Equalizes and Boosts Single or Dual Link DVI video signals
Manage EDID (pass-thru or emulate)
Learns and Store EDID from any display
USB Port for device management with included software
Port-powered (from DVI sources that provide enough power)
Includes Universal power adapter
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Thank you for purchasing the Hall Research EMX-DVI. Use this device to boost and
extend DVI video signals, emulate a display to the source by supporting EDID
functions, and to be able to read/learn and emulate any display’s EDID.
The EMX-DVI automatically compensates for the signal degradation caused by long
video cable runs of up to 50 ft (15 m) on its input and can drive long DVI Cables on
its output to 40 ft (12 m) by boosting and echo-canceling the DVI video output. Its
ability to equalize cable losses makes it ideal to be placed at the far (display) end of
long DVI cables.
By default, the unit is setup to buffer single link DVI (or HDMI) signals. Use the
recessed LINK pushbutton to change the mode to support Dual link TMDS signals.
There is an indicator on the top of the unit for the selected mode.
In most instances, when configured for Single Link extension, the unit can operate
from the power available through the DVI source signal and no external power
supply connection is required.
The unit ships with a universal power supply in case the power from the DVI input
source is insufficient. The power supply is plugged in at the USB connector. When
the USB port is connected to a PC (cable supplied), the unit is powered by the PC
through the USB connection.
The DDC channel (that handles EDID and HDCP data) can either be bypassed
through the EMX-DVI (so the source communicates directly with the connected
display), or it can be emulated whereby the EDID is supplied from internal memory.
The product is shipped with a fixed internal EDID table for emulate mode, but this
table can be overwritten by either learning the EDID from a connected sink (display),
or uploaded via the USB port using the free software from Hall Research. The user
can revert to the original internal table if required, by performing factory reset using
the software.
Advantages of having a mode that emulates the EDID are:
• Video problems may be caused by errors in the EDID data transmission
• You can control the EDID table that is being emulated. For example you
• In Emulate mode the PC detects a connected display even if there is no
• Some sources such as MacBook™ laptops by default output video with
EMX-DVI Extender & EDID Mgr
from the display to the PC (long cables, or extension and switching
equipment), supplying EDID from the EMX-DVI can resolve those
problems.
can “learn” a certain LCD’s EDID, or even upload your own edited EDID.
physical display connected, or if the display is off and not asserting its Hot
Plug Detect signal. In emulate mode the HPD is asserted and the PC is
allowed to fully boot in critical applications regardless of what is
connected at its DVI (or VGA) output.
HDCP (when they detect connection to a sink that supports HDCP), but
when connected through the EMX-DVI in emulate mode, MacBook™s
will output video without HDCP (if the source video has DRM, such as a
DVD movie, then no video will be shown). This can be an advantage in
cases where you are connecting a MacBook™ through some splitters or
switches that support HDCP to a video conferencing system that cannot
support HDCP. All that is needed is the EMX-DVI in emulate mode
connected at the video output of the Mac.
The EMX-DVI provides a driver free USB port for connection to a PC. The package
includes a universal power supply, a USB cable for connection to a PC, and a CD
containing the User's Manual and Windows™ PC. This software allows reading,
saving, manipulating, and writing EDID tables to and from the device. The EMX-DVI
modes (Bypass vs. Emulate or Single-Link vs. Dual-Link) are also controllable via
the USB port.
The DVI connectors used on the unit are DVI-I (they have all the pin sockets even
for analog RGB). The device provides DVI-I bypass for analog RGBHV (or VGA)
signals (i.e. analog pins on the DVI-I input are connected to the output), so it can
manage EDID for VGA sources and displays using inexpensive VGA to DVI cables
or adapters.
Manage EDID (pass-thru or emulate)
Learn and Store EDID form any display
USB port for managing EDID and
configuration with free software
Port-powered (from DVI sources that
provide enough power)
Includes Universal power adapter
LED indicators for Mode display
3.0 Installation
The EMX-DVI connects between
the video source and an optional
display device.
Though designed to drive long
cables on its output, when used as
an extender, it is best to place the
EMX-DVI at the end of the long
cable. In that way, its automatic
equalizer can clean the output
signal and open the TMDS “eye”.
In Emulate mode allows PC to fully boot
with video even if there is no physical
display connected
Supports Single and Dual-Link DVI,
HDMI™, CEC & 3D Video
Use with or without display
USB port for control and mgmt of EDID
Designed and made in USA
Cable
TMDS Signal at end of long Cable TMDS Signal after Equalization
The DVI source may have enough power to power up the unit (particularly when configured in
Single-Link Mode), so connection to an external power supply would not be needed. The only
way to find out if a particular source can supply the required power is to try it. If a power
supply in deemed necessary, the package includes one that will plug to its USB port. When
the EMX-DVI USB port is connected to a PC, it draws power from the USB and no additional
power supply is needed.
Connect the video source to the EMX-DVI video input (50 ft or 15 meters max). Connect the
EMX-DVI video output to the display device (40 ft or 12 meters max).
The EMX-DVI LEDs show the current device settings. Refer to the operations section for more
information.
The following is a list of supported resolutions in the internal EDID of the EMX-DVI as shipped
from the factory – the native resolution is highlighted in grey. When the user “learns” a new
EDID or uploads a new EDID to the box through the USB port, then this table is overwritten.
However the default EDID table can be restored by performing a Factory Default reset (using
the free Windows® software, or by pressing buttons as described in Section 6).
1400x1050 60 (Aspect 4:3)
1680x1050 60 (Aspect 16:10)
5.0 Power Requirements
This device requires 5 Volts DC which can be sourced through the mini-B USB connector (by
connecting to the included power supply or a PC’s USB port), or from Pin 14 (+5 V) of the DVI
connector.
To power the EMX-DVI from the DVI input power, the source must be able to supply a
minimum of 120 mA (@ 5 vDC) for SINGLE LINK DVI operation and a minimum of 220 mA
(@ 5 vDC) for DUAL LINK DVI operation. Using a video source with insufficient power
capabilities will result in erratic operation and loss of video. If this happens, the user must
connect the USB port to a PC or a power supply.
The EMX-DVI recessed buttons prevent inadvertent changes to its settings.
Changing the settings requires a pointed device inserted into the hole to depress the button.
Some functions require depressing the button for several seconds.
• EDID/DDC – PASS-THRU LED
o EDID & HDCP information passes through the device without modification.
o HDCP is supported in this mode if the connected sink device is HDCP compliant.
o Hot-Plug Detect signal (HPD) from connected display passes to the DVI input.
• EDID/DDC – EMULATE LED
o Emulates the EDID using the table that is currently stored in the device.
o HDCP is not supported in this mode
o HPD signal remains active (no monitor required)
• LINK – SINGLE LED
o DVI video passes through the device in SINGLE LINK format.
• LINK – DUAL LED
o DVI video passes through the device in DUAL LINK format.
• LEARNING the EDID from Connected LCD
o Press and hold the EDID button for approximately 3~5 seconds until the EMULATE
LED starts blinking
o Release the button, the EMULATE LED will continue blinking while the unit is
reading and saving the EDID form the LCD connected to the output.
o If the EDID read process is successful, then ALL LED’s will illuminate one at a time
in a circular pattern 5 times.
o If the EDID is NOT successfully read, the PASS-THRU and EMULATE LEDs will
alternately flash 5 times to indicate the error.
• SET FACTORY DEFAULTS
o Simultaneously press and hold BOTH the LINK and EDID buttons for approximately
3~5 seconds until BOTH the EMULATE and SINGLE LINK LED’s start blinking.
o Release both buttons.
o If the factory defaults were successfully restored, all LED’s will illuminate one at a
time in a circular pattern 5 times.
7.0 Windows Software GUI
The EMX-DVI is controllable via a free
Windows™ based GUI available from
the Hall Research website.
All of the device features, and more,
are accessible from the GUI. EDID files
can be exported or imported. The
device is also capable of writing
custom EDID data back to compatible
display devices.The user guide for the
Software GUI is only available from the
website.
Problem: No LEDs illuminate or LED’s only momentarily FLASH when buttons are pushed, or
No video appears on the connected LCD
Possible Cause: If connected via DVI input cable only, your source may not have
enough power through its DVI connector to power the device, connect and check power
supply
Problem: DVD or Blu-ray content does not display
Possible Cause: The source is content protected using HDCP. HDCP is not supported
in EMULATE mode, use the PASS-THRU mode.
9.0 Returning unit for Repair
If you need to transport or ship your unit: Package it carefully. We recommend that you use
the original container.
Before you ship the units back to Hall Research for repair or return, contact us to get a Return
Authorization (RMA) number.
Enclosure type ........................................................................... Black Plastic ABS-94VO, UL File #56070
Vibration ........................................................... ISTA 1A in carton (International Safe Transit Association)
Safety ....................................................................................................................................................... CE
EMI/EMC ........................................................................................................................... CE, FCC Class A
Warranty ...................................................................................................................2 years parts and labor
USB ....................................................................................................................................... 1.1 Full Speed
Support video formats ....................................................................................................................... DVI 1.0
Analog RGBHV
11.0 Trademarks
Hall Research and its logo are trademarks of Hall Research Technologies, Inc. All other
trademarks mentioned in this manual are acknowledged as the property of the trademark
owners.