Gefen GTB-MHDMI1.3-444-BLK, GTB-MHDMI1.3-444 User Manual

4x4 Matrix for

®

HDMI

GTB-MHDMI1.3-444

GTB-MHDMI1.3-444-BLK

User Manual

1.3

www.gefentoolbox.com

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Technical Support:

Telephone [phone]
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Technical Support Hours:

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

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

www.gefentoolbox.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.

4x4 Matrix for HDMI 1.3 is a trademark of Gefen, LLC

HDMI, the logo, and High-Defi nition Multimedia Interface are

trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing in the United States and

other countries.

© 2011 Gefen, LLC. All rights reserved.

All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Rev D7

CONTENTS

1 Introduction
2 Operation Notes
3 Features
4 Panel Layout
5 Panel Descriptions
6 Connecting And Operating The GefenToolBox 4x4 Matrix for HDMI 1.3
8 RMT-16IR Remote Description
10 RMT-16IR Remote Installation
11 RMT-16IR Remote Confi guration
12 Changing the IR Channel
13 IR Extender Installation
14 EDID Management
14 Understanding EDID
15 EDID Mode Selection
16 Audio Channel Selection
17 External EDID Management
18 Internal EDID Specifi cation
19 FAST Switching Technology
20 RS-232 Serial Control Interface
21 Wall Mounting Instructions
22 Specifi cations
23 Warranty

INTRODUCTION

Congratulations on your purchase of the GefenToolBox 4x4 Matrix for HDMI 1.3.
Your complete satisfaction is very important to us.

About Gefen

We specialize in total integration for your home theater, while also focusing on
going above and beyond customer expectations to ensure you get the most from
your hardware. We invite you to explore our distinct product line. Please visit
http://www.gefen.com for the latest offerings in High-Defi nition signal solutions
or call us between the hours of 8:00 am and 5:00 pm Monday-Friday, Pacifi c
Standard Time for assistance with your A/V needs. We’ll be happy to assist you.

Why Gefen ToolBox?

The Gefen Toolbox line offers portable and easy-to-install solutions for common
A/V system integration setups using HDMI connectivity. Gefen ToolBox products
are wall-mountable and small in size. Gefen ToolBox products are easily
transported in the fi eld and are ready for immediate and simple installations in
working environments. These products come fi nished in a glossy color to blend in
with either a white wall or black cabinet.

The GefenToolBox 4x4 Matrix for HDMI 1.3

The GefenToolBox 4x4 Matrix for HDMI 1.3 routes HDMI at resolutions up to
1080p@60Hz and 1920x1200@60Hz supporting multichannel digital audio
from any four Hi-Def sources to any four HDTV displays. The GefenToolBox
4x4 Matrix eliminates the need to disconnect and reconnect HDMI sources. It
works with any HDMI source that needs to be connected to an HDTV display,
supporting digital audio formats such as Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD Master
Audio. Each source is accessible at all times from any display by selecting it with
the included IR remote, the RS-232 port, or using the front-panel push buttons.

How It Works

Connect your Hi-Def A/V sources to the GefenToolBox 4x4 Matrix’s inputs using
the supplied HDMI cable. Connect up to 4 HDTV displays to the Matrix’s four
HDMI outputs also using the provided HDMI cables. Apply power to sources and
to the displays. A/V Sources may now be routed to display devices by using the
front panel buttons or the included IR remote control.

1

OPERATION NOTES

READ THESE NOTES BEFORE INSTALLING OR

OPERATING THE GEFENTOOLBOX 4X4 MATRIX FOR HDMI 1.3

• 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 GefenToolBox 4x4 Matrix for HDMI 1.3 incorporates advanced EDID
management to ensure compatibility with all sources and display devices.
See pages 15 - 18 for more details.

• The GefenToolBox 4x4 Matrix for HDMI 1.3 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.

• When powering the GefenToolBox 4x4 Matrix for HDMI 1.3 or if the EDID
Mode is changed (see pages 4 - 5), the Matrix will undergo a momentary
initialization sequence. This is normal operation and may take a few
seconds.

2

FEATURES

HDMI 1.3 Features

• 225 MHz (up to 12 bit YUV 444 @ 1080p)

• Deep Color

• Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio

• Lip Sync

• CEC Pass-Through

General Features

• Simultaneously displays any of four (4) Hi-Def sources on up to four (4)
HDTV displays without signal loss.

• Maintains beautiful, sharp HDTV resolutions up to 1080p@60 Hz,
1920x1200 and 2K.

• 3DTV Pass-Through

• EDID Detection/Adjustment for rapid integration of sources and display
devices.

• Fast Switching for quick and responsive HDMI signal routing. See page 19
for details.

• Supports modern advanced digital audio formats including LPCM 7.1 audio,
Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, and DTS-HD Master Audio.

• Supports the use of DVI sources and DVI output with an HDMI-to-DVI
converter cable or adapter.

• Input and output cables can be as long as 15 feet when using 8-bit or 12-bit
color. The extension distance on the inputs and outputs is dependent upon
the quality of the cables used.

• This product is HDMI-compliant and HDCP-compliant.

Package Includes

(1) GefenToolBox 4x4 Matrix for HDMI 1.3
(4) 6 ft. Locking HDMI Cables (M-M)
(1) 5V DC Locking Power Supply
(1) IR Remote Control Unit
(1) User Manual

3

PANEL LAYOUT

Front Panel

1

2

3

4

11

10

9

Side Panel

5

6

7

8

4

PANEL DESCRIPTIONS

1 HDMI Input Ports 1-4

Connect HDMI-compliant source device(s) to any of these input ports.

2 Audio Channel Selection Switch

This switch will modify the EDID to specify the number of supported audio
channels when using the INTERNAL EDID mode. This setting will not af fect the
EDID information when using the EXTERNAL EDID mode.

3 EDID Mode Selection Switch

This switch will control the type of EDID that will be sent to the source device.
The options are EXTERNAL and INTERNAL. Please see page 15 for details.

4 Source Selectors (4) and Indicator LEDs (16)

The four (4) black buttons labeled “Out 1 - Out 4” select input sources 1 - 4 to
be mapped to the outputs 1 - 4. Please see page 6 for more details on how to
use these buttons.

5 RS-232 Serial Port

The Matrix may be switched remotely using serial communications with any
offi ce computer or a control automation device. See page 20 for details.

6 3.5mm IR Extender Port (For Optional IR Extension)

An optional IR Extender allows extension of the IR sensor up to a distance of 6
feet from the GefenToolBox 4x4 Matrix. Please see page 13 for details.

7 USB Service Port

Mini-USB service port used for upgrading the GTB-HDMI1.3-444 fi rmware.

8 5V DC Locking Power Receptacle

Connect the included 5V DC power supply here and at a free wall outlet. Only
use the power supply supplied. Screw the locking power tip into the socket until
it fi ts snugly without overtightening.

9 Power Indicator LED (Red)

This LED will glow red once the included 5V DC power supply has been
properly connected to the unit and an AC power source.

10 IR Window

Receives IR commands from the included IR remote (EXT-RMT-16IR), shown
on page 8.

1 1 HDMI Output Ports 1-4

Connect HDMI-compliant display device(s) to any of these output ports.

5

CONNECTING AND OPERATING

THE GEFENTOOLBOX 4X4 MATRIX FOR HDMI 1.3

How to Connect the GefenToolBox 4x4 Matrix for HDMI 1.3

1. Use one of the provided HDMI cables to connect the source device to the
HDMI input port of the GefenToolBox 4x4 Matrix for HDMI 1.3.

2. Use additional HDMI cables to connect up to 4 HDMI cables to the four (4)
displays.

3. Connect the included 5V DC locking power supply to the power receptacle
on the Matrix.

4. Connect the other end of the power supply to an available power outlet.

How to Operate the GefenToolBox 4x4 Matrix for HDMI 1.3

The top panel of the GefenToolBox 4x4 Matrix for HDMI 1.3 contains a set
of LED indicators, displaying which input (source) is routed to which output
(display). This allows for easy management and viewing of all input and output
routing states.

There are four (4) rows of LED indicators on the front panel. To the left of the
LED indicators are four push buttons: Out 1, Out 2, Out 3, and Out 4. The
numbers along the top of the LED matrix represent the currently selected Input
(source): 1, 2, 3, or 4.

Example 1: Routing Input (source) 2 to Ouput (display) 3

1. Ensure that an HDMI cable is connected from the source to HDMI In 2 and
an HDMI cable is connected from the display to HDMI Out 3 on the Matrix.

2. Press Out 3 Button on the row of black buttons running vertically until the
LED under Input 2 is bright blue. If the LED does not immediately appear
under Input 2, continue depressing the Out 3 button until the LED under
Input 2 turns bright blue (Fig 1.1).

Fig 1.1

6

CONNECTING AND OPERATING

THE GEFENTOOLBOX 4X4 MATRIX FOR HDMI 1.3

3. Once the LED under Input 2 turns bright blue, a picture will be displayed on
the display connected to Out 3 on the Matrix.

Note that in Fig 1.1, Out 1, Out 2, and Out 4 have also been routed. In this
case, the displays connected to HDMI Out 1, HDMI Out 2, and HDMI Out 3 are
receiving video from the source connected to HDMI In 1.

Example 2: Routing Input (source) 3 to Output (display) 1

Using Fig 1.1 as a starting point, press the Out 1 button two (2) times. The LED
matrix should now appear as follows:

Fig 1.2

LED 3 turns bright blue on the row labeled Out 1, indicating that Output (display)
1 is connected to the source on HDMI In 3.

In Fig. 1.2, the current state of the matrix is: Display 1 is connected to HDMI
2, Display 2 is connected to Source 1, Display 2 is connected to Source 2, and
Display 4 is connected to Source 1. Note that both Display 2 and Display 4 are
connected to the same source.

7

RMT-16IR REMOTE DESCRIPTION

1

2

1 LED Button Press Indicator

This LED will activate momentarily upon each button press. This visual
indicator is to inform the user that a command has been sent by the IR
remote control.

2 Display and Source Selection Buttons

These buttons will be used to send display and source selections to the
GefenToolBox 4x4 Matrix for HDMI 1.3.

Routing Sources to Displays

Issuing a routing command is a simple process. There are a total of 8 buttons
on the RMT-16IR. Each set of four (4) buttons are grouped by color for easy
navigation. The fi rst set of four buttons (1 - 4) represent Output 1. The second
set of four buttons (5 - 8) represent Output 2. The individual buttons within a
color, represent the Inputs that are available for each Output.

For example, to route the source connected to HDMI In 3 to the display
connected to HDMI Out 2, press button 7 on the RMT-16IR. Button 7 represents
Input (source) 3 for Output (display) 2.

8

RMT-16IR REMOTE DESCRIPTION

The RMT-16IR remote control will allow the user to select which source will be
routed to which output. Each of the four (4) outputs are assigned a group of four
buttons which correspond to the four source inputs. Please use the information
below when selecting the desired source for each display.

Table of IR Remote Commands

for the GefenToolBox 4x4 Matrix for HDMI 1.3

RMT-16IR button Source Display

11 3 3

Example: In the above example, if button 11 on the RMT-16IR is pressed, the
source connected to HDMI In 3 will be routed to the Display connected to HDMI
Out 3.

9

RMT-16IR REMOTE INSTALLATION

Installing the IR Remote Control Battery

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.
The Remote Control unit ships with two batteries. One battery is required for

operation and the other battery is a spare.

Battery Slot

10

RMT-16IR REMOTE CONFIGURATION

Resolving IR Code Confl icts

In the event that IR commands from other remote controls confl ict with the
supplied IR remote control unit, changing the remote channel will alleviate this
issue. The IR remote control unit has a bank of DIP switches for setting the
remote IR channel.

The DIP Switch bank on the IR remote control unit is located underneath the
battery cover.

DIP Switches

It is important that the IR channel selected on the remote, match the IR channel
on the GefenToolBox 4x4 Matrix for HDMI 1.3 for proper operation. For example,
if you set both DIP switches on the remote to the down position (toward the “1”
and “2”), IR channel 0, you must set the GefenToolBox 4x4 Matrix with FST to
use IR channel 0.

Remote Channel 0:
Default

1 2

Remote Channel 2:

1 2

Remote Channel 1:

1 2

Remote Channel 3:

1 2

See page 12 for information on how to change the IR channel on the
GefenToolBox 4x4 Matrix for HDMI 1.3.

11

CHANGING THE IR CHANNEL

How To Change The IR Channel

Use the following procedure to set the proper IR channel on the Matrix.
1 Press and hold the Out 1 button for 5 seconds to enter IR channel selection

mode. The bank of blue LED indicators will now display the currently
selected IR channel.

2 Press the Out 1 button to cycle through each IR channel. The currently

selected IR channel will by indicated by a fl ashing blue LED. IMPORTANT:
The selected IR channel must be the same as the IR channel set on the IR
Remote (see page 11). Refer to the table below for setting the IR channel.

3 Once the proper IR channel has been selected, press and hold the Out 1

button for 5 seconds to confi rm and exit IR channel selection mode. The
currently selected input source will now be indicated.

IR Channel Table

Input LED IR Channel

10
21
32
43

12

IR EXTENDER INSTALLATION

Using The IR Extender

An optional IR Extender (Gefen Part No. EXT-RMT-EXTIR) can be used to
extend the IR capabilities of the GefenToolBox 4x4 Matrix for HDMI 1.3. One
such application allows the Matrix to be hidden within or behind a cabinet (see
illustration below).

Simply connect the IR extender to the IR extender port (see page 4).

IR Extender

13

EDID MANAGEMENT

Understanding EDID

The GefenToolBox 4x4 Matrix for HDMI 1.3 features automatic and manual
EDID adjustments to maximize compatibility of all attached devices. First, it is
necessary to understand EDID and what it is used for.

EDID. What is it and what is it used for?

Under normal circumstances, source devices will require information about a
connected display device to assess what features (for instance video resolutions
and audio formats) are compatible with the output device. This required
information is called the EDID (Extended Display Information Data). Almost all
types of output devices/displays (computer monitor, HDTV, A/V receiver) will
transmit EDID to a connected source. The source will then read this EDID fi le
and make the necessary adjustments to the output signal to ensure that only
compatible resolutions/features are generated in the output signal.

Why is EDID so important with the GefenToolBox 4x4 Matrix for HDMI 1.3?

The GefenToolBox 4x4 Matrix for HDMI 1.3 uses complex technology that routes
multiple input signals to multiple outputs. The source devices will require EDID to
read. Multiple devices/displays can be connected to the input and output ports on
the Matrix, each with their own EDID. Management of EDID is key to ensure that
maximum compatibility is maintained between all devices.

What options do I have to manage the EDID in the GefenToolBox 4x4 Matrix
for HDMI 1.3?

It is important to understand that the EDID contains much more than just
listings of supported video resolutions and audio formats. However, resolutions
and audio formats are the two key types of information that a user will need to
understand how to use these EDID management functions.

Common problems that a user may encounter while using the Matrix can be:

1. Video may not be visible on all output devices/displays.

2. Audio may not be heard on all output devices/displays.
These symptoms usually arise from video resolution / audio format

incompatibilities between the devices / displays connected to the outputs.
The GefenToolBox 4x4 Matrix for HDMI 1.3 can use one of two methods to

acquire and retransmit an EDID to the A/V source device relaying information
about the output devices that are connected to it, thus ensuring compatibility.

14

EDID MANAGEMENT

EDID Mode Selection

• EXTERNAL MODE:

To use this mode, set the EDID Mode Switch on the front panel to the EXT
position. In External EDID mode, the Matrix retrieves EDID data directly from
each connected A/V display device. The EDID data is then compiled and a
new EDID is created based on the highest-supported video resolution and
audio capabilities common to all displays. The new EDID is sent back to the
source device.

If insuffi cient EDID data is available from external display devices or EDID-
related problems are encountered, Internal EDID Mode should be used to
provide a single compatible EDID for all connected devices.

• INTERNAL MODE:

Internal EDID mode uses a preset EDID that is stored in the GefenToolBox
4x4 Matrix for HDMI 1.3 from the factory. To use this mode, set the EDID
Mode Switch on the front panel to the INT position. All resolutions and audio
formats specifi ed in this EDID will be passed to the source device. Many
common resolutions and audio formats are supported. For a complete listing
of the resolutions and audio formats listed in this EDID please see page 18.

NOTE: All other HDMI capable devices/displays connected to the output
ports MUST be compatible with at least one resolution/audio format specifi ed
in this EDID. It is recommended to set, on the source device, a common
resolution and audio format shared by all attached devices/displays. This is
to ensure a compatible signal is outputted to all connected devices/displays.

15

EDID MANAGEMENT

Audio Channel Selection

The GefenToolBox 4x4 Matrix for HDMI 1.3 features a switch that will modify
the supported audio formats listed in the pre-programmed EDID. This feature
is useful for limiting the output of the source device to either 2 or multi-channel
audio formats.

NOTE: This selector switch will only affect the pre-programmed EDID in the
INTERNAL (INT) EDID Mode.

The GefenToolBox 4x4 Matrix for HDMI 1.3 can use either of the following
settings for audio format support:

1. 2 Channel: This setting will limit the audio formats listed in the pre-

programmed EDID to 2 channel LPCM. For a full listing of the audio formats
in this mode, see page 18.

To use this mode, set the Audio Selection Switch on the front panel to the 2
CH position.

This mode is useful in scenarios where all output devices/displays are HDTV
monitors that only support 2 channel LPCM. This setting will ensure that all
connected devices will receive and produce sound.

2. Multi-Channel: This setting will enable all common audio formats in the pre-

programmed EDID. For a full listing of the audio formats in this mode, see
page 18.

To use this mode, set the Audio Selection Switch on the front panel to the
Multi CH position.

This mode is useful in scenarios where the output devices/displays are
varying devices (i.e. HDTV display and audio receivers). Please note that
sound may not be heard from all output devices/displays if a shared common
audio format is not used by the source device.

16

EDID MANAGEMENT

External EDID Management

The GefenToolBox 4x4 Matrix for HDMI 1.3 features EDID Management. Before
the source can send video or audio signals to the display, the source devices
reads the EDID (Extended Display Identifi cation Data) of each device connected
to an output. The EDID contains information about what type of AV data that the
source can send to each display.

The GefenToolBox 4x4 Matrix for HDMI 1.3 routes multiple source signals to
multiple output devices. This involves reading EDID data from more than one
device. Management of the EDID data is important to maintain compatibility
between all devices.

Display Connections

• If a display is not connected to Output 1, then no EDID changes are made,

meaning that the previous EDID information will be used. This state will be
in effect until a display is connected to Output 1 and the Matrix is power­cycled.

• EDID is copied from Output 1 to all other outputs. The audio block will be

copied from Output 1. EDID-copying is performed only when the Matrix is
reset or power-cycled.

3DTV Support

• 3D signals are supported if a 3DTV is connected to Output 1.

Deep Color

• Deep Color will be disabled if one of more other displays connected to the

Matrix do not support Deep Color.

17

EDID MANAGEMENT

Internal EDID Specifi cations

The table below lists the settings that comprise the built-in Internal EDID data
structure:

Video Data Block

1080p@60Hz
1080p@50Hz
1080i@60Hz (native)
1080i@50Hz

Audio Data Block Speaker Allocation xvYCC

2-channel:

LPCM 2CH

Multi-channel:

LPCM 2CH
LPCM 8CH
AC-3 6CH
DTS 7CH
Dolby Digital+ 8CH
Dolby TrueHD 8CH
DTS-HD 8CH
MAT(MLP) 8CH

2-channel:

FL/FR

Multi-Channel:

RLC/RRC
RL/RR
FC
LFE
FL/FR

xvYCC 709

xvYCC 601

18

FAST SWITCHING TECHNOLOGY

Fast Switching Technology

Fast Switching Technology (FST) is a Gefen software implementation for
HDMI 1.3 products. FST was created to improve the inherited lengthy HDMI
authentication process, based on the HDMI and HDCP specifi cations.

FST provides quicker A/V source switching and greatly improves the overall A/V
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.

19

RS-232 SERIAL CONTROL INTERFACE

This feature allows for easy integration into automated systems capable of
transmitting RS-232 commands. Please use the settings below to confi gure the
RS-232 port of the user’s system.

Transmitting the appropriate numeric ASCII character will simulate key-presses
on the EXT-RMT-16IR remote control.

Binary Table

ASCII Corresponding

RMT16-IR

Button
1 1 0011 0001 9 9 0011 1001
2 2 0011 0010 a 10 0110 0001
3 3 0011 0011 b 11 0110 0010
4 4 0011 0100 c 12 0110 0011
5 5 0011 0101 d 13 0110 0100
6 6 0011 0110 e 14 0110 0101
7 7 0011 0111 f 15 0110 0110
8 8 0011 1000 g 16 0110 0111

RS-232 Settings

Binary ASCII Corresponding

RMT16-IR

Button

Binary

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

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

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

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

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

20

WALL MOUNTING INSTRUCTIONS

The GefenToolBox 4x4 Matrix for HDMI 1.3 should be mounted vertically in
a wall or cabinet with wood/drywall screws as shown in the diagram above.
There should be an inch or two of clearance between the edges of the unit and
any walls or vertical surfaces to allow for enough clearance for insertion and
retraction of cables at the HDMI connectors.

For installation on a drywall surface, use a #6 drywall screw. It is recommended
when installing on a drywall surface that studs be used to secure the Matrix
should undue stress be applied when connecting and disconnecting HDMI
cables.

21

SPECIFICATIONS

Maximum Pixel Clock .............................................................................. 225 MHz

Maximum Video Resolution ............................. 1080p@60Hz, 1920x1200@60Hz

with 12-bit Deep Color

Input Video Signal ........................................................................................2V p-p

Input DDC Signal .............................................................................. 5V p-p (TTL)

HDMI Connector ................................... type A 19-pin female; (4) input, (4) output

LED Indicators (source mapping)..............................................................(16) blue

LED Indicator (power)....................................................................................(1) red

RS-232 Interface............................................................................... DB9 serial (F)

IR Extender...............................................................................3.5 mm Mini-Stereo

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

Power Consumption ............................................................................ 20W (max)

Dimensions ........................................................................ 6½” W x 11¾” H x 1” D

Operating Temperature .............................................................................0 - 40 °C

Shipping Weight .............................................................................................6 lbs.

Available Colors.................................................................................Ivory or Black

Compliance...............US/EU Standards, HDMI 1.3, HDMI 1.2, HDCP 1.1, DVI 1.0

Certifi cations.............................................................UL (power supply), RoHS, CE

22

23

Rev D7

20600 Nordhoff St., Chatsworth CA 91311

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

www.gefentoolbox.com [e-mail]

Pb