Black Box AVS-HDB-4TX User manual

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Support
Information
User Manual
Distributes one HDMI input to four HDBT outputs,
plus one local HDBT output.
Video Extender - 4K HDMI, IR, RS-232, 4-Port Transmitter
AVS-HDB-4TX

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Trademarks Used in this Manual
Trademarks Used in this Manual
Black Box and the Double Diamond logo are registered trademarks of
BB Technologies, Inc.
Any other trademarks mentioned in this manual are acknowledged to be
the property of the trademark owners.

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FCC and IC RFI Statements/NOM 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 la 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.
4. Todas las instrucciones de operación y uso deben ser seguidas.

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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
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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Safety Precautions
Safety Precautions
For best results, read all instructions carefully before using the transmitter. Save this
manual for further reference.
• Unpack the equipment carefully and save the original box and packing material for
possible future shipment.
• Follow basic safety precautions to reduce the risk of fire, electrical shock, and injury to
persons.
• Do not dismantle the housing or modify the module. This may cause electrical shock
or burn.
• Using supplies or parts that do not meet the products’ specifications may cause
damage, deterioration, or malfunction.
• Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
• To prevent a fire or shock hazard, do not expose the unit to rain, moisture, or install
this product near water.
• Do not put any heavy items on the extension cable.
• Do not open or remove the housing of the device. This might expose you to
dangerous voltage or other hazards.
• Install the device in a place with proper ventilation to avoid damage caused by over-
heating.
• Keep the module away from liquids.
• Spillage into the housing may cause fire, electrical shock, or equipment damage. If an
object or liquid falls or spills on to the housing, unplug the module immediately.
• Do not twist or pull the ends of the optical cable. This can cause the device to mal-
function.
• Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners to clean this unit. Always unplug the power to
the device before cleaning.
• Unplug the power cord when the device is unused for a long period of time.
• Disposal information: do not burn or mix the device with general household waste,
treat it as electrical waste.
NOTES:
1. PoC is short for Power over Cable.
2. The AVS-HDB-4TX transmitter works only with the AVS-HDB-RX receiver.
3. The item “far-end” means the device (e.g. display device, third-party RS-232 device
etc.) connected to the AVS-HDB-RX.

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Table of Contents
Table of Contents
1. Specifications................................................................................................. 8
2. Overview ....................................................................................................... 9
2.1 Introduction........................................................................................... 9
2.2 Features................................................................................................. 9
2.3 What’s Included .................................................................................... 9
2.4 Hardware Description.......................................................................... 10
3. System Connection...................................................................................... 14
3.1 Precautions for Use.............................................................................. 14
3.2 System Diagram .................................................................................. 14
3.3 Connection Procedure......................................................................... 14
3.4 Cascade Connection ........................................................................... 15
3.4.1 Cascade AV Signal...................................................................... 15
3.4.2 Cascade Control Signal .............................................................. 15
3.5 Twisted-Pair Cable Connection............................................................ 16
4. Control Modes ............................................................................................ 18
4.1 IR Control ............................................................................................ 18
4.1.1 Control the Far-End Device from the Local Device ...................... 18
4.1.2 Control the Local Device from the Remote Device ..................... 19
4.2 RS-232 Control.................................................................................... 19
4.2.1 Accessing through Serial............................................................. 20
4.2.2 RS-232 Communication Commands .......................................... 21
4.3 EDID Management.............................................................................. 23
5. Troubleshooting and Maintenance .............................................................. 24

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Chapter 1: Specifications
1. Specifications
Video
Video Input/Output VESA and SMPTE 480p to 2160p (4K)
Audio
Audio Input/Output All HDMI audio formats including Dolby D (TrueHD)/ DTS
(HD-Master Audio)/ PCM;
Channel count: from 2-8 (2.0 to 7.1);
Sample rates: 32 kHz, 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz,
176.4 kHz and 192 kHz
HDBaseT
Distance 224 feet (70 m) with HDMI video, RS-232 and IR control,
PoC supports AVS-HDB-RX
Control Signals
RS-232 and IR Full function passthrough
RS-232 Port ID selectable for cascading
Power
Power Supply 24-VDC, 2.5 A
Physical
Enclosure Aluminum chassis
Dimensions 0.9"H x 5.8"W x 1.7"D (2.2 x 14.8 x 4.4 cm) (half rack
wide)
Weight Product: 1.32 lb. (0.60 kg);
Shipping: 3.67 lb. (1.67 kg)

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Chapter 2: Overview
2. Overview
2.1 Introduction
The Video Extender - 4K HDMI, IR, RS-232, 4-Port Transmitter distributes one HDMI
input to four HDBaseT outputs, plus one HDMI local output. You can use the HDMI out-
put socket to monitor local devices or cascade with an additional transmitter.
The AVS-HDB-4TX transmits uncompressed 4K (max) HDMI, IR, and RS-232 signals over
a single CAT5e/6/7 cable. It supports transmission of a 4K signal up to 128 feet (40
meters) and 1080p signal up to 224 feet (70 meters). If required, use the HDMI local
output to cascade the HDMI signal up to 4 times with additional AVS-HDB-4TX. AVS-
HDB-4TX is also capable of bi-directional IR control, RS-232 control, EDID management,
and PoC.
AVS-HDB-RX recievers are recommended to use the full function of the HDB outputs of
this device.
2.2 Features
• Complies with HDMI 1.4 and 3D standards.
• Transmits 4K x 2K signals up to 128 feet (40 meters) and 1080p signals up to 224 feet
(70 m).
• Supports PoC.
• Supports bi-directional IR control and cascade control.
• Supports RS-232 control and cascade control.
• Provides real-time display of working status via LED indicators.
• Supports EDID configuration, 5 types in total.
• Supports cascading via HDMI OUT, IR Loop, and RS-232 Loop.
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].
• (1) Video Extender - 4K HDMI, IR, RS-232, 4-Port Transmitter (AVS-HDB-4TX)
• (2) mounting ears

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Chapter 2: Overview
• (8) screws
• (1) 3.5-mm male-male audio cable (used for IR signal cascading)
• (1) RS-232 cable (3-pin captive connector to DB9)
• (1) RS-232 cable (connect two 3-pin captive connectors for cascading)
• (4) plastic cushions
• (1) power cord
• (1) 24-VDC, 2.5-A power adapter
To download this user manual from our Web site:
1. Go to www.blackbox.com
2. Enter the part number (AVS-HDB-4TX) in the search box:
3. Click on the “Resources” tab on the product page, and select the document you
wish to download.
If you have any trouble accessing the Black Box site to download the manual, you can
contact our Technical Support at 724-746-5500 or [e-mail].
2.4 Hardware Description
Figure 2-1 shows the front panel of the Video Extender - 4K HDMI, IR, RS-232, 4-Port
Transmitter (AVS-HDB-4TX). Table 2-1 describes its components.
Figure 2-1. Front panel.

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Chapter 2: Overview
Table 2-1. Front-panel components.
Number in
Figure 2-1
Component Description
1Power LED Lights red when powered on.
2USB port Used for firmware update.
3Input Lights green when there is an input signal. Remains
off when there is no input signal.
4Outputs HDMI:
• Lights green when the HDMI source signal is HDCP.
• Blinks green when the HDMI source signal is
without HDCP.
• Off when there is no input HDMI signal;
LINK:
• Indicates linking of each of the four HDBaseT
sockets.
• Lights green when the corresponding HDBaseT
socket is connected to the AVS-HDB-RX.
• Off when there is no AVS-HDB-RX connected to
the corresponding socket.
HDCP:
• Indicates HDCP compliance of the receivers
connected to the four HDBaseT ports.
• Lights green when the corresponding receiver is
with HDCP.
• Blinks green when the corresponding receiver is
without HDCP.
• Off when there is no receiver connected to the cor
responding port.

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Chapter 2: Overview
Figure 2-2 shows the back panel of the transmitter. Table 2-2 describes its components.
Figure 2-2. Back panel.
Table 2-2. Back panel components.
Number
in Figure
2-2
Component Description
1HDMI Input Connects to an HDMI source device such as DVD/Blu-ray™.
2Outputs HDMI:
• Connects to an HDMI display or cascades the HDMI AV
signal to other displays.
HDBaseT:
• The four HDBaseT output ports connect to IR receivers to
transmit the HDMI signal.
3IR IN:
• Connects to IR receiver to receive an IR signal from an IR
emitter.
LOOP:
• Cascades the IR control signal to another HDBaseT
splitter by connection to its IR IN socket.
OUT:
• Connects to an IR emitter to emit the IR signal received
from the receiver side.

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Chapter 2: Overview
Table 2-2. Back panel components.
Number
in Figure
2-2
Component Description
4ID PRESET • Assign ID for AVS-HDB-4TX to identify every unit. The
value can range from 0–F.
• After you assign the ID, restart the AVS-HDB-4TX for
stable performance.
5RS-232 IN: Connect with a control device through a 3-pin captive
cable.
LOOP: Cascade the RS-232 control signal to another trans-
mitter by connecting to its RS-232 IN port.
NOTE: Be sure to set the communication protocol parame-
ters correctly, and send RS-232 commands as described in
Section 4.2.3, RS-232 Communication Commands.
6EDID DIP
switches
4-pin EDID DIP switches: “1” stands for ON, ”0” stands for
OFF. Set the switches to change EDID data as described in
Section 4.3, EDID Management.
724-VDC
power sock-
et
Plug the included 24-VDC power adapter into this socket
and tighten the screw.

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Chapter 3: System Connection
3. System Connection
3.1 Usage Precautions
1. Install the system in a clean environment that has a proper temperature and humidity.
2. Make sure that all the power switches, plugs, sockets, and power cords are insulated
and safe.
3. Connect all devices before powering on.
3.2 System Diagram
HDTV
DVD
Video Extender - 4K
HDMI, IR, RS-232,
4-Port Transmitter
(AVS-HDB-4TX)
RS-232 control
panel
Video Extender - 4K
HDMI, IR, RS-232
Receiver (AVS-HDB-RX)
AVS-HDB-RX
AVS-HDB-RX
HDTV
IR emitter
IR receiver
IR receiver
IR emitter HDTV
HDTV
HDTV
IR emitter
IR receiver
IR emitter
IR receiver
IR emitter
IR receiver
Figure 3-1. Typical application.
3.3 Connection Procedure
Step 1. Connect an HDMI source device (for example, a Blu-ray™DVD) to the HDMI
INPUT socket of the AVS-HDB-4TX with HDMI cable.
Step 2. Connect an HDMI display to HDMI OUTPUT socket of the AVS-HDB-4TX with
an HDMI cable.

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Chapter 3: System Connection
Step 3. Connect the AVS-HDB-RX(s) to the HDB output port(s) of the AVS-HDB-4TX
with twisted-pair cable.
Step 4. Connect a control device (for example, a PC) to the RS-232 IN port of the
AVS-HDB-4TX or the AVS-HDB-RX (bi-directional RS232 control, either end is
available).
To cascade an RS-232 signal among several AVS-HDB-4TX transmitters through
an RS-232 LOOP, connect the RS-232 LOOP socket to one transmitter and the
RS-232 IN socket of the next transmitter until all AVS-HDB-4TX transmitters are
connected.
Step 5. Connect an IR Receiver to the IR IN port, and an IR Emitter to the IR OUT port.
The IR signal can be transmitted
bi-directionally between a AVS-HDB-4TX transmitter and the AVS-HDB-RX(s)
receiver(s).
To cascade an IR signal among several AVS-HDB-4TX, connect the IR LOOP
socket of one of them and the IR IN socket of the next until all AVS-HDB-4TX
transmitters are are connected.
Step 6. Connect the included 24-VDC power adapter to the power port of the AVS-
HDB-4TX. The AVS-HDB-RX can be powered by the AVS-HDB-4TX via PoC.
3.4 Cascade Connection
3.4.1 Cascade AV Signal
An HDMI source signal can be cascaded to several displays via HDMI OUT/ IN.
Connect the HDMI OUT socket of the first AVS-HDB-4TX transmitter to the HDMI IN
socket of the next transmitter until all AVS-HDB-4TX transmitters are connected.
HDMI signals delivered within the first AVS-HDB-4TX can be output to other connected
AVS-HDB-4TX transmitters.
3.4.2 Cascade Control Signal
AVS-HDB-4TX supports control cascading via IR LOOP/ RS-232 LOOP to enable signal
loop output. Choose one or multiple cascade methods according to your needs.

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Chapter 3: System Connection
DVD
PC
Video Extender - 4K HDMI,
IR, RS-232,
4-Port Transmitter
(AVS-HDB-4TX)
IR receiver
Video Extender - 4K HDMI,
IR, RS-232,
4-Port Transmitter
(AVS-HDB-4TX)
Figure 3-2. Cascade connection.
Cascade through IR Loop
Connect the IR LOOP socket of the first AVS-HDB-4TX and the IR IN socket of the next
until all AVS-HDB-4TX transmitters are connected.
Sending IR signals to the IR Receiver connected to the first AVS-HDB-4TX will control all
cascaded AVS-HDB-4TX transmitters.
Cascade through RS-232 Loop
Connect the RS-232 LOOP socket of the first AVS-HDB-4TX and the RS-232 IN socket
of the next until all AVS-HDB-4TX
transmitters are connected.
Sending RS-232 commands will control all cascaded AVS-HDB-4TX transmitters syn-
chronously.
NOTE: To identify the cascaded AVS-HDB-4TX transmitters, set a unique ID for each
unit.

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Chapter 3: System Connection
3.5 Twisted Pair Cable Connection
The twisted-pair used in AVS-HDB-RX MUST be a straight-through cable. The connec-
tors can be T568A or T568B, but both sides must be the same.
Figure 2-18. Cable pinout diagram.
NOTE: Cable connectors must be metal, and the shielded layer must be connected to
the connector's metal shell to ground the cable.
Table 2-6. TIA pinouts.
TIA/EIA 568A connector pinout. TIA/EIA 568B connector pinout.
Pin Cable Color Pin Cable Color
1Green/White 1Orange/White
2Green 2Orange
3Orange/White 3Green/White
4Blue 4Blue
5Blue/White 5Blue/White
6Orange 6Green
7Brown/White 7Brown/White
8Brown 8Brown
1st Ground 4–5 1st Ground 4–5
2nd Ground 3–6 2nd Ground 1–2
3rd Group 1–2 3rd Group 3–6
4th Group 7–8 4th Group 7–8

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Chapter 4: Control Modes
4. Control Modes
Use the AVS-HDB-4TX for various applications, including computer monitoring,
conference rooms, big screen displays, televisions, command and control centers, and
smart homes, etc.
You can control the AVS-HDB-4TX via IR, RS-232 commands, and EDID management.
4.1 IR Control
The AVS-HDB-4TX has an IR IN port that supports bi-directional transmission. Connect
an IR receiver to the IR IN port, and users can control the AVS-HDB-4TX/far-end device
locally or control local devices remotely via the corresponding IR remote.
4.1.1 Control the Far-End Device Locally
Control the AVS-HDB-4TX or far-end display device locally through the corresponding
IR remote.
DVD HDTV
IR receiver
IR remote
Projector
Video Extender - 4K
HDMI, IR, RS-232,
4-Port Transmitter
(AVS-HDB-4TX)
Video Extender - 4K HDMI,
IR, RS-232 Receiver
(AVS-HDB-RX)
IR emitter
Figure 4-1. Control a far-end device locally.

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Chapter 4: Control Modes
4.1.2 Control the Local Device Remotely
Control the AVS-HDB-4TX or local display remotely via the corresponding IR remote.
Video Extender - 4K
HDMI, IR, RS-232,
4-Port Transmitter
(AVS-HDB-4TX)
Video Extender - 4K HDMI,
IR, RS-232 Receiver
(AVS-HDB-RX)
IR receiver
IR remote
IR emitter
DVD HDTV Projector
Figure 4-2. Control a local device remotely.
4.2 RS-232 Control
Connect the RS-232 ports of the AVS-HDB-4TX and AVS-HDB-RX. AVS-HDB-4TX can
control the third-party (RS-232 device) connected to the AVS-HDB-RX locally.
NOTE: The AVS-HDB-4TX can only control third-party devices with designated baud
rates, including 2400, 4800, 9600, 19200, 38400, 57600, and 115200.

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Chapter 4: Control Modes
4.2.1 Accessing through Serial
1. Using the client, select “serial” and enter “115200” for the speed (baud rate).
Figure 4-1. PuTTY configuration screen using serial.
2. No username or password is required. Just press enter.
Set the COM number, baud rate, data bit, stop bit, and parity bit correctly so you can
send commands in the Command Sending Area of the screen.
NOTE: To control the AVS-HDB-4TX via an RS-232 port, configure the communication
protocol parameters as: Baud rate: 9600; Data bit: 8; Stop bit: 1; Parity bit: none.