Gefen EXT-DVI-441N User manual

www.gefen.com
®
4x1 DVI Switcher
EXT-DVI-441N
User Manual

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Technical Support:
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[phone]
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Technical Support Hours:
8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday thru Friday Pacific Time
Write To:
Gefen, LLC
c/o Customer Service
20600 Nordhoff St
Chatsworth, CA 91311
www.gefen.com
[email protected]
Notice
Gefen, LLC reserves the right to make changes in the hardware, packaging and
any accompanying documentation without prior written notice.
4x1 DVI Switcher is a trademark of Gefen, LLC
© 2010 Gefen, LLC, All Rights Reserved
All trademarks are the property of their respective owners
Rev A5

CONTENTS
1 Introduction
2 Operation Notes
3 Features / Package Includes
4 Panel Layout
5 Panel Descriptions
6 Connecting and Operating the 4x1 DVI Switcher
7 RMT-4IR Remote Description
8 RMT-4IR Remote Installation
9 IR Remote Control and 4x1 Switcher Configuration
10 EDID Notes
11 EDID Notes, Continued
12 RS-232 Serial Control Interface
13 RS-232 Serial Control Commands
14 RS-232 Serial Control Commands, Continued
15 RS-232 Serial Control Commands, Continued
16 RS-232 Serial Communication -- Uploading EDID
17 Specifications
18 Warranty

1
INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on your purchase of the Gefen 4x1 DVI Switcher. Your complete
satisfaction is very important to us.
Gefen
Gefen delivers innovative, progressive computer and electronics add-on solutions
that harness integration, extension, distribution and conversion technologies.
Gefen’s reliable, plug-and-play products supplement cross-platform computer
systems, professional audio/video environments and HDTV systems of all sizes
with hard-working solutions that are easy to implement and simple to operate.
The Gefen 4x1 DVI Switcher
The rack-mountable Gefen 4x1 DVI Switcher offers an economical solution by
eliminating the need to purchase many displays for each DVI source in a studio
or lab situation. A plug-and-play solution, the 4x1 DVI Switcher shares one DVI
display with up to four computers or other DVI video sources, saving space on
your desktop. The source computer is selected using the included IR remote
control or through RS-232 control.
How It Works
The DVI monitor is connected to the switcher’s output. Up to four DVI sources
connect to the switcher’s DVI inputs using included high quality DVI cables.
The included power supply is connected to the switcher via the locking power
plug and then to a power outlet. The currently selected computer’s video signal
appears on the shared monitor. Video sources are selected/switched using the
RMT-4IR remote control, RS-232 control, or the input selector push button on the
front panel of the switcher.

OPERATION NOTES
2
READ THESE NOTES BEFORE INSTALLING OR
OPERATING THE GEFEN 4X1 DVI SWITCHER
• The 4x1 DVI Switcher will take any of up to four (4) DVI single-link resolution
inputs and switch them, one at a time, to a DVI output device such as a
display/monitor or projector. Resolutions can be up to 1920x1200.
• The 4x1 DVI Switcher is housed in a metal box for better RF shielding.
• Computers must be turned on one at a time and the switcher must be
selected to the computer that is booting up. Afterwards, switching may occur
in any order. Please see page 6 for further details.

3
FEATURES
Features
• Switches easily between any four DVI sources
• Maintains highest resolution single-link DVI at 1920x1200
• Discrete IR remote control included
• Serial RS-232 remote port for switching via automated control or PC
• Supports DDWG standards for DVI monitors
Package Includes:
(1) Gefen 4x1 DVI Switcher
(4) 6 ft. DVI cables
(1) IR Remote Control Unit
(1) 5V DC Power Supply
(1) User Manual

4
PANEL LAYOUT
Back Panel
1234
56789
Front Panel

5
PANEL DESCRIPTIONS
1 Source Selection Indicator LEDs (Front Panel)
These LEDs visually confirm the currently selected DVI source.
2 IR Sensor (Front Panel)
Receives IR control signals from the handheld Infrared remote control included
with the DVI Switcher.
3 Source Selector Buttons 1-4 (Front Panel)
When any of these buttons is pressed, it tells the Switcher to display the
corresponding numbered input source on the DVI output.
4 Power Indicator LED (Front Panel)
Indicates when the 4x1 DVI Switcher is correctly operating after receiving 5V DC
power from itsAC power supply (included).
5 5V Power Input Jack (Back Panel)
Supplies power to the 4x1 DVI Switcher from the included external 5V DC
power supply.
6 DVI Source Input Ports 1-4 (Back Panel)
DVI video sources one through four attach to the 4x1 DVI Switcher.
7 DVI Output Port (Back Panel)
This DVI output port is connected to the display device (Monitor, Projector).
8 RS-232 Serial Communications Interface (Back Panel)
Provided for external control of the 4x1 DVI Switcher. Please see the section
below which explains in detail the procedures necessary to send commands to
the Switcher via RS-232 protocols.
9 IR Extender Port (Back Panel)
This jack allows connection of an optional IR extension cable and IR eye, Gefen
Part No. EXT-RMT-EXTIR. The IR Extender allows the 4x1 DVI Switcher to
be located up to 6 feet away from the IR Eye behind furniture or otherwise
concealed in an unobtrusive location with only the IR Eye showing.

6
CONNECTING AND OPERATING THE 4X1 DVI SWITCHER
How to Connect the 4x1 DVI Switcher to your devices:
1. Connect the supplied DVI cables from the DVI sources into the 4x1 DVI
Switcher’s Inputs.
2. Connect the cable from your display (monitor or projector) into the DVI Out
of the 4x1 DVI Switcher.
3. Connect the included 5V power supply, then plug it into the wall. Turn on the
DVI display or projector first, then the video sources. Turn on the 4x1 DVI
Switcher by screwing its 5V DC power supply tip into the receptacle in the
rear of the chassis.
Note: Computers must be turned on one at a time and the switcher must
be selected to the computer that is booting up. This is so that monitor
information (EDID) can be transmitted from the display to each computer.
After one computer completes the startup process, you can boot up the
second computer and repeat the process with the remaining computers.
This can be avoided with the use of the LOCAL EDID mode (page 11)
that will constantly supply each computer with an EDID. In this scenario, a
stored EDID, or user uploaded EDID, is supplied to each input for use by
the connected source device. Then, each computer can boot up in any order
and at anytime, regardless of which computer the switch is selected to.
How to Operate the 4x1 DVI Switcher:
4. Use the RMT-4IR remote control to remotely switch between DVI video
sources.
5. Alternatively, use a RS-232 control system such as a PC with
communications software (for example, Microsoft’s Hyperterminaltm) or an
automated control system such as Crestron.tm

7
4X1 DVI SWITCHER REMOTE DESCRIPTION
The RMT-4IR remote control will allow the user to select which of 4 DVI sources will
be displayed. Please use the information below when selecting the desired source
for output to a display or other DVI video receiving device.
RMT-4IR Button DVI Source
11
22
33
44

8
4X1 DVI REMOTE INSTALLATION
To use the RMT-4IR remote, remove the battery cover on the back of the remote to
reveal the battery compartment. Insert the included battery into the open battery slot.
The positive (+) side should be facing up.
Ensure that both DIP (Dual Inline Package) switches are in the OFF position.
Replace the battery cover. The remote ships with 2 batteries. One battery is needed
for operation and the other battery is complimentary.
Above: Close up picture of the opened rear battery compartment of the RMT4-
IR remote showing the exposed DIP Switch bank between the two battery
chambers. This DIP switch bank controls the IR channel used by the IR Remote.
DIP Switches
used to set IR
codes (See p. 9)
Empty Battery Slot

9
9
IR CONFLICT RESOLUTION
How to Resolve IR Code Conflicts
In the event that IR commands from other remote controls conflict with the
supplied RMT-4IR remote control, changing the remote control channel will
alleviate this issue.
The RMT-4IR remote control and the 4x1 DVI Switcher both have banks of
small switches known as DIP (Dual Inline Package) Switches for configuring the
remote channel that they will both share to communicate.
The DIP Switch bank on the IR Remote is located underneath the battery cover
(see page 8). The DIP Switch bank for the Switcher is located on the underside
of the Switcher beneath a piece of grey or black metallic tape.
On the Switcher, there are two DIP switch banks. The 4-switch bank is for the
adjustment of remote control frequencies. The 8-slot DIP switch bank is reserved
for Gefen use only.
DIP Switches 1 and 2 on the RMT-4IR directly correspond to DIP Switches 1
and 2 on the 4x1 DVI Switcher. These are the only switches used to adjust IR
channels. Please study the following diagram before making changes.
Remote Channel 1:
Default
1 2
Remote Channel 2:
1 2
Remote Channel 3:
1 2
Remote Channel 4:
1 2
4x1 DVI Switcher - DIP Switch Settings
Remote Channel 1:
Default
Remote Channel 4:
1
1
2
2
3
3
4
4
Remote Channel 3:
1234
Remote Channel 2:
1234
IR Remote Control - DIP Switch Settings

10
EDID NOTES
What is EDID and what is it used for?
Under normal circumstances, an audio/video source device (digital or analog) will
require information about a connected device/display to assess what resolutions
and features (capabilities) are possible. The source device can then cater its
output to create resolutions and/or features that are compatible with the attached
device/display.
This capability information is called EDID (Extended Display Identification Data).
A source device can only accept and read one EDID data structure/record from a
connected output device/display device. Likewise, the source device can output
only one video resolution to a connected output device/display.
The importance of EDID with regards to the 4x1 DVI Switcher
The 4x1 DVI Switcher handles multiple sources/inputs. Each connected source
device must correctly read one EDID data structure in order to address its display
device correctly. EDID management is carefully handled by the 4x1 DVI Switcher
to insure that EDID is recorded and retransmitted properly, otherwise display of
input sources might not happen correctly (or at all).
Managing EDID with the 4x1 DVI Switcher
The 4x1 DVI Switcher has the ability to use 2 modes for routing EDID.
1. The LOCAL mode stores the EDID of each connected source device into
its own dedicated separate LOCAL EDID memory location in the 4x1 DVI
Switcher. EDIDs can be from local display devices or from remote sources
over the RS-232 serial communications port. The Switcher also stores up to
7 separate EDIDs which can be copied to LOCAL EDID locations.
2. The second mode is the DS (Down Stream) mode which functions as a
simple EDID pass-through. In this mode, the display device connected to the
4x1 DVI Switcher ‘s output will pass its EDID directly to whichever DVI input
source is currently selected.
How do I change EDID modes in the 4x1 DVI Switcher?
There is an bank of 4 DIP switches located on the main circuit board on the
underside of the 4x1 DVI Switcher. DIP switch 3 can be used to set either the DS
or LOCAL EDID modes.
TIP: Advanced EDID functions can also be managed via the RS-232 serial
communications port. See page 13 for more information on the RS-232 serial
communication features.

11
EDID NOTES, CONT’D
EDID Modes
The diagram below illustrates the DIP switch bank (of 4). The 8 DIP switch bank
functions are outlined later on this page.
DIP SWITCH Function
1 IR Channel
2 IR Channel
3 EDID Mode
4 N/A
Use DIP switch 3 to set the desired EDID mode.
LOCAL EDID Mode (Switch 3=OFF)
• EDID that is stored in the LOCAL memory location is passed to all inputs.
• By default, during each power-on process the connected display’s EDID
will be automatically copied to each of the inputs’ LOCAL EDID memory
locations.*
• The EDID stored in the LOCAL locations can be overwritten with another
EDID from the following locations (only possible when using RS-232
serial communication commands):
• Built-in EDID memory bank (up to 7 EDID records stored)
• EDID collected directly from the input display*
• Externally uploaded via the RS-232 command set
*For the default EDID writing process to be successful, the connected output
device or display must be powered on.
DS (Down Stream) EDID Mode (Switch 3=ON) DEFAULT
• EDID is passed directly from the connected display to the currently
active/selected input on the Switcher.
1234

12
RS-232 SERIAL CONTROL INTERFACE
What features are available via the RS-232 serial communications port?
The 4x1 DVI Switcher can accept commands through the RS-232 serial
communications port located on the rear panel. The current RS-232 control
features are:
• Switching of inputs to outputs without the IR Remote.
• Switch EDID modes without operating the DIP switches.
• Manage the EDID and LOCAL EDID memory banks / locations.
• Upload new EDID data to EDID and LOCAL EDID memory banks /locations.
How do I use these features?
These features were initially intended for utilization by custom installers in
automated setups. However, these features can be tested by using any Windows
PC with the Hyperterminal program.
What pins are used for communication with the 4x1 DVI Switcher?
Only pins 2 (Receive), 3 (Transmit), and 5 (Ground) are used for communication.
A null-modem adapter should not be used with this Switcher.
54321
9876
12345
6789
Only Pins 2 (RX), 3 (TX), and 5 (Ground) are used on the RS-232 serial interface
What are the RS-232 communications port settings?
Bits per second ............................................................................................ 19200
Data bits ............................................................................................................... 8
Parity ............................................................................................................. None
Stop bits ................................................................................................................1
Flow Control .................................................................................................. None

13
1. ECHO PROTOCOL
Definition:
Semi echo mode – the Switcher echoes every byte it receives, except when
receiving EDID data structures/records.
Full echo mode – the Switcher echoes every byte it receives, even when
receiving EDID data structures/records.
The default operating mode is Semi echo mode.
If working with Hyperterminal under Microsoft Windowstm, choose the semi echo
mode.
2. REMOTE FUNCTION
The remote functions are used to modify settings on the Switcher, such as:
Input to output routing, EDID memories management etc.
These functions are available only by using serial port commands.
2.1 MODIFY BY SHORT-CUT CHARACTER
Switching command
The character below indicates which input will route to the output.
ASCII Input Binary
1 1 0011 0001
2 2 0011 0010
3 3 0011 0011
4 4 0011 0100
Setting function menu
The ‘P’ or ‘p’ command will present the menu for setting functions.
2.2 MODIFY BY FUNCTION
The syntax for invoking functions is as follows. The ‘#’ character is the start
flag followed by the function name in capital letters and a space. The space
delineates the end of the function name. The parameters required for each
function are separated by a space and end with the ‘\r’ character or “Enter”.
#FunctionName_param1_param2_param3_param4…\r
RS-232 SERIAL COMMUNICATION COMMANDS

14
DS EDID store in local inputs’ EDID memory
This function reads an EDID record from DS and stores it in all the local inputs’
EDID memory banks.
#EDIDDSTOLO
DS EDID store in EDID Memory Bank
This function reads an EDID from DS and stores it in an EDID bank.
#EDIDDSTOBA_param1\r
Parameter Name Value
1 EDID bank offset [1 : 7 ]
Read EDID from EDID Memory Bank & Store in Local EDID Memories
This function reads an EDID record from the EDID bank and stores it in all Inputs’
local EDID memory banks.
#EDIDBATOLO_param1\r
Parameter Name Value
1 EDID bank offset [1 : 7 ]
Route Input DDC to DS EDID
This function routes Input’s DDC to DS EDID (pass-through mode).
#DDCTODS
Route Input DDC to Local EDID
This function routes Input’s DDC to Local EDID.
Print DS EDID
This function reads DS EDID and sends it to the serial port.
#PRDSEDID_param1\r
Parameter Name Value
1Send BIN file 0
Send TXT file 1
Print Local EDID
This function reads the Input’s Local EDID and sends it to the serial port.
#PRLOEDID_param1 \r
Parameter Name Value
1Send BIN file 0
Send TXT file 1
RS-232 SERIAL COMMUNICATION COMMANDS

RS-232 SERIAL COMMUNICATION COMMANDS
Print EDID bank
This function reads EDID data from the EDID bank and sends it to the serial port.
#PRBAEDID_param1_param2\r
Parameter Name Value
1EDID bank offset [1 : 7 ]
Send BIN file 0
2 Send TXT file 1
Load EDID to Locals EDID
This function loads EDID data through the serial port and stores it in any Input’s
Local EDID memory bank.
#LOEDIDTOLO_param1_param2\r
Parameter Name Value
1 Semi echo mode 0
Full echo mode 1
2 EDID.bin file(128 bytes) 1
EDID.bin file(256 bytes) 2
Load EDID to EDID bank
This function loads EDID through the serial port and stores it in the EDID bank.
Parameter Name Value
1Semi echo mode 0
Full echo mode 1
2EDID.bin file(128 bytes) 1
EDID.bin file(256 bytes) 2
3 EDID bank offset [1 : 7 ]
Set default setting
This function reinitializes the Switcher with default factory settings.
1. All the features are set according to the position of the hardware switches.
#DEF\r
15

RS-232 SERIAL COMMUNICATION - UPLOAD EDID
3. HOW TO LOAD FILE WITH HYPER TERMINAL
3.1 HYPER TERMINAL SETTING
File->Properties->Setting->ASCII Setup:
Unmark the check box of “Send line ends with Line feeds”
3.2 SEND THE FILE
Transfer->Send text file…
Change “Files of type:” to “All files (*.*)”
Open the file.BIN to send
Wait until “Function Done”
16

SPECIFICATIONS
17
Maximum Pixel Clock................................................................................165 MHz
Input Video Signal................................................................................1.2 Volts p-p
Input DDC Signal...........................................................................5 Volts p-p (TTL)
Single Link Range................................................................................1920 x 1200
DVI Connectors....................................................DVI-I 29-pin female (digital only)
Power Supply................................................................................................5 V DC
Power Consumption........................................................................20 Watts (max.)
Dimensions..........................................................................14” W x 1.2” H x 2.9” D
Shipping Weight..............................................................................................7 lbs.