Hercules KD-MSCAT8X8, KD-MSCAT16X16, KD-MSCAT 24X24, KD-MSCAT32X32, KD-MSCAT40X40 Operating Instructions Manual

These Operating Instructions apply to the entire Key Digital® Hercules Series™ line of
Matrix Switchers:

KD-MSCAT8X8 ......................Matrix Switcher – (single base unit)

KD-MSCAT16X16 ................... Matrix Switcher – (2 base units of 8x8,

1 High-speed coax expansion cable, sold separately)

KD-MSCAT 24X24 ................. Matrix Switcher – (3 base units of 8x8,

3 High-speed coax expansion cables, sold separately)

KD-MSCAT32X32 .................. Matrix Switcher – (4 base units of 8x8,

6 High-speed coax expansion cables, sold separately)

KD-MSCAT40X40 .................. Matrix Switcher – (5 base units of 8x8,

10 High-speed coax expansion cables, sold separately)

Operating Instructions

KD-MSCAT8X8

8 Inputs to 8 Outputs CAT5/6/7, RGBHV &

HDTV Matrix Switcher with Audio Control

RoHS

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WEEE

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KD-MSCAT8X8 Operating Instructions

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Read these instructions.

Keep these instructions.

Heed all warnings.

Follow all instructions.

Do not use this apparatus near water.

Clean only with dry cloth.

Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions.

Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other
apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.

Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug
has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two blades and
a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If
the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the
obsolete outlet.

Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience

receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.

Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.

Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.

Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus

has been damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has
been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to
rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.

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Important Safety Instructions.

Please be sure to follow these instructions for safe operation of your unit

KD-MSCAT8X8 Operating Instructions

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Table of Contents

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Connecting A/V Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Basic Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

IR Remote Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Hercules Expansion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

TCP/IP Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

RS-232 Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Technical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Firmware Update Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

How to Contact Key Digital®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

© 2008 Key Digital, Inc. All rights reserved.

Always follow the instructions provided in this Operating Manual.

KD-MSCAT8X8 Operating Instructions

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Introduction

The KD-MSCAT8X8 by Key Digital® is a part of Hercules family of switchers.

Each single unit KD-MSCAT8X8 Video/Audio Matrix Switcher is capable of switching up to 8
Component/RGBHV Video Sources/Inputs to 8 independent Zones/Outputs via CAT5/6/7 as
well as 16 input Audio sources, 8 Analog and 8 digital. Analog audio inputs have Volume, Tone,
Balance and Lip Sync Control. The switcher uses three independent 8x8 matrix switchers inside,
one for each of Video, Analog Audio and Digital Audio. Each of these signals can be independently
switched between 8 inputs and 8 outputs/zones.

Each of the Eight CAT5/6/7 Outputs can automatically format and support:

Component, RGBHV, S-Video or Composite Video, Left and Right Analog Stereo or PCM
Digital Audio and

Bi-Directional RS232 and Bi-Directional Serial IR.
Each of the Eight CAT5/6/7 Outputs offer independent matrix switching capability for Video

and Audio to run over standard unshielded CAT5/6/7 Cables for 1000 feet on Component and
700 feet on VGA signals.

* Requires 8 Additional Receiver Units KD-VACRX or wall plate Receiver KD-VACWPRX

Each of the Eight CAT5/6/7 Outputs offer independent matrix switching capability for:

Component, RGBHV, S-Video, Composite Video Inputs to run over standard unshielded
CAT5/6/7 Cable

Analog Left, Right Balanced/Unbalanced Audio Inputs to run over standard unshielded
CAT5/6/7 Cable

Independent Digital (PCM) Audio Inputs to run over standard unshielded CAT5/6/7 Cable

Each KD-MSCAT8X8 is a TCP/IP Server that can be controlled via Internet or LAN.

Can handle major standard Video and Audio formats, stereo formats, digital SPDIF and
compressed digital Audio coaxial formats. It can separate Audio and Video for independent
matrix switching.

Bandwidth of 100Mhz (1 input to 1 output) or 40Mhz(1 input to 8 outputs) supports resolutions
up to 1920 x 1080p (on RGBHV)

Each of the Eight CAT5/6/7 Outputs offer Independent Audio Control capability for:

1. Volume Control: –12 dB to +30 dB

2. Balance Control: –6 dB to +6 dB

3. Tone Control: Bass and Treble : -12 dB to +12 dB

4. Lip Sync Control: Up to 170 ms

5. Balanced and Unbalanced Audio Interconnection

Allows for multiple expansions of input Video and Audio sources to multiple displays in multiple
zones

With Key Digital’s versatility, the KD-MSCAT8X8 can also be incrementally expanded in the
field to 16x16, 24x24, 32x32, and 40x40 configuration, taking on any job from just a stress free
installation to the most complex one.

Video can be switched to black Video (mute)

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KD-MSCAT8X8 Operating Instructions

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Supported Control systems (via RS-232/IR): AMX®, Control4®, HomeLogic, LifeWare™, RTI®,
Universal® and many others

Shielded RJ45 output connectors supports 100 ohms impedance for best quality picture giving
you the flexibility to use shielded or non-shielded CAT5/6/7 cables. STP is recommended in
noise hostile environments.

KD-MSCAT8X8 makes it simple regardless of what the application requirements are.

The KD-MSCAT8X8 allows the customer to view any source on any display at any time. Key
Digital presents you with a full Video/Audio Matrix Switching solution and the capability to control
it via RS-232 or IR with your choice of any full system automation control company. It’s the
perfect solution for commercial and residential installations, putting the installer in the driver’s
seat of their boardroom or Multi Zone installation.

Incorporates 5 Key Digital® Exclusive Technologies

®

Exclusive Technologies

KEY FEATURES

Key Digital’s KD-MSCAT8X8, unlike other switchers in the market, has 8 CAT 5/6/7 outputs that
can be used for passing Component, RGBHV, S-Video or Composite Video signals, Analog Stereo,
Digital (PCM) Audio, Bi-directional RS232 and Bi-directional Serial IR. The switcher also offer
independent Audio Control Capability for Volume Control, Balance Control, Tone Control, Lip Sync
Control and Balance and unbalance Audio Interconnection. It supports control systems via RS-232
or serial IR such as: AMX, Control4, Life-Ware, HomeLogic, RTI, Universal and many others.

Easy to control and operate, you can switch:

Manually, using the front panel pushbuttons, LCD and LED indicators
Remotely, using the supplied IR remote control
Using the RS-232 control
Via TCP/IP, utilizing your LAN

Instant verification of your switching status, via the convenient front-panel LED’s.

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Fade-to-Black and Video Mute pro-features

“Fade-to-Black” and “Video Mute” features allow you switch like a pro in a live studio.

The Fade-to-Black feature allows for switching between input/output combinations without the
usual visual signal noise that traditionally accompanies switching between Video signals. The Video
image momentarily goes to black as the KD-MSCAT8X8 Matrix Switcher selects between inputs for
the chosen output.

Video Mute enables you to mute the Video signal (the display goes to black) at the chosen output.

Massively Expandable

Massively expandable, the outputs of the 8x8 can be incremented in steps of 8, providing matrix

switching capability all the way up to 40x40.

Purchase multiple units in kits from Key Digital® to meet your expansion needs.

KD-MSCAT8X8 ......................Matrix Switcher – (single base unit)

KD-MSCAT16X16 ................... Matrix Switcher – (2 base units of 8x8,

1 High-speed coax expansion cable, sold separately)

KD-MSCAT 24X24 ................. Matrix Switcher – (3 base units of 8x8,

3 High-speed coax expansion cables, sold separately)

KD-MSCAT32X32 .................. Matrix Switcher – (4 base units of 8x8,

6 High-speed coax expansion cables, sold separately)

KD-MSCAT40X40 .................. Matrix Switcher – (5 base units of 8x8,

10 High-speed coax expansion cables, sold separately)

If you have purchased a single unit and the need for expansion aroused, all you need to do is to
order additional units plus a High-speed coax expansion cable for each additional unit.

Simply connect the units with High-speed coax expansion cables, assign appropriate number to
the unit and you done !

Technology

As for all Key Digital® products, it’s our custom technology that allows us to deliver the highest
standard of picture quality, like:

®

Exclusive Technologies

Auto Video Equalizer

™

Performs measurement of CAT5 link frequency response and performs adaptive video response
equalization for maximum video quality performance.

Adaptive Smart Data Link

™

Performs measurement of CAT5 data link quality and provides bi-directional RS232, IR,
data connectivity.

LHBC™ (Linear High Bandwidth Circuit)

To deliver the highest-quality video images, all Key Digital® products feature LHBC™, ultra-linear
components with an extremely wide bandwidth in excess of 300 MHz.

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These high-bandwidth devices, along with aerospace-designed layouts, assure pristine, high
quality video image free of noise or distortions.

Our rigorous design specifications support over three-times the bandwidth commonly used for
HDTV products.

Surface Mount Technology™ and Multi-Layer Board Technology™

Circuit boards used in Key Digital® products use the very latest in materials and design, including
surface mount technology, to yield the best possible performance and reliability.

Every Key Digital® product delivers the best possible video image because our Printed Circuit
Boards (PCB’s) are designed by aerospace engineers who are extremely sophisticated at
implementing extremely wideband, low-noise circuits that communicate video signals over long
distances without degradation in signal quality.

Getting Started

The KD-MSCAT8X8 Matrix Switcher is capable of switching eight (8) sets of three-wire component
(YPbPr) Video or five-wire component (RGBHV) Video plus Analog and Digital (PCM) Audio. Since
Composite Video input would require just one BNC connector (Red, Green or Blue), up to 3
Composite inputs can be connected to each input field bringing total number of Composite inputs
on a single KD-MSCAT8X8 to 24 ! (Switching in that case would be in sets of 3) Matrix Switcher
is also capable of switching S-Video (with the appropriate cable adapter) from VCR’s, digital Video
recorders and satellite set-top receivers.

Sixteen Audio sources can be switched together or independently from Video sources.

If your source device has a VGA output connector, you will need a VGA-to-BNC breakout cable.

Note: At the time of this manual writing the KD-MSCAT8X8 Matrix Switcher does NOT perform Video processing, the

output Video format is the same as the input Video format. This means that the Video resolution is not changed
and also that if you input one form of Video, for example Component Video, the output will be in exactly the same
format. Flexible hardware and software architecture allows us, at Key Digital, update and improve our products
in accordance with market and client requirements. Always check our Web site for new product capabilities and
latest firmware updates.

Open the carton and you will find the following contents:

One KD-MSCAT8X8 Matrix Switcher unit

One +7V DC external Power Supply adapter module

IR Remote Control with batteries included

Operating Instructions Manual

Warranty Card

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CAUTION: When unpacking the unit, make all hookups and connections before
plugging in the Power Adapter provided with your unit. Do NOT apply power to the
unit until all Video and Audio connections have been made to your KD-MSCAT8X8
unit(s) from the “Source” devices to the Display(s) and/or Audio system(s). You
MUST use the Power Supply provided with your unit or you VOID the Key Digital
Warranty and risk damage to your unit and associated equipment.

KD-MSCAT8X8 Operating Instructions

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Setting up your KD-MSCAT8X8 Matrix Switcher for operation:

Your KD-MSCAT8X8 Matrix Switcher is easy to configure and operate. In this section you will first
connect all of your A/V Input and Output devices to your KD-MSCAT8X8 Matrix Switcher unit.

The color-coded rear-panel layout illustrates the eight Inputs and eight Outputs of the KD­MSCAT8X8 Matrix Switcher, as well as the RS-232, IR and TCP/IP control interface.

Rear panel layout of the KD-MSCAT8X8 Matrix Switcher

Input BNC female
connectors

Output connectors

- female RJ-45

Expansion slots
– up to 40x40

6-pin, Phoenix type
connecting blocks

Operation Switch

TCP/IP Connection

RS-232 port

IR eye Serial IR

Power

The KD-MSCAT8X8 Matrix Switcher Video and PCM Audio Inputs are equipped with professional­grade BNC connectors. These connectors offer a better match to Video cables than do the smaller
RCA connectors, as well as providing a positive bayonet lock when installed. Because not all
consumer equipment marketed uses BNC connector interfaces, it may be necessary to employ
RCA-to-BNC or VGA-to-BNC adapter plugs and/or cable assemblies to interface these various
devices to your high-quality Matrix Switcher.

Input Analog Audio connections are 6-pin, Phoenix type connecting blocks. Top row marked
with odd numbers, lower – with even numbers.

Output connectors are female RJ-45 for the use with CAT5/6/7, and set of KD-VACRX or KD­VACWPRX baluns required for proper connection to output A/V devices.

The Video signal format must be considered when making connections to the KD-MSCAT8X8
Matrix Switcher. Simply match source A/V device’s output (be it YPbPr “Component” or RGBHV
“VGA” Video) to a similar Video signal input configuration on the KD-MSCAT8X8 Matrix Switcher.

In the event that these superior quality output formats are not available on the device in question,

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KD-MSCAT8X8 Operating Instructions

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then S-Video and/or Composite Video may also be interfaced with the KD-MSCAT8X8 Matrix
Switcher with the use of the appropriate adapters.

The same consideration applies to the Audio interfaces. Both Analog and Digital options are
provided on the KD-MSCAT8X8 Matrix Switcher and may be employed appropriately as Analog,
when connecting to 6-pin, Phoenix type connecting blocks and via KD-VACRX or KD-VACWPRX
baluns to the Analog Audio inputs of a Video monitor; or as Digital, when connected instead to
PCM input and via KD-VACRX or KD-VACWPRX baluns to A/V receiver having coaxial digital (PCM)
interfaces for decoding surround sound signals.

Typical Application Example for a base KD-MSCAT8X8 Matrix Switcher

Zone 1

Zone 8

Zone 2

Zone 3

Zone 4

Zone 5

KD-VACWPRX

KD-VACWPRX

KD-VACWPRX

KD-VACWPRX

KD-VACWPRX

Zone 7

Zone 6

KD-VACRX

KD-VACRX

KD-VACRX

KD-MSCAT8X8

Control System

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