ATEN VS481C User manual

4-Port True 4K HDMI Switch
VS481C User Manual
www.aten.com

VS481C User Manual
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EMC Information
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION INTERFERENCE
STATEMENT: 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.
FCC Caution: Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the
party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate this
equipment.
CE Warning: Operation of this equipment in a residential environment could
cause radio interference.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
(1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference
that may cause undesired operation.
RoHS
This product is RoHS compliant.

VS481C User Manual
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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 86-400-810-0-810
Japan 81-3-5615-5811
Korea 82-2-467-6789
North America 1-888-999-ATEN ext 4988
United Kingdom 44-8-4481-58923

VS481C User Manual
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Package Contents
1 VS481C 4-Port True 4K HDMI Switch
1 HDMI Cable
1 IR Remote Control Unit
1 Power Adapter
1 User Instructions
Note: Make sure that all of the components are present and in good
order. If anything is missing or was damaged in shipping, contact
your dealer.

VS481C User Manual
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Table of Contents
EMC Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ii
RoHS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ii
User Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii
Package Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .iv
About this Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .vi
Conventions vii
Product Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . viii
1. Introduction
Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Planning the Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Required Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Optional Equipment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Compatible ATEN Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
2. Hardware Setup
Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Front View. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Rear View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Connecting the VS481C . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
3. Operation
Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Switching the Display Source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Setting the Switch Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Enabling/Disabling the Next Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Enabling/Disabling the Priority and the POD Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Enabling/Disabling the Standby Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Executing an RS-232 Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Restarting the VS481C . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Appendix
Safety Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Technical Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Limited Warranty. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

VS481C User Manual
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About this Manual
This user manual is provided to help you get the most from the VS481C. 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 4-Port HDMI Switch. Its purpose,
features, and installation considerations are presented and described.
Chapter 2, HardwareSetupdescribes the panel components and the steps that
are necessary to quickly and safely set up the VS481C.
Chapter 3, Operation provides details on how to operate the VS481C using the
panel pushbuttons, IR remote control unit, and RS-232 commands.
Appendix provides a list of safety instructions and precautions, contact
information for ATEN technical support, product specifications, and other
technical information.
Note:
Read this manual thoroughly and follow the installation and operation
procedures carefully to prevent any damage to the unit or any connected
devices.
ATEN regularly updates its product documentation for new features and
fixes. For an up-to-date VS481C documentation, visit
http://www.aten.com/global/en/

VS481C User Manual
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Conventions
This manual uses the following conventions:
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.

VS481C User Manual
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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:
International http://www.aten.com
North America http://www.aten-usa.com

1
Chapter 1
Introduction
Overview
The ATEN VS481C is designed for applications that require routing of 4
sources to one compatible display device. It enables the reliable transmission
at video resolutions up to true 4K (4096 x 2160 @ 60Hz 4:4:4), data rates up
to 18 Gbps, 3D, Deep Color up to 12-bit, and HD lossless audio formats.
Integrator-friendly features include Auto Switch, Instant Switching between
ports, bidirectional RS-232, and IR pass-through for remote device control.
Engineered to meet today’s demand of true 4K signal transmission and user-
oriented design, the ATEN VS481C is a powerful solution for a wide range of
settings, such as home theater, meeting rooms, trade shows, and shopping
centers.

Chapter 1. Introduction
2
Features
Allows up to 4 HDMI sources to be connected to one HDMI display
HDMI 2.0 (3D, Deep Color, 4K); HDCP 2.2 compliant
Superior video quality – True 4k resolutions of 4k x 2k @ 60 Hz (4:4:4)
Supports IR extension
Built-in bi-directional RS-232 serial port for high-end system control
Switch modes for automatic port selection
Instant Switching – instant switch via panel pushbuttons, RS-232 serial
devices and IR remote control for a smooth video transition between each
HDMI ports
LED indication of power status and source device status
Plug-and-play

VS481C User Manual
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Planning the Installation
Required Equipment
1 - 4 source devices equipped with an HDMI Type-A connector
1 display device equipped with an HDMI Type-A connector
1 - 5 HDMI cables
Note: ATEN recommends using the High Speed HDMI Cable (2L-7D02H-1) or
the equivalent for best results.
Optional Equipment
Compatible ATEN Products
The VS481C is compatible with the following ATEN products:
Note: For an up-to-date list of compatible ATEN products, go to the VS481C
product web page at http://www.aten.com/global/en/
Purpose Equipment
To control the VS481C
using serial commands
1 Hardware Controller
1 Serial Cable with a 9-pin male connector
To extend the reception
range for the IR remote
control unit
1 ATEN IR Receiver Cable (ATEN 2XRT-
0003G IR Receiver) or IR Remote Control
(ATEN 2XRT-0101G)
Product Type Models
ATEN Video Extender VE811T, VE811R, VE8900T, VE8900R, VE8950T,
VE8950R
ATEN Video Switch VS0801HB
Others VanCryst HDMI cables

Chapter 1. Introduction
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5
Chapter 2
Hardware Setup
Components
Front View
No. Component Description
1 HDMI In Port Connects to the HDMI Out Port on the source device.
2 Port Selection
Pushbuttons
Selects the corresponding HDMI input.
3 Port LEDs A Port LED lights green to indicate that the corresponding
HDMI input is selected.
4 IR Receiver Receives IR signals from an IR remote control unit.
4
12
3

Chapter 2. Hardware Setup
6
Rear View
No. Component Description
1 Power Jack Connects to the power adapter.
2 HDMI Out Port Connects to the HDMI In Port on the display device.
3 HDMI In Port Connects to the HDMI Out Port on the source device.
4 RS-232 Serial Port Connects to an RS-232 serial controller, such as a PC or
a control system.
5 Auto Switch ON/OFF Enables or disables the next mode. For details, see
Setting the Switch Mode, page 13
Note: When the Auto Switch is put to ON, the VS481C
will remain in next mode regardless of any RS-232
commands to set the unit into other switch modes.
6 IR Extension Port Connects to an IR Receiver to extend the reception range
for IR signals.
3
1245 6

VS481C User Manual
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IR Remote Control Unit
No. Component Description
1 Port Up / Port Down
Buttons
Press the Port Up Button to cycle forward (e.g. source 1
to 2) through the source devices and the Port Down
Button to cycle backward (e.g. source 2 to 1).
2 Port Selection Buttons Press a button to bring the focus directly to the source
device attached to its associated port.
1
2

Chapter 2. Hardware Setup
8
Connecting the VS481C
Follow the steps below to connect the VS481C to a source, a compatible ATEN
Video Extender, and other devices as required.
1. Use an HDMI cable to connect the HDMI In Port on the display device to
the HDMI Out Port on the VS481C.
2. Use an HDMI cable to connect the HDMI Out Port on the source device to
the HDMI In Port on the VS481C. You can connect up to four HDMI
sources to the VS481C. Three HDMI In Ports are located on the rear panel,
and one on the front.
3. (Optional) To configure the VS481C system settings using RS-232 serial
commands, connect a hardware/software controller to the RS-232 Serial
Port on the VS481C.
1. Please review the safety information regarding the placement of
this device in Safety Instructions, page 17.
2. Do not power on the VS481C until all the necessary hardware is
connected.
ps
2
4
3
1
5

VS481C User Manual
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4. (Optional) To extend the reception range for IR signals, plug in an IR
Receiver to the to the IR Port on the VS481C.
Note: This requires a separate purchase of an IR Receiver. ATEN
recommends using the 2XRT-0003G IR Receiver. For more
information about this accessory, visit our website at
http://www.aten.com/global/en/
5. Plug the Power Adapter Cable into the Power Jack.

Chapter 2. Hardware Setup
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11
Chapter 3
Operation
Overview
You can operate the VS481C using the panel pushbuttons, the IR remote
control unit, or an RS-232 serial controller. The availability of actions with the
three methods is summarized in the table below.
Action Operation Methods
Panel
Pushbuttons IR Remote Control Unit Serial Controller
Switch the port
Switch the display to a specific
source
33 3
Switch to the next available port 3
Switch to the previous available
port
3
Set the switch mode
Enable the off mode 33
Enable the next mode (default) 33
Enable the priority mode 3
Enable/disable the POD mode 3
Other settings
Enable/disable the standby mode 3
Read (display) the device settings 3

Chapter 3. Operation
12
Switching the Display Source
You can switch the display source using either the panel pushbuttons, IR
remote control unit, or RS-232 serial controller:
Panel pushbuttons
Press the Port Selection Pushbutton that corresponds to the source you
wish to switch to. The corresponding Port LED lights green to indicate that
the source is selected.
IR remote control unit
Aim the IR remote control unit at the VS481C and press the corresponding
Port Selection Button. Alternatively, cycle through the available sources
by pressing the Port Up button to cycle forward (e.g. from source 1 to 2),
and the Port Down button to cycle backward (e.g. from source 2 to 1).
RS-232 serial controller
You can switch the display to a specific source by executing RS-232
commands. For detailed steps, refer to the RS-232 Commands, page 15.
Note:
Make sure to use the IR mote control unit within the effective range (6 m).
For optimum performance, make sure there is a clear line-of-sight between
the remote control unit and the connected IR receiver on the VS481C.