Blackbird 43960 User manual

4K 2x4 HDMI® Splitter and Extender Kit
P/N 43960
User's Manual

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CONTENTS
SAFETY WARNINGS AND GUIDELINES........................................................................................................... 4
INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................................................................................................5
FEATURES ................................................................................................................................................................................ 6
CUSTOMER SERVICE........................................................................................................................................................7
PACKAGE CONTENTS.....................................................................................................................................................7
PRODUCT OVERVIEW.................................................................................................................................................... 8
Front Panel...................................................................................................................................................................... 8
Rear Panel .........................................................................................................................................................................9
Receivers......................................................................................................................................................................... 10
SAMPLE CONNECTION DIAGRAM.................................................................................................................... 10
IR CONTROL...........................................................................................................................................................................11
Controlling the Source Devices ....................................................................................................................11
Controlling the Displays Using the Same Remote .......................................................................12
Controlling the Displays Using Different Remotes......................................................................12
SOURCE SWITCHING.....................................................................................................................................................13
VIDEO DOWNSCALING.............................................................................................................................................. 14
FIRMWARE UPGRADE ................................................................................................................................................. 14
RS-232 CONTROL..............................................................................................................................................................15
Connection.....................................................................................................................................................................15
Software...........................................................................................................................................................................15
Configuration.............................................................................................................................................................. 16
RS-232 COMMANDS......................................................................................................................................................17
System Commands .................................................................................................................................................17

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Switching Commands...........................................................................................................................................17
CEC Commands..........................................................................................................................................................19
SPECIFICATIONS ..............................................................................................................................................................22
Splitter/Transmitter...............................................................................................................................................22
Receivers (each)....................................................................................................................................................... 24
TECHNICAL SUPPORT..................................................................................................................................................25
REGULATORY COMPLIANCE .................................................................................................................................25
Notice for FCC............................................................................................................................................................25
Notice for Industry Canada............................................................................................................................ 26

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SAFETY WARNINGS AND GUIDELINES
Please read this entire manual before using this device, paying extra attention to
these safety warnings and guidelines. Please keep this manual in a safe place for
future reference.
•This device is intended for indoor use only.
•Do not expose this device to water or moisture of any kind. Do not place
drinks or other containers with moisture on or near the device. If
moisture does get in or on the device, immediately remove it from its
power source and allow it to fully dry before reapplying power.
•Do not touch the device, the power cord, or any other connected cables
with wet hands.
•Do not expose this device to excessive vibration or extreme force,
shock, or fluctuations in temperature or humidity.
•Do not expose this device to excessively high temperatures. Do not
place it in, on, or near a heat source, such as a fireplace, stove, radiator,
etc. Do not leave it in direct sunlight.
•Do not place or install this device in an area where it can be exposed to
excessive amounts of dust, humidity, oil, smoke, or combustible vapors.
•Prior to operation, check the unit and power cord for physical damage.
Do not use if physical damage has occurred.
•Before plugging the unit into a power outlet, ensure that the outlet
provides the same type and level of power required by the device.
•Unplug this device from the power source when not in use.
•Take care to prevent damage to the power cord. Do not allow it to
become crimped, pinched, walked on, or become tangled with other
cords. Ensure that the power cord does not present a tripping hazard.
•Never unplug the unit by pulling on the power cord. Always grasp the
connector head or adapter body.

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•Clean using a soft, dry cloth only. Do not use chemical cleaners, solvents,
or detergents. For stubborn deposits, moisten the cloth with warm
water.
•This device has no user serviceable parts. Do not attempt to open,
service, or modify this device.
INTRODUCTION
This 4K 2x4 HDMI® Splitter and Extender Kit allows you to distribute either one of
two HDMI inputs to a single HDMI loop output and four RJ45 outputs for
extension over single Cat5e/Cat6/Cat7 Ethernet cable. The loop output can be
used for a local display or to cascade to additional Splitter and Extender Kits. It
supports video resolutions up to 4K@60Hz with YCbCr 4:4:4, 8-bit, and all HDMI
audio formats. It can extend a 4K signal to distances up to 229 feet (70 meters
and a 1080 signal up to 262 feet (80 meters). It supports the Power over Cable
(PoC) feature, which allows the receivers to be powered by the transmitter over
the connecting Ethernet cables. It supports automatic video downscaling,
bidirectional IR passthrough, IR cascading, and RS-232 control.

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FEATURES
•Distributes either one of two HDMI® inputs to a single HDMI loop output
and four RJ45 outputs for extension over single Cat5e/Cat6/Cat7
Ethernet cables
•Supports video resolutions up to 4K@60Hz with YCbCr 4:4:4 8-bit
•Supports all HDMI audio formats
•Complies with the HDMI 2.0 and HDCP™ 2.2 specifications
•Supports video and IR cascading to additional units
•Extends a 4K signal to distances up to 229 feet (70 meters) and a 1080p
signal up to 262 feet (80 meters)
•Includes comprehensive EDID® management
•Supports automatic video downscaling from 4K to 1080p for use with
1080p displays
•De-embeds audio to digital optical S/PDIF and stereo analog audio
outputs
•Supports bidirectional IR passthrough
•Supports the Power over Cable (PoC) feature, which delivers power
from the transmitter to the receivers over the connecting Ethernet
cables
•Can be controlled using the front panel buttons and using a computer to
issue RS-232 commands
•Supports automatic switching based on 5V or TMDS® signal detection

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CUSTOMER SERVICE
The Monoprice™ Customer Service department is dedicated to ensuring that
your ordering, purchasing, and delivery experience is second to none. If you have
any problem with your order, please give us an opportunity to make it right. You
can contact a Monoprice Customer Service representative through the Live Chat
link on our website www.monoprice.com or via email at
[e-mail]. Check the website for support times and links.
PACKAGE CONTENTS
Please take an inventory of the package contents to ensure you have all the
items listed below. If anything is missing or damaged, please contact
Monoprice™ Customer Service for a replacement.
1x 4K 2x4 HDMI® Splitter and Extender Transmitter
4x Receivers
1x IR Transmitter
4x IR Receivers
1x IR Cable (3.5mm to 3.5mm for IR cascading)
1x RS-232 Cable (3-pin to DB-9)
4x Plastic Feet
4x Hook and Loop Strips
1x AC Power Adapter (12 VDC, 2A)
1x User's Manual

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PRODUCT OVERVIEW
Front Panel
1. POWER: The LED illuminates green when power is applied, it blinks
green when in standby mode, and it is off when there is no power.
2. HDMI 1/HDMI 2: One of the two LEDs illuminates green to indicate the
selected input. The LED blinks green when the input is selected, but
there is no active HDMI® signal.
3. SELECT: When in Manual Switching Mode, momentarily press the button
to switch to the next input. Press and hold the button for 3 seconds to
toggle between Auto Switching Mode and Manual Switching Mode.
4. L.RES/DEFAULT/H.RES: Slide switch to select the EDID® source. When in
the L.RES position, it scans all displays and selects the one with the
lowest maximum resolution. When in the DEFAULT position, it sets the
EDID to 3840x2160@60Hz with Deep Color and stereo audio. When in
the H.RES position, it scans all displays and selects the one with the
highest maximum resolution.

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Rear Panel
1. INPUTS: Two HDMI® ports for connecting video source devices.
2. OUTPUTS: One HDMI port for connecting a local display or cascading to
other units, and four RJ45 jacks for connecting the receivers.
3. IR IN: Four numbered IR input jacks and an IR ALL IN jack for receiving IR
signals to control the remote displays using their native remote(s). The
individual jacks are appropriate for use when two or more displays use
different remote controls, while the IR ALL IN jack is appropriate for use
when all remote displays use the same remote control.
4. CONTROL: Use the IR OUT jack to connect an IR transmitter to control
the video source device from the remote locations. Use the IR LOOP OUT
jack to connect to a cascaded unit. Use the RS232 connector to connect
your computer using the included RS-232 Cable. Use the FW port to
connect a USB cable (available separately) for performing firmware
upgrades.
5. AUDIO OUT: Use the SPDIF port to connect to an amplifier or receiver
using a digital optical S/PDIF cable (available separately). Use the L-R
RCA jacks to connect to an amplifier or receiver using an RCA analog
stereo audio cable (available separately).
6. DC 12V: DC barrel connector for connecting the included AC power
adapter.

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Receivers
1. CATx IN: RJ45 jack for connecting the Ethernet cable from the
transmitter.
2. IR IN: 3.5mm jack for connecting an IR receiver.
3. IR OUT: 3.5mm jack for connecting an IR transmitter.
4. DISPLAY: HDMI® port for connecting an HDMI display.
SAMPLE CONNECTION DIAGRAM

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IR CONTROL
This system supports bidirectional IR passthrough, allowing you to control the
remote displays from the source location and the connected source devices from
the remote locations. The system includes one IR transmitter and four IR
receivers, which allows for the basic source device control from the remote
locations. However, you can purchase additional IR receivers and/or transmitters
to add to the system to allow full control of both the source devices and the
remote displays.
Controlling the Source Devices
The basic IR control system allows you to control the source devices from the
remote locations. All necessary IR transmitters and receivers are included for this
type of control. The following sample connection diagram illustrates the
connections and signal paths.

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Controlling the Displays Using the Same Remote
You can control the remote displays from the source location when all displays
use the same remote. To do this, you will need to purchase three additional IR
transmitters. The following sample connection diagram shows the connections
and signal paths.
Controlling the Displays Using Different Remotes
You can control the remote displays from the source location when the displays
use one or more different remote controls. To do this, you will need to purchase
three additional IR transmitters. The following sample connection diagram shows
the connections and signal paths.

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SOURCE SWITCHING
This system supports both Manual Switching Mode and Auto Switching Mode.
•When in Manual Switching Mode, momentarily press the SELECT button
on the front panel to switch between the two inputs.
•Press and hold the SELECT button on the front panel for 3 seconds to
toggle between Manual Switching Mode and Auto Switching Mode.
When Auto Switching Mode is enabled, the system will switch inputs according
to the following rules:
•When first powered on, the system with switch to the lowest numbered
active input.
•When a new input is detected, the system will automatically switch to
that input.
•When the selected input is removed, either by unplugging or powering
off, the system will switch to the lowest numbered active input.
•The system remembers the last configuration used before losing power
or rebooting. If the system was in Auto Switching Mode, it will restart in
Auto Switching Mode. If the last selected input is active, the system will
switch to that input. Otherwise, the system will switch to the lowest
numbered active input.
•When changing from Auto Switching Mode to Manual Switching Mode,
the system will not switch the currently selected input.

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VIDEO DOWNSCALING
The system support automatic downscaling of the 4K input signal when
connected to one or more 1080p displays. The following table shows the input
and output resolutions, refresh rates, and color spaces.
Input
Output
Resolution
Refresh
Color
Space
Resolution
Refresh
Color
Space
3840x2160p
60
4:4:4
1920x1080p
60
4:4:4
3840x2160p
30
4:4:4
1920x1080p
30
4:4:4
3840x2160p
24
4:4:4
1920x1080p
24
4:4:4
3840x2160p
60
4:2:0
1920x1080p
60
4:4:4
3840x2160p
50
4:2:0
1920x1080p
50
4:4:4
3840x2160p
60
4:2:2
1920x1080p
60
4:4:4
3840x2160p
50
4:2:2
1920x1080p
50
4:4:4
3840x2160p
30
4:2:2
1920x1080p
30
4:4:4
3840x2160p
24
4:2:2
1920x1080p
24
4:4:4
FIRMWARE UPGRADE
The firmware in this splitter can be upgraded. If an upgraded firmware is
available, it can be downloaded from the 43960 page on the
www.monoprice.com website or from the Downloads section.
1. Download the firmware upgrade zip file and extract the firmware file.
2. Rename the file FW_MERG.bin.
3. Power off the splitter.

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4. Using a USB cable (available separately), plug one end into the FW port
on the splitter, then plug the other end into an available USB port on
your computer.
5. Power on the switch. Your computer will automatically detect a U-disk
named BOOTDISK.
6. Double-click the BOOTDISK U-disk to open it and view the contents.
There should be a file named READY.TXT.
7. Copy the firmware upgrade file to the BOOTDISK U-disk.
8. Double-click the BOOTDISK U-disk again to check the contents. The
READY.TXT file should have been replaced with a SUCCESS.TXT file. If
not, double check the filename and try the above steps again.
9. Once the update is successful, remove the USB cable, then reboot the
splitter by unplugging it from the wall, waiting 30 seconds, then
plugging it back in.
RS-232 CONTROL
You can control the splitter with your computer using RS-232 commands issued
through RS-232 control software, such as CommWatch.
Connection
Plug one end of the included RS-232 Cable into the RS232 jack on the rear panel,
then plug the other end into an available serial port on your computer.
Software
You can use any type of RS-232 control software, but we recommend using
CommWatch, which can be downloaded from the internet.

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Configuration
Launch your software package once it is installed, then set the communications
parameters as follows:
PORT: the serial port on your computer that is connected to the switch.
Baud Rate: 9600
Data Bits: 8
Stop Bits: 1
Parity: None
You can now issue RS-232 control commands to the switch.

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RS-232 COMMANDS
Notes:
•All commands are case sensitive.
•All commands must end with <CR><LF>.
•In the commands below, do not type the [and ]symbols. They are used
to make the commands easier to read and to clearly delineate between
the command and the parameter.
System Commands
Function
Command
Example Feedback
Set the device name, where
xxxx is the desired name.
>SetDeviceModel:xxxx
<Model:43960
Get the device name.
>GetDeviceModel
<Model:43960
Reboot the system.
>SetDeviceModelRst
<DeviceModelRst
Switching Commands
Function
Command
Example Feedback
Switch the input source,
where param is 01 or 02,
representing HDMI 1 and
HDMI 2.
>SetVideo [param]
<Video 01
Gets the currently selected
input.
>GetVideo
<Video 01
Enable or disable Auto
Switching Mode, where
param is On or Off.
>SetAutoSwitch [param]
<AutoSwitch On
Gets the Switching Mode.
>GetAutoSwitch
<AutoSwitch On

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Function
Command
Example Feedback
Sets the signal detection
mode, where param is 5V or
TMDS.
>SetSignalDetect [param]
<SignalDetectMode 5V
Gets the signal detection
mode.
>GetSignalDetect
<SignalDetectMode 5V
Enable or disable standby
mode, where param is On or
Off.
>SetSystemStandbyMode
[param]
<SystemStandbyMode On
Get the status of the system
standby mode.
>GetSystemStandbyMode
<SystemStandbyMode On
Set the delay time to send
standby commands after the
input signal is removed,
where param is a number
between 1~10.
>SetSystemStandbyModeTime:
[param]
<SystemStandbyModeTime:
10min
Turns the system on or puts
it into standby mode, where
param is On or Off.
>SetSystemPowerMode [param]
<SystemPowerMode On
Get the system power
status.
>GetSystemPowerMode
<SystemPowerMode On
Set the baud rate for RS-232
communications, where
param is 115200, 57600,
38400, 19200, or 9600.
>SetRS232Baud [param]
>SetRS232Baud 9600
Get the baud rate for RS-232
communications.
>GetRS232Baud
<RS232Baud 19200

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CEC Commands
Function
Command
Example Feedback
Send the CEC MENU
command to a source
device, where param is 01 or
02, representing HDMI 1 and
HDMI 2.
>SetCecSrcMenu [param]
<CecSrcMenu 01
Send the CEC UP command
to a source device, where
param is 01 or 02,
representing HDMI 1 and
HDMI 2.
>SetCecSrcUp [param]
>CecSrcUp 01
Send the CEC DOWN
command to a source
device, where param is 01 or
02, representing HDMI 1 and
HDMI 2.
>SetCecSrcDown [param]
>CecSrcDown 01
Send the CEC LEFT
command to a source
device, where param is 01 or
02, representing HDMI 1 and
HDMI 2.
>SetCecSrcLeft [param]
>CecSrcLeft 01
Send the CEC RIGHT
command to a source
device, where param is 01 or
02, representing HDMI 1 and
HDMI 2.
>SetCecSrcRight [param]
>CecSrcRight 01
Send the CEC BACK
command to a source
device, where param is 01 or
02, representing HDMI 1 and
HDMI 2.
>SetCecSrcBack [param]
>CecSrcBack 01

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Function
Command
Example Feedback
Send the CEC ENTER
command to a source
device, where param is 01 or
02, representing HDMI 1 and
HDMI 2.
>SetCecSrcEnter [param]
>CecSrcEnter 01
Send the CEC ON command
to a source device, where
param is 01 or 02,
representing HDMI 1 and
HDMI 2.
>SetCecSrcOn [param]
>CecSrcOn 01
Send the CEC OFF command
to a source device, where
param is 01 or 02,
representing HDMI 1 and
HDMI 2.
>SetCecSrcOff [param]
>CecSrcOff 01
Send the CEC STOP
command to a source
device, where param is 01 or
02, representing HDMI 1 and
HDMI 2.
>SetCecSrcStop [param]
>CecSrcStop 01
Send the CEC PLAY
command to a source
device, where param is 01 or
02, representing HDMI 1 and
HDMI 2.
>SetCecSrcPlay [param]
>CecSrcPlay 01
Send the CEC PAUSE
command to a source
device, where param is 01 or
02, representing HDMI 1 and
HDMI 2.
>SetCecSrcPause [param]
>CecSrcPause 01
Send the CEC PREV
command to a source
device, where param is 01 or
02, representing HDMI 1 and
HDMI 2.
>SetCecSrcPrev [param]
>CecSrcPrev 01