ADDER AdderLink Infinity Manager User manual

AdderLink Infinity
User Guide

www.adder.com
AdderLink
NET SER AUDUSB DVIPWR
TRANSMIT

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1
Contents
Introduction
AdderLink Infinity TX and RX unit features...............................3
What’s in the box ........................................................................4
What you may additionally need ...............................................5
Installation
Mounting .....................................................................................6
Using the VESA mounting bracket ........................................7
Connections .................................................................................8
TX video link ...........................................................................9
TX audio links..........................................................................9
TX USB link ............................................................................10
TX AUX port ..........................................................................10
TX power in...........................................................................11
TX/RX network link...............................................................12
RX video display....................................................................13
RX microphone & speakers ..................................................13
RX USB devices ......................................................................14
RX AUX port..........................................................................14
RX power in...........................................................................15
Configuration
Initial configuration ..................................................................16
Manual factory reset ............................................................16
Infinity browser-based configuration utility.......................17
Performing an upgrade.............................................................18
Operation
Front panel indicators ...............................................................19
Further information
Getting assistance......................................................................20
Appendix....................................................................................21
RS232 ‘null-modem’ cable pin-out.......................................21
Supported video modes .......................................................21
General specifications...........................................................21
Warranty ....................................................................................22
Safety information ....................................................................22
Radio Frequency Energy............................................................23
Index

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2
INFINITY RX
INFINITY RX
INFINITY RX
INFINITY TX Gigabit
Ethernet
One-to-many configuration
Using multicast techniques, an unlimited number of receivers* can
receive video and audio data streams from a single TX unit.
Introduction
Thank you for choosing AdderLink Infinity. AdderLink
Infinity represents a major advance in the capabilities of
digital extenders and switches. By encoding high quality
DVI video, digital audio and USB connections into Internet
Protocol (IP) messages, AdderLink Infinity offers highly
advanced and flexible signal switching capabilities.
Adder’s extensive knowledge of interfacing techniques
and high speed networking has allowed us to develop
new ways to break the chains of local DVI, USB and audio
connections. With AdderLink Infinity, distance is finally no
barrier to high specification, high performance computing.
Furthermore, since all signals are now IP, the most elaborate
and yet simple-to-use switching and multicast techniques
make possible a great variety of uses.
The AdderLink Infinity units come in two forms: a TX
transmitter and an RX receiver. The former attaches to
a single computer; the latter to your DVI video monitor,
microphone, speakers and up to four USB peripherals. The
distance between them is limited only by the size of your
Gigabit Ethernet network.
In addition to separating one computer and its peripherals,
AdderLink Infinity promotes sharing. You can arrange for
a limitless number of screens and speakers, distributed
anywhere across the network, to receive video and audio.
You can also switch between any number of transmitter
units from a single screen, keyboard and mouse in order to
monitor a potentially vast collection of remote systems.
All units feature browser-based configuration utilities to
allow quick and easy set up, from near or far.
One-to-one configuration
The simplest configuration links one RX unit to a single TX unit, either by a direct
link (up to 100m) or over much greater distances via a Gigabit Ethernet network.
INFINITY RXINFINITY TX
* A maximum of twelve concurrent USB inputs (via
multiple RX units) are permitted to a single TX unit.

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www.adder.com
AdderLink
NET SER AUDUSB DVIPWR
TRANSMIT
AdderLink Infinity TX and RX unit features
The AdderLink Infinity units are housed within durable, metallic enclosures with most connectors situated at the rear
panel - only the Ethernet ports are situated at the front panel. The smart front faces feature the operation indicators.
Infinity TX (transmitter) - front Infinity RX (receiver) - front
Infinity RX (receiver) - rear
www.adder.com
AdderLink
RECEIVER
NET SER AUDUSB DVIPWR
Infinity TX (transmitter) - rear
AUX
LINE IN
LINE OUT
COMPUTER
ON
21
INDOOR
USE ONLY OPTIONS
12
5V
2.5A
DVI-D
Video
input
Audio
line
in/out
AUX
(serial)
port
USB
port
Configuration
switches
Power
input
INDOOR
USE ONLY OPTIONS AUX
LINE IN/ LINE OUT
DVI-D
12
USER CONSOLE
5V 2.5A
ON
21
MIC IN
Video
output
Audio
line
in/out
AUX
(serial)
port
USB
ports
Configuration
switches
Power
input
Gigabit
Ethernet
port
Gigabit
Ethernet
port
Indicators
These six indicators clearly show the key aspects of operation:
• NET On when valid network link is present.
Flashes when the unit is in error.
• SER On when the AUX (serial) port is enabled and active.
• AUD On when audio is enabled and active.
• USB On when USB is enabled and active.
• DVI On when DVI video is enabled and active.
• PWR Power indicator.
Indicators
These six indicators clearly show the key aspects of operation:
• NET On when valid network link is present.
Flashes when the unit is in error.
• SER On when the AUX (serial) port is enabled and active.
• AUD On when audio is enabled and active.
• USB On when USB is enabled and active.
• DVI On when DVI video is enabled and active.
• PWR Power indicator.

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Combined DVI-D and USB
cable (1.8m)
AdderLink Infinity TX unit
CD-ROM
Four self-adhesive
rubber feet
Power adapter
(12.5W) and
country-specific
power lead
What’s in the box
2 x Audio cable 2m
(3.5mm stereo jacks)
Serial null modem cable 2m
AdderLink Infinity TX package
Infinity
quick guide
AdderLink Infinity RX unit
CD-ROM
Four self-adhesive
rubber feet
Power adapter
(12.5W) and
country-specific
power lead
Infinity
quick guide
AdderLink Infinity RX package
AdderLink
TRANSMIT
NET SER AUD USB DVI PWR
www.adder
.com
AdderLink
RECEIVER
NET SER AUD USB DVI PWR
www.adder
.com

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What you may additionally need
Combined DVI-D and USB (USB type A to B) cable
Part numbers: VSCD3 (1.8m length)
VSCD4 (5m length)
Two 19” rack-mount brackets and four screws
Part numbers:
One unit per 1U rack slot: RMK4S
Two units per 1U rack slot: RMK4D
Single link DVI-D to DVI-D video cable
Part number: VSCD1
Power adapter (12.5W) and
country-specific power lead
Part number: PSU-IEC-5VDC-2.5A
Audio cable 2m
(3.5mm stereo jacks)
Part number: VSC22
Serial null modem cable 2m
Part number: CAB-9F/9F-NULL-MODEM
USB cable 2m (type A to B)
Part number: VSC24
VESA mounting bracket and four screws
(can also be used to secure to walls and
other surfaces)
Part number: RMK4V

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6
AUX
LINE IN/ LINE OUT
SER CONSOLE
MIC IN
12
INDOOR
USE ONLY
OPTIONS
LINE IN/ LINE O
DVI-D
12
USER CO
5V
2.5A
MIC IN
Installation
Mounting
There are three main mounting methods for transmitter and receiver units:
• Thesuppliedfourself-adhesiverubberfeet
• Optionalrackbrackets
• OptionalVESA mounting bracket
Connections Rack brackets
The optional brackets (plus four screws), allow the
units to be secured within a standard rack slot.
Note: The Infinity units and their power
supplies generate heat when in operation
and will become warm to the touch.
Do not enclose them or place them in
locations where air cannot circulate to
cool the equipment. Do not operate
the equipment in ambient temperatures
exceeding 40oC. Do not place the
products in contact with equipment
whose surface temperature exceeds 40oC.
HT

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Using the VESA mounting bracket
The optional mounting bracket conforms to the VESA mounting standard and
so can be used to mount an Infinity unit directly to the rear of most video display
units. The bracket can also be fixed directly to a wall or other solid surface using
appropriate screws or bolts.
To fit the mounting bracket and Infinity unit
1 Orientate the bracket against the rear of the video display so that its small
folded-in tabs are lowermost.
2 Attach the bracket to the video display using four screws of a size
appropriate to the threaded holes within the video display panel - do
not overtighten.
3 Place the Infinity unit into the bracket with its
base facing towards the video
display and the front panel of the
Infinity unit facing upwards.
4 Secure the Infinity unit to the
bracket using the four supplied
screws - do not overtighten.
www.adder.com
AdderLink
NET SER AUD USB DVI PWR
RECEIVER
Rear panel of video display
Infinity unit
VESA
mounting
bracket

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Connections
Installation involves linking the Infinity TX unit to various ports on the host
computer, while the Infinity RX unit is attached to your peripherals:
INFINITY RXINFINITY TX
VIDEO
LINK
page 9
VIDEO
LINK
page 13
NETWORK
LINK
page 12
USB
DEVICES
page 14
USB
LINK
page 10
AUDIO
LINKS
page 9
SERIAL
LINK
page 10
SERIAL
LINK
page 14
POWER
IN
page 11
POWER
IN
page 15
MIC &
SPEAKERS
page 13
Click a connection to see details

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TX video link
The AdderLink Infinity units support
DVI digital video signals and so use
DVI-D video connectors.
To make a video link
1 Wherever possible, ensure that
power is disconnected from the
AdderLink Infinity and the host
computer.
2 Connect a digital video link cable to the DVI-D socket on the TX unit rear
panel:
TX audio links
The AdderLink Infinity units support
two way stereo digital sound so that
you can use a remote microphone as
well as speakers.
To make audio links
1 Connect an audio link cable
between the LINE OUT socket on
the TX unit rear panel and the
speaker output (line out) socket
of the host computer.
LINE IN
LINE OUT
COMPUTER
COMP
DVI-D
3 Connect the plug at the other end of the cable to the corresponding video
output socket of the host computer.
2 [Where a microphone is to be used]: Connect a second audio link cable
between the LINE IN socket on the TX unit rear panel and the LINE IN socket
of the host computer.
INFINITY RX
INFINITY TX
VIDEO
LINK
LINK
USB
LINK
AUDIO
LINKS
POWER
IN
SERIAL
LINK
INFINITY RX
INFINITY TX
VIDEO
LINK
LINK
USB
LINK
AUDIO
LINKS
POWER
IN
SERIAL
LINK
DVI-D link from
host computer
Speaker (line out) link
from host computer
Microphone (line in) link
from host computer

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TX USB link
Infinity units act as USB 2.0 hubs
and so can provide four sockets
at the RX unit with only a single
connection at the TX unit.
To make a USB link
1 Connect the squarer of the two
connectors on a USB cable to
the USB port on the TX unit rear
panel.
OPTIONS
12
12
2 Connect the other, more rectangular connector of the cable to a vacant USB
socket on the host computer.
TX AUX port
The AUX port is an RS232 serial port
which allows extension of RS232
signals up to a baud rate of 115200.
The port has software flow control,
but no hardware flow control.
AUX
INFINITY RX
INFINITY TX
VIDEO
LINK
LINK
USB
LINK
AUDIO
LINKS
POWER
IN
SERIAL
LINK
INFINITY RX
INFINITY TX
VIDEO
LINK
LINK
USB
LINK
AUDIO
LINKS
POWER
IN
SERIAL
LINK
USB link from
host computer
Serial (null-modem) link
from your computer
To connect the AUX port
1 Ensure that power is removed from the Infinity unit.
2 Connect a suitable serial ‘null-modem’ cable (see Appendix for pin-out)
between a vacant serial port on your computer and the AUX port on the
right hand side of the Infinity rear panel.

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TX power in
Each Infinity unit is supplied with
a standard power supply. When all
other connections have been made,
connect and switch on the power
supply unit
To apply power in
1 Attach the output lead from the
power adapter to the 5V socket
on the rear panel of the unit.
INDOOR
USE ONLY
OPT
1
5V
2.5A
1
2 Connect the IEC connector of the supplied country-specific power lead to
the socket of the power adapter.
3 Connect the power lead to a nearby main supply socket.
Note: Both the unit and its power supply generate heat when in operation and
will become warm to the touch. Do not enclose them or place them in locations
where air cannot circulate to cool the equipment. Do not operate the equipment
in ambient temperatures exceeding 40oC. Do not place the products in contact
with equipment whose surface temperature exceeds 40oC.
INFINITY RX
INFINITY TX
VIDEO
LINK
LINK
USB
LINK
AUDIO
LINKS
POWER
IN
SERIAL
LINK
Power lead from
power adapter
Note: Ensure that
Option switches
1 and 2 are both
in the ‘off’ (up)
position to enable
normal operation
of the unit.

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TX/RX network link
The Infinity units can be either connected directly
to each other or via a Gigabit Ethernet network.
For direct links, the length of cable should not
exceed 100 metres (328 feet). Network cables
used for connections may be category 5, 5e, 6 or
7 twisted-pair cable. The Infinity TX unit has an
autosensing capability on its network interface,
so for direct point-to-point connections, no
‘crossover’ Ethernet cable is required.
To link Infinity units
1 Connect a CAT 5, 5e, 6, or 7 cable to the socket on the front panel of the
Infinity unit.
LINK INFINITY RX
VIDEO
DISPLAY
USB
DEVICES
MIC &
SPEAKERS
POWER
IN
SERIAL
LINK
LINK
INFINITY TX
VIDEO
LINK
USB
LINK
AUDIO
LINKS
POWER
IN
SERIAL
LINK
www.adder.com
CAT 5, 5e, 6, or 7 link either
directly from the other Infinity
unit or from a Gigabit Ethernet
switch
2 Connect the other end of the cable either to the other Infinity unit or to a
Gigabit Ethernet switch, as appropriate.
3 [For connections via a network] repeat steps 1 and 2 for the other Infinity
unit.

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13
RX video display
The Infinity unit supports a single
DVI-D (no analogue signals) video
display via the socket on the rear
panel. AdderLink Infinity supports
all VESA and CEA video modes.
To connect a digital DVI video display
1 Connect the lead from the video display to the DVI-D socket on the rear
panel of the Infinity unit.
RX microphone & speakers
The Infinity unit can support a
microphone as well as speakers
providing the necessary
connections have been made
between the Infinity TX unit and
the host computer.
To connect a microphone (or line in) and/or speakers
1 Connect the lead from a mono microphone or, alternatively, a line in
connection from an audio device to the 3.5mm socket labelled LINE IN/MIC IN
on the rear panel.
2 Connect the lead from stereo speakers or, alternatively, a line out connection
from an audio device to the 3.5mm socket labelled LINE OUT on the rear
panel.
INFINITY TX
LINK INFINITY RX
VIDEO
DISPLAY
USB
DEVICES
MIC &
SPEAKERS
POWER
IN
SERIAL
LINK
INFINITY TX
LINK INFINITY RX
LINK
VIDEO
DISPLAY
USB
DEVICES
MIC &
SPEAKERS
POWER
IN
SERIAL
LINK
LINE IN/ LINE OUT
CONSOLE
MIC IN
Connection from
microphone or line in
from audio device
Connection from
speakers or line out to
audio device
DVI-D
DVI-D connection from
video display
3 Once the unit has been fully connected and powered on, access the RX
System Configuration page to check that the Audio Input Type setting
matches the connection that you have made to the port: line, mic or mic
boost (the latter provides +20dB gain).

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14
RX USB devices
The Infinity RX unit has four
USB ports to which peripherals
may be connected. The ports
are interchangeable. To connect
more than four peripherals, one
or more USB hubs may be used.
The total current that may be
drawn from the USB ports is
1.2A, which should be sufficient
for a keyboard, mouse (no more than 100mA each) and any two other devices
(500mA maximum each). If more power for USB devices is required, use a
powered USB hub.
To connect a USB device
1 Connect the lead from the device to
any of the four USB sockets on the rear
panel of the Infinity unit.
RX AUX port
The AUX port is an RS232 serial
port which allows extension of
RS232 signals up to a baud rate
of 115200. The port has software
flow control, but no hardware
flow control.
AUX
/LINE OUT
INFINITY TX
LINK INFINITY RX
LINK
VIDEO
DISPLAY
USB
DEVICES
MIC &
SPEAKERS
POWER
IN
SERIAL
LINK
INFINITY TX
LINK INFINITY RX
VIDEO
DISPLAY
USB
DEVICES
MIC &
SPEAKERS
POWER
IN
SERIAL
LINK
Serial (null-modem) link
from your computer
LINE I
USER CONSOLE
MIC I
Connection from USB device
Supported USB Devices
USB devices are supported using True Emulation technology. This means that
the signals of each USB peripheral are emulated to the computer so that full
functionality is available, subject to the following limitations:
•Keyboards,miceandotherHIDdevicesaresupported.
•Storagedevices(i.e.ashdrives,USBharddisks,CD-ROMdrives)are
supported, but they may operate more slowly than with a direct connection.
•Isochronousdevices(includingmicrophones,speakers,webcamsandTV
receivers) are not currently supported.
•Manyotherdevices(suchasprinters,scanners,serialadaptersandspecialist
USB devices) will work, but due to the huge variety of devices available,
successful operation cannot be guaranteed.
To connect the AUX port
1 Ensure that power is removed from the Infinity unit.
2 Connect a suitable serial ‘null-modem’ cable (see Appendix for pin-out)
between the AUX port on the right hand side of the Infinity rear panel and
your remote serial device.

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RX power in
Each Infinity unit is supplied with
a standard power supply. When
all other connections have been
made, connect and switch on the
power supply unit.
To apply power in
1 Attach the output lead from
the power adapter to the 5V
socket on the rear panel of the
unit.
INDOOR
USE ONLY
OPT
1
5V
2.5A
1
2 Connect the IEC connector of the supplied country-specific power lead to
the socket of the power adapter.
3 Connect the power lead to a nearby main supply socket.
Note: Both the unit and its power supply generate heat when in operation and
will become warm to the touch. Do not enclose them or place them in locations
where air cannot circulate to cool the equipment. Do not operate the equipment
in ambient temperatures exceeding 40oC. Do not place the products in contact
with equipment whose surface temperature exceeds 40oC.
INFINITY TX
LINK INFINITY RX
VIDEO
DISPLAY
USB
DEVICES
MIC &
SPEAKERS
POWER
IN
SERIAL
LINK
Power lead from
power adapter
Note: Ensure that
Option switches
1 and 2 are both
in the ‘off’ (up)
position to enable
normal operation
of the unit.

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16
Configuration
Initial configuration
The AdderLink Infinity units are designed to be as flexible as possible, and this
principle extends also to their configuration.
• WhereanInnityTXandanInnityRXaredirectlylinkedtoeachother,no
configuration action is required, provided that they have their factory default
settings in place. If the standard settings have been changed in a previous
installation, you merely need to perform a factory reset on each unit:
• WhereInnityunitsareconnectedvianetworklinks,youwillneedtospecify
their network address details. This can be done using a computer system
temporarily linked to each Infinity unit via a network connection together
with the Infinity browser-based configuration utility. This configuration
utility also allows numerous other settings to be altered.
Manual factory reset
A factory reset returns an Infinity TX or RX unit to its default configuration.
You can perform factory resets using either of the two configuration utilities
or by using this direct manual method.
To perform a manual factory reset
1 Remove power from the Infinity unit.
2 Use a narrow implement (e.g. a straightened-out paper clip) press and
hold the reset button adjacent to the front panel network socket. Power
on the unit and then release the reset switch.
After roughly eight seconds, when the factory reset has completed, five
of the front panel indicators will flash for a period of three seconds to
indicate a successful reset operation.
3 Remove and then re-apply power to start the unit in its default
configuration.
www.adder.com
Use a straightened-out paper
clip to press the reset button
while powering on the unit
Configuring network switches to ensure efficient operation
With IP Multicast there is a risk that network segments can get saturated
with data that are not destined for any device on that segment. Unless some
intelligence is applied, it’s possible for a naive IP switch to pass multicast data
onto every port on the switch. This can lead to performance degradation and
wasted network bandwidth. Fortunately, however, modern switches employ a
technique known as IGMP Snooping (Internet Group Management Protocol)
which enables them to be selective about where they route multicast IP traffic
- routing it only through switch ports which contain devices that are specifically
interested in such traffic.
IGMP Snooping can significantly reduce the amount of traffic generated by
Infinity TX units that are configured for multicast operation. It is beyond the
scope of this document to detail how to enable and configure IGMP snooping
for particular Gigabit IP Switches. However, we strongly recommend that when
deploying an Infinity Network you should select IP switches that support IGMP
snooping, and this snooping should be enabled and appropriately configured.
HT

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Infinity browser-based configuration utility
The browser-based configuration utility within all TX and RX units requires a
network connection between the Infinity unit and a computer on the same
network. The configuration utility allows you to perform all of the following
functions:
• View/edittheIPnetworkaddressandnetmask,
• CongureseparateIPnetworkaddressesforvideo,audioandUSB,
• Conguremulticastsettings(onRXunits),
• Congurevideobandwidthsettings(onTXunits),
• Viewthecurrentvideooutput(onTXunits),
• Performarmwareupgrade,
• Performafactoryreset.
To connect a computer system for browser-based configuration
1 Connect a suitable network cable to the Ethernet port on the front panel of
the Infinity unit.
2 Connect the other end of the link cable to your network.
3 Similarly, link your computer to the same network. Note: A Gigabit
connection is not essential for configuration purposes.
4 If not already switched on, power up your computer and the Infinity unit.
You are now ready to use the browser-based configuration utility.
To access the browser-based configuration utility
1 Temporarily connect the Infinity unit and a computer via a network, as
discussed opposite.
2 Run a web browser on your computer and enter the IP address of the Infinity
unit, e.g. http://169.254.1.33
The default settings are as follows:
• TX units - IP address: 169.254.1.33
• RX units - IP address: 169.254.1.32
Where the address of a unit is not known perform a manual factory reset
to restore the default address.
The opening page of the Infinity configuration utility will be displayed and
you can now use on-screen help for details of the functions that you wish to
perform.
www.adder.com
Link from Ethernet
switch

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18
Performing an upgrade
AdderLink Infinity units are flash upgradeable using the method outlined here.
However, for larger installations we recommend that you use the AdderLink
Infinity Manager (A.I.M) to upgrade multiple Infinity units. When using the
method below, the Infinity unit will be upgraded in sequence.
Warning: During the upgrade process, ensure that power is not
interrupted as this may leave the unit in an inoperable state.
To upgrade a single unit via network link
1 Download the latest upgrade file from the Adder Technology website.
Note: There are separate upgrade files for TX and RX units.
2 Temporarily connect the Infinity unit and a computer via a network (see
Infinity browser-based configuration utility section for details).
3 Run a web browser on your computer and enter the IP address of the
Infinity unit to be upgraded.
4 Click the Firmware Upgrade link. Within the Firmware Upgrade page, click
the Choose File button. In the subsequent file dialog, locate the downloaded
upgrade file - check that the file is correct for the unit being upgraded.
5 Click the Upgrade Now button. A progress bar will be displayed (however,
if your screen is connected to the unit being upgraded then video may
be interrupted) and the indicators on the front panel will flash while the
upgrade is in progress.
6 The indicators should stop flashing in less than one minute, after which the
unit will automatically reboot itself. The upgrade process is complete.
Finding the latest upgrade files
Firmware files for the AdderLink Infinity units are available from the
Technical Support > Updates section of the Adder Technology website
(www.adder.com).

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Operation
In operation, many AdderLink Infinity installations require no intervention once
configured. The TX and RX units take care of all connection control behind the
scenes so that you can continue to work unhindered.
Front panel indicators
The six front panel indicators on each unit provide a useful guide to operation:
NET SER AUDUSB DV IPWR
HT
Indicators
These six indicators clearly show the key aspects of operation:
• NET On when valid network link is present. Flashes when the unit is in error.
• SER On when the AUX (serial) port is enabled and active.
• AUD On when audio is enabled and active.
• USB On when USB is enabled and active.
• DVI On when DVI video is enabled and active.
• PWR Power indicator.