Black Box MediaCento VX-HDMI-4K-TX User manual

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 9 x 9 displays.
MediaCento™IPX 4K Transmitter and Receiver
VX-HDMI-4K-TX
VX-HDMI-4K-RX
Order toll-free in the U.S. or for FREE 24/7 technical support:
Call 877-877-BBOX (outside U.S. call 724-746-5500)
www.blackbox.com • [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 and IC RFI Statement/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 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 ................................................................................................. 10
2.1 Introduction.......................................................................................... 10
2.2 Features ................................................................................................ 10
2.3 What’s Included ................................................................................... 11
2.4 Additional Items You Will Need ........................................................... 11
2.5 Hardware Description........................................................................... 12
2.5.1 Transmitter............................................................................... 12
2.5.2 Receiver ................................................................................... 14
2.5.3 Indicators ................................................................................. 16
2.5.4 Function Buttons (F1 and F2) and Reset Button ..................... 16
2.5.5 EDID Copy ............................................................................... 17
3. Installation ................................................................................................. 18
4. Configuration................................................................................................ 21
4.1 Connecting to the Devices ................................................................... 21
4.2 Connect to Web GUI Using the IP Address ......................................... 21
4.3 Connect to Web GUI Using the Hostname..........................................22
4.4 Network Information for Transmitter and Receiver ............................. 24
4.4.1 Transnmitter............................................................................. 25
4.4.2 Receiver ...................................................................................28
5. Video Wall ................................................................................................. 31
5.1 Application Diagram ............................................................................ 31
5.2 Video Wall Setup.................................................................................. 32
5.3 Bezel Compensation.............................................................................33
6. Accessing through Serial or Telnet................................................................34
6.1 Accessing through Serial ......................................................................34
6.2 Accessing through Telnet..................................................................... 35
7. Command-Line Interface (CLI)......................................................................36
7.1 Advanced IP Commands ...................................................................... 37
7.2 Advanced Multicast IP Configuration ..................................................38
7.2.1 Transmitter...............................................................................38
7.2.2 Receiver ...................................................................................39
7.3 Serial Extension .................................................................................... 41
7.4 Telnet Extension ...................................................................................42

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Table of Contents
8. Troubleshooting ............................................................................................44
8.1 Problems/Solutions...............................................................................44
8.2 Contacting Black Box ........................................................................... 45
8.3 Shipping and Packaging.......................................................................45
Appendix: Connector Pinouts...............................................................................46

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Chapter 1: Specifications
1. Specifications
Technical Specifications
Approvals FCC, TUV, CE, UL®, CSA, RoHS, WEEE
Control Method Web (LAN), Serial, GUI, IR
Default IP Address 169.254.x.x
NOTE: To find the IP address of devices, simply
connect to monitor devices, power up
transmitter and receivers, and view IP addresses
on the status screen.
Distance From CPU to TX: 16 ft. (5 m) maximum, HDMI;
Between TX and RX: 328 ft. (100 m)* maximum
*NOTE: Use a network switch to get greater distances.
HDCP 2.2 and 1.4
Latency 2 frames (33 ms) maximum
Leads Supported HDMI video and RS-232
User Controls Each unit (transmitter or receiver):
(1) 16-position rotary selection switch,
(2) Function buttons: (1) F1, (1) F2
Video Resolution
(Max.)
4K UHD (3840 x 2160) @ 30 Hz
Connectors Transmitter:
(1) Locking HDMI female,
(1) RJ-45 interconnect/LAN connection,
(2) 3.5-mm audio jacks: (1) IN, (1) OUT,
(1) 2.1-mm barrel connector for power,
(1) Type B USB,
(2) RJ-12 6P6C†;
(2) 3.5-mm IR ports (1) IN, (1) OUT;
†NOTE: Only 4 center pins are used at this time.

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Chapter 1: Specifications
Technical Specifications (continued)
Connectors (continued) Receiver:
(1) Locking HDMI female,
(1) RJ-45 interconnect/LAN connection,
(2) 3.5-mm audio jacks: (1) IN, (1) OUT,
(1) 2.1-mm barrel connector for power,
(4) USB Type A,
(2) RJ-12 6P6C†,
(2) 3.5-mm IR ports (1) IN, (1) OUT;
†NOTE: Only 4 center pins are used at this time.
Indicators (1) LED for Power/Link;
(1) LED for Network Status
Environmental Temperature Tolerance:
Operating: 32 to 104° F (0 to 40° C);
Storage: -4 to +140° F (-20 to +60° C)
Humidity Tolerance: Operating: 80%, noncondens-
ing;
Altitude: 10,000 ft. (3048 m) maximum
Power Input: 100–240 VAC, 50/60 Hz, 0.6 A;
Output: 9–12 VDC, 1.5 A;
Consumption: 13.5 W (each unit);
Power Supply Cord Length: 6 ft. (1.8 m)
Power over Ethernet
(PoE)
Complies with IEEE 802.3af standard;
Power: Nominal Input: 48 VDC;
Input Range: 36–57 VDC
Size Each unit:
1.1"H x 4.6"W x 5.9"D (2.8 x 11.7 x 15 cm)
Weight Each unit:: 1.43 lb. (0.65 kg);

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Chapter 2: Overview
2. Overview
2.1 Introduction
The MediaCento IPX 4K is a perfect solution for audio and video signal extension
via an existing Local Area Network (LAN) system.
In a unicast configuration, the MediaCento transmitter and receiver pair is ideal for
4K UHD video signal extension via an existing LAN.
In a multicast configuration, 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, each channel can connect to
unlimited displays in video wall applications and unlimited displays in a multicast
application using a standard IT Ethernet structure on a LAN system. For each source
device, a transmitter is required, and a receiver is needed for each display device.
The MediaCento IPX 4K supports 4K UHD and Full HD 1080p, is HDCP compliant
and supports Power over Ethernet (PoE). 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 pre-
sentation, such as public broadcasting, education centers, boardrooms, etc.
2.2 Features
• Extend 4K UHD video, audio signals, IR, RS-232 and USB signals over a LAN.
• Power over Ethernet:
- Fully support IEEE Std. 802.3af-2003
- Input Voltage Range 36V to 57V
• Choose from 16 selections on the DIP rotary switch for pairing.
• Provide automatic EDID configuration.
• Use well-developed Ethernet technology and TCP/IP communication protocol.
• Transmitters and Receivers are HDCP-compliant and Blu-ray ready.
• HDTV compatible; support 4K UHD 3840 x 2160 @ 30 Hz, 1080p, 1080i, 720p,
720i.
• Compatible with popular screen resolutions: XGA, SXGA, UXGA, WSXGA...full HD
system.
• Analog audio embedding and extraction.
• Built-in video wall support.

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Chapter 2: Overview
• Built-in downscaling. 4K to 1080p compatibility with older displays.
• Each transmitter can be multicast to up to an unlimited number of displays in
video wall applications or unlimited displays in multicast applications.
• Use an IGMP network to prevent network flooding.
• Optional wall mounting bracket.
• PoE function supported: no additional power supply required for either the
transmitter or receiver end.
When used in a video wall application, the extenders:
• Assign video sources to any monitors on the video wall.
• Support 2x2, 3x3, 4x4...8x8, 9x9 screen array. The maximum is 9x9.
• Provide several cutting modes for 1xN (1x2, 1x3...), 2x3, 2x4, up to a maximum
of 8x16 for a wide variety of applications, including commercial office buildings,
exhibition halls, and interactive digital signage.
2.3 What’s Included
• MediaCento IPX 4K Transmitter (VX-HDMI-4K-TX) or MediaCento IPX 4K Receiver
(VX-HDMI-4K-RX)
• (1) U.S. power supply
• (1) U.S. power cord
• (4) foot pads
• This user manual
VX-HDMI-4K-TX also has:
• (1) MediaCento IPX 4K Transmitter
• (1) DB9 F to RJ-11 adapter
• (1) RJ-11 to RJ-11 cable
VX-HDMI-4K-RX also has:
• (1) MediaCento IPX 4K Receiver
2.4 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 and optional Power over Ethernet (PoE)

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Chapter 2: Overview
2.5 Hardware Description
2.5.1 Transmitter
1 2 3 5 6 7 8 9
4
Figure 2-1. Transmitter front panel.
10 11 13 14 15 16
12
Figure 2-2. Transmitter back panel.
Figure 2-3. Transmitter top panel.

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Chapter 2: Overview
Table 2-1. Components of the Transmitters.
Number Component Description
1Type B USB connector Connect to a PC
2F2 button See Section 2.6.4.
3F1 button See Section 2.6.4.
4Power/Link LED
Green: Power ON
Interlaced flashing Blue + Green: Link
w/o video source input
Blue: Link OK
5ID (Rotary switch)Set up an identical position for all
units
6RJ-12 connector Serial port 1: For system control
7RJ-12 connector Serial port 2: For data communication
8, 9 (2) 3.5-mm IR connectors IR emitter and receiver connectors
10 Locking barrel connector
for power
Links to power supply (not required
with PoE switch)
11 Reset button System reset
12 Network Status LED Flashing: Connected to network
Goes off once: Abnormal
13 RJ-45 jack Connects to the 10-/100- /1000-Mbps
network switch and supplies PoE
14 Locking Video connector Connects to an HDMI source
15, 16 (2) 3.5-mm Audio jacks Line IN and OUT for microphone and
audio connections

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Chapter 2: Overview
2.5.2 Receiver
1 2 3 5 6 7 8 9
4
Figure 2-4. Receiver front panel.
10 11 12 14 15 16 17
13
Figure 2-5. Receiver back panel.
Figure 2-6. Receiver top panel.

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Chapter 2: Overview
Table 2-2. Components of the Receivers.
Number Component Description
1(4) Type A USB connectors Connect to USB 2.0 devices
2F2 button See Section 2.6.4.
3F1 button See Section 2.6.4.
4Power/Link LED
Red: Power OFF
Interlaced flashing Blue + Red: Link
without video source input
Blue: Link OK
5ID (Rotary switch)Set up an identical position for all units
6RJ-12 connector Serial port 1: For system control
7RJ-12 connector Serial port 2: For data communication
8, 9 (2) 3.5-mm IR connectors IR emitter and receiver connectors
10 (2) Type B USB connectors Connect to USB 2.0 devices
11 Locking barrel connector
for power
Links to power supply (not required
with PoE switch)
12 Reset button System reset
13 Network Status LED Flashing: Connected to network
Goes off once: Abnormal
14 RJ-45 jack Connects to the 10-/100- /1000-Mbps
network switch and supplies PoE
15 Locking Video connector Connects to HDMI monitor
16, 17 (2) 3.5-mm Audio jacks Connect to a speaker IN/OUT.

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Chapter 2: Overview
2.5.3 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.
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.
2.5.4 Function Buttons (F1 and F2) and Reset Button
The Function buttons (F1 and F2) on the extender units operate as described
in Table 2-3.
Table 2-3. Function buttons.
Button Action Description
F2 Press for 1 second. Toggle between graphics
and video mode.
F2
1. Press and hold the F2 button.
2. Apply power to the receiver
unit.
3. Release right after the
Network Status LED starts
blinking.
EDID copy (Receiver unit
only!)
F2 Press for 5 seconds. Change anti-dithering
mode
F1 Press for 1 second. Link/Unlink connection

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Chapter 2: Overview
Table 2-3. Function buttons (continued).
Button Action Description
F1
1. Press and hold the F1 button.
2. Apply power to the unit.
3. Release right after the
Network Status LED starts
blinking.
4. Power cycle the unit.
Resets the box to factory
defaults.
Reset Press and hold the Reset button. Reboot the system
2.5.5 EDID Auto Copy (on Receiver Unit only)
Copying the EDID will enable the source to send correct resolutions to your display.
Although the default EDID will work in most cases, some monitors will not work
with it. When enabled, EDID will be copied automatically upon connection to a new
display.
EDID Auto copy is enabled in unicast applications by default. Performing this
procedure is equivalent to enabling EDID auto copy in the Web GUI.
NOTE: EDID copy is recommended for use with DVI monitors.
To enable autocopy of 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.
You can also disable EDID copy through the Web GUI.

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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.
Allow adequate space around the unit for air circulation.
System Requirements for PoE
1. Make sure that a PSE device supports PoE function.
2. Make sure that a PSE device can provide sufficient power on the Ethernet cable.
3. We recommend that you use STP and FTP cabling.
3.1 Installation Steps
NOTE: The extenders are configured as multicast units by default. To use the
extenders in a plug-and-play unicast configuration, you must change the
default configuration. See Chapter 4, Configuration, for details.
1. Connect the video source to the transmitter unit.
2. Connect the monitor to the receiver unit.
3. Use CAT5 cables to connect transmitter/receiver to LAN hub.
4. Set an identical ID number on the rotary DIP switch for both transmitter and
receiver.
5. Apply the power to all connected devices (if you are not using a PoE switch).
NOTES:
A. We recommend that you use a Gigabit switch for optimum transmission quality.
B. If users cannot see the screen display on their computer connection, see Section
7.1 of this manual.

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Chapter 3: Installation
PoE Ethernet Switch with IGMP
(LPB2910A)
VX-HDMI-4K-TX
VX-HDMI-4K-RX
HDMI 4K
display
PC source
Figure 3-1. Connection pattern for unicast configuration with an Ethernet switch.
PC
Blu-ray
DVD
player
TX
TX
TX
RX RX
RX
RX
RX
RX
RX
Monitor
Monitor
Monitor
Monitor
Monitor
PoE Ethernet
switch
with IGMP
(LPB2926A)
Figure 3-2. Multicast configuration.

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Chapter 3: Installation
Diagram Format
Rule Size: 0.013
PC
HDMI cable
MediaCento™IPX 4K
Transmitter
(VX-HDMI-4K-TX)
MediaCento™IPX 4K
Receivers
(VX-HDMI-4K-RX)
Layer 3 switch
with IGMP
CATx cable PoE Ethernet
switch
with IGMP
(LPB2926A)
CATx cables
Digital displays
HDMI cables
Figure 3-3. Video Wall configuration.