Avocent Emerge MPX User manual

EMERGE® MPX EXTENDER SYSTEM
Installer/User Guide

USA Notification
WARNING: Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the party
responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
NOTE: This equipment 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 residential installation. 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. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television
reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is
encouraged to try to correct the interference by one of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver
is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
FCC Radiation Exposure Statement: This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure
limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. This equipment should be installed to
provide a 20 cm separation from all persons. This transmitter must not be co-located or
operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter. Operations in the 5.15-
5.25GHz band are restricted to indoor usage only.
Canadian Notification
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions from
digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian Department
of Communications.
Le présent appareil numérique n’émet pas de bruits radioélectriques dépassant les limites
applicables aux appareils numériques de la classe B prescrites dans le Règlement sur le
brouillage radioélectrique édicté par le Ministère des Communications du Canada.
Safety and EMC Approvals and Markings
FCCClass B, UL, cUL, RoHS, CE, ICES-003, WEEE

Emerge® MPX Extender
System
Installer/User Guide
Avocent, the Avocent logo, The Power of Being There and Emerge are registered
trademarks of Avocent Corporation or its affiliates in the U.S. and other countries.
All other marks are the property of their respective owners.
© 2010 Avocent Corporation. 590-974-501B

Instructions
This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and
maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.
Dangerous Voltage
This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated dangerous
voltage within the product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute
a risk of electric shock to persons.
Power On
This symbol indicates the principal on/off switch is in the on position.
Power Off
This symbol indicates the principal on/off switch is in the off position.
Protective Grounding Terminal
This symbol indicates a terminal which must be connected to earth ground prior to
making any other connections to the equipment.

T A B L E  O F C ON T E N T S
Product Overview 1
Introduction 1
Features and Benefits 1
Video 2
Audio 2
Control 2
Browser-based user interface 2
System Overview 3
Hardware Overview 4
MPX 1450/1550 transmitter 4
MPX 1450/1550 receiver 7
MPX 1450/1550 access points 8
Compatibility with Attached Devices 10
EDID compatibility 10
Video Cross Conversion 11
Installation 13
Installation Overview 13
Getting started 13
Maximizing Your Wireless Range 14
Transmitter Configuration 15
(Optional) Transmitter media LAN settings 18
Validating media LAN connectivity 21
Access point installation 22
Receiver Configuration 23
Accessing your receiver’s web interface 23
(Optional) MPX receiver control LAN (L1) settings 24
Receiver display device settings 24
(Optional) Receiver media LAN settings 26
(Optional) Configuring receiver system settings 27
Designating a specific transmitter 27
iii

Setting explicit receiver bindings (suggested) 28
Transmitter and Receiver Placement (MPX 1550 System Only) 30
Mounting options 35
Wall mounting 35
Table mounting 36
Initiating a Media Session 37
Operation 39
Status Monitoring 39
Connection status 39
MPX status LEDs 41
System Tuning 45
Audio 45
Video 45
Transmitter/access point tuning parameters 46
Receiver tuning parameters 48
Serial Control 49
IR Control 52
Advanced Source Device Settings 57
Displaying Firmware and Hardware Versions 58
Firmware version checking 59
Upgrading MPX firmware 59
System Reboot 62
Reset to Factory Defaults 62
Appendix A: Technical Support 63
Appendix B: System Definitions 64
Appendix C: Supported ISO Country Codes 67
Appendix D: Technical Specifications 69
Appendix E: Video Troubleshooting 73
iv Emerge® MPX Extender System Installer/User Guide

Product Overview
1
1
Introduction
The Emerge® multipoint high-definition (HD)wired/wireless extender (MPX) system provides
wireless and wired connectivity for distribution of HD video content to one or more destinations.
The MPX extender system consists of transmitters, access points and receivers that form a
managed audio/video (A/V) extender network able to deliver a synchronized stream of HD video
and audio to as many as 64 display devices. Designed for professional A/V applications, the
MPX extender system features an integrated digital video interface (DVI-I) connector that
supports direct connection to HDMI, DVI-D, DVI-A, RGB and Component source and display
devices.
NOTE: References to "extender system"in this document refer to transmitters, receivers and access points
collectively.
The MPX 1550 transmitter combines Avocent’s field-proven MPX extender technology with
IEEE 802.11n MIMO-based radios to set the highest standard for wireless HD video distribution
in terms of visual acuity, transmission distance and noise immunity. The MPX 1450 transmitter
offers all the same capabilities and features of the MPX 1550 transmitter in hardwired
environments using the existing network infrastructure. All transmitter models support up to eight
receivers, and the MPX 1450 and MPX 1550 transmitters and receivers can also be expanded
using MPX access points to increase the number of displays for large-scale venues involving
multiple floors, departments or buildings such as universities, theme parks, hospitals and airports.
For ease of installation and configuration, Emerge MPX extender systems feature an on-board
web interface that also offers powerful diagnostic tools for local or remote management.
Features and Benefits
• Wired or wireless extender systems – Emerge MPX extender systems provide installation
flexibility for wireless (MPX 1550 extender system only) or wired high-definition
applications.

• Point-to-multipoint distribution – By adding MPX 1450 and 1550 access point expansion
units, an Emerge MPX extender system can be expanded to distribute HD video and audio
to as many as 64 display devices.
• Advanced encryption standard (AES) 128 bit encryption – A/V information is encrypted
with built-in AES for secure transmission.
• Small form factor – A smaller profile allows convenient installation and saves space where
it's needed the most.
• Dynamic binding - A transmitter can be configured to only allow specific receivers to
connect to it. Likewise, a receiver can be configured to only connect to a specific
transmitter. Specification is made using unique MAC addresses.
Video
Emerge MPX 1450/1550 transmitters and receivers feature a single DVI-I media port that
supports RGB, Component, DVI-A, DVI-D and HDMI video. Additional connectors are
provided for extension of serial and infrared (IR) data.
Audio
MPX extender systems support embedded HDMI digital audio and external analog audio via
white and red RCAconnectors.
Control
MPX extender systems allow both RS-232 and infrared control of source and display devices
and IR receiver and emitter capability. They support broadcast and bi-directional IR data
transfers for session control from the point of display or for display control from the location of
the source device; mini-jack cables allow IR blasters and receivers to be optimally placed. A
serial interface allows integration with third-party control systems.
Browser-based user interface
Browser-based configuration is available for MPX transmitters, access points and receivers. The
web interface allows local or remote control and configuration of the system without special
software tools. Through the web interface, you can configure system, network, source device
and display device settings; display hardware and firmware versions, connection status and
signal strength; update firmware; reboot the system; reset to factory defaults; and change your
password.
2Emerge® MPX Extender System Installer/User Guide

System Overview
The following diagram illustrates a typical configuration, including a single transmitter and up
to eight receiver units, and an expanded configuration, including a single transmitter, up to
eight access points and up to eight receiver units (MPX 1550 extender system shown).
Figure 1.1: Typical and Expanded MPX Multipoint Extender System Configuration
Table 1.1: Descriptions
Number Item
1Source Device
2MPXTransmitter
Chapter 1: Product Overview 3

Number Item
3MPXReceiver
4Display Device
5Access Point
The MPX 1450 extender system versus the MPX 1550 extender system
The MPX 1550 extender system offers a wired or wireless solution for HD video distribution. It
features a default omni antenna with a signal strength of up to 150 feet through three interior
walls or 300 feet line of sight. The MPX 1450 extender system offers all the same capabilities
and features of the MPX 1550 extender system in hardwired environments using the existing
network infrastructure. Both the MPX 1450 and MPX 1550 extender systems have a wired
maximum video bit rate of 80 Mbps and the MPX 1550 extender system has a wireless
maximum video bit rate of 50 Mbps (1-to-many) or 110 Mbps (1-to-1). All transmitter models
support up to eight receivers, and the number of displays can be expanded using MPX
1450/1550AP access point expansion units.
Hardware Overview
MPX 1450/1550 transmitter
The transmitter digitally-encodes, compresses, encrypts and sends media signals from a source
device to a group of bound receivers.
NOTE: See "System Definitions" on page 64 for a list of common components.
The front panel of the MPX 1450/1550 transmitter and receivers are identical. The MPX 1550
units are shown as examples; the MPX 1450 units have no antennas because they are wired-
only.
4Emerge® MPX Extender System Installer/User Guide

Figure 1.2: MPX 1550 Transmitter
Chapter 1: Product Overview 5

Table 1.2: MPX 1550 Transmitter Descriptions
Number Item Description
1Unit Reset Recessed button.
2Front Status LEDs
Five colored LEDs that communicate the current state of the device.
See MPX status LEDs on page 41 for a detailed description of LED
status indicators.
3Infrared Transmitter
Port - IR(Tx)
Transmits signals from an IRremote controller for transmission
through the extender network. The dual IR(Tx) emitter connects to the
port via a 3.5 mm jack.
4Infrared Receiver Port -
IR(Rx)
Captures signals from an IR remote controller for transmission through
the extender network. An optional IR receiver connects to the port via a
2.5 mm mini jack.
5Power DC power input port.
6Serial Port
RJ-45 connector for attachment of optional DB9-UNI or DB9-DUAL
adaptor. The dual adaptor splits the port into two RS-232 DB9 female
connectors and supports serial passthrough for control of display
devices.
7L1 LAN Port RJ-45, 10/100 Mbps Ethernet for web-based management of the
transmitter.
8L2 LAN Port RJ-45, 10/100 Mbps Ethernet for transfer of A/V media from the
transmitter to all bound receivers/access points.
9RCA Audio Provides support for unbalanced analog stereo (left and right) audio.
10 Universal A/V Port Provides connectivity to a wide range of display devices, including
HDMI, DVI-D, DVI-A, RGB and Component.
11 Omni-directional
Antenna
(Supported on the MPX 1550 extender system only) Used to establish
the wireless link between the transmitter/access points and bound
receivers. Avocent offers specialized antennas for improved distance or
higher performance in certain bands. See the Avocent web site for
more information.
6Emerge® MPX Extender System Installer/User Guide

MPX 1450/1550 receiver
The receiver decrypts, uncompresses and converts media signals into the desired format and
outputs the signals to the connected display device. The following diagram illustrates the
receiver (the omni-directional antenna applies only to the MPX 1550 receiver).
Figure 1.3: MPX 1550 Receiver
Chapter 1: Product Overview 7

Table 1.3: MPX 1550 Receiver Descriptions
Number Item Description
1Unit Reset Recessed button.
2Front Status LEDs
Five colored LEDs that communicate the current state of the device.
See MPX status LEDs on page 41 for a detailed description of LED
status indicators.
3Infrared Transmit Port -
IR(Tx)
Transmits signals from an IRremote controller for transmission
through the extender network. The dual IR(Tx) emitter connects to the
port via a 3.5 mm jack.
4Infrared Receiver Port -
IR(Rx)
Captures signals from an IR remote controller for transmission through
the extender network. An optional IR receiver connects to the port via a
2.5 mm mini jack.
5Power DC power input port.
6Rear Status LEDs
Offers a subset of front panel status LED information. Rear status LEDs
are useful when front panel status LEDs are not visible due to
orientation of a deployed receiver.
7Serial Port
RJ-45 connector for attachment of optional DB9-UNI or DB9-DUAL
adaptor. The dual adaptor splits the port into two RS-232 DB9 female
connectors. Supports serial passthrough for control of display devices.
8LAN Port RJ-45, 10/100 Ethernet that provides combined media and control LAN
functionality.
9Universal A/V Port A DVI-I connector that provides connectivity to a wide range of display
devices, including HDMI, DVI-D, DVI-A, RGB and Component.
10 RCA Audio Provides support for unbalanced analog stereo (left and right) audio.
11 Omni-directional
Antenna
(Supported on the MPX 1550 extender system only) Used to establish
the wireless link between the transmitter/access points and bound
receivers. Avocent offers specialized antennas for improved distance or
higher performance in certain bands. See the Avocent web site for
more information.
MPX 1450/1550 access points
In installations that require more than eight display devices, up to eight MPX 1450/1550AP
access point expansion units can be added. Each expansion unit can support up to eight MPX
8Emerge® MPX Extender System Installer/User Guide

receivers to allow up to 64 display devices attached to a single transmitter. The inbound media
interface for both MPX 1450AP and MPX 1550AP access points must be wired. While the
outbound media interface for MPX 1450AP access points must be wired, the MPX 1550AP
access points can be wired or wireless.
Figure 1.4: MPX 1550AP Access Point
Table 1.4: MPX 1550AP Access Point Descriptions
Number Item Description
1Unit Reset Recessed button.
Chapter 1: Product Overview 9

Number Item Description
2Front Status LEDs
Five colored LEDs that communicate the current state of the device.
See MPX status LEDs on page 41 for a detailed description of LED
status indicators.
3Power DC power input port.
4Serial Port
RJ-45 connector for attachment of optional DB9-UNI or DB9-DUAL
adaptor. The dual adaptor splits the port into two RS-232 DB9 female
connectors. Supports serial passthrough for control of display devices.
5L1 LAN Port RJ-45, 10/100 Mbps Ethernet for web-based management of the
transmitter.
6L2 LAN Port RJ-45, 10/100 Mbps Ethernet for transfer of A/V media from the
transmitter to all bound receivers/access points.
7Omni-directional
Antenna
(Supported on the MPX 1550 extender system only) Used to establish
the wireless link between the transmitter/access points and bound
receivers. Avocent offers specialized antennas for improved distance
or higher performance in certain bands. See the Avocent web site for
more information.
Compatibility with Attached Devices
The following sections provide guidelines regarding compatibility with source and display
devices.
EDID compatibility
Display devices communicate with source devices using Extended Display Identification Data
(EDID), a Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) standard data format that contains
basic information about a monitor and its capabilities, including vendor information, maximum
image size, color characteristics, factory pre-set timings, frequency range limits and character
strings for the monitor name and serial number.
EDID information stored in a display device is read by the MPX receiver via the video cable
through a digital path called the Display Data Channel (DDC). The receiver forwards this
information to the transmitter across the media LAN. The transmitter passes the EDID
information to the source device, allowing Plug and Play functionality among display and
source devices.
An MPX extender sytem group has a single primary receiver, which has special responsibilities
with regard to serial, IR and video functionality. Regarding video, only the primary receiver
10 Emerge® MPX Extender System Installer/User Guide

passes its EDID information back to the transmitter. The display device attached to the primary
receiver should be representative of the displays attached to other receivers.
The MPX transmitter is pre-configured with default EDID information, which indicates support
for a fixed set of low video resolutions at 60 Hz. Higher resolutions are added as the transmitter
learns the capabilities of the attached display devices from actively bound MPX receivers. This
active EDIDinformation is stored in non-volatile memory and is maintained by the transmitter
unless it is intentionally restored to factory default settings. The process occurs as follows:
• The active EDID string is blank.
• When a receiver binding occurs, if the receiver is not the primary and if the active EDID
string is blank, the transmitter merges the received and default EDID strings so the
resulting string represents the common features supported by both devices. This new string
is stored as the active EDID and reported to the source device.
• When the primary receiver binds with the transmitter the first time, the merge process is
repeated using the default and primary EDID settings.
• When bindings are established with subsequent receivers, no action is taken.
• If a different receiver is selected as the primary via the transmitter’s web interface, the
merge process is repeated when a new primary EDID string is received.
• If the primary display device is replaced with a different model, the receiver reports the
information to the transmitter and a merge process takes place.
NOTE: If an access point is used between the primary receiver and the transmitter, the primary receiver needs to
be configured as "Primary" on the access point; likewise, the access point needs to be configured as "Primary" on
the receiver.
NOTE: A blank screen may temporarily occur as EDID changes are being processed. Restart the video session for
the change to take effect.
Video Cross Conversion
MPX extender systems are able to pass both interlaced and progressive video formats, but they
do not support interlacing or deinterlacing. It is possible cross-convert a signal from one video
format to another through the extender network. For example, RGB video received by
transmitter may be converted for output to an HDMI display device by an MPX receiver. The
receiver is able output either HDMI or DVI-D signaling as long as the input and output
resolutions are consistent. The system does not provide video scaling.
Chapter 1: Product Overview 11

12 Emerge® MPX Extender System Installer/User Guide

Installation
2
13
Installation Overview
Complete the following steps in order to begin installation of your MPX extender system.
• Take proper precautions against antistatic discharge.
• Remove your MPX transmitter, access points (optional), antennas (MPX 1550 extender
system only), and receivers from their boxes.
• Refer to the following kit contents list to ensure that you have all the items necessary for
yourinstallation.
• Place the units on a stable working surface. To prevent radio receivers from being over-
driven, allow a distance of at least three feet between adjacent units.
• For the MPX 1550 extender system, connect the antennas. Fold the antennas inward while
the extender system units are in close proximity to each other. This will prevent excessive
signal strength, which may cause data loss andchoppy video.
• Ensure that all units are turned off at this time.
Getting started
Before installing your MPX extender system, refer to the following list to ensure you have all
items that shipped with the MPX extender system.
Supplied with the MPX extender system
• MPXtransmitter, access point(s) or receiver as appropriate
• 3 omni-directional antennas (MPX 1550 extender system only)
• Adaptor for RGB video (MPX 1450/1550T transmitter only)
• Power supply and ACline cord
• Quick Installation Guide

Maximizing Your Wireless Range
The number, thickness and location of walls, ceilings and other objects that signals pass
through affect the range of MPX extender system units. A typical wall has metal or wood studs
covered on each side by a single layer of gypsum or plaster board. Useful transmission range
varies depending on the types of materials, obstructions and background radio frequency noise
at your place of installation.
To maximize your wireless range:
1. Keep the number of walls and ceilings between the transmitter and receiver to a minimum.
2. Position a direct line between your transmitter and receiver so that the signal travels
straight through a wall or ceiling. A wall that is 1.5 feet thick (.5 meters) at a 45° angle
appears to be almost 3 feet (1 meter) thick; at a 2° angle, it looks over 42 feet (14 meters)
thick.
3. If possible, position your devices and extender system units so the signal passes through
drywall or open doorways and not other materials. Building materials such as a solid metal
doors or aluminum studs can impede the wireless signal and will have a negative effect on
the wirelessrange.
4. Keep your MPX transmitter and receivers away (at least 3 to 6 feet or 1 to 2 meters) from
electrical devices or appliances that generate RF noise.
5. Antenna extension cables result in signal loss. When possible, move the transmitter or
receiver into the desired position in lieu of using an extension cable. When cables are
necessary, use the shortest Avocent-certified cable that allows you to properly position
your antenna. Daisy-chaining of antenna extension cables is not supported. Carefully
follow the installation instructions provided with your cable kit and properly configure the
extender when using extension cables.
NOTE: Signals will not pass through concrete walls/floors or titanium coated glass.
MPX extender system units provide wireless transmission over the Unlicensed National
Information Infrastructure (UNII) and on the Industrial, Scientific and Medical (ISM) radio
bands.
MPX extender system units are able to operate over following bands:
• UNII 1: (4 channels bonded to two 40 MHz channels) 5.15-5.25 GHz
• UNII 3: (5 channels bonded to two 40 MHz channels) 5.725 to 5.825 GHz
14 Emerge® MPX Extender System Installer/User Guide