Gefen GEF-HDFST-848-4ELR, PRO GEF-HDFST-848-4ELR User Manual

8x8 Matrix for HDMI

w/4 ELR-POL Outputs

GEF-HDFST-848-4ELR

User Manual

1080P

®

www.gefenpro.com

GEFEN
8x8 HDMI MAtRIX

ASKING FOR ASSISTANCE

Rev A5

Technical Support:
Telephone [phone]
[phone]

Fax [phone]

Technical Support Hours:

8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday thru Friday, Pacic Time

Write To:

Gefen, LLC.

c/o Customer Service
20600 Nordhoff St

Chatsworth, CA 91311

www.gefenpro.com
[e-mail]

Notice

Gefen, LLC reserves the right to make changes in the hardware, packaging, and any

accompanying documentation without prior written notice.

8x8 Matrix for HDMI w/4 ELR-POL Outputs is a trademark of Gefen, LLC

HDMI, the HDMI logo, and High-Denition Multimedia Interface are trademarks or

registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing in the United States and other countries.

© 2012 Gefen, LLC. All rights reserved.

All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

CONTENTS

1 Introduction
2 Operation Notes
3 Features
4 Matrix Layout
4 Front

5 Back

6 Matrix Descriptions
6 Front

7 Back
8 ELR-POL Receiver Layout
9 ELR-POL Receiver Descriptions
10 IR Remote Control

10 Layout and Description
11 Installing the Battery

11 Setting the IR Channel

12 Connecting the 8x8 Matrix for HDMI w/4 ELR-POL Outputs

12 Wiring Diagram

13 Operating the 8x8 Matrix for HDMI w/4 ELR-POL Outputs
13 Main Display

14 Determining the Current Routing State
15 Routing Sources
18 Locking / Unlocking the Front Panel
19 Fast Switching Technology
20 Determining the Current Switching Mode
22 Changing the Switching Mode
23 Setting the IR channel on the 8x8 Matrix for HDMI w/4 ELR-POL Outputs
25 Routing Sources using the IR Remote Control
27 EDID Management
28 RS-232 / IP Control
28 RS-232 Interfacce
28 RS-232 Settings
29 IP Conguration
30 RS-232 / IP Commands
30 IP / Telnet Conguration
47 UDP Conguration
51 Routing / Naming / Presets
62 Status
68 FST
70 Masking

86 Web Interface

109 Firmware Update
109 Firmware Update Procedure (over IP)
110 Firmware Update Procedure (over USB)
112 Rack Mount Safety Features
113 Specications

114 Warranty
115 Licensing

Congratulations on your purchase of the GefenPRO 8x8 Matrix for HDMI w/4 ELR Outputs.

Your complete satisfaction is very important to us.

About GefenPRO

GefenPRO supports demanding professionals with invaluable equipment for commercial
and broadcast environments. With its expanded hardware, internal power supplies,
robust rack mountable enclosures, and 2 year warranty with 24/7 customer support,
the GefenPRO Modular Matrix will always perform in the most technically challenging
environments.

The GefenPRO 8x8 Matrix for HDMI w/4 ELR-POL Outputs

The GefenPRO 8x8 Matrix with four ELR and four HDMI outputs routes up to eight Hi-Def

sources at resolutions up to 1080p Full HD with Deep Color and multi-channel digital audio
to any of eight HDTV displays, eliminating the need to disconnect and reconnect HDMI
sources and displays. It features extension of four displays up to 330 feet (100 meters),
using Gefen’s ELR (Extra Long Range) and POL (Power Over Link) technologies. ELR
extension on four outputs allows installation of displays over a single CAT-5e cable. POL
eliminates the need to externally power the four included ELR receivers. The GefenPRO
8x8 Matrix supports 3DTV and advanced digital audio formats such as Dolby® TrueHD and
DTS-HD Master Audio™. Each source is accessible at all times from any display by using
the included IR Remote Control, the RS-232 port, IP (Telnet or Web GUI), or by using the

front-panel push buttons.

Fast Switching Technology (FST) is a Gefen software implementation for HDMI products.
FST was created to improve the lengthy HDMI authentication process, based on the HDMI
and HDCP specications. FST allows connecting/disconnecting or turning any of the HDTV
displays on or off without affecting other displays within the audio/video distribution system.

How It Works

Using HDMI cables, connect up to eight Hi-Def sources to the HDMI inputs on the matrix.
Connect up to four HDTV displays to the HDMI outputs on the matrix and up to four HDTV
displays to the supplied ELR-POL receivers. Use a single CAT-5e cable to connect each
of the receivers to the matrix. An external power supply is not required because power is
delivered by the matrix over the CAT-5e cables. 3D content can be displayed when con­necting a 3DTV and 3D source.Connect the included AC power cord to the matrix and plug
it into an available electrical outlet. Turn on the matrix by pressing the power switch. Apply

power to sources and to the displays. The Hi-Def sources can now be routed to any

display by using the IR remote control, RS-232 port, IP (Telnet or Web GUI), or by using the

front-panel push buttons.

INTRODUCTION

1

READ THESE NOTES BEFORE INSTALLING OR

OPERATING THE 8X8 MATRIX FOR HDMI W/4 ELR-POL OUTPUTS

• EDID contains the A/V capabilities of a display device in regards to video resolutions
and audio formats supported. This information is used by the source device to
determine the format of the A/V signal on the outputs. The 8x8 Matrix for HDMI w/4
ELR-POL Outputs incorporates advanced EDID management to ensure compatibility
with all sources and display devices. See pages 27 for more details.

• The GefenPRO 8x8 Matrix for HDMI w/4 ELR-POL Outputs can detect the presence

of Deep Color (12-bit signal) automatically and will disable Deep Color EDID features
across all other outputs if any connected device or display is not capable of processing
Deep Color. This automatic behavior ensures compatibility among all output devices in
a mixed-device environment. This feature cannot be disabled.

OPERATION NOTES

2

FEATURES

3

Supported HDMI Features

• Resolutions up to 1080p Full HD

• HDCP compliant

• 12-bit Deep Color

• x.v. Color

• LPCM 7.1 audio, Dolby® TrueHD, and DTS-HD Master Audio™

• 3DTV pass-through

• Lip-Sync pass-through

Features

• Routes any eight Hi-Def sources to any eight HD displays, independently

• ELR technology allows extension up to 330 feet (100 meters)

• POL feature provides power to each ELR receiver

• HDBaseT® technology

• Gefen FST speeds up the HDCP authentication process

• Fast and Slow FST Modes

• Advanced EDID Management for rapid integration of sources and displays

• Ability to save and recall presets

• Supports DVI sources and displays

• Field-upgradeable rmware via IP or RS-232

• Front Panel Switching

• IR Control of the matrix via front panel sensor or optional IR extender (EXT-RMT-

EXTIRC)

• Serial (RS-232) and IP Control via Web Server and Telnet

• Rack mountable (2U tall, rack ears included)

• Internal power supply with detachable IEC AC cord

• Back panel master power switch

Package Includes

(1) 8x8 Matrix for HDMI w/4 ELR-POL Ouputs
(4) HDMI cables (M-M)

(4) Extender for HDMI ELR-POL (Receiver Units)
(1) IR Remote Control
(1) Set of Rack Ears (Attached)

(1) AC Power Cord

(1) Quick-Start Guide

MATRIX LAYOUT

4

Front

GEFEN

8x8 HDMI MATRIX

2 41 3 5 7

6 8

MATRIX LAYOUT

5

Back

9 10

12 15

13 16 18

14

19

17

11

6

MATRIX DESCRIPTIONS

Front

1 LCD Display

This is a two-line, sixteen-character display that shows status information and is also used
to manage display / source routing.

2 Navigation Buttons (Input / Output)

Used for routing and adjusting settings of the 8x8 Matrix for HDMI w/4 ELR-POL Outputs.
See the information beginning on page 15 for details on using these buttons.

3 Menu

Press this button to display routing, switching mode, and IP address information.

4 IR Sensor

Receives signals from the IR Remote Control.

5 Lock Indicator

This LED glows bright blue when the front panel is locked.

6 Lock Button

Pressing this button temporarily locks the front panel controls.

7 Power Indicator

This LED indicator will glow bright blue when the matrix is powered on. When the matrix
is in standby mode, this LED indicator will glow bright red. The power switch, on the back
of the matrix, must be switched to the the ON position in order for this LED indicator to

function.

8 Power Button

Press this button to power-on and power-off the matrix.

7

MATRIX DESCRIPTIONS

Back

9 IP Control

Connect an Ethernet cable to this port to control the 8x8 Matrix for HDMI w/4 ELR-POL

Outputs using IP Control. See page 29 for more information on conguring the matrix for

IP control.

10 RS-232

Connect an RS-232 cable from this DB-9 connector to the RS-232 control device.
See page 28 for more information.

11 Grounding Screw
Used to keep electrical current away from circuitry

12 IR EXT

Connect an IR extender (Gefen part no. EXT-RMT-EXTIRC) to this jack

13 USB

Service port for manufacturer use only.

14 HDMI Locking Connector

Used to lock the HDMI cable in place.

15 HDMI Outputs (A - D)

Connect up to four HDTV displays to each of these ports using HDMI cables.

16 HDMI Inputs (1 - 8)

Connect a Hi-Def source to each of these ports using HDMI cables.

17 ELR-POL Outputs (E - H)

Connect a CAT-5e (or better) cable from each of these jacks to the ELR-POL In jacks on
the ELR-POL Receiver units.

18 Power Switch

Turn the power ON or OFF using this switch.

19 110/220 AC Power Receptacle

Connect the included AC power cord to this receptacle and connect the plug to an

available electrical outlet.

ELR-POL RECEIVER LAYOUT

8

Top

Front

Back

21

4

3

ELR-POL RECEIVER DESCRIPTIONS

9

Top / Front / Back

1 Power Indicator

This LED indicator will glow bright blue when the matrix is powered and the ELR-POL
Receiver unit is connected to the matrix using CAT-5e (or better) cable.

2 HDMI Out

Connect an HDTV display to the HDMI Out port using an HDMI cable.

3 HDMI Locking Connector

Used to lock the HDMI cable in place.

4 ELR-POL In

Connect a CAT-5e (or better) cable from this jack to one of the ELR-POL jacks on the 8x8

Matrix for HDMI w/4 ELR-POL Outputs.

1 LED Button Press Indicator
This LED will be activated momentarily each time a button is pressed.

2 Display and Source Selection Buttons
These buttons are used to select which source is routed to a display.

The Source and Display buttons are mapped as follows:

Layout and Description (RMT-848IR)

1

2

NOTE: An Activity Indicator that ashes quickly while holding down

any one of the 16 buttons indicates a low battery. Replace the IR

Remote Control battery as soon as possible.

IR REMOTE CONTROL

10

11

IR REMOTE CONTROL

Installing the Battery

The Remote Control unit ships with two batteries (CR2032 lithium battery).
One battery is required for operation and the other battery is a spare.

1. Remove the battery cover on the back of the IR Remote Control unit.

2. Insert the included battery into the open battery slot. The positive (+) side
of the battery should be facing up.

3. Replace the battery cover.

Setting the IR Channel

The IR channel on the IR Remote Control must match the IR channel used by the
8x8 Matrix for HDMI w/4 ELR-POL Outputs. For example, if both DIP switches on the IR
Remote Control unit are set to IR channel 0 (both DIP switches down), then the 8x8 Matrix
for HDMI w/4 ELR-POL Outputs must also be set to IR channel 0. See pages 23 and 81

for information on how to change the IR channel on the 8x8 Matrix for HDMI w/4 ELR-POL

Outputs.

Remote Channel 2: Remote Channel 3:

Channel 0 (default): Remote Channel 1:

DIP switchesBattery slot

1 2

ON

1 2

ON

1 2

ON

1 2

ON

1 2

WARNING: Risk of explosion if battery is replaced by an incorrect
type. Use only 3V lithium batteries CR-2032.

12

How to Connect the 8x8 Matrix for HDMI w/4 ELR-POL Outputs

1. Connect up to eight Hi-Def sources to the inputs on the 8x8 Matrix for HDMI w/4
ELR-POL Outputs using HDMI cables.

2. Using HDMI cables, connect up to four HDTV displays to the HDMI outputs on the

matrix, and up to four HDTV displays to the supplied ELR-POL Receiver units.

3. Connect each ELR-POL Receiver unit to the 8x8 Matrix for HDMI w/4 ELR-POL
Outputs using CAT-5e (or better) cables.

4. Connect the AC power cord to the matrix and connect the plug to an available
electrical outlet.

Wiring Diagram for the 8x8 Matrix for HDMI w/4 ELR-POL Outputs

GEF-HDFST-848-4ELR

HD Display

HD Display

HD Display

HD Display

HD Display

HD Display

HD Display

HD Display

8x8 Matrix for HDMI w/ELR POL

Extender for HDMI R ELR POL

Router

HDMI CABLE

Hi-Def Source

Hi-Def Source

Hi-Def Source

Hi-Def Source

Hi-Def Source

Hi-Def Source

Hi-Def Source

Hi-Def Source

RS-232 Controller

RS-232 CABLE

CAT-5 CABLE

IR Extender CABLE

IR Extender

®

NOTE: When connected to the matrix, each ELR-POL Receiver
unit is powered over the CAT-5e cable. No external power
supplies are required for the ELR-POL Receiver units.

CONNECTING THE

8X8 MATRIX FOR HDMI W/4 ELR-POL OUTPUTS

Main Display

The Main Display of the 8x8 Matrix for HDMI w/4 ELR-POL Outputs is a 16 character 2

line display. This display shows the current routing status of the matrix and is also used to
display additional system information. When the unit is powered on, the following screen is

displayed:

After a few moments, the status screen is displayed. The status screen is shown below:

Displaying Additional Information

Consecutively pressing the Menu button, on the front panel, will cycle through other
screens such as FST mode and IP information:

13

OUT:ABCDEFGH
IN:33334681

GEFEN
8x8 HDMI MATRIX

OUT:ABCDEFGH
IN:33334681

IN:12345678
MODE:FSFSSFFF

1.IP ADDRESS

192.168.0.72

OPERATING THE

8X8 MATRIX FOR HDMI W/4 ELR-POL OUTPUTS

Determining the Current Routing State

In the example below, the rst row (OUT) represents each HDMI output on the matrix.
The bottom row (IN) represents each HDMI input on the matrix. Together, these two rows

display the current routing state.

Starting on the bottom row, we can see that Input 3 has been routed to Outputs A, B, C,

and D. Continuing on, Input 4 is routed to Output E, Input 6 is routed to Output F, Input 8

is routed to Output G, and nally Input 1 is routed to Output H.

Note that each output (A - H) specied in the LCD display, corresponds to each of the
HDMI inputs (1 - 8) on the matrix.

If all inputs are routed to their respective outputs, the front-panel display will appear as

follows:

This is referred to as a “1-to-1” routing state. This is the factory (default) setting for the 8x8
Matrix for HDMI w/4 ELR-POL Outputs.

OUT:ABCDEFGH
IN:33334681

OUT:ABCDEFGH
IN:12345678

OPERATING THE

8X8 MATRIX FOR HDMI W/4 ELR-POL OUTPUTS

14

OPERATING THE

8X8 MATRIX FOR HDMI W/4 ELR-POL OUTPUTS

Routing Sources

Selecting the Output

1. To select the output, press the Out - or Out + button once. The routing state for
Output A will be displayed:

2. Press the Out - or Out + button to cycle through the routing state for each output.

Consecutively pressing the Out + button will cycle through each output, from left to

right.

15

OUT:A
IN:3

OUT: C
IN: 3

3. Consecutively pressing the Out - button will cycle through each output,
from right to left.

Changing the Source

4. Once the desired output has been selected, press the Input + or Input - button.

Consecutively pressing the Input + button will increment the input value by a factor of
1 (within a range of 1 - 8). For example, if Input 4 was originally routed to Output D,

then pressing the Input + button will route Input 5 to Output D.

16

OUT: D
IN: 3

OUT: D
IN: 5

Source changed from
from Input 4 to Input 5.

OPERATING THE

8X8 MATRIX FOR HDMI W/4 ELR-POL OUTPUTS

5. Consecutively pressing the Input - button will decrease the input value by a factor of
1 (within a range of 1 - 8). For example, if Input 3 was originally routed to Output D,

pressing the Input - button will route Input 2 to Output D.

To change the routing status of another output, press the Output + or Output -
buttons to navigate to the desired output. Use the Input + or Input - buttons to
change the source.

6. Press the Menu button to return to the Routing Screen.

NOTE: If the Menu button is not pressed after a routing change

has been made, then the 8x8 Matrix for HDMI w/ 4 ELR-POL
Outputs will automatically return to the Routing Screen after about

20 seconds.

17

OUT: D
IN: 2

Source changed from

Input 3 to Input 2.

OUT:ABCDEFGH
IN:33254681

OPERATING THE

8X8 MATRIX FOR HDMI W/4 ELR-POL OUTPUTS

18

Locking / Unlocking the Front Panel

To prevent an accidental routing change or power-down (by pressing the Power button),
the front-panel buttons on the 8x8 Matrix for HDMI w/4 ELR-POL Outputs can be locked.
Locking the matrix also disables many RS-232 / IP commands.

1. Press the Lock button on the front-panel:

The Lock LED will glow bright blue to indicate that the front-panel buttons on the 8x8
Matrix for HDMI w/4 ELR-POL Outputs have been locked.

If any buttons (other than the Lock button) are pressed while the 8x8 Matrix for HDMI
w/4 ELR-POL Outputs is Locked, the following message will be displayed:

2. To unlock the 8x8 Matrix for HDMI w/4 ELR-POL Outputs, press the Lock button a

second time.

Lock LED indicator

LOCKED

OPERATING THE

8X8 MATRIX FOR HDMI W/4 ELR-POL OUTPUTS

19

Fast Switching Technology

Fast Switching Technology (FST) is a Gefen software implementation for HDMI products.
FST was created to improve the lengthy HDMI authentication process, based on the HDMI
and HDCP specications.

FST provides quicker audio/video source switching and greatly improves the overall audio/
video system behavior and performance when more than one HDTV display is used in the
system setup.

FST allows connecting / disconnecting or turning ON / OFF of HDTV displays without
having these activities affect other Hi-Def sources routed to any other HDTV display in the
same system.

Fast Mode:

Setting the 8x8 Matrix for HDMI w/4 ELR-POL Outputs to Fast Mode will improve
performance when connecting / disconnecting Hi-Def sources, and powering ON / OFF

HDTV displays.

NOTE: When switching from Slow Mode to Fast Mode, the HDTV displays connected to
the Matrix will blink momentarily.

Slow Mode:

When set to Slow Mode, the Matrix will follow the standard authentication process, based

on the HDMI and HDCP specications. Slow Mode is recommended when the source
does not support multiple devices.

FAST SWITCHING TECHNOLOGY

OPERATING THE

8X8 MATRIX FOR HDMI W/4 ELR-POL OUTPUTS

20

Determining the Current Switching Mode

Each HDMI input can be set to Fast Mode or Slow Mode. It is recommended that each
HDMI input be set to Fast Mode for best performance.

1. Consecutively press the Menu button on the front panel until the switching modes
screen is displayed.

The rst row (IN) represents each HDMI input on the matrix. The bottom row (MODE)
represents the current switching mode of each HDMI input.

Selecting the Input

2. To change the switching mode on an HDMI input, press the Output -
(or Output +) button once. The switching mode for Input 1 will be displayed:

The letter F indicates that the HDMI input is using Fast Mode switching.
If the HDMI input is set to Slow Mode switching, a letter S will be displayed under the
input.

IN:12345678
MODE:FSFSSFFF

IN:1
MODE:F

OPERATING THE

8X8 MATRIX FOR HDMI W/4 ELR-POL OUTPUTS

3. Press the Output - or Output + button again to cycle through the routing state for

each output. Consecutively pressing the Output + button will cycle through each
input, from left to right, starting with Input 1:

4. Consecutively pressing the Output - button will cycle through each output, from right
to left:

NOTE: In Routing mode, the Output + and Output - buttons cycle
through each output. In Switching mode, these same buttons are
used to cycle through each input.

21

IN: 3
MODE: F

IN: 2
MODE: F

OPERATING THE

8X8 MATRIX FOR HDMI W/4 ELR-POL OUTPUTS

Changing the Switching Mode

5. Once the desired input has been selected, press the Input + or Input - button to

toggle between Fast or Slow switching mode.

To change the switching mode of another input, press the Output + or

Output - button to navigate to the desired input. Press the Input + or
Input - button to toggle the switching mode between Fast (F) or Slow (S).

6. Press the Menu button to return to the Switching mode Screen.

Press the Menu button a second time to return to the Routing screen.

22

IN: 3
MODE: S

Switching mode
changed from Fast to
Slow on Input 3.

IN:12345678
MODE:FSSSSFFF

OPERATING THE

8X8 MATRIX FOR HDMI W/4 ELR-POL OUTPUTS

Setting the IR Channel on the 8x8 Matrix for HDMI

In order for the 8x8 Matrix for HDMI w/4 ELR-POL Outputs to communicate with the included
IR Remote Control, both the matrix and the IR Remote Control must be set to the same IR

channel. Follow the procedure outlined below to set the IR channel on the 8x8 Matrix for HDMI
w/4 ELR-POL Outputs.

1. From the Routing screen, simultaneously press the Input -, Input +, and the
Output - buttons to display the IR address screen. The current IR address will be
displayed along with the DIP switch settings for the IR remote control:

2. Use the Input + (or Input -) button to change the IR channel. Press the Input - button

to decrease the IR channel value. Press the Input + button to increase the IR channel
value.

23

H
8

IR ADDRESS : 1
1-ON , 2-OFF

IR Channel

DIP switch settings

OPERATING THE

8X8 MATRIX FOR HDMI W/4 ELR-POL OUTPUTS

3. After setting the IR address, make sure that the DIP switches on the IR Remote
Control are set according to the information in the LCD display. See page 11 for
information on setting the IR channel for the IR Remote Control unit.

In this case, the 8x8 Matrix for HDMI w/4 ELR-POL Outputs is set to IR channel 1.

Therefore, DIP switch 1 on the IR Remote Control must be set to the ON position and
DIP switch 2 must be set to the OFF position.

4. Press the Menu button to return to the Routing screen.

24

IR ADDRESS : 1
1-ON , 2-OFF

OUT:ABCDEFGH
IN:33254681

OPERATING THE

8X8 MATRIX FOR HDMI W/4 ELR-POL OUTPUTS

25

Routing Sources using the IR Remote Control

Buttons 1 - 8 on the IR remote control correspond to each HDMI input (Input 1 - 8) on the
Matrix. Buttons A - D correspond to each HDMI output (Output A - D) and buttons E-H
correspond to each ELR-POL output (Output E-H). To route a source to a display, press the

desired output rst, then press the input.

Routing Example: Route Input 4 to Output C

1. Select Output C by pressing button C on the IR Remote Control. The number 3 will
appear in the upper right-hand corner of the LCD display:

2. Select Input 4 by pressing button 4 on the IR Remote Control. The number 4 will
appear in the lower right-hand corner of the LCD display:

OUT:ABCDEFGH C
IN:33254681 4

Input 4 selected

OUT:ABCDEFGH C
IN:33254681

Output C selected

LED indicates a
button was pressed

OPERATING THE

8X8 MATRIX FOR HDMI W/4 ELR-POL OUTPUTS

26

3. After the input and output have been selected on the IR Remote Control, the numbers
on the far right-hand of the LCD display will disappear and the new routing state will
be displayed in the LCD display:

OUT:ABCDEFGH
IN:33454681

Input 4 is routed to
Output C

OPERATING THE

8X8 MATRIX FOR HDMI W/4 ELR-POL OUTPUTS