Gefen EXT-DVI-441DL User Manual

®

4x1 DVI DL Switcher

EXT-DVI-441DL

User Manual

www.gefen.com

ASKING FOR ASSISTANCE

Technical Support:

Telephone [phone]
[phone]

Fax [phone]

Technical Support Hours:

8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday thru Friday PST

Write To:

Gefen, LLC
c/o Customer Service
20600 Nordhoff St
Chatsworth, CA 91311

www.gefen.com
[e-mail]

Notice

Gefen, LLC reserves the right to make changes in the hard ware, packaging and

any accompanying doc u men ta tion without prior written notice.

4x1 DVI DL Switcher is a trademark of Gefen, LLC

© 2011 Gefen, LLC. All rights reserved.

All trademarks are the property of their respective companies.

Rev A10

CONTENTS

1 Introduction

2 Operation Notes

3 Features

4 Panel Layout

5 Panel Descriptions

6 Connecting and Operating The 4x1 DVI DL Switcher

7 RMT-4IR Remote Control Description

8 4x1 DVI DL Switcher Remote Installation

9 4x1 Remote and Switcher Confi guration

10 EDID Modes

12 DL (Dual Link) Only Modes

13 RS-232 Serial Control

14 RS-232 Serial Control Commands

14 EDID Management

20 Routing Commands

22 Rack Mount Installation

23 Specifi cations

24 Warranty

INTRODUCTION

Congratulations on your purchase of the 4x1 DVI DL Switcher. Your complete
satisfaction is very important to us.

Gefen

Gefen delivers innovative, progressive computer and electronics add-on solutions
that harness integration, extension, distribution and conversion technologies.
Gefen’s reliable, plug-and-play products supplement cross-platform computer
systems, professional audio/video environments and HDTV systems of all sizes
with hard-working solutions that are easy to implement and simple to operate.

The Gefen 4x1 DVI DL Switcher

The rack-mountable Gefen 4x1 DVI DL Switcher offers an economical solution by
eliminating the need to purchase many displays for each DVI source in a studio
or lab situation. A plug-and-play solution, the 4x1 DVI DL Switcher shares one
dual-link display with up to four computers or other DVI video sources, saving
space on your desktop. The source computer is selected using the included IR
remote control or through RS-232 control.

How It Works

The DVI monitor is connected to the switcher’s output. Up to four DVI sources
connect to the switcher’s DVI inputs using included high quality DVI cables.
The included power supply is connected to the switcher via the locking power
plug and then to a power outlet. The currently selected computer’s video signal
appears on the shared monitor. Video sources are selected/switched using the
RMT-4IR remote control, RS-232 control, or the input selector push button on the
front panel of the switcher.

1

OPERATION NOTES

READ THESE NOTES BEFORE INSTALLING OR

OPERATING THE GEFEN 4X1 DVI DL SWITCHER

• The 4x1 DVI DL Switcher will take any of up to four (4) DVI dual-link or
single-link resolution inputs and switch them, one at a time, to a DVI output
device such as a display/monitor or projector. Resolutions can be up to
3840x2400.

• The 4x1 DVI DL Switcher is housed in a metal box for better RF shielding.

• By default, the EDID of the attached display is copied to all the local inputs.
Make sure that the display is connected to the switcher before applying
power.

2

FEATURES

Features

• Switches easily between any four DVI-SL or DVI DL sources

• Maintains highest resolution dual link DVI

• Supports resolutions up through 3840x2400

• EDID Storage and programming for best source/display compatibility

• Extends the range of the video signal on the DVI outputs up to 50 feet

• Discrete IR remote control included

• Serial RS-232 port for switching input sources via automated control or PC

• Supports DDWG standards for DVI monitors

• Rack ears included

Package Includes

(1) 4x1 DVI DL Switcher
(4) 6-ft Dual Link DVI cables (M-M)
(1) 5V DC Power Supply
(1) User’s Manual
(1) IR remote control
(1) Set of Rack Ears

3

PANEL LAYOUT

Front Panel

1

2

4

3

5

Back Panel

9

6

7

8

4

PANEL DESCRIPTIONS

1 External IR Port

For connection of external IR extension device such as the Gefen IR Extender
(part # EXT-RMT-EXTIR).

2 IR Receiver

Receives IR signal from the handheld Infrared remote control unit included with
the product.

3 DVI Signal Status LEDs 1-4

Provide visual confi rmation of the currently selected DVI input signal out of the
four DVI input ports.

4 DVI Input Selector

Push-button switch cycles the next DVI input 1-4 in a forward sequence starting
again at 1.

5 Power Indicator LED

Indicates when the 4x1 DVI DL Switcher is receiving 5V DC power from its
included AC power supply.

6 5V Locking Power Receptacle

Supplies power to the 4x1 DVI DL Switcher from the included external 5V DC
power supply. The 5V power supply has a locking power tip which screws into
this receptacle.

7 DVI Input Ports 1-4

DVI video sources one through four attach to the 4x1 DVI DL Switcher.

8 DVI Output Port

This DVI output port is connected to the display device (Monitor, Projector).

9 RS-232 Serial Communications Interface

Provided for external control of the 4x1 DVI DL Switcher.

5

CONNECTING AND OPERATING THE 4X1 DVI DL SWITCHER

How to Connect the 4x1 DVI DL Switcher to your devices:

1. Connect user supplied DVI cables from the DVI sources into the 4x1 DVI
Switcher’s Inputs.

2. Connect the cable from your display (monitor or projector) into the DVI Out
of the 4x1 DVI DL Switcher.

3. Connect the 5V power supply, then plug it into the wall. Turn on the DVI
display or projector fi rst, then the video sources (computers). Turn on
the 4x1 DVI DL Switcher by screwing its 5V DC power supply tip into the
receptacle in the rear of the chassis.

Note: The Switcher retrieves device resolution and video timing capability

information called EDID from the display and feeds it to all connected input
sources. This mode of operation is called LOCAL EDID mode. It allows
a much faster setup time and improved operational stability since input
sources do not need to individually collect and store EDID on their own.

If some sources do not display correctly, you can individually confi gure each
input source and/or program custom EDIDs (such as standard compatible
resolutions) into the Switcher, or alternately set each input source to directly
read EDID from the display device (with the Local EDID Mode turned OFF).
These procedures are covered in detail on pages 10-11 along with EDID
concepts in general.

Wiring Diagram for the 4x1 DVI DL Switcher

DUAL LINK DVI CABLE

Computer

Computer

Computer

Switcher

Computer

Dual Link DVI Display

EXT-DVI-441DL

6

4X1 DVI DL SWITCHER REMOTE DESCRIPTION

LED Indicator

Input Selection
Buttons

The RMT-4IR remote control will allow the user to select which of 4 DVI sources will
be displayed. Please use the information below when selecting the desired source
for output to a display or other DVI video receiving device.

RMT-4IR Button DVI Source

11
22
33
44

7

4X1 DVI DL SWITCHER REMOTE INSTALLATION

To use the RMT-4IR remote, remove the battery cover on the back of the remote to
reveal the battery compartment. Insert the included battery into the open battery slot.
The positive (+) side should be facing up. Ensure that both DIP (Dual Inline Package)
switches are in the OFF position. Replace the battery cover. The remote ships with 2
batteries. One battery is needed for operation and the other battery is complimentary.

Empty Battery Slot

IR Code Dip Switches

8

4X1 REMOTE CONTROL AND SWITCHER CONFIGURATION

How to Resolve IR Code Confl icts

In the event that IR commands from other remote controls confl ict with the
supplied RMT-4IR remote control, changing the remote control channel will
alleviate this issue. The RMT-4IR remote control and the 4x1 DVI DL Switcher
both have banks of DIP (Dual Inline Package) Switches for confi guring the
remote channel that the units use to communicate. These settings must exactly
match each other for proper operation.

The DIP Switch bank on the RMT-4IR is located underneath the battery cover.
DIP Switch banks for the 4x1 DVI DL Switcher are located on the underside of
the unit beneath a black piece of metallic tape. One DIP switch bank (4-switch)
is for the adjustment of remote control frequencies and switch behavior. The
other DIP switch (8-switch) is reserved for Gefen use only. DIP Switches 1 and 2
on the RMT-4IR directly correspond to DIP Switches 1 and 2 on the 4x1 DVI DL
Switcher. Only switches 1 and 2 (of 4 in that bank) are used for IR Code settings.

Remote Channel 1:
Default

Remote Channel 1:
Default

1 2

Remote Channel 3:

1 2

Left: Picture of the opened rear battery

compartment of the RMT4-IR remote showing
the exposed DIP Switch bank between the
battery chambers.

4x1 DVI DL Switcher

Remote Channel 2:

Remote Channel 2:

Remote Channel 4:

1 2

1 2

Remote Channel 3:

1

1

2

2

3

3

4

4

Remote Channel 4:

9

1

1

2

2

3

3

4

4

EDID MODES

What is EDID and what is it used for?

Under normal circumstances, an audio/video source device (digital or analog) will
require information about a connected device/display to assess what resolutions
and features (capabilities) are possible. The source device can then tailor its
output to create resolutions and/or features that are compatible with the attached
device/display. This capability information is called EDID (Extended Display
Identifi cation Data). A source device can only accept and read one EDID data
structure/record from a connected source device/display. Likewise, the source
device can output only one video resolution to a connected device/display.

The importance of EDID with regards to the 4x1 DVI DL Switcher

The 4x1 DVI DL/SL Switcher handles multiple sources/inputs. Each connected
source device must correctly read one EDID data structure in order to address its
display device correctly. EDID management is carefully handled by the 4x1 DVI
DL Switcher to insure that EDID is recorded and retransmitted properly, otherwise
display of the input sources might not occur correctly (or at all).

Managing EDID with the 4x1 DVI DL Switcher

The 4x1 DVI DL Switcher uses 2 modes for routing EDID. They are:

1. When the local EDID Mode is ON, (factory default setting) the Switcher
copies the EDID of the connected display to the local memory location as
they are selected. Each device must fully “boot up” before you can select the
next input. The connected device derives EDID information from the local
memory location.

2. When the local EDID Mode is OFF, each time a new source device is
selected, the Switcher connects EDID from the attached display to the
currently selected input source.

Both modes are described in greater detail on the opposite page.

NOTE: The 4x1 DVI DL Switcher also features an EDID Lock Mode, allowing
the EDID to be stored. See the following page for details.

How do I change EDID modes in the 4x1 DVI DL Switcher?

There is a bank of 4 DIP (Dual Inline Package) switches located on the main
circuit board of the Switcher underneath a small piece of silver grey tape on the
underside of the Switcher. When the sticker is removed, there will be two DIP
switch banks visible, one with 4 switches and one with 8 switches. The 8-switch
DIP switch bank is not used here (it is used for the DL (dual link) feature covered
later on page 12.)

10

EDID MODES

EDID Modes

The diagram below illustrates the 4-position DIP switch bank (containing 4 small
white toggle switches as shown). The functions of the switches are as follows:

DIP SWITCH Function

1 IR Channel

2 IR Channel

1

Use DIP switch 3 to set the desired EDID mode. (UP is On)
How to set the two EDID Modes:

1. Local EDID Mode ON (Switch 3 = OFF, FACTORY DEFAULT SETTING)

• During power-on, the connected display’s EDID is copied to all four local
EDID storage locations at once. EDID stored in local memory is then
passed to all input sources.

• The EDID stored in the local locations can be overwritten with another
EDID from the following locations:

• Built-in EDID memory bank (up to 7 EDID records can be stored)

• EDID collected directly from the input display upon power-up.

2. Local EDID Mode OFF (Switch 3 = ON)

2

3

4

3 EDID Mode

4 EDID Lock Mode

• The DDC signal of the connected display is routed directly to each input
source. Each time a new source device is selected, EDID is transmitted
from the attached display to the currently selected input source. (This
mode will successfully pass HDCP signals.)

3. EDID Lock Mode (DIP Switch 4 = ON)

• Locks the last stored EDID, even if the unit is power-cycled. To store a
new EDID, do the following:

1. Power-down the Switcher and set DIP Switch 4 to the OFF position.

2. Connect the display to the DVI output port then power-on the Switcher.

3. Set DIP Switch 4 to the ON position to lock the EDID.

11

DL (DUAL LINK) ONLY MODES

DL (Dual Link) Only Modes

The 8-position DIP switch bank located on the underside of the 4x1 DVI DL
Switcher can be used to set each individual input to work in a Dual Link Only
mode. These modes should only be enabled if issues occur when using Dual
Link sources and displays in the default mode.

DIP SWITCH Function DIP SWITCH Function

1 Input 1 Mode 5 N/A

2 Input 2 Mode 6 N/A

3 Input 3 Mode 7 N/A

4 Input 4 Mode 8 N/A

DL (Dual Link) and SL (Single Link) Mode (Switch=OFF) DEFAULT

• This setting can be set individually for each input. This mode will allow
the connection of both Dual Link and Single Link displays.

DL (Dual Link) Only Mode (Switch=ON)

• This setting can be set individually for each input. This mode should be
enabled if issues with the default occur with Dual Link displays.

12

RS-232 SERIAL CONTROL INTERFACE

What features are available via the RS-232 serial communications port?

The 4x1 DVI DL Switcher can accept commands through the RS-232 serial
communications port located on the rear panel. The current RS-232 control
features are the ability to switch/route inputs to outputs without the RMT-4IR
remote control.

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 a terminal emulation program. The next few pages will show you how.

What pins are used for communication with the 4x1 DVI DL Switcher?

Only pins 2 (Receive), 3 (Transmit), and 5 (Ground) are used for communication.
A null-modem adapter should not be used with this Switcher.

54321

9876

Only Pins 2 (RX), 3 (TX), and 5 (Ground) are used on the RS-232 serial interface

What are the RS-232 communications port settings?

Bits per second ............................................................................................ 19200

Data bits ............................................................................................................... 8

Parity ............................................................................................................. None

Stop bits ................................................................................................................1

Flow Control .................................................................................................. None

12345

6789

13

RS-232 SERIAL CONTROL COMMANDS

RS-232 Features

RS-232 remote functions are used to control of this product’s features. Features
include input to output routing, EDID storage, EDID management, etc.

Functions Syntax

The syntax for each function is always the same:

#Character as the start fl ag → Function name → Space ( _ ) as function name
end fl ag → Parameter 1 → Space → Parameter n → Carriage Return ( \r ) →

Sample:

#FunctionName_param1_param2_param3_param4...\r

Syntax is NOT case sensitive.

EDID Management

Function Description

#EDIDDSTOLO Read downstream EDID and stores into all inputs
#EDIDDSTOBA Read downstream EDID and stores in EDID Bank
#EDIDBATOLO Read from EDID bank and store into all local inputs
#DDCTODS Route input DDC to downstream EDID (pass-through mode)
#DDCTOLO Routes input DDC to local EDID
#DEF Sets unit to default factory settings
#LOEDIDTOBA Load EDID from serial port and store in EDID bank
#LOEDIDTOLO Loads EDID from serial port and store in any input
#PRBAEDID Reads EDID from EDID bank and sends to serial port
#PRDSEDID Reads downstream EDID and sends it to serial port
#PRLOEDID Reads local input EDID and sends it to serial port

14

RS-232 SERIAL CONTROL COMMANDS

#EDIDDSTOLO Function

The #EDIDDSTOLO function reads the downstream EDID and stores into all lo-

cal inputs.

Syntax:

#EDIDDSTOLO

Parameters:
None

#EDIDDSTOBA Function

The #EDIDDSTOBA function reads the downstream EDID and stores it to a
specifi ed EDID bank.

Syntax:

#EDIDDSTOBA param1

Parameters:
param1 EDID bank offset [1 - 7]

#EDIDBATOLO Function

The #EDIDBATOLO function reads an EDID from an EDID bank and stores it in
all inputs.

Syntax:

#EDIDBATOLO param1

Parameters:
param1 EDID bank offset [1 - 7]

15

RS-232 SERIAL CONTROL COMMANDS

#DDCTODS Function

The #DDCTODS function routes the input DDC to the downstream EDID (pass­through mode).

Syntax:

#DDCTODS

Parameters:
None

#DDCTOLO Function

The #DDCTOLO function routes the input DDC to the local EDID.

Syntax:

#DDCTOLO

Parameters:
None

#DEF Function

The #DEF function set the Switcher to the factory default settings.

Syntax:

#DEF

Parameters:
None

16

RS-232 SERIAL CONTROL COMMANDS

#LOEDIDTOBA Function

The #LOEDIDTOBA function loads the specifi ed EDID fi le and stores it in a
specifi ed EDID bank.

Syntax:

#LOEDIDTOBA param1 param2 param3

Parameters:
param1 Echo mode [0 - 1]

Value Meaning

0 Semi echo mode

1 Full echo mode

param2 EDID size [1 - 2]

Value Meaning

1 128 byte EDID

2 256 byte EDID

param3 EDID bank offset [1 - 7]

17

RS-232 SERIAL CONTROL COMMANDS

#LOEDIDTOLO Function

The #LOEDIDTOLO function loads the specifi ed EDID fi le to a specifi ed local
input.

Syntax:

#LOEDIDTOLO param1 param2

Parameters:
param1 Echo mode [0 - 1]

Value Meaning

0 Semi echo mode

1 Full echo mode

param2 EDID size [1 - 2]

Value Meaning

1 128 byte EDID

2 256 byte EDID

#PRBAEDID Function

The #PRBAEDID function reads the EDID fi le from the specifi ed bank and sends
it to the serial port.

Syntax:

#PRBAEDID param1 param2

Parameters:
param1 EDID bank offset [1 - 7]
param2 File type [0 - 1]

Value Meaning

0 .BIN fi le

1 .TXT fi le

18

RS-232 SERIAL CONTROL COMMANDS

#PRDSEDID Function

The #PRDSEDID function reads the downstream EDID and sends it to the serial
port.

Syntax:

#PRDSEDID param1

Parameters:
param1 File type [0 - 1]

Value Meaning

0 .BIN fi le

1 .TXT fi le

#PRLOEDID Function

The #PRLOEDID function reads the local EDID and spools it to the serial port.

Syntax:

#PRLOEDID param1

Parameters:
param1 File type [0 - 1]

Value Meaning

0 .BIN fi le

1 .TXT fi le

19

RS-232 SERIAL CONTROL COMMANDS

Commands

Simplifi ed syntax was used for command implementation for faster operation with
the device: # character – isn’t needed, the command name is reduced to 1 letter.
The commands are not case-sensitive.

Command Description

P Displays the function menu
1 Switch to Input 1
2 Switch to Input 2
3 Switch to Input 3
4 Switch to Input 4

The ASCII character table below indicates which Switcher input will be routed to
the output Display when the corresponding ASCII (numeric) character is typed.

ASCII Input Binary

1 1 0011 0001
2 2 0011 0010
3 3 0011 0011
4 4 0011 0100

20

RS-232 SERIAL CONTROL COMMANDS

2. USING SHORT-CUT CHARACTERS TO CHANGE SETTINGS

2.1 HYPERTERMINALtm SETTINGS in Microsoft Windows

First, please setup correct communications by performing these commands (as
shown on the screen shot immediately below):

tm

File->Properties->Setting->ASCII Setup

Also, please be sure to unmark the check box that says “Send line ends with line
feeds.”

2.2 EXAMPLE -- CHANGE THE ROUTED SOURCE

Now you are ready to route Display input sources.

At the Hyperterminal cursor prompt, type the numeral key of the input to switch
to, followed by the ENTER key.

Wait until you see the message “Function Done” on the Display. At this point the
Display should show the correct Source corresponding to the numeral that was
typed.

21

RACK MOUNT INSTALLATION

Rack mount ears are provided for installation of this unit into a 1U rack mount
space.

1. Locate the side screws on the unit.

2. Remove the front 2 screws that are located closest to the front of the unit.

3. Using the removed screws, screw the rack mounting bracket into the unit.

4. Repeat the procedure on the opposite side of the unit.

1

Rear of unit

2

3

Front of unit

4

22

SPECIFICATIONS

Video Amplifi er Bandwidth:..................................................................2 x 165 MHz

Input Video Signal:...............................................................................1.2 Volts p-p

Input DDC Signal:..........................................................................5 Volts p-p (TTL)

Single Link Max. Resolution:................................................................1920 x 1200

Dual Link Max. Resolution:.................................................................. 3840 x 2400

DVI Connector:.................................................... DVI-I 29-pin female (digital only)

Power Supply:...............................................................................................5V DC

Power Consumption:.............................................5 Watts (min.) / 25 Watts (max.)

Dimensions:.....................................................................17.1” W x 1.8” H x 4.4” D

Rackmountable:..............................................................................1U Rack Space

Shipping Weight:...........................................................................................12 lbs.

23

WARRANTY

Gefen warrants the equipment it manufactures to be free from defects in material
and workmanship.

If equipment fails because of such defects and Gefen is notifi ed within two (2)
years from the date of shipment, Gefen will, at its option, repair or replace the
equipment, provided that the equipment has not been subjected to mechanical,
electrical, or other abuse or modifi cations. Equipment that fails under conditions
other than those covered will be repaired at the current price of parts and labor in
effect at the time of repair. Such repairs are warranted for ninety (90) days from
the day of reshipment to the Buyer.

This warranty is in lieu of all other warranties expressed or implied, including
without limitation, any implied warranty or merchantability or fi tness for any
particular purpose, all of which are expressly disclaimed.

1. Proof of sale may be required in order to claim warranty.

2. Customers outside the US are responsible for shipping charges to and from
Gefen.

3. Copper cables are limited to a 30 day warranty and cables must be in their
original condition.

The information in this manual has been carefully checked and is believed to
be accurate. However, Gefen assumes no responsibility for any inaccuracies
that may be contained in this manual. In no event will Gefen be liable for
direct, indirect, special, incidental, or consequential damages resulting from
any defect or omission in this manual, even if advised of the possibility of such
damages. The technical information contained herein regarding the features and
specifi cations is subject to change without notice.

For the latest warranty coverage information, refer to the Warranty and Return
Policy under the Support section of the Gefen Web site at www.gefen.com.

PRODUCT REGISTRATION

Please register your product online by visiting the Register Product page

under the Support section of the Gefen Web site.

24

NOTES

25

NOTES

26

NOTES

Rev A10

20600 Nordhoff St., Chatsworth CA 91311

1-800-545-6900 818-772-9100 fax: [phone]

www.gefen.com [e-mail]

Pb

This product uses UL listed power supplies.