ATEN VM0404 User manual

4x4 Video Matrix Switch with Audio
VM0404
User Manual
www.aten.com

VM0404 User Manual
ii
FCC Information
This is an FCC Class A product. In a domestic environment this product may
cause radio interference in which case the user may be required to take
adequate measures.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class
A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are
designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when
the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment
generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and
used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a
residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user
will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.
RoHS
This product is RoHS compliant.
Safety
This product has been classified as Information Technology Equipment.
SJ/T 11364-2006
The following contains information that relates to China.

VM0404 User Manual
iii
User Information
Online Registration
Be sure to register your product at our online support center:
Telephone Support
For telephone support, call this number:
User Notice
All information, documentation, and specifications contained in this manual
are subject to change without prior notification by the manufacturer. The
manufacturer makes no representations or warranties, either expressed or
implied, with respect to the contents hereof and specifically disclaims any
warranties as to merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose. Any of
the manufacturer's software described in this manual is sold or licensed as is.
Should the programs prove defective following their purchase, the buyer (and
not the manufacturer, its distributor, or its dealer), assumes the entire cost of all
necessary servicing, repair and any incidental or consequential damages
resulting from any defect in the software.
The manufacturer of this system is not responsible for any radio and/or TV
interference caused by unauthorized modifications to this device. It is the
responsibility of the user to correct such interference.
The manufacturer is not responsible for any damage incurred in the operation
of this system if the correct operational voltage setting was not selected prior
to operation. PLEASE VERIFY THAT THE VOLTAGE SETTING IS
CORRECT BEFORE USE.
International http://eservice.aten.com
International 886-2-8692-6959
China 86-10-5255-0110
Japan 81-3-5615-5811
Korea 82-2-467-6789
North America 1-888-999-ATEN ext 4988
United Kingdom 44-8-4481-58923

VM0404 User Manual
iv
Package Contents
The VM0404 package consists of:
1 VM0404 4x4 Video Matrix Switch with Audio
1 Power Adapter
1 User Instructions*
Check to make sure that all the components are present and that nothing got
damaged in shipping. If you encounter a problem, contact your dealer.
Read this manual thoroughly and follow the installation and operation
procedures carefully to prevent any damage to the unit, and/or any of the
devices connected to it.
*Features may have been added to the VM0404 since this manual was
published. Please visit our website to download the most up-to-date version.
© Copyright 2012–2014 ATEN® International Co., Ltd.
Manual Date: 2014-03-24
ATENandtheATENlogoareregisteredtrademarksofATENInternationalCo.,Ltd.Allrightsreserved.
All other brand names and trademarks are the registered property of their respective owners.

VM0404 User Manual
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Contents
FCC Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ii
RoHS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ii
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ii
SJ/T 11364-2006. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ii
User Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii
Online Registration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii
Telephone Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii
User Notice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii
Package Contents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv
Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . v
About this Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vii
Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . viii
Product Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .viii
1. Introduction
Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Source Devices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Display Devices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Cables. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Source Device Operating Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Front View. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Rear View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
IR Remote Control. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2. Hardware Setup
Rack Mounting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Cable Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Installation Diagram. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
3. Operation
Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Front Panel Operation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Remote Control Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Change the Input source of an Output port. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Power on/off individual Output displays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Power on/off all Output displays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
4. RS-232 Commands
Serial Control Protocol Commands. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Configuring the Serial Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

VM0404 User Manual
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Switch Port Commands. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
EDID Commands:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Mute Commands: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Possible Values. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Save / Load Profile Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Read Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Reset Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Button Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Appendix
Safety Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Mounting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Technical Support. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
International . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
North America. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Limited Warranty. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

VM0404 User Manual
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About this Manual
This User Manual is provided to help you get the most from your VM0404
system. It covers all aspects of installation, configuration and operation. An
overview of the information found in the manual is provided below.
Chapter 1, Introduction, introduces you to the VM0404 system. Its
purpose, features and benefits are presented, and its front/back panel, and
remote control components are described.
Chapter 2, Hardware Setup, describes how to set up your VM0404
installation and all the necessary steps.
Chapter 3, Operation, explains the fundamental concepts involved in
operating the VM0404 via the front panel pushbuttons and LEDs.
Chapter 4, RS-232 Protocol Commands, provides a complete list of the
serial control protocol commands used when utilizing the RS-232 Serial Port
so that an extra source device can function further as transmitter and receiver.
An Appendix, provides specifications and other technical information
regarding the VM0404.

VM0404 User Manual
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Conventions
This manual uses the following conventions:
Product Information
For information about all ATEN products and how they can help you connect
without limits, visit ATEN on the Web or contact an ATEN Authorized
Reseller. Visit ATEN on the Web for a list of locations and telephone numbers:
Monospaced Indicates text that you should key in.
[ ] Indicates keys you should press. For example, [Enter] means to
press the Enter key. If keys need to be chorded, they appear
together in the same bracket with a plus sign between them:
[Ctrl+Alt].
1. Numbered lists represent procedures with sequential steps.
♦Bullet lists provide information, but do not involve sequential steps.
→Indicates selecting the option (on a menu or dialog box, for
example), that comes next. For example, Start →Run means to
open the Start menu, and then select Run.
Indicates critical information.
International http://www.aten.com
North America http://www.aten-usa.com

1
Chapter 1
Introduction
Overview
The ATEN VanCryst VM0404 4x4 Video Matrix Switch with Audio provides
a convenient way to simultaneously route audio/video content from four VGA
source devices to four VGA monitors, projectors and displays.
As a Matrix Switch, each input can be independently connected to any or all
outputs, and the audio from each source device can also be switched
independently, giving you the ultimate in flexibility and control in any multi-
display audio/video installation. The VM0404 duplicates and enhances video
signals over distances of up to 30m, and supports multiple resolutions up to
1920 x 1440.
Convenient front panel pushbuttons allow you to quickly and easily cycle
through the sources and displays, while the front panel LEDs indicate the
source device for each display at a glance.
Furthermore, for complete system and install integration, RS-232 control is
standard through the VM0404’s built-in bi-directional RS-232 serial port that
allows the switch to be controlled through a high-end controller, PC, and/or
home automation / home theater software package.

VM0404 User Manual
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Features
Display the output from four video source devices to four display devices
Easily switch between 4 media sources and enjoy the video content on any
of up to 4 displays
Long distance transmission – up to 30m
Superior video quality – up to 1920 x 1440; VGA, SVGA, SXGA, UXGA
and WUXGA (1920x1200)
Configure and control the switch via front panel buttons, via RS-232
Features RS-232 serial port for command controls
Independent audio/video focus – each input can be independently
connected to any or all outputs
Supports up to 300 MHz bandwidth for high performance video
EDID Expert – selects the optimum EDID settings for smooth power-up
and highest quality display

Chapter 1. Introduction
3
Requirements
The following equipment is required for a complete VM0404 installation
Source Devices
Computer or A/V source device with VGA and stereo output
Display Devices
A VGA, SVGA, XGA, SXGA, UXGA, WUXGA, or multisync display
device with an HDB-15 connector
Stereo speakers
Cables
Use VGA/Audio/RS-232 cables to connect the computer (or other audio/
video source device) to the VM0404
Note: Cables are not provided in the VM0404 package.
Source Device Operating Systems
Supported operating systems are shown in the table, below:
OS Version
Windows 2000 and higher
Linux RedHat 9.0 and higher
SuSE 10 and higher
Mandriva (Mandrake) 9.0 and higher
Debian 3.1 and higher
Ubuntu 7.04 and higher
UNIX AIX 4.3 and higher
FreeBSD 5.5 and higher
Sun Solaris 8 and higher
Novell Netware 5.0 and higher
Mac OS 10.1 and higher
DOS 6.2 and higher

VM0404 User Manual
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Components
Front View
No. Component Description
1 Port Selection
Pushbuttons Pressing a port selection pushbutton cycles through the four VGA input sources (Source 1, 2, 3, or 4) to be
displayed on the display device attached to the
corresponding output port (Display 1, 2, 3, or 4).
2 Port LEDs The LEDs (Input Port 1, 2, 3 and 4) light to indicate
that the VGA source attached to the corresponding
input port is routed to the display device attached to
the corresponding output port.
The LEDs flash when the front panel pushbutton is
locked.
3 Power Pushbutton Press this button to turn on / off the switch.
4 Power LED Power LED behavior:
The LED lights green to indicate that the unit is
receiving power.
The LED lights orange to indicate that the unit is in
standby mode.
1
234

Chapter 1. Introduction
5
Rear View
No. Component Description
1 Grounding Terminal The grounding wire (used to ground the unit) attaches
here.
Note: The grounding wire is not included in this
package. Contact your dealer for more information.
2 Power Jack The power adapter cable plugs in here.
3 RS-232 Serial Port This serial remote port is for input source selection and
high-end system control.
4 External IR Receiver
Port 3.5 mm Mini Stereo Jack which connects the IR Receiver unit (optional).
5 Audio/Video Input
Ports The VGA ports are for connecting your input source. The Mini Stereo Jack ports are for the audio source.
6 Audio/Video Output
Ports The VGA ports are for connecting your output displays. The Mini Stereo Jack ports are for the audio
speakers.
1
23 45
6

VM0404 User Manual
6
Maximum Cable Distances
Connection Distance
Computer to Unit 10 m
Unit to Monitor 30 m

7
Chapter 2
Hardware Setup
Cable Connections
Installation of the VM0404 is simply a matter of connecting the appropriate
cables. Refer to the installation diagram in the next page (the numbers in the
diagrams correspond to the steps below), and do the following:
1. Use a grounding wire to ground the units you are installing. Connect one
end of the wire to the grounding terminal, and the other end of the wire to
a suitable grounded object.
2. Connect up to 4 video/audio sources to the VGA/Audio Input ports.
3. Connect up to 4 display/audio devices to the VGA/Audio Output ports.
4. If you are using the serial control function, use an appropriate RS-232
serial cable to connect the computer or serial controller to the VM0404’s
female RS-232 port.
5. (Optional) Connect an IR Receiver into the External IR Receiver Input
Port.
Note: The IR Extension Cable (2XRT-0003G) and IR Remote Control
(2XRT-0106G) are not included in the package and are sold
separately. Contact your dealer for purchasing details.
6. Plug the power adapter supplied with the package into the VM0404’s
power jack, and then into a power source.
7. Power on the VM0404 and all devices in the installation.
1. Important safety information regarding the placement of this
device is provided on page 21. Please review it before
proceeding.
2. Make sure that the power to all devices connected to the
installation are turned off. You must unplug the power cords of
any computers that have the Keyboard Power On function.

VM0404 User Manual
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Installation Diagram
4
6
1
3
52

9
Chapter 3
Operation
Overview
The VM0404 can be configured and operated via the front panel pushbuttons
or by connecting an RS-232 Serial controller.
You can also use an IR Remote Control if there is an IR receiver connected to
your VM0404 unit.
Note: The IR Extension Cable (2XRT-0003G) and IR Remote Control (2XRT-
0106G) are not included in the package and are sold separately. Contact
your dealer for purchasing details.
The front panel pushbuttons and remote control operation are discussed in this
Chapter. See RS-232 Commands, page 12 for details on using the serial
controller.
Front Panel Operation
The VM0404 features front panel pushbuttons for convenient configuration
and operation. They allow you to perform operations, such as:
Selecting which audio/video source shows on which output display – press
the button for the output port (1 to 4) and the LED of the corresponding
input port (1 to 4) lights up.
VM0404 Front Panel
Turning the switch on/off – press the Power button to turn the switch on or
put it on standby
Input Port 1
Input Port 3
Input Port 2
Input Port 4
1
Output port

VM0404 User Manual
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IR Remote Control Operation
You can use an IR Remote Control if there is an IR receiver connected to your
VM0404 unit.
Note: The IR receiver and remote control are not included in the package and
requires a separate purchase. Contact your dealer for more details.
The remote control allows youto change the Output port status for each display
using an IR remote control.
You can use the remote control to: change the Input source of any Output
display port, power on/off any individual Output display, or power on/off all
Output displays simultaneously.
Before using the remote control feature you must first plug the IR External
Receiver into the rear of the VM0404 (see External IR Receiver Port, page 5),
and place the receiver where the IR signal can be reached.
Change the Input source of an Output port
To change the Input source for an Output display, use the IR remote control to
do the following:
1. Press the OUTPUT port number (1–4) you want to change.
2. Press the INPUT port number (1–4) you want the OUTPUT port to display
within 2 seconds.*
3. Repeat steps 1-2 to change additional ports.
*For the change to occur the INPUT number must be pressed within 2
seconds of pressing the OUTPUT number.

Chapter 3. Operation
11
Power on/off individual Output displays
To power on/off individual Output displays, use the remote control to do the
following:
1. Press the OUTPUT port number (1–4) you want to power on/off.
2. Press the ON or OFF pushbutton within 2 seconds.*
3. Repeat steps 1-2 to change the power status back on/off.
*For individual power on/off to occur properly the ON or OFF
pushbutton must be pressed within 2 seconds of pressing the OUTPUT
number. Failing to do so will result in all displays being powered on or
off respectively.
Power on/off all Output displays
To power on/off all Output displays simultaneously*, use the remote control to
do the following:
1. Press the ON or OFF pushbutton.
2. Repeat step 1 to simultaneously change the power status of all Output
ports back on/off.
*Using the ON or OFF pushbutton brings all Output ports to the same
power status, regardless of current individual (on/off) power statuses.

12
Chapter 4
RS-232 Commands
Serial Control Protocol Commands
This chapter provides a complete list of the serial control protocol commands
used when utilizing the RS-232 Serial Port.
Configuring the Serial Port
The controller’s serial port should be configured as follows:
Switch Port Commands
The formulas for Switch Port commands are as follows:
1. Switch Command + Input Command + Port number + Output Command +
Port Number + Control + [Enter]
For example, to switch input port 02 to output port 04, type the following:
sw i02 o04 [Enter]
Note: The hexadecimal code for [Enter] is 0D0A.
2. Switch Command + Output Command + Port Number + Control + [Enter]
For example, to turn off video output on port 03, type the following:
sw o03 video off [Enter]
3. Switch Command + Output Command + Port Number + Control + [Enter]
For example, to switch the next input to port 02 (audio and video), type the
following:
sw o02 +[Enter]
RS-232 Serial Control Protocol Settings
Baud Rate 19200 (Default)
Data Bit 8 bits
Parity None
Stop Bit 1 Bit
Flow Control None