AVPro Edge AC-MX-88 User manual

User Manual
18Gbps True 4K60 4:4:4
8x8 Matrix
AC-MX-88








 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


The AC-MX-88 is an 8x8 HDMI matrix switch that supports HDMI 2.0(a/b), HDCP 2.3, up to 4K video reso-
lution, and up to 18 Gbps bandwidth. This switch allows any source (Blu-ray, UHD Blu-ray, satellite receiver,
game consoles, PCs, etc ... ) to show on any connected displays. This matrix equalizes and amplies the
output to ensure the HDMI signal transmits through long HDMI cables without losing quality.
Audio Delay is “On-Board” so integrators can manage lip-sync issues before they become a problem. Video
signal management is also possible with built-in scalers. So, if the installation has a couple of older displays,
integrators don’t need to forfeit 4K signals to pass the signal to all of the displays. In addition to scalers,
this matrix supports complete EDID management, allowing maximum exibility with today’s broad mixture
of sources and displays.
Features
HDMI 2.0(a/b)
18Gbps Bandwidth Support
4K60 4:4:4 Support
Full HDR Support (HDR 10 & 12 Bit)
Dolby Vision, HDR10+ and HLG Support
HDCP 2.3 (and all earlier versions supported)
4K > 1080p Down Scalers on each output
Advanced EDID Management
IR, RS-232 and LAN Control Options
Digital Toslink Out (7CH PCM, DD, DTS)
Balanced Analog Out (2CH PCM)
Audio Delay for Digital & Analog Out
HDBaseT Compatibility mode for mixed systems
Driver Support For Crestron, C4, RTI, ELAN and more
Extracted Audio Now Has 3 Operating Modes. Bound to
Input, Bound to Output, or Independent Matrix
Built in Test Pattern on Each Output to Verify Infrastruc-
ture
Whats in the box
AC-MX-88 (Matrix Switch)
12V Locking Power Supply
1 x Ground Strap
1 x IR Remote Control (Battery not included)
1 x IR Extension Cable
8 x 5-Pin 2 Channel Audio Extraction Cables
1 x 3 Pin Terminal Connector (For RS232)
Mounting Brackets
4 x Rubber Feet

Introduction
*3V CR2025 Battery Required For IR Remote Control
Not Included

Specications



Front and Rear Panel Overview


Initial Setup: WebUI
1. With the AC-MX-88 placed into its new home (AV Rack, cabinet, table top) take a Phillips
head screwdriver and attach the included yellow ground strap to the back of the chassis
using the pre-installed screw, then attach the other end to a suitable grounded object.
2. Connect the HDMI Input sources to the HDMI Inputs on the back of the matrix.
3. Connect the HDMI/devices to the HDMI Outputs.
4. Connect the network LAN cable to the RJ45 port labeled LAN (between the Micro USB and 3pin RS232
port).
5. Power on the sources (Inputs).
6. Power on the Output devices/displays.
7. Connect the 12V power supply to power on the matrix and then to a suitable power source.
8. In order to see the current IP settings, press and hold (for 3 seconds) INPUT 3 and INPUT 4 buttons
simultaneously. This screen will change every 3 seconds showing
additional settings (host, net mask, router IP).
NOTE: This screen starts with the current IP address of the matrix.
9. To Enable/Disable DHCP, press and hold INPUT 1 and INPUT 4 at the same time for 3 seconds. With
the matrix connected to the local network, using a computer on the same network open up a web
browser and type the HIP (Host IP Address) into the address bar to navigate to the WebUI.
10.With the WebUI open, navigate to System. Click on the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, this will open
these documents in a new tab for review. Once read click on the boxes next to each to agree. When
both are checked the switch for Enable Cloud Services will be selectable (will be red or disabled by
default). Click to enable (the switch will turn green).
The AC-MX-88 can be controlled using the Micro USB port, 3pin RS232, or over TCP/IP using the LAN con-
nection. For initial setup it is recommended to connect the matrix to a local area network (LAN) and use a
computer on the same network in conjunction with the built in WebUI. After making all the physical con-
nections, the rst step will be to check for any Firmware Updates. The below steps are an example of this
setup, other control options are covered in separate sections of this user manual.


11.With the Cloud Services enabled under the Hardware section click the Update Firmware button to
check for new Firmware OTA (over the air). This will compare the rmware versions currently loaded
on the AC-MX-88 and compare to the latest available. If it is up to date, you will see a prompt stating
“No update available!”
12.If an update is available, the following prompt will show. Simply click UPDATE.
13.If a new update is available a le will automatically be selected, simply click the UPLOAD button to
load the rmware les to the Matrix. Uploading does not install the Firmware, that is the next step.
14.Once the rmware le has been uploaded, it will display all containing rmware les. Here you can
select individual rmware les to load or simply leave all les/options selected. If the version currently
installed is not newer (does not need to be updated), then that update will be skipped automatically.
Click the UPLOAD button to start.


15.Once the progress bar hits 100% click the CLOSE button, the rmware upgrade process is complete.
16.With the Firmware up to date it’s time to start setting up the matrix. With the AVPro Edge WebUI
open, navigate to the I/O Conifg section. Label the applicable Inputs (Apple TV, Cable Box, Roku, etc)
under the Input Settings - Label.
17. Label the Outputs (Living Room, Bedroom, Den, etc) under the Video Output Settings - Label.
18.Set the HDMI Video Scaling if needed. HDMI outputs can down-scale a 4K signal to 2K (1080P) or
down-scale a 4K 4:4:4 signal down to 4K 4:2:0.
19.With the system and all it’s components powered up it’s time to verify signal path from source to the
sync. For now leave EDID settings to their default 1080P 2CH, the next section Advanced Setup will
cover the more advance settings.
20.Use the Signal Indicator on the HDMI INPUTS. Green means HDMI source is detected, red means that


the source is not detected. If red verify that the input is powered on and that the HDMI cable is prop-
erly connected to the source and to the back of the matrix.
21.Now verify that the connections to the HDMI outputs using the Signal indicator. Green means HDMI
sync is detected, red means that the HDMI sync is not detected. If red verify that the sync devices are
powered on and that the HDMI/HD cables are properly connected to the back of the matrix.
22.With everything connected and powered on, green indicators across the applicable inputs and outputs,
verify you are getting all of your sources on all of your displays.
23.Problems with a source or sync, see the Troubleshooting section for help on page 43.
Advanced Setup: WebUI Input Settings
After verifying good signal path from source to sync now it is time to go through the rest of the settings to
maximize the setup. Starting with the input side with the EDID and Audio Mode settings.
1. With the WebUI open, navigate to the I/O Conifg tab and focus on the Input Settings section at the
top.
2. Set the EDID on each input by selecting the resolution drop-down rst (default is set to 1080P). The
options are 1080P, 4K30Hz, 4K60Hz Y420, and 4K60Hz. If you select USER1 EDID, then the drop-
downs change to allow you to select from and output to copy from. You can select any of the 4 HDMI
outputs then click the COPY button. This will save that outputs EDID to the USER1 slot.
3. Next use the drop-down to select NO 3D, or 3D depending on the displays capability.
NOTE: Currently the only resolution you can choose NO 3D for is 1080P.
4. Next drop-down select either SDR (standard dynamic range) or HDR (High Dynamic Range).
5. The fourth drop-down in the EDID section is for the audio, you can select 2CH, 6CH, or 8CH.
6. Click the APPLY button to set the EDID.


7. Verify you are still getting that source to all your displays and that the image looks correct.
NOTE: Some older displays may take an HDR signal and display correctly (ignoring the HDR Metadata)
others will not ignore the HDR part of the signal and may display incorrectly.
8. Signal - The Signal Indicator on the HDMI INPUTS shows the current state of the connection HDMI
source. Green means the HDMI source is detected, red means that the source is not detected. If red
verify that source is powered on and that the HDMI cable is properly connected to the source and to
the back of the matrix.
9. Global Input Settings (Applies to all inputs)
Support Dolby MAT - Check this box to enable Dolby MAT audio
Requires Dolby Vision Low Latency (Recommended) - Check this box to require Dolby Vision
Low Latency (Player-led) over Standard Dolby Vision (TV-Led). Sources like the Apple TV and X-Box
Series X use Dolby Vision Low Latency.
10.Now navigate to the Video Output Settings under I/O Cong

Advanced Setup: WebUI Output Settings

11.In addition to the output Label (name/alias), there are 3 settings for each HDMI output.
12.Under State there are 4 options.
Enabled (Default) - HDMI Port is on (normal functionality)
Disabled - HDMI Output Port will not output a signal
Test Pattern 1080P - Enables a 1080P Colorbar test pattern on that port
Test Pattern 4K - Enables a 4K Colorbar test pattern on that port
13.Under the Video Scaling mode you can choose to No Scaling (o), 4K to 1080P, or 1080P to 4K.
Auto - Will automatically scale based on the connected syncs EDID
No Scaling (Default) - Signal remains untouched
4K to 1080P - Down-scales any 4K signal down to 1080P
4:4:4 to 4:2:0 - Will convert any 4K Signal (with a Video Clock above 500MHz) with YUV 4:4:4 and
convert it to YUV 4:2:0.
14. Signal - The Signal Indicator on the HDMI outputs shows the current state of the connected HDMI
device. Green means HDMI signal is detected, red means that the signal is not detected. If red verify
that the HDMI cable is properly connected to both the matrix and HDMI sync device.

1.
Advanced Setup:
WebUI Extracted Audio Output Settings
1. Now navigate to the Extracted Audio Output Settings under I/O Cong.
2. The extracted audio ports have 3 distinct operating modes, use the drop-down at the top to select.
The three options are.
Bind to Input (Default) - where the audio port number corresponds to the input signal. This is ideal
for systems where audio is matrixed separately in a zoned amplier.
Bind to Output - this conguration the audio will automatically follow the HDMI output. This is ideal
for systems that use local AVR’s for some of the Zones.
Matrix - This mode allows you to matrix the extracted audio ports independently from the HDMI out-
puts. In this mode you there will be a Tab for the extracted audio under the Matrix page, allowing you
to route the audio just like routing the video. If the matrix is set to Bind to Input or Bind to Output this
tab will not be visible.
3. Other available settings for the extracted audio ports include Enable/Disable, Volume control (1-100),
EQ presets (7 generic preset options to choose from), Left/Right balance, and audio delay. Each of
these 5 settings can be changed per extracted audio port.
NOTE: The balanced 5pin and Toslink ports are mirrored and always down-mixed to 2CH audio.
4. You can use the slider or text box to change the volume (settings are 0-100).



5. To change the EQ settings of that port click on the emblem to the right of the volume slider. This will
bring up the Audio Conguration Page. Here you can choose from 8 dierent EQ settings, change the
Left / Right balance, and set the audio delay.
6. Delay (eight settings in 90 millisecond increments)
None (default), 90, 180, 270, 360, 450, 540, and 630.


WebUI: Video Matrix
Use this page to route the video INPUTS and OUTPUTS.
Click on the INPUT number to select (example below shows IN 1)
With the INPUT selected simply click on the OUTPUT you want to send that source to.
Note: If you rename the INPUTS/OUTPUTS using the I/O Cong page they will display here.


WebUI: Audio Matrix
Use this page to route the extracted audio.
NOTE: The extracted audio ports can only be manually changed (matrixed) when in Matrix Mode. If the
extracted audio is set to Bind to Input (default) or Bind to Output then this tab will not be visible, example
below. See Page 14 “Advanced Setup: WebUI Extracted Audio Output Settings” for more info.
Click on the INPUT number to select (example below shows IN 1 - Apple TV)
With the INPUT selected simply click on the OUTPUT you want to send that audio to.
Note: If you rename the INPUTS/OUTPUTS using the I/O Cong page they will display here.


WebUI: I/O Cong - Input Settings
Input Settings Label - Use this to give an name/alias to your inputs (Apple TV, Cable Box, Roku, etc).
Note: There is a 15 character limit to this eld, the name will replace the default “IN #” throughout the rest
of the WebUI (for instance the Video Matrix tab).
Input Settings Enable switch - Use this enable/disable switch to turn the
corresponding Input port on or o. The default setting is enabled (green) by
default.
O
Disabled
On
Enabled


WebUI: I/O Cong - Input Settings Cont.
Input Settings Signal - The Signal Indicator on the HDMI INPUTS shows the current state of the con-
nection HDMI source. Green means the HDMI source is detected, red means that the source is not detect-
ed. If red verify that source is powered on and that the HDMI cable is properly connected to the source and
to the back of the matrix.
Global Input Settings - There are two settings available
Supports Dolby MAT - Check this box to enable Dolby MAT audio
Requires Dolby Vision Low Latency - Check this box to require Dolby Vision Low Latency (Player-led)
over Standard Dolby Vision (TV-Led). Sources like the Apple TV and X-Box Series X use Low Latency.
1. 1080P_2CH
2. 1080P_6CH
3. 1080P_8CH
4. 1080P_3D_2CH
5. 1080P_3D_6CH
6. 1080P_3D_8CH
7. 4K30HZ_3D_2CH
8. 4K30HZ_3D_6CH
9. 4K30HZ_3D_8CH
10. 4K60HzY420_3D_2CH
11. 4K60HzY420_3D_6CH
12. 4K60HzY420_3D_8CH
13. 4K60HZ_3D_2CH
14. 4K60HZ_3D_6CH
15. 4K60HZ_3D_8CH
16. 1080P_2CH_HDR
17. 1080P_6CH_HDR
18. 1080P_8CH_HDR
19. 1080P_3D_2CH_HDR
20. 1080P_3D_6CH_HDR
21. 1080P_3D_8CH_HDR
22. 4K30HZ_3D_2CH_HDR
23. 4K30HZ_3D_6CH_HDR
24. 4K30HZ_3D_8CH_HDR
25. 4K60HzY420_3D_2CH_HDR
26. 4K60HzY420_3D_6CH_HDR
27. 4K60HzY420_3D_8CH_HDR
28. 4K60HZ_3D_2CH_HDR
29. 4K60HZ_3D_6CH_HDR
30. 4K60HZ_3D_8CH_HDR
NOTE: If you select USER1 EDID, then drop-downs change to allow you to select from and output to copy
from. You can select any of the 4 HDMI outputs then click the COPY button (this replaces the Apply but-
ton). This will save that outputs EDID to the USER1 slot.
Input Settings EDID - Use these four drop-downs to select your preferred EDID.
The available combinations are as follows.

Output Settings Label - Use this to give an name/alias to your outputs (Living Room, Den, Kitchen, etc).
Note: There is a 15 character limit to this eld, the name will replace the default “OUT #” throughout the
rest of the WebUI (for instance the Video Matrix tab).
Output Settings State - This drop-down has 4 settings, just like the input settings you can Enable or dis-
able this port. In addition you can also choose Test Pattern to enable a 1080P or 4K color bar test pattern
on that output. This is helpful in verifying the signal chain from Matrix to sync (display). To disable the test
pattern, change the state back to Enabled (default).
WebUI: I/O Cong - Output Settings
WebUI: I/O Cong - Output Settings Cont.
Output Settings Video Scaling - The HDMI outputs can down-scale a 4K 4:4:4 to 4k 4:2:0 and also
down-scale a 4K signal down to 2K (1080P).
Output Settings Signal - The Signal Indicator on the HDMI OUTPUTS shows the current state of the
connection HDMI Output. Green means HDMI sync is detected, red means that the sync is not detected. If
red verify that the output is powered on and that the HDMI cable is properly connected to the sync and to
the back of the matrix.

O
Disabled
On
Enabled


WebUI: I/O Cong - Output Settings Cont.
Output Settings Label - Use this to give an alias/name to your extracted audio outputs.
Note: There is a 15 character limit to this eld, the name will replace the default “OUT #” throughout the
rest of the WebUI (for instance the Video Matrix tab).
Output Settings Enabled - This is an enable/disable switch. By default this will be Enabled/Green. To
change the setting simply click to switch. Disabled/Red there will be no Audio passed on that extracted au-
dio port (both Toslink and balanced 5pin will be muted).
Output Settings Volume - Here you can use the slider bar to adjust the extracted port volume (0~100).
You can also use the text box and enter a value (0~100).
Output Settings EQ Settings - To open the EQ Settings click on the symbol next to the Volume slider.
EQ Drop-down contains 8 settings. The default o, Classical, Headphone, Hall, Live, Pop, Rock, and Vocal.