Black Box VX-HDMI-IP-MTX User manual

BL A C K B O X®
Extend audio and video signals via an existing LAN.
Distribute HDMI video to an unlimited number of displays using
IP multicast or make eye-catching video walls of up to 8 x 8 displays.
MediaCento™IPX
VX-HDMI-IP-MTX VX-HDMI-IP-UTX VX-HDMI-IP-VTX
VX-HDMI-IP-MRX VX-HDMI-IP-URX VX-HDMI-IP-VRX
Order toll-free in the U.S.: Call 877-877-BBOX (outside U.S.
call 724-746-5500) • FREE technical support 24 hours a day, 7 days
a week: Call 724-746-5500 or fax [phone] • Mailing address:
Black Box Corporation, 1000 Park Drive, Lawrence, PA 15055-1018
Web site: www.blackbox.com • E-mail: [email protected]
Customer
Support
Information

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Trademarks Used in this Manual
Trademarks Used in this Manual
Black Box and the Double Diamond logo are registered trademarks, and
MediaCento is a trademark, of BB Technologies, Inc.
Bonjour and Apple are registered trademarks of Apple, Inc.
Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
UL is a registered trademark of Underwriters’ Laboratories.
Any other trademarks mentioned in this manual are acknowledged to be
the property of the trademark owners.

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FCC RFI Statement
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION AND INDUSTRY
CANADA RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE STATEMENTS
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio-frequency energy, and if
not installed and used properly, that is, in strict accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions, may cause interference to radio communication. It has been tested
and found to comply with the limits for a Class A computing device in accordance
with the specifications in Subpart B of Part 15 of FCC rules, which are designed
to provide reasonable protection against such interference when the equipment
is operated in a commercial environment. Operation of this equipment in a
residential area is likely to cause interference, in which case the user at his own
expense will be required to take whatever measures may be necessary to correct
the interference.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible
for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class A limits for radio noise emission
from digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulation of Industry
Canada.
Le présent appareil numérique n’émet pas de bruits radioélectriques dépassant
les limites applicables aux appareils numériques de classe A prescrites dans le
Règlement sur le brouillage radioélectrique publié par Industrie Canada.
Normas Oficiales Mexicanas (NOM)Electrical Safety Statement
INSTRUCCIONES DE SEGURIDAD
1. Todas las instrucciones de seguridad y operación deberán ser leídas antes
de que el aparato eléctrico sea operado.
2. Las instrucciones de seguridad y operación deberán ser guardadas para
referencia futura.
3. Todas las advertencias en el aparato eléctrico y en sus instrucciones de
operación deben ser respetadas.

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NOM Statement
4. Todas las instrucciones de operación y uso deben ser seguidas.
5. El aparato eléctrico no deberá ser usado cerca del agua—por ejemplo, cerca
de la tina de baño, lavabo, sótano mojado o cerca de una alberca, etc.
6. El aparato eléctrico debe ser usado únicamente con carritos o pedestales que
sean recomendados por el fabricante.
7. El aparato eléctrico debe ser montado a la pared o al techo sólo como sea
recomendado por el fabricante.
8. Servicio—El usuario no debe intentar dar servicio al equipo eléctrico más allá
a lo descrito en las instrucciones de operación. Todo otro servicio deberá ser
referido a personal de servicio calificado.
9. El aparato eléctrico debe ser situado de tal manera que su posición no
interfiera su uso. La colocación del aparato eléctrico sobre una cama, sofá,
alfombra o superficie similar puede bloquea la ventilación, no se debe colocar
en libreros o gabinetes que impidan el flujo de aire por los orificios de
ventilación.
10. El equipo eléctrico deber ser situado fuera del alcance de fuentes de calor
como radiadores, registros de calor, estufas u otros aparatos (incluyendo
amplificadores) que producen calor.
11. El aparato eléctrico deberá ser connectado a una fuente de poder sólo del
tipo descrito en el instructivo de operación, o como se indique en el aparato.
12. Precaución debe ser tomada de tal manera que la tierra fisica y la polarización
del equipo no sea eliminada.
13. Los cables de la fuente de poder deben ser guiados de tal manera que no
sean pisados ni pellizcados por objetos colocados sobre o contra ellos,
poniendo particular atención a los contactos y receptáculos donde salen del
aparato.
14. El equipo eléctrico debe ser limpiado únicamente de acuerdo a las
recomendaciones del fabricante.
15. En caso de existir, una antena externa deberá ser localizada lejos de las lineas
de energia.

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NOM Statement
16. El cable de corriente deberá ser desconectado del cuando el equipo no sea
usado por un largo periodo de tiempo.
17. Cuidado debe ser tomado de tal manera que objectos liquidos no sean
derramados sobre la cubierta u orificios de ventilación.
18. Servicio por personal calificado deberá ser provisto cuando:
A: El cable de poder o el contacto ha sido dañado; u
B: Objectos han caído o líquido ha sido derramado dentro del aparato; o
C: El aparato ha sido expuesto a la lluvia; o
D: El aparato parece no operar normalmente o muestra un cambio en su
desempeño; o
E: El aparato ha sido tirado o su cubierta ha sido dañada.

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Table of Contents
Table of Contents
1. Specifications .................................................................................................. 8
2. Overview ................................................................................................... 9
2.1 Introduction............................................................................................ 9
2.2 Available Models .................................................................................... 9
2.3 Features .................................................................................................. 9
2.3.1 Multicast, Unicast, and Video Wall Transmitters
and Receivers............................................................................. 9
2.3.2 Multicast and Video Wall Transmitter and Receiver
Functions ................................................................................. 10
2.3.3 Video Wall Transmitter and Receiver Exclusive Functions....... 10
2.4 What’s Included ................................................................................... 10
2.5 Additional Items You Will Need ........................................................... 11
2.6 Hardware Description........................................................................... 11
2.6.1 Transmitters ............................................................................. 11
2.6.2 Receivers.................................................................................. 14
2.6.3 Indicators ................................................................................. 16
2.6.4 Function Button....................................................................... 17
2.6.5 EDID Copy ............................................................................... 18
2.6.6 Reset Button............................................................................ 18
3. Installation ................................................................................................. 19
4. Configuration................................................................................................ 20
4.1 Basic Configuration .............................................................................. 20
4.2 Advanced Configuration ......................................................................20
4.2.1 Accessing through Serial ......................................................... 21
4.2.2 Accessing through Telnet ........................................................22
5. Advanced Commands...................................................................................23
5.1 Advanced IP Commands ......................................................................25
5.2 Advanced Multicast IP Configuration .................................................. 26
5.2.1 Transmitter............................................................................... 27
5.2.2 Receiver ................................................................................... 27
5.3 Serial Extension .................................................................................... 27
5.4 Telnet Extension ...................................................................................29
6 Accessing the Web Interface......................................................................... 31
6.1 Accessing the Transmitter without an IP Address................................ 31

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Table of Contents
6.2 Accessing the Web Interface for a Transmitter
or Receiver with an IP Address.............................................................33
7. Video Wall Features ......................................................................................34
8. Troubleshooting ............................................................................................ 41
8.1 Problems/Solutions............................................................................... 41
8.2 Contacting Black Box ........................................................................... 41
8.3 Shipping and Packaging....................................................................... 42
Appendix: Connector Pinouts...............................................................................43

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Chapter 1: Specifications
1. Specifications
Compliance — FCC, TUV, CE, UL®, CSA, RoHS, WEEE
Default IP Address — 169.254.x.x (with no DHCP address)
NOTE: To find the IP address of any receiver, simply connect to monitor and power
up to get IP address. To find the IP address of any other receiver or
transmitter, use Telnet to connect to any device in the system and use a
“node-list” command or connect with the serial interface.
Efficiency Level — Level IV
Heat Dissipation — 3.41 BTU/hr.
HDCP — Supported
Leads Supported — HDMI video and RS-232
Maximum Distance from CPU to TX — 16 ft. (5 m), HDMI
Maximum Distance between TX and RX — 328 ft. (100 m)*
*NOTE: Use a network switch to get greater distances.
MTBF — 90,000 hours
User Controls — (1) Reset button, (1) 16-position rotary selection switch,
(1) Function button
Connectors — (1) HDMI female, (1) RJ-45 interconnect/LAN connection,
(1) 2.1-mm barrel connector for power, (2) RJ-12 6P6C†
†NOTE: Only 4 center pins are used at this time.
Indicators — (1) LED for Link and Power; (1) LED for Network activity
Temperature Tolerance — Operating: 32 to 104° F (0 to 40° C);
Storage: -4 to +140° F (-20 to +60° C)
Humidity Tolerance — Operating: 80%, noncondensing
Maximum Altitude — 10,000 ft. (3048 m)
Power — Input: 100–240 VAC, 50/60 Hz, 0.6 A;
Output: 9 VDC;
Consumption: 13.5 W;
Power Supply Cord Length: 6 ft. (1.8 m)
Size — 0.98"H x 3.77"W x 5.11"D (2.5 x 9.6 x 12.9 cm)
Weight — 1.1 lb. (0.5 kg)

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Chapter 2: Overview
2. Overview
2.1 Introduction
The HDMI over LAN Extender is a perfect solution for audio and video signal
extension via an existing Local Area Network (LAN) system. With multicast
technology, one local unit can drive multiple remote units with no extra network
load. There are 16 selectable channels that can be used to transmit to multiple
receivers. In a network that supports IGMP (Layer 2 or Layer 3 switches), each
channel can connect to 64 displays in video wall applications and unlimited displays
in a multicast application using a standard IT Ethernet structure on a LAN system.
The HDMI over LAN Extender supports Full HD 1080p, is HDCP compliant, and is
Blu-ray ready. It can handle applications that require greater distance, high speed
transmission, real-time high video resolution, security, and noise immunity. It is ideal
for situations that need live presentation, such as public broadcasting, education
centers, boardrooms, etc.
2.2 Available Models
Three transmitter/receiver pairs are available, and they are ordered separately by part
number. Choose from:
• MediaCento IPX Multicast Transmitter (VX-HDMI-IP-MTX) and MediaCento IPX
Multicast Receiver (VX-HDMI-IP-MRX)
• MediaCento IPX Unicast Transmitter (VX-HDMI-IP-UTX) and MediaCento IPX
Unicast Receiver (VX-HDMI-IP-URX)
• MediaCento IPX Video Wall Transmitter (VX-HDMI-IP-VTX) and MediaCento IPX
Video Wall Receiver (VX-HDMI-IP-VRX)
2.3 Features
2.3.1 Multicast, Unicast, and Video Wall Transmitters and
Receivers
• Extends high definition video signal over LAN (dependent on network
performance).
• Choose from 16 selections on the DIP rotary switch for pairing.
• Provides automatic EDID configuration.
• Uses well-developed Ethernet technology and TCP/IP communication protocol.
• Transmitters and Receivers are HDCP-compliant and Blu-ray ready.

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Chapter 2: Overview
• HDTV compatible; support 1080p, 1080i, 720p, 720i.
• Compatible with popular screen resolutions: XGA, SXGA, UXGA, WSXGA.
2.3.2 Multicast and Video Wall Transmitter and Receiver
Functions
• Each transmitter can be multicast to up to 250 displays in multicast applications.
• Use an IGMP network to prevent network flooding.
2.3.3 Video Wall Transmitter and Receiver Exclusive Functions
The Video Wall versions enable video and audio to be sent to 250 outputs via IP.
While it is possible to send the same video to all outputs, you can format the video
wall so that separate sections of the video can be sent to different outputs. Basic
settings allow for bezel compensation and different arrays of screens. Advaned set-
tings allow for video manipulation to specific outputs.
2.4 What’s Included
All units:
• (1) U.S. power supply
• (1) U.S. power cord
• (4) foot pads
• This user manual
VX-HDMI-IP-MTX also has:
• (1) MediaCento IPX Multicast Transmitter
• (1) DB9 F to RJ-11 adapter
• (1) RJ-11 to RJ-11 cable
VX-HDMI-IP-MRX also has:
• (1) MediaCento IPX Multicast Receiver
VX-HDMI-IP-UTX also has:
• (1) MediaCento IPX Unicast Transmitter
• (1) DB9 F to RJ-11 adapter
• (1) RJ-11 to RJ-11 cable
VX-HDMI-IP-URX also has:
• (1) MediaCento IPX Unicast Receiver

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Chapter 2: Overview
VX-HDMI-IP-VTX also has:
• (1) MediaCento IPX Video Wall Transmitter
• (1) DB9 F to RJ-11 adapter
• (1) RJ-11 to RJ-11 cable
VX-HDMI-IP-VRX also has:
• (1) MediaCento IPX Video Wall Receiver
2.5 Additional Items You Will Need
• HDCP-compliant monitors with HDMI interface for the HDCP video source
• CAT5/5e/6 UTP cable (EIA/TIA 568B industry-standard compliant)
• Layer 2 or 3 switches with IGMP or a dedicated network
2.6 Hardware Description
NOTE: All six transmitter/receiver models have the same connectors, but with
different functions.
2.6.1 Transmitters
1 2 3 4
5
Figure 2-1. Transmitter front panel.

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Chapter 2: Overview
6 7 8 9
Figure 2-2. Transmitter back panel.
10
Figure 2-3. Transmitter top panel.

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Chapter 2: Overview
Table 2-1. Components of the Transmitters.
Number Component Description
1Barrel connector for power Links to power supply
2 Reset button System reset
3RJ-45 jack Connects to the 10-/100-/
1000-Mbps network switch
4Video connector Connects to the HDMI source
5Network Status LED Flashing: Connected to network
Goes off once: Abnormal
6Function button See Section 2.6.4.
7Rotary switch Set up an identical position for all
units
8RJ-12 connector Serial port 1: For system control
9RJ-12 connector Serial port 2: For data transfer
10 Power/Link LED
Green: Power on
Interlaced flashing Blue + Green:
Connected to network
Blue: Connected to receiver

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Chapter 2: Overview
2.6.2 Receivers
1 2 3 4
5
Figure 2-4. Receiver front panel.
6 7 8 9
Figure 2-5. Receiver back panel.

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Chapter 2: Overview
10
Figure 2-6. Receiver top panel.

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Chapter 2: Overview
Table 2-2. Components of the Receivers.
Number Component Description
1Barrel connector for power Links to power supply
2 Reset button System reset
3RJ-45 jack Connects to the 10-/100-/
1000-Mbps network switch
4Video connector Connects to the HDMI monitor
5Network Status LED Flashing: Connected to network
Goes off once: Abnormal
6Function button See Section 2.6.4.
7Rotary switch Set up an identical position for all
units
8RJ-12 connector Serial port 1: For system control
9RJ-12 connector Serial port 2: For data transfer
10 Power/Link LED
Red: Power on
Interlaced flashing Blue + Red:
Connected to network
Blue: Connected to transmitter
2.6.3 Indicators
The LEDs on the extender units show the real-time status indicating the linking and
communication between the Transmitter/Sender unit and the Receiver unit. Users
can identify the current status through the LED indicators on the unit.
The quality of the output signal will depend largely upon the quality of the video

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Chapter 2: Overview
source, cable, and display device used. Low-quality cables degrade output signals,
causing elevated noise levels. Use the proper cable and make sure the display device
can handle the resolution and refresh rate selected.
NOTE: The system will disable the video output signal when it detects non-HDCP-
compliant display(s) trying to play on the HDCP video source. All the
connected output displays MUST be HDCP compliant when the video source
is HDCP compliant.
2.6.4 Function Button
The Function button on the extender units operates as described in Table 2-3.
Table 2-3. Function button.
Action Description
Press for 1 second. Toggle between graphics and
video mode.
1. Press and hold the Function button.
2. Apply power to the receiver unit.
3. Release right after the Network
Status LED starts blinking.
EDID copy (Receiver unit only!)

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Chapter 2: Overview
2.6.5 EDID Copy
Copying the EDID will enable the receiver to send correct resolutions to your output.
Although the default EDID will work in most cases, some monitors will not work
with it.
NOTE: EDID copy is required for DVI monitors.
To copy the EDID:
1. To copy EDID from a specific receiver to a specific transmitter, both receiver and
transmitter must be configured to the same channel.
2. Hold down the function button on the receiver and plug in the power.
3. Continue to hold down the function button until the network LED starts blinking.
EDID is now copied to the receiver.
2.6.6 Reset Button
To reset the system, press the “Reset” button once. The system will start to reset
after a short press on the reset button.

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Chapter 3: Installation
3. Installation
WARNINGS:
Make sure that all devices are powered off before connecting to the unit.
Make sure all devices you will connect are properly grounded.
Place cables away from fluorescent lights, air conditioners, and machines.
NOTE: EDID copy is required for DVI monitors.
Installing the Transmitter and Receiver
1. Connect a video source (PC, Blu-ray, etc.) to the Transmitter/Sender Unit.
2. Connect the monitor to the Receiver Unit with an HDMI cable.
NOTE: IF the source has HDCP, the monitor must support HDCP.
3. Connect transmitter and receivers to the desired network with a Layer 2/3 IGMP
switch using CATx cables.
4. Set matching TX/RX to the same rotary position (see Section 4.1, Basic
Configuration).
5. Apply the proper power to all connecting devices.
6. Monitors connected to receiver units will show IP address before connecting.
NOTE: Figure 3-1 shows this installation.
PC
Blu-ray
DVD
player
TX
TX
TX
RX RX
RX
RX
RX
RX
RX
Monitor
Monitor
Monitor
Monitor
Monitor
Layer 2/3
switch
with
IGMP
Figure 3-1. Installation diagram.

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Chapter 4: Configuration
4. Configuration
4.1 Basic Configuration
The rotary switch on each device decides the channel of the device when booting.
For a receiver or receivers to connect to a transmitter, they must be on the same
channel. Each transmitter should be on a separate switch setting and the receivers
should be on the same switch setting as the desired transmitter. After you change
the switch setting, you must reboot the device for the changes to take effect.
4.2 Advanced Configuration
Advanced configuration is not needed but is available.
You can access devices through the serial interface or Telnet for advanced
configuration of network settings.
A serial/Telnet client is needed.
To see the IP address of a receiver:
Connect a receiver to a monitor and power on. Device information, including the IP
address, will be in the lower right corner. Reset the receiver if needed. If the receiver
is set to DHCP IP mode, a network connection is required.