Black Box VSW-MC-CTRL MediaCento IPX Controller User manual

Turn your MediaCento IPX transmitters and receivers
into an IP-based matrix switch and video wall
controller.
Enables remote control via a Web interface.
MediaCento™IPX Controller
VSW-MC-CTRL
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 .................................................................................................. 7
2. Overview ................................................................................................... 8
2.1 Introduction............................................................................................ 8
2.2 Features .................................................................................................. 8
2.3 What’s Included ..................................................................................... 8
2.4 Additional Items You Will Need ............................................................. 8
2.5 Hardware Description............................................................................. 9
3. Installation ................................................................................................. 10
4. User Interface Pages...................................................................................... 11
4.1 Dashboard ............................................................................................ 11
4.2 Custom Display..................................................................................... 12
4.3 Groups ................................................................................................. 13
4.4 Settings................................................................................................. 14
4.5 Hardware.............................................................................................. 14
5. Advanced Commands................................................................................... 16

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Chapter 1: Specifications
1. Specifications
Technical Specifications
Approvals FCC, TUV, CE, UL®, CSA, RoHS2, WEEE
Ethernet Network controller: (2) RJ-45 (10/100/1000 Mbps)
Connectors (1) HDMI,
(1) VGA,
(2) RJ-45,
(2) USB 2.0,
(1) DB9 RS-232 console port
Indicators (1) Power LED,
(2) Network Connection LEDs
Environmental Temperature Tolerance:
Operating: 32 to 140° F (0 to 60° C);
Humidity Tolerance:
Operating: 5–95%, noncondensing
Power Supply Input: 100–240 VAC, 60 Hz, 0.5 A;
Output: 12 VDC, 1.5 A
Dimensions 1.23"H x 6.13"W x 5.13"D (3.12 x 15.57 x 13.03You
cm)
Weight 1.1 lb. (0.5 kg)

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Chapter 2: Overview
2. Overview
2.1 Introduction
The MediaCento™IPX Controller provides full control over the IP based MediaCento
IPX transmitters and receivers. It turns the system into an IP-based matrix switch and
video wall controller. A Web interface enables users to switch from any source to
any display, create presets, and combine multiple receivers into a video wall. Users
can control and switch the video wall zones remotely. The system’s mobile support
enables users to easily access and activate presets from a cell phone or tablet device.
And because the system is IP-based, it does not have any port limits and can
potentially support hundreds of devices and video walls up to 8 x 8 (64 screens).
2.2 Features
• Control IP-based MediaCento IPX Transmitters and Receivers.
• Provides an intuitive user interface.
• Includes Web app and mobile support.
• Enables you to control video walls up to 8 x 8 (64 screens).
2.3 What’s Included
Your package should include the following items. If anything is missing or damaged,
contact Black Box Technical Support at 724-746-5500 or [e-mail].
• MediaCento IPX Controller
• Power supply with power cord
• Quick Start Guide
2.4 Additional Items You Will Need
• MediaCento IPX Transmitters and Receivers

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Chapter 2: Overview
2.5 Hardware Description
1
Figure 2-1. Front panel.
2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Figure 2-2. Back panel.
Table 2-1. Components.
Number Component Description
1(1) DB9 male connector RS-232 console port
2(2) USB 2.0 Type A connectors Links to USB devices
3(1) RJ-45 connector Links to AV network
4(1) RJ-45 connector Links to control network
5(1) HDMI connector HDMI
6(1) HD15 connector VGA
7(1) Power LED Lights when power is on
8(1) power connector Connects to 12-VDC power supply

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Chapter 3: Installation
3. Installation
1. Connect Ethernet port 1 into your video extension network.
2. (Optional) If using a separate control network, connect Ethernet port 2 into your
control network.
3. Power on the MediaCento IPX Controller by plugging in the power supply.

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Chapter 4: User Interface Pages
4. User Interface Pages
4.1 Dashboard
The dashboard is where the user can check the status of the controller as well as see
which each receiver is currently connected to which transmitter. The main use of the
dashboard will be to view status and change presets. Changing presets is done
easily by selecting the preset in the drop down menu and confirming the switch.
Each preset also has a note that can be entered for non-experienced users to easily
find and switch the units.
Figure 4-1. Dashboard screen.

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Chapter 4: User Interface Pages
4.2 Custom Display
The custom display page is where specific switching is done as well as setting up
presets, if desired. The matrix in the middle is easy to use with receivers/groups/and
video walls along the left of the matrix and transmitters (sources) along the top. To
switch, simply select the box that matches the desired receivers to the correct
transmitters and confirm the switch. To set up presets, switch the units to the
desired layout, confirm the switch, and save the preset. When saving a preset, a
name and note can be linked to it for ease of use for all users.
Figure 4-2. Custom Display screen.

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Chapter 4: User Interface Pages
4.3 Groups
The groups page is where groups and video walls are created from a number of
receivers. To create a group, select the desired receivers and put them into the right
column. The group can be named and saved now or turned into a video wall. To
create a video wall out of the group, check the video wall checkbox. This will open
up an additional window below where you can enter the number of rows and
columns as well as bezel information. You can drag and drop receivers in the group
from the list to the left of the video wall diagram. Bezel information is a ratio and
units does not matter as long as the same units are used for all bezel information.
Figure 4-3. Groups screen.

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Chapter 4: User Interface Pages
4.4 Settings
The settings page is where the controller specific settings can be changed. This cur-
rently includes the IP addresses of both the control and video networks.
Figure 4-4. Settings screen.

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Chapter 4: User Interface Pages
4.5 Hardware
The hardware page is where new MediaCento IPX units are detected and configura-
tion on them is done. Detecting new units can take up to 30 seconds but it will find
and display every MediaCento IPX unit seen on the network. Receivers are listed on
the left and transmitters on the right. Each unit can be given a specific name which
is connected to the IP address. This is suggested to make it easier to switch correct
units. To correctly identify each unit OSD (On Screen Display) can be triggered. This
will display the IP address as well as any name currently given to a receiver on the
display it is connected to.
Figure 4-5. Hardware screen.

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Chapter 5: Advanced Commands
5. Advanced Commands
1. Connect to the unit’s control port through the default. IP address: 169.254.1.1
2. A blank Dashboard page will be shown:
Figure 5-1. Blank Dashboard page.
3. Start by adjusting the controller’s IP addresses on the Settings page:
Figure 5-2. Settings page.

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Chapter 5: Advanced Commands
4. Once the IP settings have been configured, select the hardware page:
Figure 5-3. Hardware page.
5. Select the detect units button. This process will take approximately 30 seconds to
complete:
Figure 5-4. Detect units.

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Chapter 5: Advanced Commands
6. Once completed, all detectable MediaCento IPX units will be displayed in the
columns, receivers in the left and transmitters in the right.
Figure 5-5. MediaCento units detected.
7. You can rename any device by selecting it and clicking “Rename Device”. In order
to more easily tell which receiver has which IP address, an OSD button will show
the IP address of every connected unit:
Figure 5-6. Rename screen.

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Chapter 5: Advanced Commands
8. After all units are named accordingly, groups and videowalls can be configured in
the Groups page:
Figure 5-7. Groups page.
9. Select which receivers will be in a group or videowall and bring them to the right
column:
Figure 5-8. Group or video wall receivers.

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Chapter 5: Advanced Commands
10. The group can be saved now as individual multicast selections or made into a
videowall by selecting the “Make Wall” checkbox:
Figure 5-9. Make Wall option.
11. To create a videowall, first input the number of rows and columns are desired, as
well as the information for bezel compensation:
Figure 5-10. Create video wall.