ALFAtron ALF-MUH88A-N User manual

www.alfatronelectronics.com
ALFATRON ELECTRONICS GmbH GERMANY
ALF-MUH88A-N
8x8 HDMI Matrix

ALF-MUH88A-N
Preface
Read this user manual carefully before using this product. Pictures shown in this manual
are for reference only, different model and specifications are subject to real product.
This manual is for operation instruction only, not for maintenance.
Trademarks
Product model and logo are trademarks. Any other trademarks mentioned in this manual
are acknowledged as the properties of the trademark owner. No part of this publication
may be copied or reproduced without prior written consent.
FCC Statement
This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference
to radio communications. It has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a
Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed
to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a commercial
installation.
Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause interference, in which
case the user at their own expense will be required to take whatever measures may be
necessary to correct the interference.
Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the manufacture would void
the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

4K 8x8 HDMI Matrix Switcher
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
To ensure the best from the product, please read all instructions carefully before using
the device. Save this manual for further reference.
Unpack the equipment carefully and save the original box and packing material for
possible future shipment
Follow basic safety precautions to reduce the risk of fire, electrical shock and injury
to persons.
Do not dismantle the housing or modify the module. It may result in electrical shock
or burn.
Using supplies or parts not meeting the products’ specifications may cause damage,
deterioration or malfunction.
Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose the unit to rain, moisture or install this
product near water.
Do not put any heavy items on the extension cable in case of extrusion.
Do not remove the housing of the device as opening or removing housing may
expose you to dangerous voltage or other hazards.
Install the device in a place with good ventilation to avoid damage caused by
overheating
Keep the module away from liquids.
Spillage into the housing may result in fire, electrical shock, or equipment damage. If
an object or liquid falls or spills on to the housing, unplug the module immediately.
Do not twist or pull by force ends of the optical cable. It can cause malfunction.
Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners to clean this unit. Always unplug the power to
the device before cleaning.
Unplug the power cord when left unused for a long period of time.
Information on disposal for scrapped devices: do not burn or mix with general
household waste, please treat them as normal electrical wastes.

ALF-MUH88A-N
Contents
1. Introduction.................................................................................................................1
1.1 Introduction to the MUH88A-N...........................................................................1
1.2 Features ............................................................................................................1
1.3 Package List......................................................................................................1
2. Product Appearance of MUH88A-N ............................................................................2
3. System Connection.....................................................................................................4
3.1 Usage Precautions ............................................................................................4
3.2 Connection Diagram..........................................................................................4
3.3 Connection Procedure.......................................................................................4
3.4 System Applications ..........................................................................................5
4. System Operations .....................................................................................................6
4.1 IR Control ..........................................................................................................6
4.2 RS232 Control...................................................................................................6
4.2.1 Installation/uninstallation of RS232 Control Software ..............................6
4.2.2 Basic Settings..........................................................................................6
4.2.3 RS232 Communication Commands ........................................................7
4.2.4 EDID Management................................................................................12
4.2.4.1 Via RS232 commands.................................................................12
4.2.4.2 Via 4-pin EDID DIP switcher........................................................13
4.3 TCP/IP Control.................................................................................................14
4.3.1 Control Modes .......................................................................................14
4.3.2 Control MUH88A-N via TCP/IP communication software ......................15
4.3.3 Control MUH88A-N via web-based GUI ................................................17
4.3.3.1 Scene Menu ................................................................................17
4.3.3.2 Control Menu...............................................................................18

ALF-MUH88A-N
4.3.3.3 Configuration Properties..............................................................19
4.3.4 TCP/IP Configuration.............................................................................23
4.3.5 GUI Update............................................................................................23
4.4 Firmware Upgrade through USB port ..............................................................24
5. Specification .............................................................................................................26
5.1 Supported Resolution ......................................................................................26
6. Panel Drawing ..........................................................................................................27
7. Troubleshooting & Maintenance ...............................................................................28
8. After-sales Service....................................................................................................30

ALF-MUH88A-N
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1. Introduction
1.1 Introduction to the MUH88A-N
MUH88A-N is a professional 8x8 HDMI Matrix Switcher that features receiving up to 8
HDMI1.4& HDCP2.2 compliant signal and output 8 HDMI1.4& HDCP1.4 compliant
signal. It provides 8 auxiliary audio ports for de-embedded HDMI audio output. It also
boasts powerful EDID management to ensure reliable AV distribution and routing.
The unit is controllable via front panel buttons, IR, RS232, or TCP/IP (optional).
1.2 Features
8x8 HDMI matrix with 8 de-embedded HDMI audio ports;
HDMI input ports: support HDMI 2.0, support signal up to 4Kx2K@60Hz & 1080p 3D,
compliant with lower HDMI standards; HDCP2.2 compatible;
HDMI output ports: support HDMI 1.4, capable to transmit 2560x1080 (60Hz) signal,
compliant with lower HDMI standards; HDCP1.4 compatible
Transmit 4Kx2K@60Hz signal up to 15m;
SPDIF ports for de-embedded HDMI audio output;
Powerful EDID management;
Controllable via front panel button, IR, RS232& optional TCP/IP;
LCD screen shows real-time I/O connection status;
Convenient firmware upgrade through Micro USB port;
Easy installation with rack-mounting design.
1.3 Package List
1 x MUH88A-N 2 x Mounting ears
6 x Screws
1 x IR receiver
1 x Power cord(Optional)
1 x Pluggable Terminal Block
1 x Power adaptor(DC 24V/2.71A)
4 x Plastic cushions

1 x IR remote

1 x User manual
Confirm if the product and the accessories are all included, if not, please contact
with the dealers.

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2. Product Appearance of MUH88A-N
Figure 2- 1 Product Appearance of MUH88A-N
No. Name Description
①Power
Indicator
Illuminate red when power on;
Turn green in standby mode;
Blink red when upgrading.
②LCD Screen Display real-time operation status.
③OUTPUTS Output selection buttons, press the buttons to switch input
cycle for the output
④Power Trigger Press to power on/off the switcher
⑤Control
TCP/IP: (optional) TCP/IP port for unit control
IR IN:
input port for IR control signal, connect with IR receiver
RS232: Serial control port, connect with control device
EDID Switcher: 4-pin EDID DIP switchers to set EDID data,
“1” stands for “On”, “0” stands for “Off”. Refer to 4.4 EDID
Management for more detials.
Firmware
: Micro USB port for firmware upgrade
⑥INPUTS HDMI input ports, 8 in total, connect with HDMI sources
⑦OUTPUTS
SPDIF: audio output ports for de-embedded HDMI audio, 8
in total
HDMI: 8 in total, connect with HDMI displays
⑧DC 24V Connect with DC 24V power adaptor
⑨Ground Connect to ground

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Pictures shown in this manual are for reference only.

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3. System Connection
3.1 Usage Precautions
1) System should be installed in a clean environment with prop temperature and
humidity.
2) All of the power switches, plugs, sockets and power cords should be insulated.
3) All devices should be connected before power on.
3.2 Connection Diagram
Figure 3- 1 Connection diagram
3.3 Connection Procedure
Step1. Connect HDMI sources (e.g. DVD) to HDMI INPUTs with HDMI1.4 cables.
Step2. Connect HDMI displays (e.g. HDTV) to HDMI OUTPUTs with HDMI cables;
Step3. Connect speakers/ amplifiers to the AUDIO OUTPUTs with audio cables;
Step4. Connect the RS232 ports of control device (e.g. a PC) and MUH88A-N to enable
serial control.
Step5. Connect the TCP/IP ports of control device (e.g. a PC) and MUH88A-N to enable
IP control.
Step6. Insert an IR receiver to the IR IN port to enable IR control.
Step7. Plug a DC 24V power adapter to the power port of MUH88A-N.
PC
DVD
Laptop
HDTV
Speaker 1
Speaker 2
HDTV

ALF-MUH88A-N
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
1) When connecting to HDMI1.4 sources, make sure the HDMI cable is compliant with
HDMI1.4 to ensure reliable transmission;
2) Connect amplifiers that are capable to decode HDMI audio to the SPDIF ports, or
there will be no output on the amplifiers.
3.4 System Applications
As its good performance in control and transmission, the MUH88A-N can be widely
used in computer realm, monitoring, large screen displaying, conference system,
television education and bank securities institutions etc.

ALF-MUH88A-N
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4. System Operations
4.1 IR Control
Connect an IR receiver to the IR IN port of the switcher, users can control it through the
included IR remote. Here is a brief introduction to the IR remote:
Figure 4-1 IR Remote
①Standby: Enter/ exit standby mode
②INPUTS: Buttons for input selection
③OUTPUTS: Buttons for output
selection
I/O Switch Format: INPUT + OUTPUT
4.2 RS232 Control
4.2.1 Installation/uninstallation of RS232 Control Software
Installation Copy the control software file to the computer connected with
MUH88A-N.
Uninstallation Delete all the control software files in corresponding file path.
4.2.2 Basic Settings
Firstly, connect MUH88A-N with necessary input devices and output devices. Then,
connect it with a PC installed RS232 control software. Double-click the software icon to
run this software.
Here we take the software CommWatch.exe as example. The icon is showed as below:

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7
Figure 4-2 Icon of CommWatch
The interface of the control software is showed as below:
Figure 4-3 Control Interface of CommWatch
Set the parameters (baud rate, data bit, stop bit and parity bit) correctly to ensure
reliable RS232 control.
4.2.3 RS232 Communication Commands

1) Case-sensitive.
2) “[“, “]” in the commands are for easy recognition only and not necessary in real
operations. Other symbols including “.”, “,”, “/”, “%”, “;”, “^”. are part of the
commands.
3) Feedbacks listed in the column “Feedback Example” are only for reference,
feedbacks may vary according to different operations.
4) Dial the EDID switcher to “1111” before sending commands pertaining to software
Parameter Configuration
Monitoring area, indicates
whether the command
sent works.
Command Sending area

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8
EDID management (with grey background)
Baud rate: 9600 Data bit: 8 Stop bit: 1 Parity bit: none
Command
Function
Feedback Example
System Commands
/%Lock;
Lock the front panel buttons.
System Locked!
/%Unlock; Unlock the front panel buttons. System Unlock!
/^Version; Inquire the firmware version VX.X.X
/:MessageOff;
Turn off command feedback
from the
com port. It will only show simple words
like “SWITCH OK!”.
/:MessageOff;
/:MessageOn;
Turn on command feedback from the
com port.
/:MessageOn;
/:FeedbackON;
Enable command feedback on LCD
monitor on the front panel (default).
/:FeedbackON;
/:FeedbackOFF;
Disable command feedback on LCD
monitor on the front panel (default).
/:FeedbackOFF;
Operation Commands
Undo.
Cancel the previous operation.
Undo Ok!
Demo.
Switch to the “demo” mode, convert
input and output in turn like 1B1,
1B2, …8B7, 8B8, 1B1… and so on .The
switching interval is 2 seconds.
Switch to normal mode by pressing any
front panel button or sending any other
command
Demo Mode
[x]All.
Transfer signal from input x to all
outputs
1 To All.
All#.
Transfer all inputs to corresponding
outputs, like 1->1, 2->2…
All Through.
[x]#.
Transfer signal from input x to output x.
1 Through.
All@.
Switch on all outputs.
All Open.
[x]@. Switch on output x. 1 Open.
All$.
Switch off all outputs, but except coaxial
outputs for digital audio
All Closed.
[x]$. Switch off output x. 1 Closed.
[x]B[y1],[y2],[y3]
.
Transfer AV signal from input x to output
y1, y2, y3
1B2

ALF-MUH88A-N
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Command
Function
Feedback Example
BlackscreenON[
x].
Switch on input x. BlackscreenON1.
BlackscreenOF
F[x].
Switch off input x. BlackscreenOFF1.
Save[y].
Save the present operation status to
preset command y, y=0~11.
Save To F1
Recall[y]. Recall preset command y, y=0~11. Recall From F1
Clear[y].
Clear preset command y, y=0~11.
Clear F1
EDIDG[x].
Get EDID data from output x and
display it on com port.
EDIDM[X]B[y].
Enable input x to learn the EDID data
from output y. If the EDID data is not
available, the matrix will set it to initial
EDID data.
EDIDM3B1
EDIDC[x]B[y].
Capture the EDID data of output x and
save it as No.y EDID, y=1~10,12~14
EDIDC3B1
EDIDExtract[x][y].
Invoke No.y EDID data saved through
COM port to input x, y=1~10,12~14
Pick up success
UpgradeSoftwar
eEDID[y].
Save the EDID data to No.y EDID,
invoke the EDID by sending command
EDIDExtract[x][y].
Please send the EDID
file
Upgrade success
EDIDUpgrade[x]
.
Upgrade the EDID data of input x
(x=1~8: upgrade the EDID of single
input; x=9: upgrade the EDID of all
inputs)
Send EDID file (.bin) within 10 seconds.
Please send the EDID
file
Upgrade success
UpgradeIntEDI
D[x].
Used for programing customized EDID
data x=12~14, please refer to 4.2.4
EDID Management for more details.
Please send the
EDID file

ALF-MUH88A-N
10
Command
Function
Feedback Example
EDID/[x]/[y].
Invoke embeded EDID data No.y to
input x, y=1~10
y=1~10
EDID information
1
720P 2D 5.1CH
2
720P 3D 5.1CH
3
720P 2D 2CH
4
720P 3D 2CH
5
1080P 3D 5.1CH
6
1080P 2D 5.1CH
7
1080P 3D 2CH
8
1080P 2D 2CH
9
2160P 2D 5.1CH
10
2160P 2D 2CH
EDID/8/3
EDIDPCM[x].
Set the audio of input x to PCM in EDID
database.
EDIDPCM1
EDIDH[x]B[y].
Copy the EDID data from output x to
input y
If the EDID data is available and the
audio part supports not only PCM
format, then force-set it to only support
PCM. If the EDID data is not available, it
will set to initial EDID.
EDIDH1B1
PWON.
Work normally.
PWON
STANDBY.
Enter standby mode.
(Return to normal mode via front panel
buttons/ any other command/ IR
remote)
STANDBY
/%[x]:[y].
Manage HDCP status of outputs
“x” stands for output port, can be 1~8 or
ALL. When x=ALL, it means manage
HDCP status of all outputs.
“y” stands for HDCP status, can be 1
(with HDCP) or 0 (not with HDCP).
/%ALL:0.
%0801.
Enable auto HDCP management
(HDCP Active)
%0801.

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11
Command
Function
Feedback Example
%0911.
Reset to factory default.
Switch mode: all through; scene/ HDCP
status remains the same.
The customized EDID data will be
deleted automatically.
Factory Default
DigitAudioON[x]
.
Enable the SPDIF audio output of
output x.
x=1~8, enable the SPDIF audio
output of single output port.
x=9, enable the SPDIF audio output
of all output ports.
DigitAudio ON
with Output 4
DigitAudioOFF[
x].
Disable the SPDIF audio output of
output x.
x=1
~8, disable the SPDIF audio
output of single output port.
x=9, disable the SPDIF audio output
of all output ports.
DigitAudio OFF
with Output 4
Inquiry Commands
Status[x]. Check the input channel for output x AV: 1->1
Status. Check the input channel for all outputs
AV:1->1
…
AV: 8-> 8
%9961. Return the keylock status.
System
Unlock!/System
Locked!
%9962.
Check the power status
PWON
%9963.
Check the audio format of EDID
database for input x
IN1: PCM
IN2: PCM
…
IN8: PCM
%9964. Check the IP and subnet mask of the
switcher.
IP 192.168.0.178
SB 255.255.255.0
DHCP 0
%9971.
Inquire connection status for all inputs,
N means there is no source, Y means
there is connected source.
In 1 2 3 4
Connect N Y Y N
In 5 6 7 8
Connect N Y Y N

ALF-MUH88A-N
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Command
Function
Feedback Example
%9972.
Inquire connection status for all outputs,
N means there is no display, Y means
there is connected display.
Out 1 2 3 4
Connect Y Y N N
Out 5 6 7 8
Connect Y Y N N
%9973.
Check the inputs HDCP status
, N
means it’s not with HDCP, Y means it’s
with HDCP.
In 1 2 3 4
HDCP N Y Y N
In 5 6 7 8
HDCP N Y Y N
%9974.
Check the outputs HDCP status
, N
means it’s not with HDCP, Y means it’s
with HDCP.
Out 1 2 3 4
HDCP N Y Y N
Out 5 6 7 8
HDCP N Y Y N
%9975. Check the I/O switch status.
In 1 2 3 4
Out 1 2 3 4
In 5 6 7 8
Out 5 6 7 8
%9977. Check the status of digital audio of all
outputs, N is for “off”, Y is for “on”.
Out 1 2 3 4
Audio N N Y Y
Out 5 6 7 8
Audio N N Y Y
4.2.4 EDID Management
MUH88A-N provides with convenient EDID management to create effective
communication between the display and sources.
In factory default status (Status: 0000), MUH88A-N pass through the signals directly,
input& output device process the signal automatically. You can invoke other saved EDID
data by adjusting the 4-pin EDID DIP switcher or sending corresponding RS232
command.
4.2.4.1 Via RS232 commands
Dial the switchers to “1111” to enable software EDID management.
Invoking embedded EDID data:
Send command “EDID[X]B[y].” to enable input to invoke embedded EDID data of
MUH88A-N . For example, send “EDID[4]B[3]” , the INPUT device (4) will gain
embedded EDID data is that 720P 2D 2CH.
EDID Copy:
Send command “EDIDM[X]B[y].” to enable input to copy the EDID data of a display. For

ALF-MUH88A-N
13
example, send “EDIDM[1]B[5]” , the INPUT device (1) will gain EDID data from
OUTPUT device(5).
Program Customized EDID data:
Besides 10 kinds of embedded EDID, this product can program 3 kinds of customized
EDID data.
①The EDID dial switch should be make sure on the “1111” status.
②Copy customized EDID data file (.bin) to the control device (e.g. a PC)
③Running the RS232 control software, and then send the command
EDIDUpgrade[X], X is 12, 13, or 14, for example, send EDIDUpgrade[12].
④According the prompt and send custom EDID data file.
⑤When prompt “Update success”, the custom EDID data are set successfully.
⑥Send the command EDID[1]B[12], the 1 input channel can invoke this new
customized EDID data.
4.2.4.2 Via 4-pin EDID DIP switcher
Beside EDID can be managed via RS232 commands, MUH88A-N boasts a 4-pin EDID
DIP switcher to manage EEID. Dial the switchers to invoke demanded EDID data.
Embedded EDID data: 10 sets in total, the chart below illustrate the 10 Embedded
EDID data.
Custom EDID data: max at 3 sets
The chart below shows switcher status for custom EDID No.12~14.
No.
Switcher
Status
EDID information
Embedded EDID data
1
0001
720P 2D 5.1CH
2
0010
720P 3D 5.1CH
3
0011
720P 2D 2CH
4
0100
720P 3D 2CH
5
0101
1080P 3D 5.1CH
6
0110
1080P 2D 5.1CH
7
0111
1080P 3D 2CH
8
1000
1080P 2D 2CH
9
1001
2160P 2D 5.1CH
10
1010
2160P 2D 2CH
Custom EDID data
12
1100
Customizable
13
1101
Customizable
14
1110
Customizable

ALF-MUH88A-N
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Note:
1) EDID information listed in the above chart is factory default data. Embedded
EDID data can be updated by sending command UpgradeIntEDID[x].
2) Embedded EDID data can also be invoked via command EDID/[x]/[y].
4.3 TCP/IP Control
4.3.1 Control Modes
TCP/IP default settings: IP is 192.168.0.178, Gateway is 192.168.0.1, and Serial Port is
4001. IP can be changed as you need, Serial Port cannot be changed.
Controlled by single PC
Connect a computer to the TCP/IP port of the MUH88A-N, and set its network segment
to the same as the default IP of the MUH88A-N (192.168.0.178).
Figure 4-4 Modify the IP of PC
Controlled by PC(s) in LAN
The MUH88A-N can be connected with a router to make up a LAN with the PC(s), this
make it able to be controlled in a LAN. When control, just make sure the MUH88A-N’s
network segment is the same with the router. Please connect as the following figure for
LAN control.
Same network
segment as the
switcher

ALF-MUH88A-N
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Figure 4-5 Connect to LAN
Step1. Connect the TCP/IP port of the MUH88A-N to Ethernet port of PC with twisted
pair.
Step2. Set the PC’s network segment to the same as the MUH88A-N. Do please
remember the PC’s original network segment.
Step3. Set the MUH88A-N’s network segment to the same as the router.
Step4. Set the PC’s network segment to the original one.
Step5. Connect the MUH88A-N and PC(s) to the router. In the same LAN, each PC is
able to control the MUH88A-N asynchronously.
Then it’s able to control the device via a TCP/IP communication software.
4.3.2 Control MUH88A-N via TCP/IP communication software
(Exampled by TCPUDP software)
1) Connect a computer with TCPUDP software to MUH88A-N. Open the TCPUDP
software (or any other TCP/IP communication software) and create a connection,
enter the IP address and port of MUH88A-N (default IP: 192.168.0.178, port:4001):