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2x8 DVI DA
USER MANUAL
www.gefen.com
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Technical Support:
Telephone (818) 772-9100
(800) 545-6900
Fax (818) 772-9120
Technical Support Hours:
8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday PST.
Write To:
Gefen Inc.
C/O Customer Service
20600 Nordhoff St.
Chatsworth, CA 91311
www.gefen.com
support@gefen.com
Notice
Gefen Inc. reserves the right to make changes in the hard ware, packaging and any
accompanying doc u men ta tion without prior written notice.
The 2:8 DVI Distribution Amplifi er is a trademark of Gefen Inc.
© 2007 Gefen Inc., All Rights Reserved
ASKING FOR ASSISTANCE
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction
Operation Notes
Panel Descriptions
Connecting the 2x8 Distribution Amplifi er
EDID Management Feature
EDID Management Modes
RMT-2IR Installation
IR Code Confi guration
RS-232 Serial Communication
RS-232 Serial Communication Commands
Specifi cations
Warranty
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INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on your purchase of the 2:8 DVI Distribution Amplifi er. The 2:8 DVI distri-
bution amplifi er is an innovative solution for anyone with more complex computer system
requirements, like studios and presentation venues where multi-viewing is essential. The
2:8 DVI distribution amplifi er accommodates various system scenarios. Most commonly,
two video sources (either DVI-equipped computer, DVD player or satellite set top box)
are connected to the distribution amplifi er on one side. On the output side, eight video
outputs are available to be used in part or in full. Once the unit is connected and powered,
each source can be routed to multiple displays. All DVI displays are driven by the two DVI
sources with each source or computer capable of driving eight displays at one time. For
home theater applications, the unit is HDCP (high defi nition content protection) compliant,
making it effective for use with all DVI displays.
How it works:
Gefen’s 2:8 DVI distribution amplifi er is an expandable distribution hub that sends the
same DVI graphics source to eight DVI based digital screens (fl at panels or projectors).
It is a fl exible solution that accommodates multiple DVI displays. You can switch from
source one and two via the RMT-2IR remote control. The 2:8 DVI distribution amplifi er is
also equipped with an auto sensing feature to switch between whatever source is active.
When one source is inactive it will automatically switch to the active source.
The Gefen 2:8 DVI distribution amplifi er is connected with a DVI (male to male) cable from
the DVI graphic source to the distribution amplifi er input. There are eight DVI outputs in
each module. DVI output one is the primary connection and is used for the main display.
DVI output 2 thru 8 follow the main display. The 2:8 DVI distribution amplifi ers is using a
unique DVI Bus™ technology to connect multiple amplifi ers without sacrifi cing a DVI output
connection. The ninth output is an expansion output used to daisy chain an additional 2:8
DVI Distribution Amplifi er. The 2:8 DVI Distribution Amplifi er is expandable to 256 outputs
(32 DVI DA’s).
Contents:
The 2:8 DVI Distribution Amplifi er consists of:
(1) 2x8 DVI Distribution Amplifi er
(1) DVI 6ft Male to Male Cables
(1) 24VDC Power Supply
(1) RMT-2 IR Remote
(1) User Manual
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READ THESE NOTES BEFORE INSTALLING
OR OPERATING THE 2:8 DVI DISTRIBUTION AMPLIFIER SYSTEM
• All the monitors connected to the 2:8 DVI Distribution Amplifi er must be able to run at
the same native resolution. The 2:8 DVI Distribution Amplifi er does not scale the video.
• The 2:8 DVI Distribution Amplifi er units are housed in a metal box for better RF shielding.
• You must connect the sources and displays prior to applying power to the unit.
OPERATION NOTES
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2:8 DVI DISTRIBUTION DA FRONT PANEL DESCRIPTION
DVI Output
IR Eye
DVI Input
RS-232
Input
IR Extender
Input
Power
Input
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CONNECTING AND OPERATING THE 2X8 DVI DA
How to Connect the 2x8 DVI DA to your devices
1 Connect the supplied cable from the HDTV DVI source into the 2x8 DVI DA
input.
2 Connect the cables from your displays (monitor or projector) into the DVI outs of the
2x8 DVI DA.
3 Plug the 24VDC power supply into the 1x8 DVI DA.
How to Control the 2x8 DVI Distribution Amplifi er
Use the RMT-2IR remote control to toggle between sources.
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EDID MANAGEMENT FEATURE
EDID. What is it and what is it used for?
Under normal circumstances, an source device (digital and analog) will require
information about a connected device/display to assess what resolutions and features
are available. The source can then cater its output to send only resolutions and features
that are compatible with the attached device/display. This information is called EDID
(Extended Display Information Data) and a source device can only accept and read one
EDID from a connected device/display. Likewise, the source an only output one resolution
for use by a connected device/display.
Why is EDID so important with the 2x8 DVI Distribution Amplifi er?
The 2x8 DVI Distribution Amplifi er is complex piece of technology that replicates and
switches between multiple inputs and outputs. Each connected source device will require
one EDID to read. EDID management is carefully handled by 2x8 DVI Distribution
Amplifi er to provide a single EDID for each source to read.
What options do I have to manage the EDID in the 2x8 DVI Distribution Amplifi er?
First, it is important to note that each source device can only output one video/audio
signal type. This includes resolutions and timings. When multiple devices/displays are
used, such as with the 2x8 DVI Distribution Amplifi er, it is important to use devices/
displays that have similar or compatible resolutions/features. This will ensure that
the single video/audio signal produced by the source device is accepted by all of the
connected output devices/displays.
The user has the option, through a combination of DIP switch settings within the 2x8 DVI
Distribution Amplifi er, to choose how the unit will manage the EDID from multiple HDMI
devices/displays. Therefore the user has some control over the resolutions/features that
the source devices will output. The 2x8 DVI Distribution Amplifi er has a multiple EDID
management modes that will control how the EDID information from multiple devices/
displays are combined, ignored, and routed.
How do I change EDID modes in the 2x8 DVI Distribution Amplifi er?
There is an bank of 8 DIP switches located on the main-baord inside of the 2x8 DVI
Distribution Amplifi er. DIP switches 1, 2, 5, and 7 are used in different combinations to
manage the EDID modes.
TIP: EDID modes and IR code channels can also be managed via the RS-232 serial
communications port. For this to work, all DIP switches must be in the OFF position. This
is the factory default setting. If you wish to use this feature, please do not open the unit.
See page 9 and 10 for more information on the RS-232 serial communication features.
To access these DIP switches it will be required to open the unit. To do this, remove all
screws on the underside and side of the unit. Remove all HEX screws on the rear panel.
This includes the screws above each HDMI port and on each side of the RS-232 serial
communications port. Carefully slide the unit apart.
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EDID MANAGEMENT MODES
EDID Modes
The diagram below illustrates the 8 DIP switch bank.
DIP SWITCH Function
1 EDID Mode
2 EDID Mode
3 IR Channel
4 IR Channel
5 EDID Mode
6 N/A
7 EDID Mode
8 N/A
Use DIP switches 1, 2, 5, and 7 to select the desired EDID management mode.
EDID Mode 0 (Switch 1=OFF Switch2=OFF Switch5=ON)
• Edid is copied from the device connected to the fi rst active hdmi output port.
• All features newer that HDMI 1.2 are cleared.
EDID Mode 1 (Switch 1=ON Switch2=OFF Switch5=ON)
• Same as Mode 0 and adds basic audio support.
EDID Mode 2 (Switch 1=OFF Switch2=ON Switch5=ON)
• Same as Mode 0 and adds full audio support.
EDID Mode 3 (Switch 1=ON Switch2=ON Switch5=OFF)
• EDID is generated based on the common video and audio features of all of the
connected output devices.
EDID Mode 4 (Switch 1=OFF Switch2=ON Switch5=OFF)
• Same as Mode 3 and adds basic audio support.
EDID Mode 5 (Switch 1=ON Switch2=OFF Switch5=OFF)
• Same as Mode 3 and adds full audio support.
EDID Mode 6 (Switch 1=OFF Switch2=OFF Switch5=OFF)
• EDID is generated based on the common video features of all of the connected
devices and the combined audio features of all of the connected output devices.
EDID Mode 7 (Switch 1=ON Switch2=ON Switch5=ON) DEFAULT
• EDID is passed unmodifi ed from the device connected to the fi rst active
output port.
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RMT-2IR INSTALLATION
1. Remove battery cover from the back of the RMT-2IR remote.
2. Verify that dip switches 1 & 2 are in the down (OFF) position.
3. Insert the battery, hold the battery so that you can see the positive side facing up. The
side that is not marked must be facing down.
4. Test the RMT-2IR remote by pressing ONLY one button at a time. The indicator light
on the remote will fl ash once each time you press a button. WARNING: Do not press
multiple buttons simultaneously and do NOT press buttons rapidly. These actions will
cause the remote to reset and steps 1-4 will have to be repeated.
Note: The RMT-2IR ships with two batteries. One battery is required for operation, the
second battery is complimentary.
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Why would I need to change the remote channel?
In some instances, the 2x8 DVI Distribution Amplifi er may use IR codes that confl ict with other
IR remote control devices. The unit may switch inputs when another brand IR remote control
is used or the RMT-2IR may cause other brand IR controlled devices to behave unexpectedly.
I am experiencing the issues listed above. What do I do?
In these cases it is recommended to change the IR channel that the RMT-2IR remote control
and the 2x8 DVI Distribution Amplifi er use. The IR channel is confi gured independently on the
RMT-2IR remote control and the 2x8 DVI Distribution Amplifi er but the channel selection must
match on both units for proper operation.
How Do I change the Remote Channel?
There are service DIP switches on the RMT -2IR remote control and also inside the 2x8 DVI
Distribution Amplifi er. Use the diagrams below to locate and change the IR channel to one
that is not the default. Remember that the channel must match on both the unit and remote
control for successful operation.
2 DIP switch bank for IR channel confi guration.
2x8 DVI Distribution Amplifier
RMT-2IR Remote Control
Remote Channel 1:
Default
Remote Channel 4:
Remote Channel 1:
Default
1 2
Remote Channel 2:
1 2
Remote Channel 3:
1 2
Remote Channel 4:
1 2
12345
678
Remote Channel 3:
12345
678
Remote Channel 2:
1234567
8
1234567
8
Remove the battery cover on the rear side of the RMT-2IR remote control
to expose the DIP switches.
The IR channel DIP switches for the 2x8 DVI Distribution Amplifi er are located on an 8 bank DIP switch inside of
the unit and on its main-board. To open the unit, remove all screws on the underside and side of the unit. Remove
all HEX screws on the rear panel. This includes the screws above each HDMI port and on each side of the RS232 serial communications port. Carefully slide the unit apart. Locate DIP switches 3 and 4. Once adjustments are
complete replace all screws and.
IR CODE CONFIGURATION
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RS-232 SERIAL COMMUNICATION
What features are available via the RS-232 serial communications port?
The 2x8 DVI Distribution Amplifi er can accept commands through the RS-232 serial
communications port located on the rear panel. The current RS-232 control features
are:
• Switching/routing of inputs to outputs without the RMT-2IR remote control.
• Switch EDID management modes without opening the unit to physically modify DIP
switches.
• Change IR code channel without opening the unit to physically modify DIP switches.
(The IR code channel will still need to be manually modifi ed on the RMT-2IR remote
control to match the code channel.)
How do I use these features?
These features were initially intended for utilization by custom installers in automated
setups. However, these features can be tested by using any Windows PC with the
Hyperterminal program.
What pins are used for communication with the 2x8 DVI Distribution Amplifi er?
Only pins 2 (Receive), 3 (Transmit), and 5 (Ground) are used for communication. A
null-modem adapter should not be used with this product.
12345
6789
12345
6789
Only Pins 2 (RX), 3 (TX), and 5 (Ground) are used on the RS-232 serial interface
What are the communication port settings?
Bits per second ................................................................................................. 19200
Data bits .................................................................................................................... 8
Parity .................................................................................................................. None
Stop bits .....................................................................................................................1
Flow Control ....................................................................................................... None
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RS-232 SERIAL COMMUNICATION COMMANDS
Switching/Routing Binary Table
ASCII RMT-2IR
Button
Binary
1 1 0011 0001
2 2 0011 0010
EDID Management Modes
All DIP switches inside the unit must be in their default OFF position. Use the ASCII
commands below to change the EDID modes. For a description of each mode please
see page 6.
ASCII EDID Mode
m0 0
m1 1
m2 2
m3 3
m4 4
m5 5
m6 6
m7 7
IR Remote Channel Confi guration
All DIP switches inside the unit must be in their default OFF position. Use the ASCII
commands below to change the IR code channel. Please ensure that the IR remote
channel on the RMT-2IR matches any channel that is set by these commands. For a
description of the IR code channel confi guration please see page 8.
ASCII Remote Channel
r1 1
r2 2
r3 3
r4 4
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SPECIFICATIONS
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Video Amplifi er Bandwidth ................................................................................. 1.65 GHz
Single Link Range ......................................................................................... 1920 x 1200
Vertical Frequency Range ....................................................................................... 60 Hz
DVI Input/Output Connector Type ....................................................... DVI-I (Digital Only)
Power Consumption ................................................................................ 60 Watts (max.)
Power Supply ........................................................................................................ 24VDC
Dimensions ................................................................................... 17”W x 1.75”H x 7.5”D
Rackmountable .......................................................................................... 1 Rack Space
Shipping Weight ....................................................................................................... 8 Lbs
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