Aurora IPX-TC3 Series User manual

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Manual Number: 190121
USERS GUIDE
10G 4K60 4:4:4 IP Distribution
IPX-TC3 Series
IPX-TC3-C ● IPX-TC3-CF ● IPX-TC3-C Pro ● IPX-TC3-CF Pro
IPX-TC3-DF Pro ● IPX-TC3-WP-C ● IPX-TC3-WP-F

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User Guide
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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User Guide
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PACKAGE CONTENTS .............................................................................................................4
OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES ......................................................................................................5
INTRODUCTION......................................................................................................................10
About................................................................................................................................................... 10
Documentation.................................................................................................................................... 10
Features...............................................................................................................................................11
IPX-TC3 & IPX-TC3 Pro Front............................................................................................................ 12
IPX-TC3-C, IPX-TC3-CF, IPX-TC3-DF Rear ...................................................................................... 14
IPX-TC3-WP-C & IPX-TC3-WP-F Front ............................................................................................. 15
IPX-TC3-WP-C & IPX-TC3-WP-F Rear.............................................................................................. 16
UNDERSTANDING THE BASICS............................................................................................17
Direct Connection with No Ethernet Switch........................................................................................ 17
10GbE Ethernet Switch ...................................................................................................................... 17
1GbE Ethernet Port Usage ................................................................................................................. 17
Network Infrastructure ........................................................................................................................ 18
Isolated Network or Users Network .................................................................................................... 18
Controlling the IPX .............................................................................................................................. 18
Controlling the IPX with Multiple Servers for Redundancy................................................................. 19
EDID and its Importance..................................................................................................................... 19
Videowall Capabilities IPX-TC3 Pro ................................................................................................... 20
HARDWARE INSTALLATION..................................................................................................21
Network Setup .................................................................................................................................... 21
Encoder Setup .................................................................................................................................... 21
Decoder Setup .................................................................................................................................... 22
RXS-1 Control Server Setup............................................................................................................... 22
Control Setup ...................................................................................................................................... 22
APPLICATIONS.......................................................................................................................24
Example 1: IPX-TC3-WP Configured as Transmitter to IPX-TC3 Configured Receiver .................... 24
Example 2: IPX Multi-Room................................................................................................................ 25
Example 3: Matrix - Multiple IPX to Multiple IPX ................................................................................ 26
Example 4: Video-Wall........................................................................................................................ 27
Example 5: KVM utilizing USB 2.0...................................................................................................... 28
SOFTWARE.............................................................................................................................29
CONNECTOR PIN DEFINITION ..............................................................................................31

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User Guide
HDMI................................................................................................................................................... 31
CAT5e/6/6A......................................................................................................................................... 31
RS-232................................................................................................................................................ 32
IR (Infrared)......................................................................................................................................... 33
APPENDIX 1 Troubleshooting...........................................................................................34
APPENDIX 2 Firmware Update..........................................................................................36
APPENDIX 3 Protocol ........................................................................................................36
APPENDIX 4 Recommended Cabling ...............................................................................37
APPENDIX 5 Recommended Network Switches ..............................................................38
5.1 Switch Speed ................................................................................................................................ 38
5.2 Packets Routing............................................................................................................................ 38
5.3 Ethernet Switch Configuration ...................................................................................................... 39
5.4 Ethernet Switch Models ................................................................................................................ 40
APPENDIX 6 Technical Specifications..............................................................................41
APPENDIX 7 Warranty .......................................................................................................42

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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. Go to www.auroramm.com for latest manual and firmware.
Box Versions
IPX-TC3-C
•1 qty IPX-TC3-C 10G RJ-45 Copper Transceiver Unit.
•2 qty Mounting Ears and screws
IPX-TC3-CF
•1 qty IPX-TC3-CF 10G RJ-45 Copper/Fiber Tranceiver Unit. SFP+ module sold separately.
•2 qty Mounting Ears and screws
IPX-TC3-C-PRO (Scaling, Videowall, Windowing, Seamless Switching)
•1 qty IPX-TC3-C-PRO 10G RJ-45 Copper Transceiver Unit.
•2 qty Mounting Ears and screws
IPX-TC3-CF-PRO (Scaling, Videowall, Windowing, Seamless Switching)
•1 qty IPX-TC3-CF-PRO 10G RJ-45 Copper/Fiber Tranceiver Unit. SFP+ module sold separately.
•2 qty Mounting Ears and screws
IPX-TC3-DF-PRO (Scaling, Videowall, Windowing, Seamless Switching)
•1 qty IPX-TC3-DF-PRO 10G Dual Fiber Tranceiver Unit. SFP+ modules sold separately.
•2 qty Mounting Ears and screws
Wall Plate 3 Gang Versions
IPX-TC3-WP-F
•1 qty IPX-TC3-WP-F 10G Fiber Tranceiver Unit in white (IPX-TC3-WP-F-W) or black (IPX-TC3-
WP-F-B). SFP+ module sold separately.
IPX-TC3-WP-C
•1 qty IPX-TC3-WP-C 10G RJ-45 Copper Tranceiver Unit in white (IPX-TC3-WP-C-W) or black
(IPX-TC3-WP-C-B)
Note: Power supplies are sold separately.

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OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES
•IPX-RK3-1 (1RU Rack mount holds 2 units)
Includes 4 Rails and 1 Blank
•IPX-RK3-5 (5RU Rack mount holds 12 units)
Includes 24 rails and 4 Blanks
•IPX-RK3-BK-K (Blank Plate for Rack Mounts) & IPX-RK3-MT-K (For IPX-TC3 use in rack mounts)
•IPE-USB-2 (USB 2.0 Extreme USB Option Card)
•IPE-USB-2VH (USB 2.0 Extreme USB Option Card with Virtual Hub)

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•IPE-DTE-1 (IPX-TC3 2 Channel Dante/AES67 Option Card)
•IPE-DTE-2 (IPX-TC3 8 Channel Dante/AES67 Option Card)
•IPX-ReAX-1 (IPX-TC3 ReAX Control System Option Card)
•RXS-1 (ReAX Linux Server with IPBaseT Manager Pro)

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•DXB-8/DXB-8i (8 Button Wall Plate)
•PS0081-1 (48V 24 Watt PoE Injector) Available in -US, -AU, - EU, and -UK worldwide models.
•PS0094-2 (48V 25 Watt Wall Supply) Available in -US, -AU, - EU, and -UK worldwide models.
•IR Receiver CA0026-1
•IR Emitter CA0061-1
•IR Blaster CA0049-1

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User Guide
•RS-232 Adaptor (3.5mm TRS to FEMALE DB9 2-TX 3-RX) CA0052-F2T3R
•RS-232 Adaptor (3.5mm TRS to FEMALE DB9 3-TX 2-RX) CA0052-F3T2R
•RS-232 Adaptor (3.5mm TRS to MALE DB9 2-TX 3-RX) CA0052-M2T3R
•RS-232 Adaptor (3.5mm TRS to MALE DB9 3-TX 2-RX) CA0052-M3T2R
•LVR-3G 3 Gang Electrical Ring
•IPX-SFP-10GMM-1 10G SFP+ Multi-mode LC 50/125 Module
•IPX-SFP-10G32C1 10G SFP+ BIDI Single Mode 1330/1270nm Module 10KM
•IPX-SFP-10G23C1 10G SFP+ BIDI Single Mode 1270/1330nm Module 10KM

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•IPX-SFP-10G20 10G SFP+ Single Mode Dual Module 1310nm 20KM
•IPX-SFP-PPC-1 SFP+ 10G Passive Patch Cable 1M (3ft)
•IPX-SFP-OM3DXLC-1 OM3 Fiber 50/125 Multi-mode LC Patch Cable 1M

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INTRODUCTION
About
The IPX Series provides one of the most advanced IP Streaming solutions on the market utilizing Aurora’s
IPBaseT™ technology, which synergizes various IP/AV standards to work together as one. It is the
industry’s first 4K2K transceiver with zero compression (4K60 4:2:0, 4K30 4:4:4), lossless compression
(4K60 4:4:4), and zero frame latency based on BlueRiver NT™/NT+ platform. Using a transmitter (encoder)
and receiver (decoder), respectively, used to be the standard –until now. The IPX can be set up as either
one to make installation, inventory, and troubleshooting easier.
Another industry first is the option slot to add other IP capabilities, like ExtremeUSB® (USB 2.0 over IP) or
Dante® audio, for a more complete, distributed system.
Audio, video, data, and control can be sent securely to one or many units using off-the-shelf 10G Ethernet
switches. When the IPX is set up to be a transmitter, the 2 HDMI inputs become a source switch and the
HDMI output becomes a potential loop out. When set up as a receiver, a user can select the local HDMI
inputs or an IP source. Seamless switching of the sources further enhances the presentation. Regardless
of how the IPX is set up, the audio can be de-embedded at any location, break away, and/or be sent to or
received from a Dante® enabled device. The USB 2.0 option is also flexible, working as a KVM and/or a
high-speed data transfer (480Mbps) for memory sticks. Each IPX USB feature can also be set as a host or
a device. To keep the system friendly, a customizable OSD and web server are available to be programmed
as required. For RJ-45 LAN devices, the 1G Ethernet port allows full bandwidth end-to-end over the IPX
10G fiber or copper port.
Choice is important. That’s why the IPX fiber version has an SFP+ port that can use single or multi-mode
fiber –making the IPX Series the ultimate AV IP product on the market today.
Documentation
Aurora provides many documents to support the IPX series and accessories. Below is a list of the
available documents that can be found on the download tab of the IPX products or the customer portal.
•IPX Series Network Switch Recommendation & Configuration
•RXS-1 User Guide
•IPBaseT Manager Users Guide
•IPX Series Protocol Guide (Available only on Customer Portal)
•IPBaseT FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
•IPBaseT IPX Series AV Evolution for an Industry Revolution (Features and the benefits over
tradition Matrix)
•IPBaseT Brochure

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User Guide
Features
◆Configure as Transmitter (Encoder) or Receiver (Decoder)
◆4K60 4:4:4 Over 10G Fiber or Copper
◆Zero Compression & Zero Frame Latency (22us) for 4K60 4:2:0 and below
◆1.3:1 Lossless Compression & Zero Frame Latency (100us) for 4K60 4:4:4
◆Redundant operation (IPX-TC3-CF and IPX-TC3-DF)
◆Secure Content Encryption
◆128x128 Capable with HDCP, Larger for Non-Encrypted Sources
◆Videowall Capability 8x8 (Pro Version)
◆Windowing/Multi-viewer up to 32 windows (Pro Version)
◆3ms Scaling (Pro Version)
◆Seamless Switching (Pro Version)
◆Break-away Switching
◆Audio DSP
◆SFP+ for Multi/Single Mode Fiber
◆10/100/1000Mbps LAN PoE+ (PD)
◆2 HDMI Inputs, 1 HDMI Output
◆Line In/Out Stereo
◆RS-232 Serial Port & IR (Bidirectional)
◆Integrated Web Server for Custom Control Pages
◆ExtremeUSB® - USB 2.0 480Mbps Option (Host or Device Configurable)
◆Dante®/AES67 IP 2Ch and 8Ch Audio Option
◆ReAX IP Control Option
◆Front Keypad & IR Remote Option
◆Auto Sense Switching
◆Rack & Under Table Mounting
◆3 Gang Wall Plate in white or black (IPX-TC3-WP)*
* Wall plate versions require full 3 gang electrical box space. Some electrical boxes
and mud rings do not accommodate the full size. IPX-TC3-WP wall box
dimensions are 5.54” x 2.83” x 1.404”. Wall box portion depth is 1.404” without
option card and 1.5" with option card.

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User Guide
IPX-TC3 & IPX-TC3 Pro 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.
•SFP TX/RX – Will blink when data is being transmitted or received for fiber or copper
versions.
•Link/Activity – Link will blink when a USB module is detected and will be lit solid when it
is connected to another IPE-USB-2 or UPE-USB-2VH. Activity will blink when USB data
is being transferred.
•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.
Buttons
•Power Button – Press and hold for 5 seconds for power standby.
•Menu Button – Press and hold for 5 seconds switch between encode and decode mode.
•Up Button - Select next input source.
•Down Button - Select previous input.
•Up/Down Button – Press and hold for 5 seconds to output IP info at 9600 baud rate on
RS-232 port.
Miscellaneous
•USB Dual Type A – 480Mbps USB 2.0 for device (ex. Mouse, keyboard, etc.). Extreme
USB option card (IPE-USB-2) must be installed for USB to function.
•IR Input –IR input 30kHz-60kHz. Photo Receiver must be stereo 3.5mm TRS. Note: It is
important to use 5V only photo receiver which is with carrier and inverted.
•IR Window – Future use for IR remote.

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User Guide
Special Functions
•Factory Default – Press & hold Select and Up together for 4 Seconds.
Note: Default Settings - 9600 baud rate; default IP 192.168.1.100; autosense off.

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User Guide
IPX-TC3-C, IPX-TC3-CF, IPX-TC3-DF Rear
Rear
•48VDC – 48 Volt isolated power input.
•10G SFP+ – Multi-mode or single mode SFP+ 10G modules for the IPBaseT
connectivity.
•10G – RJ-45 10G network connection for the IPBaseT connectivity. Unit can be powered
with 10G PoE+ or PoH+ injector.
•HDMI 2.0 In 1/2 – HDMI inputs.
•HDMI 2.0 Out – HDMI Output to Display.
•RS-232 – Serial port pass-through and control up to 115Kbps.
•IR Out – IR output 30kHz-60kHz. Emitter must be mono 3.5mm TS.
•Audio Line In/Out – Stereo audio input/Stereo de-embedded output.
•Ethernet – 10/100/1000Mbps LAN. Can power the unit with PoE+ from injector or switch.
•USB – 480Mbps USB 2.0 Micro to be connected to a host PC. Extreme USB SO-DIMM
option card (IPE-USB-2) must be installed for USB to function.
Inside
•Option Card Slot for USB 2.0, ReAX, and Dante.
Note: The MAC address for the Dante or USB option will be on the card label.

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IPX-TC3-WP-C & IPX-TC3-WP-F Front
Buttons
•HDMI 1 – Selects HDMI Input 1 (Lights Red, Green, or Blue).
•HDMI 2 – Selects HDMI Input 2 (Lights Red, Green, or Blue).
•Remote Stream – Selects remote stream assigned when set as decoder (Lights Red,
Green, or Blue). If held for 5 sec will switch between encode and decode modes. Stream
button will light blue when in encode mode.
Connectors
•HDMI In 1/2 – HDMI inputs.
•HDMI Out – HDMI Output to Display.
•Audio In – Stereo audio input.
•Audio Out – Audio de-embedded output.
•Ethernet – 10/100/1000Mbps LAN.
•USB – 480Mbps USB 2.0 Type A to be connected to a host (PC) or device (ex. Mouse,
keyboard, etc.). Extreme USB option card (IPE-USB-2) must be installed for USB to
function.
Miscellaneous
•IR Window – Future use for IR remote.
Special Functions
•Streaming Factory Default – Press & hold HDMI 1 for 5 seconds. This will only restore
default for the mode the unit is currently set to.
•Web Server Factory Default – Press & hold HDMI 2 for 5 seconds.
Note: Default Settings - 9600 baud rate; default IP 192.168.1.100; autosense off.

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User Guide
IPX-TC3-WP-C & IPX-TC3-WP-F Rear
Rear
•48VDC – 48 Volt isolated power input.
•SFP+ – For multi-mode or single mode SFP+ 10G modules (IPX-TCW3-F) for the
IPBaseT zero compression/latency connectivity.
•10G – RJ-45 10G network connections (IPX-TCW3-C) for the IPBaseT zero
compression/latency connectivity. Unit can be powered with 10G PoE or PoH injector.
•RS-232 – Serial port pass-through and control up to 115Kbps. Also, has 5V for
connection to DXB-8 8 button wall controller.
•Expansion Slot for USB, ReAX, and Dante options. Cover supplied for card protection.
Note: Copper RJ-45 is tab down. Do not use a boot over the connector or it will be too
snug. To release the cable a flat head screw driver should be used from the side to lift
tab from underneath.
Wall plate versions require full 3 gang electrical box space. Some electrical boxes and
mud rings do not accommodate the full size. IPX-TCW3 wall box dimensions are 5.54” x
2.83” x 1.404”. Wall box portion depth is 1.404” without option card and 1.5" with option
card.

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UNDERSTANDING THE BASICS
Direct Connection with No Ethernet Switch
The IPX Series is designed to automatically tunnel the video, audio, USB, RS-232, and IR if they are
connected without an Ethernet switch or connected server (RXS-1).
10GbE Ethernet Switch
It is important to use a non-blocking IGMP 10GbE switch with IGMP snooping. 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 10GbE switch in the future.
The IPX, when set to encoder (TX), determines the bandwidth that will be multicast across the network.
24bit 4k@30Hz will use about 6Gbps and 3Gbps for 24bit 1080p@60Hz (Data Rate in bits per second =
Color Depth x Horizontal Resolution x Vertical Resolution x Frame Rate). If the bandwidth is higher the
1.3:1 compression will be utilized so a 4K60 4:4:4 will be around 9Gbps. The IPX also has the ability to
enable the 1.3:1 lossless compression for any resolution allowing 1080p60Hz to be about 1.5Gbps. This
does not include the 1G LAN, 480Mbps, 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 64Gbps of bandwidth will be
required if uplinked to another switch. If the available bandwidth between the two 10GbE switches is less
than 64Gbps, 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
10Gbps, 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
10GbE switch as an example can be 24x24, 1x47, 47x1, 12x36, etc.
1GbE Ethernet Port Usage
The 1GbE LAN port on each IPX unit is a full bandwidth independent port that is part of the 10GbE
switch. For every IPX unit added to the 10GbE network, it is the same as adding another 1GbE LAN port
to a switch. Every IPX 1GbE LAN port is part of a 1GbE switch, relative to the number of IPX units on the
network. This allows for using the IPX in place of a secondary 1GbE Ethernet infrastructure to each
location and even using it as a low bandwidth video streaming, within the high bandwidth streaming. It is
important to not connect more than one IPX unit into the same 1GbE network or there will be
communication issues. If more than one IPX unit is connected into the same 1GbE network, it would be
the same as taking 2 Ethernet switches and connecting multiple ports to each other, as action that will
totally disrupt the network (it will cause a broadcast/network storm). Connecting computers or other LAN
peripherals throughout the IPX 1GbE LAN ports will work the same as any other Ethernet switch typically
used. A more advanced usage would be to use the IPX 1GbE LAN port to have a local H.264 encoder

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send lower bandwidth content over the IPX 10GbE infrastructure. This way local AV content is sent real
time uncompressed using the 10GbE IPX infrastructure and then for distant learning, computer viewing,
or internet usage the H.264/H.265 compressed stream using the same 10GbE infrastructure to other low
bandwidth destinations.
Network Infrastructure
The raw network cabling as well as the patch cables are as important as the switch. For 10GbE networks
fiber cable is preferred. If using copper, unshielded 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 tightly together with other LAN cables, etc. The grade of the copper cable is
important too as it will determine the distance. CAT6A will reach 100m, CAT6 55m, and CAT5e 40m.
Fiber can achieve substantially greater lengths and does not have the issues of copper with running
together, power line interference, etc. OM3 multi-mode fiber (MMF) will go almost 1000ft/300m. Single-
mode fiber (SMF) can go tens of miles if required.
Isolated Network or Users Network
When discussing a networked based video solution, many times it is assumed it has to be on the client’s
network. This is not true. The application determines the type of network to be used. For example, if it is
simply being used as a typical AV matrix switch with no distribution throughout the facility, then a 10GbE
switch can be used just for that room. Just because it is Ethernet based does not mean it has to be used
on the main network. The Ethernet switch is simply used as the end point for all the cables and the glue
that holds everything together. In other words, it takes the place of the standard AV matrix switch
topology. If only remote control is required from the main network, then connect the 10GbE switch to the
main network and allow the control data between the 10GbE switch VLAN and the main network. Even if
the VLAN is part of the main network it does not mean you will use all the bandwidth. The purpose of
IGMP is to only send the multicast data to the ports specified, which would be where the IPX units are
connected to. Non-blocking switch assures full bandwidth is available for all ports as required.
Controlling the IPX
To simplify control of the IPX, the RXS-1 ReAX Server is available. It is a fanless i5 processor industrial
grade Linux server, which mitigates all communications to all the IPX units (devices and wall plates). The
RXS-1 serves up Aurora’s IPBaseT Manager Pro to any regular or mobile web browser. ReAX is a
Javascript based IP control system as well allowing full room/building automation or if desired a 3rd party
control systems can be utilized with the available API. In order to obtain the IPX Server API commands
you must be dealer status otherwise an NDA is required and is at the discretion of Aurora.

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User Guide
Controlling the IPX with Multiple Servers for Redundancy
Multiple RXS-1 servers can run on the same network for redundancy. It is important only one
communicates at any given time or incomplete commands may occur between units communicating
simultaneously. IPBaseT Manager will only connect to one server at a time but it is important for every
PC running IPBaseT Manager they all point to the same server at the same time. If a server losses
communication, then all clients should reconnect to the same backup server.
When using 3rd party control systems, this can be done automatically. Have the control system send a
query to the RXS-1 to receive a response through the telnet connection. If no response is received, have
the 3rd party control device target the backup server until the main server starts to communicate again. Do
not use ping for this operation as it only confirms a network connection but does not confirm actual IPX
API Server operation. Pinging will be effective for diagnostics to determine if the network connection to
the server is lost or if there are significant delays in the network.
EDID and its Importance
One of the most forgotten setup procedures in AV systems is the EDID. The EDID comes from the
destination (display, VTC, recorder, etc.) and must be saved into the encoder and decoder HDMI input
ports. This allows the source (Blu-ray, computers, etc.) to know the capabilities of the destination. This
includes the audio type if any, video resolution and timing, color space, color depth, and more. If no EDID
is present an HDMI device will revert to lowest resolution in DVI mode which also means no audio. If the
wrong EDID is used, the image may look pink, green, or have no image at all. To make matters more
complex, if different destinations/displays are in use in a matrix configuration, then it is important to use
an EDID with a common denominator or only one or the other destination may work. In an ideal
installation all the destinations should have the same capabilities for optimal performance. I this is not
possible a scaler may have to be implemented to assist in the compatibility.
For example, there are 2 displays one 1080p the other 4k UHD. If the EDID of the 4K display is used, the
1080p will not see an image if the source is capable of 4K. If the 1080p EDID is used, then both will see
the image but the 4K will never benefit from 4K content. In a situation where this is unacceptable, a 4K
scaler can be used on the 1080p screen to down scale the 4K content so the 4K EDID can be used and
the better screen can have a benefit. Note scalers do add frame latency and can affect image quality
based on the quality of the scaler. This is why it is always ideal to use destinations with similar
capabilities for optimal performance.
Audio can be impacted just as easily. If a destination is 6-channel surround sound capable and the other
destination is not, then the EDID from the 5.1 destination cannot be used, or there will be no audio on the
other destination. In most commercial installations it should not be an issue to choose the lowest common