Avocent Emerge MPX1500 Installation and maintenance instructions

For Technical Support:
Avocent Corporation
4991 Corporate Drive
Huntsville, Alabama 35805-6201
USA
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
590-671-501A
Avocent International Ltd.
Avocent House, Shannon Free Zone
Shannon, County Clare, Ireland
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Avocent Canada
20 Mural Street, Unit 5
Richmond Hill, Ontario
L4B 1K3 Canada
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.avocent.com/support
Emerge®MPX1500
HD Multipoint Extender
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 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. 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. Only Avocent-
supplied antennas used in a configuration recommended by Avocent are supported by this product.
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.
De manière à maintenir la normes d'émission analogue, les câbles audio devraient contenir un ferrite avec une
valeur d'impédance d'au moins 150 ohms à 100 MHz. Une attache sur ferrite peut être utilisée.
Safety and EMC Approvals and Markings (Compliance Model Number (CMN): 2003 Series)
IEC 60950-1:2000, IEC 60065:2001+ Amd 1:2005 EN 60950-1:2001, EN 60065:2002 UL 60950 3rd Ed. /
CSA 22.2 No. 60950:2000, UL 60065:2002, EN 55103-1:1997, EN 55022:1998+A1:2000+A2:2003,EN
61000-3-2:1995 EN 61000-3-3:1995+A1:2001, EN 55103-2:1997, EN 55024:1998+A1:2001+A2:2003, FCC
Part 15 Subpart B Class B, FCC Part 15 Subpart C, FCC Part 15 Subpart E, EN 50392:2004, EN 301 893 v.
1.2.3 (2003-08), EN 489-1 v. 1.4.1 (2002-08), EN 489-17 V. 1.2.1 (2002-08)

Emerge®MPX1500
HDMultipoint Extender
Installer/User Guide
This manual is intended for use with:
MPX1500 products at revision 1.3.1.x firmware, or greater
Avocent, the Avocent logo and Emerge are trademarks or registered
trademarks of Avocent Corporation or its affiliates in the U.S. and other
countries. HDMI, the HDMI logo and High-Definition Multimedia
Interface are trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing
LLC. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.
© 2009 Avocent Corporation. All rights reserved. 590-906-501B

Instructions
This symbol is intended to alertthe 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.

iii
Figure 1.1: Example MPX Multipoint Extender Configuration........................................................3
Figure 2.1: Emerge MPX1500 Transmitter (Rear) .........................................................................12
Figure 2.2: Emerge MPX1500 HD Multipoint Extender Receiver (Front).....................................13
Figure 2.3: Emerge MPX1500 HD Multipoint Extender Receiver (Rear)......................................14
Figure 3.1: Control LAN Settings....................................................................................................18
Figure 3.2: Transmitter Source Device Settings .............................................................................19
Figure 3.3: Transmitter Custom Resolution Settings ......................................................................20
Figure 3.4: System Settings .............................................................................................................21
Figure 3.5: Bindings Page...............................................................................................................24
Figure 3.6: MPX1500 Receiver Display Device Settings................................................................25
Figure 3.7: Rx Manual Resolution Settings.....................................................................................26
Figure 3.8: Vertically misaligned antennas ....................................................................................31
Figure 3.9: Vertically aligned antennas..........................................................................................32
Figure 3.10: Bound Receiver Status................................................................................................33
Figure 3.11: Change Login Password Page ...................................................................................34
Figure 4.1: Transmitter Tuning Parameters - Basic Settings .........................................................37
Figure 4.2: Transmitter Advanced Source Device Settings.............................................................38
Figure 4.3: Receiver Tuning Parameters ........................................................................................39
Figure 4.4: Transmitter Media LAN Settings..................................................................................43
Figure 4.5: Serial Passthrough Mode ............................................................................................45
Figure 4.6: Serial Settings Page: Serial Parameters ......................................................................46
Figure 4.7: IR Flow: Transmitter to Receiver.................................................................................47
Figure 4.8: IR Flow: Primary Receiver to Transmitter...................................................................48
Figure 4.9: IR Loopback..................................................................................................................49
Figure 4.10: Serial Settings Page: IR Parameters..........................................................................50
Figure 4.11: System Reboot Page....................................................................................................53
Figure 4.12: Reset to Factory Defaults Page..................................................................................54
Figure C.1: MPX LED Status Indicators.........................................................................................59
Figure C.2: MPX Receiver Rear LED Status Indicators.................................................................62
Figure E.1: Transmitter Status Table..............................................................................................64
Figure E.2: Transmitter Media LAN Performance .........................................................................65
Figure F.1: MPX1500 Mounting Bracket........................................................................................69
Figure F.2: MPX1500 Power Supply Bracket.................................................................................70
LIST OF FIGURES

iv
Figure I.1: Tx Firmware Upgrade...................................................................................................76
Figure I.2: Tx Firmware Upgrade Status........................................................................................77

vMPX Extender Installer/User Guide

vi MPX Extender Installer/User Guide

vii
Table 1.1: System Definitions for an MPX Extender Solution ..........................................................3
Table 1.2: List of Accessories............................................................................................................7
Table 2.1: Rear Panel (MPX1500 Transmitter)..............................................................................12
Table 2.2: Front Panel ( Receiver)..................................................................................................13
Table 2.3: Rear Panel (Receiver) ....................................................................................................14
Table 4.1: Transmitter Tuning Parameters - Basic Settings ...........................................................36
Table 4.2: Receiver Tuning Parameters..........................................................................................39
Table 4.3: Methods for Fine Tuning................................................................................................40
Table 4.4: Status Page Information.................................................................................................51
Table C.1: LED Status - Wireless Connection ................................................................................60
Table C.2: LED Status - Wired Connection ....................................................................................60
Table C.3: LED Status - Reset Button Press ...................................................................................61
Table C.4: LED Status - Flash Update............................................................................................61
Table G.1: MPX1500(T/R) HD Multipoint Extender Product Specifications.................................71
Table H.1: Firmware and Hardware Versions Page Information ..................................................74
Table J.1: MPX Extender Supported ISO Country Codes...............................................................79
Table K.1: MPX1500 Transmitter / Receiver Kit Contents.............................................................82
LIST OF TABLES

viii MPX Extender Installer/User Guide

ix
Chapter 1: Product Overview.......................................................................................... 1
Introduction .......................................................................................................................................1
Features .............................................................................................................................................1
Video...........................................................................................................................................1
Audio...........................................................................................................................................1
Control........................................................................................................................................1
Benefits...............................................................................................................................................2
System Overview................................................................................................................................3
System definitions .......................................................................................................................3
Browser-based User Interface...........................................................................................................6
Accessories.........................................................................................................................................7
Compatibility with Attached Devices.................................................................................................8
EDID compatibility.....................................................................................................................8
HDCP compatibility ...................................................................................................................9
Rack Mount Safety Considerations..................................................................................................10
Chapter 2: Hardware Overview..................................................................................... 11
Transmitter.......................................................................................................................................11
MPX1500 transmitter overview................................................................................................11
Receiver ...........................................................................................................................................13
MPX1500 receiver overview.....................................................................................................13
Video cross conversion....................................................................................................................15
Chapter 3: Installation ................................................................................................... 17
Getting Ready ..................................................................................................................................17
Transmitter Configuration...............................................................................................................17
LAN settings..............................................................................................................................17
Validating media LAN connectivity..........................................................................................21
Setting explicit receiver bindings (Suggested)..........................................................................23
Firmware Version Checking............................................................................................................24
Receiver Configuration....................................................................................................................25
Accessing your receiver’s web interface ..................................................................................25
Receiver display device settings ...............................................................................................25
MPX receiver control LAN (L1) settings (Optional)................................................................27
TABLE OF CONTENTS

xMPX Extender Installer/User Guide
Configure receiver system settings (Optional).........................................................................27
Multiple transmitter considerations .........................................................................................28
Configure receiver password (Optional)..................................................................................28
Initiating A Media Session...............................................................................................................29
Troubleshooting........................................................................................................................29
Transmitter and Receiver Placement...............................................................................................30
Final Adjustments ............................................................................................................................33
Extension of IR and Serial Data ......................................................................................................33
Change Password ............................................................................................................................33
Chapter 4: Additional Functions................................................................................... 35
System Tuning..................................................................................................................................35
Transmitter tuning parameters.................................................................................................35
Advanced source device settings ..............................................................................................37
Receiver tuning parameters......................................................................................................38
Fine tuning suggestions............................................................................................................40
Serial Control ..................................................................................................................................43
I/R Control.......................................................................................................................................46
Configuring IR control .............................................................................................................49
Status Monitoring ............................................................................................................................50
Connection status .....................................................................................................................50
Media LAN performance ..........................................................................................................52
System Reboot..................................................................................................................................53
Reset to Factory Defaults ................................................................................................................53
Appendix A: Technical Support.......................................................................................................55
Appendices.................................................................................................................... 55
Appendix B: Radio Considerations..................................................................................................56
Appendix C: MPX Status LEDs .......................................................................................................59
Appendix D: Audio...........................................................................................................................63
Appendix E: Video Troubleshooting................................................................................................64
Appendix F: Mounting Options .......................................................................................................69
Appendix G: Technical Specifications.............................................................................................71
Appendix H: Displaying Firmware and Hardware Versions..........................................................74
Appendix I: Upgrading MPX Firmware..........................................................................................75
Appendix J: Supported ISO Country Codes ....................................................................................79

xi
Appendix K: Kit Contents................................................................................................................82

xii MPX Extender Installer/User Guide

1
CHAPTER
1Product Overview
Introduction
Emerge®MPX multipoint transmitters and receivers work in unison to form a managed audio
video extension network able to deliver a synchronized stream of high definition computer graphics
or video and associated audio from one source to as many as eight display devices in a wired or
wireless manner. Other forms of data such as Plug-and-Play information, device control and
session control commands in the form of IR and serial data, and content protection keys, are
exchanged among source and display devices through the extension network, providing a fully
managed solution.
Features
Emerge MPX15000 transmitters and receivers feature a single DVI-I video connector, which offers
support for a range of digital and analog video formats and RCA jacks for external analog audio.
Additional connectors are provided for extension of serial and IR data.
Video
MPX extenders support both progressive and interlaced video formats, however, they do not cross-
convert from one to the other.
The MPX1500 transmitter and receiver supports a wide range of display device video formats,
including: HDMI, DVI-D, DVI-A, RGB, component and, depending upon firmware revision,
composite and s-video display devices.
Audio
MPX extenders support embedded HDMI digital audio and external analog audio via female RCA
jacks. Depending upon firmware revision, MPX1500 transmitters and receivers also offer support
for optical and coaxial S/PDIF digital audio. See Audio on page63 for additional information.
Control
The products allow both RS232 and infrared control of source and display devices. MPX extenders
provide both IR receiver and emitter capability. IR strings are passed across the wired or wireless

2MPX Extender Installer/User Guide
media LAN, making it possible to control source devices while standing at a display device, and
vice-versa. A loopback function also makes it possible to control devices locally from either side of
the extension network. Likewise, bi-directional transmission of RS232 signals allows device
management across the extension network.
Benefits
Emerge MPX extenders provide the following benefits:
• Multipoint wired or wireless extension of high definition content
• Low latency from input at transmitter to output at receiver, making the product suitable for live
presentations or recorded media
• Ability to send HDMI audio or unbalanced analog audio
• Ability to extend A/V control signals, including serial and IR
• Synchronized media across multiple display devices
• Lip sync is maintained at each receiver
• Simple web-based configuration is provided at the transmitter
• Provides content security through HDCP digital rights management
• Passes EDID information for plug-and-play operation
• Product is field upgradable to support future functionality

Chapter 1: Product Overview 3
System Overview
The following diagram illustrates a typical configuration, including a single transmitter and three
receiver units using HDMI source and display devices.
Figure 1.1: Example MPX Multipoint Extender Configuration
System definitions
The Emerge MPX extender system consists of one transmitter and one to eight receiver units. The
following terms are used in this manual to identify common components of an MPX
extender solution:
Table 1.1: System Definitions for an MPX Extender Solution
Term Definition
Active EDID A merged EDID string that describes the subset of characteristics supported by the
primary display device and the MPX transmitter
Bound Receiver A receiver that is actively connected to a transmitter over a wired or wireless link
Control LAN A LAN interface on an MPX receiver or transmitter that allows access to its on-
board web interface. On MPX transmitters this is labelled L1. On MPX receivers, a
single LAN port provides the combined functions of media LAN and control LAN.

4MPX Extender Installer/User Guide
Default EDID Factory default EDID information stored in an MPX transmitter, which describes
the supported video characteristics of the transmitter
Display Device Video projector, plasma, LCD display, or other display device
EDID Extended Display Identification Data: A Video Electronics Standards Association
(VESA) standard data format that contains basic information about a display
device 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
Extender Group A term denoting an MPX transmitter and all of its bound receivers, whether wired
or wireless
Extension Network A term denoting a wired or wireless media LAN
HDCP High-Bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP) is a form of digital rights
management used to secure digital audio and video content
IR Blaster Dual IR emitter (part number IRB-100) that connects to the IR(tx) port of the
transmitter or the receiver and converts electrical signals that arrive at that port to
IR signals for control of source and display devices
IR Extension Flow of IR data across the MPX extension network
IR Local Loopback Flow of IR data from the IR(rx) receiver to the IR(tx) port on the same unit
IR Remote Remote control that transmits device control information using an infra-red LED
IR(rx) port An infra-red receive port located on the front panel of an MPX extender in the form
of a 2.5mm mini jack. On optional receiver may be attached to the unit via this port
IR(tx) port An infra-red emitter port located on the front panel of MPX transmitters
and receivers
Media LAN A LAN port on an MPX receiver or transmitter that serves as an interface for a
wired network for transmission of A/V media. This port is labelled L2 on MPX
transmitters and indicated by a LAN symbol on receivers. The Media LAN and
Control LAN functions share the same physical port on receivers.
MPX Extender A generic term denoting an MPX transmitter or receiver
Primary Display
Device A display device attached to the primary MPX receiver
Primary EDID EDID information received from the primary display device, which describes the
characteristics of the display device
Table 1.1: System Definitions for an MPX Extender Solution (Continued)
Term Definition

Chapter 1: Product Overview 5
Primary Receiver A single MPX receiver that you specify as the primary unit during configuration for
each system.
The primary receiver has the following characteristics:
• Only the primary receiver reports EDID information back to the transmitter, and
thus, back to the source device
• The primary receiver is theonly receiver capable of bi-directional IR transfers
with the MPX transmitter
• The primary receiver is the selected unit for bi-directional RS232 serial transfers
with the transmitter
Receiver An MPX extender that inputs media from a transmitter, decrypts, uncompresses,
converts and manipulates the data back into the desired format and outputs to the
connected supported display devices
Source Device Computer, HD-DVD, or other source of A/V content
Transmitter An MPX extender that inputs media from a source device, compresses, encrypts
and transmits the content to an MPX receiver. MPX transmitters also provide a
back channel for transmission of control data back to a source device.
Transmitter Number An attribute of a transmitter that enables multiple Extender Groups to co-exist on
the same wired media LAN
Universal A/V Port A DVI-I media input or output port on a transmitter or receiver that is configurable
to support a range of video formats, including: HDMI, DVI-D, DVI-A, RGB,
component and, depending upon firmware revision, composite and s-video.
Wired Link A 10/100 Mbps wired connection between a transmitter and bound receivers
Wireless Link An wireless connection between an MPX transmitter and bound receivers
Table 1.1: System Definitions for an MPX Extender Solution (Continued)
Term Definition

6MPX Extender Installer/User Guide
Browser-based User Interface
Browser-based configuration is available for both MPX transmitters and receivers. The web
interface provides access to the following functions:
•Configure system settings
•Configure network settings
• Configure source and display device settings
•Display hardware and firmware version
•Display connection status and signal strength
•Update firmware
•Reboot system
•Reset to factory defaults
•Change password