DDC drop-down list, allowing you to select from a range of

preset video resolutions.

NOTE: After a resolution is selected, the transmitter only supports that video resolution. All listed

resolutions are single-link DVI with a maximum pixel clock of 165 MHz and a refresh rate of 60 Hz .

• Hot Plug options: Select the Enable Hot Plug Detect…option to send a message to the

graphics card of the computer attached to the transmitter every time the monitor located

at the receiver is changed. Select the length of time that a hot plug detect signal is

applied from the options in the Period of Hot Plug Detect signal drop-down list. Most

graphics card operate efficiently at the 100 mS default.

• Frame skipping percentage: Select the percentage (0-100%) of captured video frames

that can be skipped to reduce the overall bandwidth consumed by the system. This

System Configuration Utility.....19

process works best for video sources that either infrequently update or frequently update

but do not require high fidelity.

• Compression: From the drop-down list, choose the compression method you wish to use

for video transmission.

• Select Pixel Perfect to use the standard HMX extender system RLE compression

scheme.

• Select Adaptive to use the standard compression and also guarantee the frame

rate.

• Select Smoothest Video to force the maximum compression.

• Select Advanced to choose a fixed compression mode and select the amount of

compression that accompanies the AVCT scheme. The compression level

determines how much the system speed is increased.

2. Select Update Now to apply your settings.

Viewing video snapshots and reports

Snapshots of connected video feeds, as well as reports of detected video resolutions and color

depths for your HMX extender system, can be generated from the System Configuration page on

the transmitter.

To generate a snapshot and report about connected video feeds:

1. Select System Configuration on the left side of the page.

2. Select Thumbnail at the bottom for the video feed snapshot and resolution/color depth report.

3. Select the Refresh Thumbnail button to update the information.

Configuring transmitter USB and security settings

The local transmitter System Configuration utility allows you to configure specific USB and security

settings within the HMX extender system.

To configure transmitter USB settings:

1. Select USB Setting on the left side of the page.

2. Select the Enable Dummy Boot Keyboard checkbox if you want to ensure that a keyboard is

always reported when the computer is turned on. This dummy boot keyboard is virtual and

uses one of the USB endpoints. You must disable this option if all endpoints are required

elsewhere for other USB devices.

3. Select the Disable Hi-Speed checkbox to force the system to run at the low/full USB speed of

12 Mbps. This forces USB 2.0 high speed devices to adapt to a lower rate.

20.....The Avocent® HMX High Performance KVM Extender System Installer/User Guide

4. From the Hub Size drop-down list, select the amount of USB hubs to be supported by the

transmitter.

5. From the Reserved Port Range drop-down list, select the number of ports to reserve for

devices. The devices are assigned the reserved ports from the receiver.

NOTE: Use this list for devices that must always report to the same USB port number in order to assist the

USB driver with easily locating the device. By default, a zero value disables this option, but if you choose to

change it, the dummy boot keyboard must be disabled.

6. Click Update Now to apply your changes.

To configure transmitter security settings:

1. Select Security on the left side of the page.

2. Click the desired radio button next to the USB and Control Encryption fields to set the

encryption frequency.

NOTE: Data passed across the system can be USB data or control data (video data is not encrypted).

3. If you wish to require your password to open configuration pages, select the Secure web

pages with password checkbox.

4. In the event that your password needs to be changed, select the Change password checkbox.

5. Enter the old password once, then enter the new password twice to verify.

6. Click Save to confirm your changes.

Configuring the HMX 6210T transmitter

The HMX 6210T transmitter contains a VNC server that allows you to transmit a low-bandwidth

version of the video output across standard networks to authorized remote viewers. The VNC link

can either be made over the same network as the main HMX extender output or via a separate one.

Basic set up and configuration on the transmitter front panel VNC port was completed earlier in this

guide. However, further configuration of the VNC port is completed through the use of a third party

VNC Viewer program running on a computer or mobile device. By utilizing a VNC Viewer, up to

sixteen remote users can log in over standard networks to view the output of the HMX 6210T

transmitter.

NOTE: Instructions on using a third party VNC Viewer vary depending on which one you choose. See the

help sections or other documentation supplied by the specific program if you need more information.

Selecting a third party viewer

If you do not already have a VNC Viewer, you can choose one of the following options:

System Configuration Utility.....21

• Download the latest VNC Viewers from the RealVNC web site. If using a tablet or smartphone,

you can download a viewer from the app store.

• Download a Microsoft® Windows® VNC Viewer from the transmitter.

• Run a Java version of the VNC Viewer in your web browser.

NOTE: The V5 viewers support a newer 256-bit encryption technique. However, virtual media functionality

is not supported in a V5 viewer.

To download a Windows VNC Viewer from the transmitter:

1. Connect the transmitter to an IP network where a computer is available on the same subnet.

2. Open an internet browser and enter http://192.168.1.42 as the default local IP address of the

transmitter.

3. After the welcome page is displayed, click the Download the Windows VNC Viewer from Unit

link.

4. Open the executable file and follow the on-screen instructions.

To use the Java VNC Viewer:

1. Connect the transmitter to an IP network where a computer is available on the same subnet.

2. Open an internet browser and enter http://192.168.1.42 as the default local IP address of the

transmitter.

3. Click the link Connect using built-in Java VNC Viewer. The Java viewer loads and runs inside

the browser.

Using the Virtual Media feature

On HMX 6210T transmitters, an additional Virtual Media (VM) feature can be used if you need to

make information available remotely. Disk drives, single files or collections of files and folders up to

2 GB in size can be posted as read-only files on the host computer through the VNC Viewer. To use

the virtual media feature, a VM link must be made from the HMX 6210T transmitter and a host

computer USB port. Additional instructions are available within your specific VNC Viewer.

NOTE: File transfers in this configuration move in one direction only, from the Viewer to the host computer.

This feature is not supported by Apple®Mac®systems.

Advanced Receiver Configuration

Although basic configuration of your receiver should already be complete, advanced procedures

are available via the System Configuration Utility that allow you to further customize your receiver

video, USB and security settings.

22.....The Avocent® HMX High Performance KVM Extender System Installer/User Guide

NOTE: Log in to the receiver System Configuration utility before completing the following procedures. All

steps begin on the main System Configuration page.

Configuring receiver video

If your system is using dual-head extenders, you can verify that the monitor connected to the

receiver can support and properly display the chosen video resolution.

To verify that the connected monitor supports a chosen resolution:

On the System Configuration page, select the Enable Video Compatibility Check checkbox to

prompt a verification using the EDID reported by the computer graphics card. An error message is

displayed and no connection is made if the monitor cannot support the video resolution.

By default, receivers are configured for Fast Switching, which means that the extender video

retains the same frame rate at either 50 or 60 Hz, depending on which resolution was displayed

first. If you prefer to adjust this setting, the Match Frame Rate option follows the source frame rate

(50 Hz) and causes any variation to automatically return to that rate, even if the video resolution

does not change. For example, if you have a receiver switching between 1920 x 1080 at 60 Hz and

1920 x 1080 at 50 Hz, enabling the Match Frame Rate option changes the frame rate back to 50 Hz

every time you switch. For your specific configuration, 60 Hz may be the frame rate that you prefer.

By enabling the Force Video Refresh Rate to 60 Hz checkbox, the receiver frame rate is held at 60

Hz regardless of the video input frame rate.

To select your preferred video frame rate:

Select System Configuration on the left side of the page, then select the Fast Switching (50 or 60

Hz frame rate) or the Match Frame Rate (50 Hz) radio button.

-or-

Enable the Force Video Refresh Rate to 60 Hz checkbox, which prevents the previous video

switching options from being altered.

Configuring receiver USB and security settings

The local receiver System Configuration utility allows you to configure specific USB and security

settings within the HMX extender system.

To configure receiver USB settings:

1. Select USB Setting on the left side of the page.

2. Select each of the following checkboxes if you wish to enable the setting:

a. Select to allow HIDs to restrict supported USB devices to keyboards and mice only, and

disables all other types of USB devices.

System Configuration Utility.....23

b. Since isochronous USB devices are not supported in an HMX extender system, select to

receive Isochronous Endpoint OSD Alerts if one is connected.

c. Select to allow an isochronous endpoint to be attached to the system to allow control

information to be exchanged with that device.

3. In the Port Reservation section, map the four receiver USB connections to a specific USB port

reserved on the transmitter.

4. In the Advanced features section, select the Enable advanced features checkbox if you wish

to add information to this area of the page. This section allows you to enter special codes that

may be needed to resolve an issue if a USB device fails.

5. Click Update Now to apply your changes.

To configure receiver security settings:

1. Select Security on the left side of the page.

2. Data passed across the system can be USB data or control data (video data is not encrypted).

Click the desired radio button next to the Encryption field.

3. If you wish to require your password to open configuration pages, select the Secure web

pages with password checkbox.

4. If your password needs to be changed, select the Change password checkbox.

5. Enter the old password once, then enter the new password twice to verify.

6. Click Save to confirm your changes.

24.....The Avocent® HMX High Performance KVM Extender System Installer/User Guide

Appendices

Appendix A:Technical Specifications

Avocent®HMX 5100 Transmitter Technical Specifications

Category Value

Mechanical

Dimensions (D x W x H) 6 inches x 7.92 inches x 1.76 inches

Weight (without cables) 2.4 pounds

Ports/Connectors

Teaming Port 1 x SFP (Fiber Channel SFP module or Active Copper SFP module)

System Port 1 x RJ-45 (1 x 8-pin modular for a direct connect configuration)

USB 1 x USB 2.0 type B

AUX (Serial) Port 1 x RS-232 9-pin type D

Video Port 1 x DVI-I

Audio Ports 2 x 3.5 mm audio jack

Direct Connect 1 x 8-pin modular

Maximum Resolution 1920 x 1200 at 60 Hz

Maximum Pixel Rate 165 MHz

Supported Video Modes All VESA and CEA video modes

Power Supply

Connector 1 x IEC

AC Input Range 100-240 VAC

AC Frequency 50/60 Hz

AC Input Current Rating 0.8A

Operating Temperature

Temperature 0-40° Celsius (32-104° Fahrenheit)

Avocent®HMX 5100 Receiver Technical Specifications

Category Value

Mechanical

Dimensions (D x W x H) 6 inches x 7.92 inches x 1.76 inches

Weight (without cables) 2.4 pounds

Ports/Connectors

Teaming Port 1 x SFP (Fiber Channel SFP module or Active Copper SFP module)

System Port 1 x RJ-45 (1 x 8-pin modular for a direct connect configuration)

USB 4 x USB 2.0 type A

AUX (Serial) Port 1 x RS-232 9-pin type D

26.....The Avocent® HMX High Performance KVM Extender System Installer/User Guide

Category Value

Video Port 1 x DVI-I

Audio Ports 2 x 3.5 mm audio jack

Maximum Resolution 1920 x 1200 at 60 Hz

Maximum Pixel Rate 165 MHz

Supported Video Modes All VESA and CEA video modes

Power Supply

Connector 1 x IEC

AC Input Range 100-240 VAC

AC Frequency 50/60 Hz

AC Input Current Rating 0.8A

Operating Temperature

Temperature 0-40° Celsius (32-104° Fahrenheit)

Avocent®HMX 5200 Transmitter Technical Specifications

Category Value

Mechanical

Dimensions (D x W x H) 6 inches x 7.92 inches x 1.76 inches

Weight (without cables) 2.4 pounds

Ports/Connectors

Teaming Port 1 x SFP (Fiber Channel SFP module or Active Copper SFP module)

System Port 1 x RJ-45 (1 x 8-pin modular for a direct connect configuration)

Management Port 1 x RJ-45

USB 1 x USB 2.0 type B

AUX (Serial) Port 1 x RS-232 9-pin type D

Video Port 2 x DVI-I

Audio Ports 2 x 3.5 mm audio jack

Direct Connect 1 x 8-pin modular

Maximum Single
Resolution

Maximum Dual
Resolution

Maximum Single Pixel
Rate

Maximum Dual Pixel
Rate

Supported Video Modes All VESA and CEA video modes

1920 x 1200 at 60 Hz (supports two single-link displays)

2560 x 1600 at 60 Hz (supports one dual-link display)

165 MHz

330 MHz

Power Supply

Connector 1 x IEC

AC Input Range 100-240 VAC

AC Frequency 50/60 Hz

Category Value

AC Input Current Rating 0.8A

Operating Temperature

Temperature 0-40° Celsius (32-104° Fahrenheit)

Avocent®HMX 5200 Receiver Technical Specifications

Category Value

Mechanical

Dimensions (D x W x H) 6 inches x 7.92 inches x 1.76 inches

Weight (without cables) 2.4 pounds

Ports/Connectors

Teaming Port 1 x SFP (Fiber Channel SFP module or Active Copper SFP module)

System Port 1 x RJ-45 (1 x 8-pin modular for a direct connect configuration)

Management Port 1 x RJ-45

USB 4 x USB 2.0 type A

AUX (Serial) Port 1 x RS-232 9-pin type D

Video Port 2 x DVI-I

Audio Ports 2 x 3.5 mm audio jack

Maximum Single
Resolution

Maximum Dual
Resolution

Maximum Single Pixel
Rate

Maximum Dual Pixel
Rate

Supported Video Modes All VESA and CEA video modes

Power Supply

Connector 1 x IEC

AC Input Range 100-240 VAC

AC Frequency 50/60 Hz

AC Input Current Rating 0.8A

Operating Temperature

Temperature 0-40° Celsius (32-104° Fahrenheit)

1920 x 1200 at 60 Hz (supports two single-link displays)

2560 x 1600 at 60 Hz (supports one dual-link display)

165 MHz

330 MHz

Appendices.....27

Avocent®HMX 6200 Transmitter Technical Specifications

Category Value

Mechanical

Dimensions (D x W x H) 6 inches x 7.92 inches x 1.76 inches

Weight (without cables) 2.4 pounds

Ports/Connectors

28.....The Avocent® HMX High Performance KVM Extender System Installer/User Guide

Category Value

Teaming Port 1 x SFP (Fiber Channel SFP module or Active Copper SFP module)

System Port 1 x RJ-45 (1 x 8-pin modular for a direct connect configuration)

Management Port 1 x RJ-45

USB 1 x USB 2.0 type B

AUX (Serial) Port 1 x RS-232 9-pin type D

Video Port 2 x DVI-I

Audio Ports 2 x 3.5 mm audio jack

Maximum Single
Resolution

Maximum Dual
Resolution

Maximum Single Pixel
Rate

Maximum Dual Pixel
Rate

Supported Video Modes All VESA and CEA video modes

1920 x 1200 at 60 Hz (supports two single-link displays)

2560 x 1600 at 60 Hz (supports one dual-link display)

165 MHz

330 MHz

Power Supply

Connector 1 x IEC

AC Input Range 100-240 VAC

AC Frequency 50/60 Hz

AC Input Current Rating 0.8A

Operating Temperature

Temperature 0-40° Celsius (32-104° Fahrenheit)

Avocent®HMX 6200 Receiver Technical Specifications

Category Value

Mechanical

Dimensions (D x W x H) 6 inches x 7.92 inches x 1.76 inches

Weight (without cables) 2.4 pounds

Ports/Connectors

Teaming Port 1 x SFP (Fiber Channel SFP module or Active Copper SFP module)

System Port 1 x RJ-45 (1 x 8-pin modular for a direct connect configuration)

Management Port 1 x RJ-45

USB 4 x USB 2.0 type A

AUX (Serial) Port 1 x RS-232 9-pin type D

Video Port 2 x DVI-I

Audio Ports 2 x 3.5 mm audio jack

Maximum Single
Resolution

Maximum Dual
Resolution

1920 x 1200 at 60 Hz (supports two single-link displays)

2560 x 1600 at 60 Hz (supports one dual-link display)

Category Value

Appendices.....29

Maximum Single Pixel
Rate

Maximum Dual Pixel
Rate

Supported Video Modes All VESA and CEA video modes

165 MHz

330 MHz

Power Supply

Connector 1 x IEC

AC Input Range 100-240 VAC

AC Frequency 50/60 Hz

AC Input Current Rating 0.8A

Operating Temperature

Temperature 0-40° Celsius (32-104° Fahrenheit)

Avocent®HMX 6210 Transmitter Technical Specifications

Category Value

Mechanical

Dimensions (D x W x H) 6 inches x 7.92 inches x 1.76 inches

Weight (without cables) 2.4 pounds

Ports/Connectors

Teaming Port 1 x SFP (Fiber Channel SFP module or Active Copper SFP module)

System Port 1 x RJ-45 (1 x 8-pin modular for a direct connect configuration)

VNC Port 1 x RJ-45

USB 1 x USB 2.0 type B

AUX (Serial) Port

Video Port 2 x DVI-I

Audio Ports 2 x 3.5 mm audio jack

Maximum Single
Resolution

Maximum Dual
Resolution

Maximum Single Pixel
Rate

Maximum Dual Pixel
Rate

Supported Video Modes All VESA and CEA video modes

Power Supply

Connector 1 x IEC

AC Input Range 100-240 VAC

AC Frequency 50/60 Hz

AC Input Current Rating 0.8A

1 x RS-232 9-pin type D, signal extension up to a baud rate of 115200, software
flow control, no hardware flow control

1920 x 1200 at 60 Hz (supports two single-link displays)

2560 x 1600 at 60 Hz (supports one dual-link display)

165 MHz

330 MHz

30.....The Avocent® HMX High Performance KVM Extender System Installer/User Guide

Category Value

Operating Temperature

Temperature 0-40° Celsius (32-104° Fahrenheit)

Appendices.....31

Appendix B: Pinout Information

Connecting device consoles or modems to serial ports

RS-232, 9-pin, type D adaptors can be used to connect remote computers or modems to HMX

extender serial ports. The following pinout configurations are supported.

Pinout Configuration

Pin Number Signal Name Input/Output

1 Data Carrier Detect (DCD) IN

2 Receiver Data (RxD) IN

3 Transmit Data (TxD) OUT

4 Data Terminal Ready (DTR) OUT

5 Ground (GND) N/A

6 Data Set Ready (DSR) IN

7 Request to Send (RTS) OUT

8 Clear to Send (CTS) IN

32.....The Avocent® HMX High Performance KVM Extender System Installer/User Guide

Appendix C: On-Screen Display

In addition to the System Configuration utility user interface, the HMX extender system

incorporates an On-Screen Display (OSD) interface, allowing you to access the transmitter from

the local keyboard and mouse. The OSD is displayed on a monitor connected to a receiver and has

a list of available targets to which you can connect. The OSD also supports user defined hotkeys

and favorites for frequently used actions.

The OSD is positioned in the center of the screen and can be one of two sizes depending on current

receiver resolution. The resolution used is the preferred resolution of the monitor as identified by

the monitor EDID. If there is no video connection to a target, the OSD uses the display resolution on

the receiver.

Icon Descriptions

Icon Description

Favorites

Sorting

Currently showing all channels/presets

Currently showing only favorites

Currently showing only numbered shortcuts

Click to add this channel as a favorite

This channel is a numbered shortcut

Currently showing channels and presets. Click to change

Currently showing only channels. Click to change

Currently showing only presets. Click to change

Filter this column using the specified term

Icon Description

Remove the search filter

Click to sort the list in ascending order via this column

The list is sorted in ascending order via this column

Top Corner

Enter Remote OSD mode

Exit Remote OSD mode

Display the help pages

Appendices.....33

Connection Buttons

View Mode

Shared mode

Exclusive mode

View mode

Shared mode

Exit from the help pages

Refresh the current page

Close the OSD

Click to connect to the channel/preset

You are currently connected to the channel/preset

Exclusive mode

Another user is connected to the channel/preset

View mode

34.....The Avocent® HMX High Performance KVM Extender System Installer/User Guide

Icon Description

Shared mode

Exclusive mode

View mode

You are unable to connect to the channel/preset

Shared mode

Exclusive mode

Blank icons

Connection mode is not permitted by the administrator (for example, a channel
does not allow exclusive connections and a user does not have exclusive rights)

End this connection

To access the OSD:

1. From a receiver, press Ctrl +Alt +C to access the OSD. The default hotkey can be

configured at the system level and for each user.

2. When the OSD launches, enter your receiver username and password.

3. Click Login.

Setting OSD alerts

Alerts can be set within the receiver System Configuration utility to ensure that notifications are

generated when changes are made in the OSD.

To set OSD alerts:

1. From the receiver System Configuration utility, select System Configuration on the left side of

the page.

2. Select the Enable OSD alerts checkbox.

Using a remote OSD

The Remote OSD feature allows authorized users to access and take control of remote receivers if

necessary.

NOTE: The remote OSD has a yellow background to distinguish it from the standard local OSD.

Appendices.....35

To use the Remote OSD feature:

1. Log in to the OSD and select a remote receiver from the list.

NOTE: You cannot log out or log in while in a remote OSD.

2. After using the displayed remote OSD, click X to exit.

Hotkeys

The OSD supports user-defined hotkeys and favorites for frequently used actions. These default

hotkey combinations can be altered within the HMX Advanced Manager software.

Key Combination Description

Key Combination Description

Left Ctrl + Left Alt + C

Left Ctrl + Left Alt + X

Left Ctrl + Left Alt + 3

Left Ctrl + Left Alt + A

Left Ctrl + Left Alt + V

Left Ctrl + Left Alt + S

Left Ctrl + Left Alt + E

Launch the OSD

Disconnect the current receiver

Connect to the channel/preset saved in shortcut slot 3

Re-connect to the last channel

Change the current connection to the view-only mode

Change the current connection to the shared mode

Change the current connection to the exclusive mode

Favorites and shortcuts

When the OSD contains many possible channels and presets, you can mark the most commonly

visited ones as favorites. For those channels that you access by keyboard shortcut, there are also

ten assignable hotkeys.

To create a new favorite:

1. Log in to the OSD.

2. Click the favorites icon next to the channel or preset you choose.

3. Click Save.

To create a new hotkey:

1. Log in to the OSD.

2. Click the favorites icon next to the channel or preset.

3. Click the 1 or 0 number prefix from an available slot.

4. Click View Only, Shared or Exclusive.

5. Click Save.

To remove a hotkey:

1. Click the favorites icon.

36.....The Avocent® HMX High Performance KVM Extender System Installer/User Guide

2. Click the number prefix from 1 to 0 of an available slot.

3. To remove a previous channel from a slot, click the X icon on the right side of the slot.

Appendices.....37

Appendix D:Troubleshooting

Video image of the HMX receiver has horizontal lines across the
screen

When video is transmitted by extenders, the various lines of each screen are divided up and

transmitted as separate data packets. If the reception of those packets is disturbed, blinding

occurs, which means lines are displayed in place of the missing video data packets.

There are several possible causes for the loss of data packets:

• Incorrect switch configuration. The problem could be caused by multicast flooding, which

causes unnecessary network traffic. IGMP snooping is designed to combat this, however,

there can be numerous causes of the flooding.

• Speed/memory bandwidth issues within one or more switches. The speed and capabilities of

different switch models varies greatly. If a switch cannot maintain pace with the quantity of

data being sent through it, it inevitably starts dropping packets.

• One or more HMX units may output jumbo frames due to the video resolution (2048 horizontal

pixels) being used. If jumbo frames are output by an HMX unit, but the network switches are

configured to use jumbo frames, the switches attempt to break the large packets into standard

packets. This process introduces a certain latency and could cause dropped packets.

Solutions

• Ensure that IGMP snooping is enabled on all switches within the subnet.

• Where each HMX unit is connected as the sole device on a port connection to a switch, enable

IGMP Fast-Leave (also called Immediate Leave) to reduce unnecessary processing on each

switch.

• Check the video resolutions provided to the HMX transmitters. If resolutions using 2048

horizontal pixels are unavoidable, ensure the Jumbo frames are enabled on all switches.

• Check the forwarding mode on the switches. If Store and forward is being used, try selecting

Cut-through to reduce latency on lesser switch designs.

• Ensure that one device within the subnet is correctly configured as an IGMP Querier. This is

usually a layer three switch or multicast router.

• Try adjusting the transmitter settings on each HMX to make the output data stream as efficient

as possible.

38.....The Avocent® HMX High Performance KVM Extender System Installer/User Guide

Mouse pointer of the receiver is slow

A slow mouse pointer is often related to either using dithering on the video output of one or more

transmitting computers or using VGA-to-DVI video converters.

Dithering is used to improve the perceived quality and color depth of images by diffusing or altering

the color of pixels between video frames. This practice is commonly used on Apple Mac computers

using ATI or Nvidia graphics cards. VGA-to-DVI converters unwittingly produce a similar issue by

creating high levels of pixel background noise.

HMX units attempt to considerably reduce network traffic by transmitting only the pixels that change

between successive video frames. When dithering is enabled and/or VGA-to-DVI converters are

used, this can have the effect of changing almost every pixel between each frame, thus forcing the

HMX transmitter to send each entire frame, resulting in greatly increased network traffic and

sluggish performance.

Solutions

• For Linux, check the video settings on the computer. If the dither video box option is enabled,

disable it.

• Apple Mac with NVIDIA graphics use the Avocent utility for Mac – Contact Technical Support.

Apple Mac with ATI graphics

• Enable the anti-dither removal feature.

Windows PCs

• If you suspect these issues with computers, contact Technical Support for assistance.

Replace old VGA adapters on host computers with DVI video cards.

Monitor displays pink screen

It is possible that the source computer and HMX transmitter are sending a high resolution dual-link

signal in response to a request from your dual-link monitor. However, your HMX receiver is unable

to correctly process the signal, causing the pink screen issue (DVI resolutions above 1920 x 1200

are generally dual-link).

HMX 6200T and 6210T transmitters are able to send dual-link video when requested, however, an

HMX 6200R receiver is required to process the higher resolution signal fully at the other end. Other

receivers, such as the HMX1000R, 5100R and 5200R, cannot process dual-link DVI because they

are single-link devices.

Appendices.....39

Solutions

Ensure that the HMX transmitter is set to supply a single-link EDID to the graphics card. When the

video source is changed to a single-link video resolution, the pink screen should disappear and the

video should be displayed normally. Alternatively, change the monitor to a single-link DVI monitor.

It is important not to mix dual-link transmitters with single-link receivers.

On an HMX Advanced Manager controlled system, verify the Video compatibility checkbox is

enabled to ensure the correct video mode is displayed for the monitor being used.

Audio output of the receiver sounds scratched

Audio crackle, like blinding, is a symptom of missing packets.

Solutions

See Solutions under blinding.

HMX Advanced Manager cannot locate HMX extenders

The following are possible causes:

• The HMX units must be reset to their zero config IP addresses for HMX Advanced Manager

discovery. If you have a working network of HMX units without HMX Advanced Manager and

then add HMX Advanced Manager to the network, the HMX Advanced Manager will not

discover the HMXs until they are reset to the zero config IP addresses.

• Layer 2 Cisco switches may have Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) enabled but not have

portfast enabled on the ports to which HMX units are connected. Without portfast enabled,

HMX units are assigned the same zero config IP address at reboot and HMX Advanced

Manager only acquires them one at a time on a random basis.

You can easily tell whether portfast is enabled on a switch that is running STP. When you plug

the link cable from a working HMX unit into the switch port, check how long it takes for the port

indicator to change from orange to green. If it takes roughly one second, portfast is on; if it

takes roughly thirty seconds, portfast is disabled.

Solutions

• Ensure the HMX units and the HMX Advanced Manager server are located in the same

subnet. HMX Advanced Manager cannot cross subnet boundaries.

• Manually reset the HMX units to their zero config IP addresses.

• Enable portfast on all switch ports that have HMX units attached to them, or try temporarily

disabling STP on the switches while HMX Advanced Manager attempts to locate HMX units.

40.....The Avocent® HMX High Performance KVM Extender System Installer/User Guide

Technical Support Site

If you encounter any installation or operational issues with your product, check the pertinent section

of this manual to see if the issue can be resolved by following outlined procedures. For additional

assistance, visit www.avocent.com/support.

Avocent Community Support Site

To search product knowledge content,

visit community.emerson.com/networkpower/support/avocent.

About Emerson Network Power

Emerson Network Power, a business of Emerson (NYSE:EMR), delivers software, hardwareand services that maximize

availability, capacity andefficiency for data centers, healthcare and industrialfacilities. A trusted industry leader in smart

infrastructure technologies, Emerson Network Power provides innovative data center infrastructure management solutions

that bridge the gapbetweenIT and facility management anddeliver efficiency and uncompromisedavailability regardless of

capacity demands. Our solutions are supportedglobally by localEmerson Network Power service technicians. Learn more
about Emerson Network Power products and services at www.EmersonNetworkPower.com.

590-1271-501A