Aurora DXE-218 User manual

USERS GUIDE
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Manual Number: 190524 | Firmware Rev: X.X
DXE-218
2 Input 8 Output Splitter with Downscaling
and PoE

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SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Please review the following safety precautions. If this is the first time using this model, then read this manual before
installing or using the product. If the product is not functioning properly, please contact your local dealer or Aurora for
further instructions.
The lightning symbol in the triangle is used to alert you to the presence of dangerous voltage inside the product
that may be sufficient to constitute a risk of electric shock to anyone opening the case. It is also used to indicate
improper installation or handling of the product that could damage the electrical system in the product or in
other equipment attached to the product
The exclamation point in the triangle is used to alert you to important operating and maintenance instructions.
Failure to follow these instructions could result in injury to you or damage to the product.
Be careful with electricity:
⚫Power outlet: To prevent electric shock, be sure the electrical plug used on the product power cord
matches the electrical outlet used to supply power to the Aurora product. Use only the power adapter and
power connection cables designed for this unit.
⚫Power cord: Be sure the power cord is routed so that it will not be stepped on or pinched by heavy items.
⚫Lightning: For protection from lightning or when the product is left unattended for a long period, disconnect
it from the power source.
Also follow these precautions:
⚫Ventilation: Do not block the ventilation slots if applicable on the product or place any heavy object on top
of it. Blocking the air flow could cause damage. Arrange components so that air can flow freely. Ensure that
there is adequate ventilation if the product is placed in a stand or cabinet. Put the product in a properly
ventilated area, away from direct sunlight or any source of heat.
⚫Overheating: Avoid stacking the Aurora product on top of a hot component such as a power amplifier.
⚫Risk of Fire: Do not place unit on top of any easily combustible material, such as carpet or fabric.
⚫Proper Connections: Be sure all cables and equipment are connected to the unit as described in this
manual.
⚫Object Entry: To avoid electric shock, never stick anything in the slots on the case or remove the cover.
⚫Water Exposure: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose to rain or moisture.
⚫Cleaning: Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners to clean this unit. Always unplug the power to the device
before cleaning.
⚫ESD: Handle this unit with proper ESD care. Failure to do so can result in failure.
FCC
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.
(2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Trademarks
All trademarks in this document are the properties of their respective owners.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
DXE-218...................................................................................................................................................................... i
PACKAGE CONTENTS............................................................................................................................................. 5
OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES ..................................................................................................................................... 5
INTRODUCTION........................................................................................................................................................ 6
About ...................................................................................................................................................................6
Features...............................................................................................................................................................6
SKU Front ............................................................................................................................................................7
SKU Rear.............................................................................................................................................................9
UNDERSTANDING THE BASICS........................................................................................................................... 10
Direct Connection with No Ethernet Switch.......................................................................................................10
1GbE Ethernet Switch .......................................................................................................................................10
Network Infrastructure .......................................................................................................................................10
Isolated Network or Users Network ...................................................................................................................11
Controlling the VLX............................................................................................................................................11
Controlling the VLX for Redundancy .................................................................................................................11
EDID and its Importance ...................................................................................................................................11
Videowall Capabilities........................................................................................................................................13
Ethernet Bandwidth Usage................................................................................................................................13
USB Network Bandwidth Requirement: ......................................................................................................... 13
Typical Video Network Bandwidth: ................................................................................................................. 13
HARDWARE INSTALLATION ................................................................................................................................. 14
Network Setup ...................................................................................................................................................14
Encoder Setup...................................................................................................................................................14
Decoder Setup...................................................................................................................................................14
Control Setup.....................................................................................................................................................15
APPLICATIONS....................................................................................................................................................... 16
Example 1: Retail Store Display Distribution.....................................................................................................16
CONNECTOR PIN DEFINITION ............................................................................................................................. 17
HDMI..................................................................................................................................................................17
CAT5e/6/6A .......................................................................................................................................................17
RS-232...............................................................................................................................................................18

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APPENDIX 1............................................................................................................................................................ 19
Troubleshooting .................................................................................................................................................19
APPENDIX 2............................................................................................................................................................ 21
Firmware Update ...............................................................................................................................................21
APPENDIX 3............................................................................................................................................................ 21
UART Protocol...................................................................................................................................................21
Telnet Protocol...................................................................................................................................................22
APPENDIX 4............................................................................................................................................................ 23
Recommended Cabling .....................................................................................................................................23
APPENDIX 5............................................................................................................................................................ 23
Recommended Network Switches ....................................................................................................................23
APPENDIX 6............................................................................................................................................................ 25
Technical Specifications ....................................................................................................................................25
APPENDIX 7............................................................................................................................................................ 26
Warranty ............................................................................................................................................................26

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PACKAGE CONTENTS
Please make sure the following items are included within your package. Contact your dealer if any
items are missing or damaged.
SKU
⚫DXE-218
Power supply is sold separately as unit is PoE.
Note: Go to www.auroramm.com for latest manual and firmware.
OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES
⚫PoE Power Supply
PS0081-1
⚫HDMI Cables
CA-HDMI 18 Gbps HDMI Colored Cable Series

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INTRODUCTION
About
The DXE-218 is the first ever 8 port 4K60 4:4:4 HDMI® PoE Splitter with downscaling per individual
output. The unit delivers enhanced capabilities such as individual CEC control, EDID management,
Hot Plug Detection, and EDID reporting per output. This is all done through the LAN port for full
control and statistics of all ports.
In addition, the downscaling per port allows 1080p screens to be utilized on the same splitter with a
4K60 source. To round out the solution, the DXE-218 has 2 input ports to select from to change
content remotely.
Features
•2 HDMI® inputs
•8 HDMI® outputs
•4K2K @ 60Hz 4:4:4
•Per port downscaling to 1080p
•10/100 PoE (Power over Ethernet)
•CEC control per port
•EDID management
•Hot plug detection
•EDID reporting
•Front LED status display
•Remote IP Firmware Update
•Custom EDID Management

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SKU Front
LEDs
⚫Power/Status –Power will light green when unit is on or in standby. Status will blink at a normal pace during
regular operation and slower pace when in standby.
⚫Encoder/Decoder –Encoder (transmit) or Decoder (receiver) will be lit when set accordingly.
⚫HDMI 1/HDMI 2 –Will light accordingly based on input selection. If both are lit, then it is the remote stream
when set as a decoder. If neither is lit, then no source is routed.
⚫232 TX/RX –Will blink when RS-232 data is being sent or received.
⚫IR TX/RX –Will blink when IR signal is being sent or received.
⚫Host/Device –For USB option. Host will be lit if set for PC to be connected to the USB. Device will be lit if
set for peripherals like keyboard or mouse is to be connected.
⚫LAN connector LED’s (Rear):
oLeft LED Green = 1G/Good.
oLeft LED Orange = 10/100 or Bad Connection.
oRight LED is Orange, for general LAN activity.

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Buttons
⚫Power Button –Press and hold for 5 seconds for power standby.
⚫Menu Button –Press and hold for 5 seconds to switch between encode/decode mode.
⚫Up Button - Select next input source.
⚫Down Button - Select previous input source.
⚫Enter Button –Pressing will toggle Link On/Off. This stops streamed Video, IRoIP, SoIP and USBoIP. If the
VLX device is connected in the network the status led will go on/off to indicate that link has gone on/off.
Miscellaneous
⚫IR Window –IR remote and IR Pass through.
⚫IR Input –For use with external IR Receiver. If utilized, front IR window will become disabled. Note: It is
important to use 5V only IR photo receiver which is with carrier and inverted. Use a stereo 3.5mm TRS
connector.
⚫USB HID –Dual Type A USB 1.1 Connectors for keyboard/mouse
Special Functions
⚫Factory Default - Press Power and Menu for 5 seconds. The USB Host LED will blink to indicate factory
default and the unit will reboot.
⚫Reboot - Press Power button for 5 seconds. Power LED go off and the board reboots.
⚫Secondary Firmware Image Mode - Press Power and Down button while powering up for 5 seconds. The
Host and Device LEDs will keep blinking and both Encoder and Decoder LEDs will be on.
⚫IP Information on RS-232 –Press and hold Up and Down for 5 seconds and the units IP information will
reveal on RS-232 port at 9600 baud 8N1.
Default Settings
⚫Baud Rate: 9600
⚫IP Mode: DHCP
⚫Fallback IP Mode (no DHCP present): Auto-IP 169.254.xxx.xxx range
⚫Autosense: Off

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SKU Rear
Rear
⚫48VDC 48 Volt DC isolated power input.
⚫LAN 10/100/1000Mbps LAN. Can power the unit with PoE from injector or switch.
LAN connector LED’s (Rear):
oLeft LED Green = 1G/Good. (1G Required for proper operation)
oLeft LED Orange = 10/100 or Bad Connection.
oLeft LED Orange = 10/100 or Bad Connection.
⚫USB 2.0 50Mbps USB 2.0 Micro to be connected to a host (PC) or device
(ex. Mouse, keyboard, etc.).
⚫Control IR Out Infrared control output 30kHz-60kHz. IR emitter must be mono 3.5mm TS.
⚫HDMI In 1/ In 2 HDMI inputs up to 4K30p/4:4:4 or 4K60p/4:2:0.
⚫HDMI Out HDMI output to Display up to 4K30p/4:4:4 or 4K60p/4:2:0.Output
can be native or scaled (e.g. from 1080p to 4K30p/4:4:4)[1]
⚫Audio In Analog stereo audio input.
⚫Audio Out Analog stereo audio output. De-embedded audio output from HDMI stream.[2]
HDMI multichannel audio (up to 7.1) is down-mixed to stereo (2 channel).
⚫Control RS-232 Serial port pass-through and control up to 115Kbps.
⚫SFP SFP Cage for Multi-mode or Single Mode Fiber & RJ-45 LAN with optional
modules available from Aurora.

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UNDERSTANDING THE BASICS
Direct Connection with No Ethernet Switch
The VLX Series is designed to automatically tunnel the video, audio, USB, RS-232, and IR if they are connected without
an Ethernet switch once they have been connected for the first time with an Ethernet switch.
1GbE Ethernet Switch
It is important to use a non-blocking IGMP 1GbE switch with IGMP snooping and Jumbo packets. The size of the switch
is based on the requirements of the project. With this in mind, consider if extra port capacity is required for future
expansion. If you run out of port capacity, you can always add another 1GbE switch in the future. The VLX, when set to
encoder (TX), determines the bandwidth that will be multicast across the network. 24bit 4k@30Hz can peak at about
850Mbps and 425Mbps for 24bit 1080p@60Hz (Data Rate in bits per second = Color Depth x Horizontal Resolution x
Vertical Resolution x Frame Rate) but typically averages 218Mbps for full motion 4K video. This does not include the
10/100 LAN, 50Mbps USB, RS-232, IR over the same transmission if required. If 10 units are set as encoders, and
4K@30Hz is the desired video resolution, then 8.5Gbps of bandwidth will be required if uplinked to another switch. If the
available bandwidth between the two 1GbE switches is less than 8.5Gbps, then packets will drop and information will be
lost. It is also a good idea to take into account overhead and assume 15% bandwidth loss to play it safe. Since each port
is bi-directional 1Gbps, it enables any port to be used as an encoder or decoder. The AV industry is used to standard
distribution topology limitations of 4x4, 8x8, 16x16, etc. With networked based video distribution, a 48 port 1GbE switch
as an example can be 24x24, 1x47, 47x1, 12x36, etc. If bandwidth is tight the VLX has the ability to cap the bandwidth at
200Mbps which will work well for most applications. (see Ethernet Bandwidth Usage section for more detailed
information)
Network Infrastructure
The raw network cabling as well as the patch cables are as important as the switch. When using copper, CAT5e, 6, or 6a
cable is preferred for optimal performance and is important to follow the standard rules for running Ethernet cables. No
sharp bends, coiling, putting near power lines, grouping unshielded cables tightly together with other LAN cables, etc.
Shielding is not necessary but can be used for noisy environments.