Gefen EXT-DVI-841 User manual

www.gefen.com
®
8x1 DVI Switcher
EXT-DVI-841
User’s Manual

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Technical Support Hours:
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Write To:
Gefen Inc.
c/o Customer Service
20600 Nordhoff St
Chatsworth, CA 91311
www.gefen.com
[email protected]
Notice
Gefen Inc. reserves the right to make changes in the hardware, packaging and
any accompanying documentation without prior written notice.
8x1 DVI is a trademark of Gefen Inc.
© 2010 Gefen Inc., All Rights Reserved
All trademarks are the property of their respective owners
Rev X5

CONTENTS
1 Introduction
2 Operation Notes
3 Features / Package Includes
4 Panel Layout
5 Panel Descriptions
6 Connecting and Operating the 8x1 DVI Switcher
7 RMT-8IR Remote Description
8 RMT-8IR Remote Installation
9 IR Remote Control and 8x1 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 Rack Mount Instructions
18 Specifications
19 Warranty

1
INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on your purchase of the 8x1 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 8x1 DVI Switcher
The rack-mountable Gefen 8x1 single-link 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 8x1 DVI Switcher shares
one DVI display with up to eight 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 eight 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-8IR 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 8X1 DVI SWITCHER
• The 8x1 DVI Switcher will take any of up to eight (8) 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 8x1 DVI Switcher is housed in a metal box for better RF shielding.
• Computers must be turned on one at a time and during this process the 8x1
DVI Switcher must be selected to the computer that is currently booting up.
This is so that monitor information (EDID) can be transmitted properly from
the display to each computer. Please see page 6 for further information.

3
FEATURES
Features
• Switches easily between any eight 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
• Rack ears included
Package Includes
(1) 8x1 DVI Switcher
(1) RMT-8IR Remote Control
(1) 5V DC Power Supply
(8) 6-foot DVI cables
(1) Set of rack ears
(1) User’s Manual

4
PANEL LAYOUT
Back Panel
Front Panel
57
8
4
2
13
6

5
PANEL DESCRIPTIONS
1 External IR Port
For connection of external IR extension device such as the Gefen IR Extender
(part # EXT-RMT-EXTIR).
2 IR Receiver
Receives IR signal from the handheld Infrared remote control unit included with
the product.
3 DVI Signal Status LEDs 1-8
Provide visual confirmation of the currently selected DVI input signal out of the
eight DVI input ports.
4 Power Indicator LED
Indicates when the 8x1 DVI Switcher is receiving 5V DC power from its included
AC power supply.
5 5V Locking Power Receptacle
Supplies power to the 8x1 DVI Switcher from the included external 5V DC
power supply. The 5V power supply has a locking power tip which screws into
this receptacle.
6 DVI Input Ports 1-8
DVI video sources one through eight attach to the 8x1 DVI Switcher.
7 DVI Output Port
This DVI output port is connected to the display device (Monitor, Projector).
8 RS-232 Serial Communications Interface
Provided for external control of the 8x1 DVI Switcher.

6
CONNECTING AND OPERATING THE 8X1 DVI SWITCHER
How to Connect the 8x1 DVI Switcher to your devices:
1. Connect the supplied DVI cables from the DVI sources into the 8x1 DVI
Switcher’s Inputs.
2. Connect the cable from your display (monitor or projector) into the DVI Out
of the 8x1 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 8x1 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 currently booting up. This is so that
monitor information (EDID) is correctly 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 8x1 DVI Switcher:
4. Use the RMT-8IR 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
8X1 DVI SWITCHER REMOTE DESCRIPTION
LED Indicator
Input Selection
Buttons
The RMT-8IR remote control will allow the user to select which of 8 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-8IR Button DVI Source
11
22
33
44
55
66
77
88

8
8X1 DVI REMOTE INSTALLATION
To use the RMT-8IR 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.
IR Code Dip Switches
Empty Battery Slot

9
RMT-8IR REMOTE AND 8X1 SWITCHER CONFIGURATION
How to Resolve IR Code Conflicts
In the event that IR commands from other remote controls conflict with the
supplied RMT-8IR remote control, changing the remote control channel will
alleviate this issue. The RMT-8IR remote control and the 8x1 DVI Switcher both
have banks of DIP (Dual Inline Package) Switches for configuring the remote
channel that the units use to communicate. These settings must exactly match
each other for proper operation.
The DIP Switch bank on the RMT-8IR is located underneath the battery cover.
DIP Switch banks for the 8x1 DVI Switcher are located on the underside of the
unit beneath a black piece of metallic tape. One DIP switch bank (4-switch) is for
the adjustment of remote control frequencies and switch behavior. The other DIP
switch (8-switch) is reserved for Gefen use only. DIP Switches 1 and 2 on the
RMT-8IR directly correspond to DIP Switches 1 and 2 on the 8x1 DVI Switcher.
Only switches 1 and 2 (of 4 in that bank) are used for IR Code settings.
Remote Channel 1:
Default
1 2
Remote Channel 2:
1 2
Remote Channel 3:
1 2
Remote Channel 4:
1 2
Left: Picture of the opened rear battery
compartment of the RMT8-IR remote showing
the exposed DIP Switch bank between the
battery chambers.
8x1 DVI Switcher
Remote Channel 1:
Default
Remote Channel 4:
1
1
2
2
3
3
4
4
Remote Channel 3:
1234
Remote Channel 2:
1234

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 source device/display. Likewise, the source
device can output only one video resolution to a connected device/display.
The importance of EDID with regards to the 8x1 DVI Switcher
The 8x1 DVISwitcher 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 8x1 DVISwitcher
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 8x1 DVI Switcher
The 8x1 DVISwitcher has the ability to use 2 modes for routing EDID.
1. The default mode is the LOCAL mode which will store the EDID of a source
device (one for each input) into the 8x1 DVI Switcher. The EDID stored in
each LOCAL location can be from a local display device or from a remote
source over the RS-232 serial communications port. The 8x1 DVI Switcher
includes a built-in EDID memory bank which can store up to 7 separate
EDID data structures which can then be loaded to each of the 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
8x1 DVI Switcher will pass its EDID directly to whichever DVI input source is
currently selected.
How do I change EDID modes in the 8x1 DVI Switcher?
There is an bank of 4 DIP switches located on the main circuit board on the
underside of the 8x1 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) DEFAULT
• 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
locations.*
• The EDID stored in the LOCAL locations can be overwritten with another
EDID from the following locations (These options can only be initiated by
using RS-232 serial communication commands) :
• Built-in EDID memory bank (up to 7 EDID records can be 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 display
must be powered on.
DS (Down Stream) EDID Mode (Switch 3=ON)
• EDID is passed directly from the connected display to the currently active
input.
1234

12
RS-232 SERIAL CONTROL INTERFACE
What features are available via the RS-232 serial communications port?
The 8x1 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/routing of inputs to outputs without the RMT-8IR remote control.
• Switch EDID modes without operating the DIP switches on the underside of
the unit.
• Managing the EDID memory bank and the EDID that is loaded into the
LOCAL EDID memory bank.
• Upload new EDID data to the EDID memory bank or directly to the LOCAL
EDID location.
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 8x1 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
5 5 0011 0101
6 6 0011 0110
7 7 0011 0111
8 8 0011 1000
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, CONT’D

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, CONT’D

RS-232 SERIAL COMMUNICATION COMMANDS, CONT’D
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

17
RACK MOUNT INSTALLATION
Rear of unit
Front of unit
Rack mount ears are provided for installation of this unit into a 1U rack mount
space.
1. Locate the side screws on the unit.
2. Remove the front 2 screws that are located closest to the front of the unit.
3. Using the removed screws, screw the rack mounting bracket into the unit.
4. Repeat the procedure on the opposite side of the unit.
1
2
3
4